Cinderfella [KageHina]

Chapter 8

Hinata's heart leapt in his chest as he recognized the prince standing at the doorstep. But before he could move, his step-mother, Daichi, intercepted him, her eyes glittering with a sly glint.

"Hinata dear," she purred, her voice sickly sweet. "I have something I want to show you."

Hinata's excitement turned to doubt as he sensed her up to something, his heart sinking with unease.

As he followed her to a room, she callously locked him in. "You won't be seeing the prince, Hinata. No matter how hard you try."

Hinata's heart pounded in his chest as he realized his step-mother's sinister intentions. She had locked him in, trapping him away from the prince waiting outside. Anger and frustration bubbled up within him, but he also felt a sinking sense of hopelessness.

"No..." Hinata whispered, his eyes wide with disbelief. "You can't do this! He's come looking for me!" he called out desperately.

Daichi, with a smug smirk playing on her face, left Hinata locked in the room, his protests echoing behind the closed door. Hinata pounded against the door, his heart racing with fear and frustration.

Meanwhile, Daichi descended the stairs, her smile widening as she approached the waiting Prince Kageyama.

"Forgive me, Your Highness," Daichi offered a faux bow, her voice sweetly insincere. "My stepson is not feeling well and unfortunately won't be able to receive you."

Prince Kageyama's face fell. "Not feeling well?" he echoed, disappointment and worry mixing in his eyes. "Is he ill?"

"Yes," Daichi lied smoothly, her smile never wavering. "He's been unwell all day. It seems like a nasty cold has taken hold of him. I wouldn't recommend you see him in his current state."

Prince Kageyama's heart sank further, concern etching lines on his face. He looked towards the staircase, as if he could see Hinata upstairs, ill and unable to meet him. "I see," he said slowly, though his gaze flicked back to Daichi, a hint of suspicion in his eyes.

"Oh Prince Tobio! Don't you want to try the shoe on us?" Yamaguchi giggled.

Prince Kageyama blinked, his attention momentarily torn from his worries about Hinata's health. Yachi, one of Hinata's step-sisters, spoke up, a fake smile on her face. "Indeed, Your Highness, why don't you try the slipper on one of us?"

Prince Kageyama looked at Yachi, a flicker of surprise in his eyes at her eagerness. He glanced down at the glass slipper in his hand, weighing the idea. "And why would I do that?" he asked, his tone measured.

Yamaguchi exchanged a devious look with her sister, Yachi, who stood beside her, before explaining. "Well, wouldn't it bring you great fortune if the slipper fit one of us and we became royalty?" she replied, feigning innocence. "Besides, wouldn't you like to see who it fits?"

Hinata's mice, ever loyal and helpful, had managed to steal the key from Daichi's grasp. As she confidently locked Hinata away, the mice were already at work, desperately trying to turn the key in the lock.

Hinata, hearing the faint scratching noises, perked up. He pressed his ear against the door, hope swelling inside of him.

The mice's tiny claws struggled with the key, their little arms exerting all their strength to turn it. The lock creaked ever so slightly, but it held fast, keeping Hinata imprisoned.

"Hurry..." Hinata whispered, the anticipation almost unbearable.

The mice redoubled their efforts, their determination unyielding. With a final twist, the key finally turned, and the door unlocked with a soft click. Hinata's heart leaped with joy, and he flung the door open, freedom finally within his grasp.