Cinderelo {A Queer Cinderella Retelling)

Epilogue

This wasn't the original plan but now I've been typing for more than three hours... How tf- and I... I just... I finished it, I guess 😅

"Elo...? Elozonam, wake up, please!"

"M... My Prince..."

Elo blinked back tears, his blurred vision giving way to the sight of Charles by his side, shirtless and worried. The African smiled softly, running his fingers over Charles' dark chest hair so brazenly that the royal couldn't help a slight gasp, the playful mood Elo wanted to set broken when he was asked, "what was the nightmare this time, love? I know your dreams can get more active when you are stressed. Speak to me about it."

"My aunt and cousins. They have been jailed for their crimes, yet, they still manage to torment me in my sleep. I know I said I wanted to speak to the lawyer today. The one that could have saved me if he'd only bothered to look. However, I... I'd much rather stay in bed. With you."

Charles smiled sadly, brushing his fingers over Elo's hair. He leaned close and brushed his nose against his for a moment, then took hold of his chin to meet his lips. Elo hummed and deepened the kiss, pulling away suddenly with wide eyes.

"Why would you do that? My breath must be awful."

"I get to kiss you forever, Elo. How you taste is nothing compared to being able to enjoy you so intimately in the first place."

Elozonam shook his head at his ridiculous lover, getting up to clean himself up. He returned minutes later to Charles dressed in his royal finery, taking a moment to admire him as he buttoned up his shirt. Biting his lip, Elo walked towards him and took his hands in his to stop the man, drawing all his focus with a long sigh.

"Don't let us waste such a beautiful day on a man I hardly know. I'd rather stare at your unclothed chest for just a little bit longer-"

"Elo. I know this is hard and believe me, I am not going to force you to go if you no longer wish to. I hardly want you to go through with this, myself. I will remind you, however, that when we began speaking of the things we wanted to do in life, no matter how big or little, you mentioned this confrontation to me in passing. I only want your happiness, my love. You have my support no matter your choice. You always make the right one."

Elo breathed in deeply, then buried his head into Charles' chest. The Prince held him close, relieved when he began to cry, even as he teared up at the sound. It was better that Elo released the emotions holed up within his chest. Better he let himself feel the pain than numb himself to it all. Charles knew what it was like to choose a life of emptiness and apathy. He hoped to keep Elo away from that path for as long as he was alive.

The ride was taken on horseback and in silence. Elo couldn't help his distaste when few people they passed would stare at them. The Prince and his dark servant, where could they possibly be heading to? He wasn't fond of the attention, especially since it meant he couldn't be as close to Charles as he would like to. Teddy, his horse, seemed sympathetic, gently touching its nose to Elo's arm as he walked towards their scheduled meeting place, far from the prying eyes.

His Highness had arranged it so naturally, the solicitor couldn't refuse. He had no idea what was to come.

Charles was by his side as Elo spoke plainly of the difficulties he had been forced to endure because of his aunt and cousins, holding his hand through it without a care for how it might seem. Elo could eventually only draw from the strength of his hold as the story sapped him of all energy, leaning onto Charles once the old man had scurried away.

"Had you not been here, he would not have treated me the same. He sneered at me when he first saw me. You... You should not have held my hand like that. What if he tells someone-"