Cinderella (NehpetsEnal)

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Cinderella

Denver swept into town sitting proudly on the back of Nugget.

He was flanked by two handsome young men; it was a sight that the townswomen would not forget.

To his left rode Bart, he had dark brown eyes, tense and serious like Denver.

To his left rode Brett, with dark brown almost black eyes, like pools of oil and olive skin, he looked every bit as slick and with just a wink of an eye he made most women's hearts quiver.

The men had quite clearly stopped off at the boat to change, before coming to town.

The Mayor looked unamused, by the arrival of two more unheralded strangers, this increased his wrinkles, which led to the inevitable frown.

The show wasn't over yet, the trio was followed by a horse and carriage.

It carried Missy, dressed in red and gold, and seated beside her adorned in green and black satin was an equally beautiful young woman, this almost completed Denver's entourage.

With the opening of the Grand Hotels Casino, the Denver's had decided it was time to take a gamble.

They rode straight past the hotel and left the horses and carriage in the care of the stable.

The entourage left on foot and headed straight to the forge.

Denver strode ahead with the young beauty by his side, the boys walked behind arm in arm with Missy, from the shape of her body you could see her pride surge.

Back from her journeys, Petra's still in dismay returned to the forge, where she chooses to bury her problems with work and remain undistracted by the events at the hotel next door

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Back from her journeys, Petra's still in dismay returned to the forge, where she chooses to bury her problems with work and remain undistracted by the events at the hotel next door.

Her attempt at distraction was short-lived, disturbed by the sight of Denver and Shadow entering the forge, it's in that moment she realizes there's no place to hide anymore.

Dropping the glowing poker and tortured hammer to the ground, her heart began to race.

With arms open wide Shadow ran toward her, the dark cloud blinding her vision was lifted, the anger and distrust were gone and without hesitation, Petra reciprocated, they joined as one in a tearful embrace.

Now in the real world, there was so much they wanted to say and could have talked themselves into oblivion.

But, with her back to the fire, she lifted her head to see Missy flanked by the handsome young men, but had no need to ask who they were, having already met them in a vision.

She had been oblivious to the entry of Missy and the boys, who stood silently beside Denver watching events unfold, but the sound of Denver's voice brought her back to reality.

"Come on this family has a grand opening to attend, let's go show Rue, Ronan and the folks of BG some Barton geniality".

We have rooms booked at the hotel.

Your mother has made sure you'll be the belle of the ball, but unlike Cinderella, you won't need the use of a spell.

Without a word, the boys are by her side and taking her arm in arm, they combine to say, "Come on Cinderella, let's get you away from these ashes and off to the Ball".

In their arms she showed no resistance and walked off with a grin, Denver gave Missy and Shadow a knowing smile, it was their cue to join him arm in arm, with the family united for the first time, he felt ten foot tall.

With everyone changed and ready they gathered on the balcony overlooking the Casino, in all its splendor nothing shone quite like Rue.

Fitted tightly into her girdle, she looked like a black and white hourglass and made time stand still, what a view.

But for Missy, the hue on her face reminded her of how felt when she was with child.

Before she can speak, Denver seizes the moment and makes it clear to his family, that they are to think of Rue as their sister but respect her as an independent woman, she already has a special place in ours and Petra's hearts, as a sign of respect, we have reflected this in our last will and testament, where it is filed.

Finally, not a word to Rue as she will object, please respect our wish.

Well come on let's mingle with the crowd, I'm looking forward to playing this local card game that has something to do with fish.

Denver's already spotted O'Boyle, watching him and the family, out the corner of his eye.

At the first opportunity he seeks him out, putting out his hand in friendship, he looks him straight in the eye and says.

"O'Boyle, it seems we both have the same aim, so all I ask is be careful what you do, I don't want Rue caught in the crossfire between you and Billy."

Clasping Denver's hand tightly he replies.

"I'm not exactly sure what you are trying to imply but I'm here to protect Rue and her reputation. I'd do no less if you were my boss. So, if you're concerned about her safety, you need to concern yourself no more."

Denver ended the conversation by asking O'Boyle.

"As you're the host can you point me in the direction of the aquarium."

For a second O'Boyle was puzzled, then he smiled.

"Oh, I get it, you mean the Go Fish private room."

Pointing yonder.

They parted company with mutual pats on the shoulder.

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