cinderella | sting x reader

Chapter 15- Invigorated

It took too much effort to not stumble completely out of his grip, to keep my feet moving, to keep my facial expression neutral.

But the sudden movement of my body pulling away from him is something that can't go unnoticed by Prince Sting.

He looks worried at me, his head angled downwards, trying to meet the (e/c) eyes trained on the floor. His thumb traces circles around the back of my hand to soothe me, but I flinch in return.

"Do you say that too all the woman you meet; that they're different, special?" I susurrate, my voice like wind that had a nice journey, before being meet by a towering mountain.

His eyes widen, clearly not having expected this. The man smiles bitterly. "I see you have heard the rumors. And I'm sorry that I haven't told you sooner. The truth is," he pauses hesitantly, pale jaw tensing. "I couldn't think of my worries, the rumors that follow me- when I'm with you."

My head glances up, and I try to hide my curiosity, but failing when I see Prince Sting's eyes- they're just as bittersweet as his smile.

I frown, deep down in the place where my true feelings hide, I don't want him to feel like this. No, desperately don't want him to feel like this.

"What do you mean?" I ask, before yelping seconds after as a girl violently bumps into me.

"Oops, didn't see you there!" she giggles, and when my attention is to used on my pained rib I see her send a flirty smile to my dance partner.

The moment I look back up, I he sends a stone cold glare back, making her shiver as she trudges away in a chagrined manner.

"I'm sorry, I'm not good with feelings," his grip loosened suddenly, and I thought he would rake his hands through his hair. The moment his left mine, he seemed to realize we were still dancing and reattached them. I giggle, despite of myself and the tense situation.

He smiles back playfully, and I find my heat swelling twice the size at his true colors.

"My father is very... insistent when it comes to things like this. When he's not ruling over Fiore, he's constantly trying to set me up with women," he starts again, his eyes stormy and distant, far away, a tint apologetic. "especially princesses. And I suppose the people took it the wrong way."

Guilt rains down on me like a waterfall, and I feel sick by the muddy water.

That I believed Sherry and Chelia.

"I'm sorry, your highness... I took it the wrong way as well," I whisper, ashamed of myself.

"Don't you dare apologize, (y/n). You have nothing to be sorry for. I should have explained myself sooner," Prince Sting smiled sadly, his grip on my waist tightening.

I blush instantly, realizing we had moved onto our fourth song.

All other instruments had stopped playing, and only the piano remained. As the pianist placed her delicate fingers on the keyboard, she started a slow, sensual song.

Both of Prince Sting's arms had now wrapped itself around my waist as deep, smooth tones filled the room. Couples next to me were in the same position as us, and I noticed that the girls had their arms wrapped around their partners neck.

I flushed at the intimate movement and gesture, hesitating even more than before.

We turn, and I, as if someone was pulling strings on my eyes, instantly met the glowing yellow orbs of the King.

My breath caught in my throat as I saw a gentle, warm feeling ooze in his more-golden like orbs.

I cast my eyes downwards out of respect, realizing I had been staring.