Cinderella without a dress (2nd Book of D T) Yaoi

Stage 15: Weakening Thomas

I was gently shaken from my dreamless slumber. My eyes felt like they were being pulled down by leprechauns since they won't open.

Oh dear, I still don't want to get up. I never slept on such a soft bed before and I never ever remembered sleeping so good in my whole life. The hand that was placed on my shoulder shook me again. I wanted to release a groan of annoyance but that would be rude.

"Wake up my love. I would like us to have an afternoon walk if that is alright with you," the prince's voice sounded.

I opened one eye and took a peek at him. He was sitting at the edge of the bed with a smile on his face although his eyes expressed a different emotion that worried me. His eyes showed sadness and it just broke my heart to see the man who became a huge part of my life be in unhappiness. I sat up and rubbed my eyes.

"Would you like some tea first?" he asked.

I shook my head and bored my eyes at his troubled face. I wonder what was bothering him? I was always uneasy when a person close to me was distraught.

"What's the matter?" I questioned him.

He raised a fine brow and kissed the back of my hand. His growing beard and mustache were prickling me. "I do not understand your question love."

"You look unhappy," I told him.

The Prince's fake smile widened. "I don't know what you mean, I am certainly happy, Cinder."

"Do not lie," I said to him and brought my hands closer to my chest. "I do not like the people who I cherish lie to me. I feel like I am not trustworthy," I admitted. My eyebrows were starting to furrow. I really hated lies.

The Prince's face was unreadable. It was like he was in a void of thoughts.

"What do you think of me Cinder?" the prince suddenly asked.

Why was he asking me about this? I tilted my head to the side and the prince waited patiently for my answer as he ran his thumb over my knuckles. What I thought about him huh? The Prince was always a sly one and he certainly had charisma. He was nice and generous. He was caring and loving. I only knew of his good characteristics and I was clueless of his dark side.

"Well...you are certainly crafty, romantic, and charming. You are openhanded, thoughtful and intelligent."

"It seems that you only stated the good ones," he commented with a chuckle.

"I do not know your flaws yet your highness," I replied. It was true; our confusing relationship had not even reached a month yet.

He looked down with a sad smile and it made my heart drop. I want him to tell me what was bothering him. I want him to trust me but I do not want to rush things. I just want to help him and return the favor. It seemed that Thomas and him were doing a lot of favors for me and yet I haven't returned even one.

I feel useless and ungrateful...

"What if you knew my flaws...would you dislike me more?" he asked.

Dislike him more? I do not dislike him at all. Why would I dislike a person who cared for me more than my family? I grinned at him and took his hands in my own. "Everyone has flaws, you may be a prince but you are still human. You make mistakes and imperfections are what make life beautiful don't you think?"

The Prince nodded. "You are right," he stated. I can see a spark of happiness in his eyes again and I felt ecstatic that I cheered him up. "But there is a great error in your words."

I looked at him curiously. "What is the error in my words then?"

The Prince looked serious and I thought he was a bit angry. "If imperfections are what makes life beautiful, then why is there a Cinder beautifying mine?"