Mutual Intentions
923 Words
Cinderella was knocked to the ground, half-sitting, her white gown fanned out in a large oval.
She slowly looked up at Yize's face, thinking, "What a handsome young man."
Cinderella wondered, "His attendant called him 'Your Highness,' could he be Prince Hans? How unfortunate to be seen in such a disheveled state."
"I... I'm sorry, Your Highness, I was walking too fast!"
Cinderella immediately apologized, her voice soft and gentle, making it hard to blame her.
Yize and Charlie were momentarily stunned by Cinderella's beauty, her eyes like stars, deep and enchanting.
"It's... it's alright, let me help you up."
Yize extended his hand to her, "Which country are you a princess of?"
"No, Your Highness, I'm just a commoner."
Cinderella was flattered.
"What is your name?"
Yize asked again.
"My name is Cinderella."
Yize paused noticeably, Cinderella? Isn't that the story of the fairy tale Cinderella?
He glanced at her shoes, and sure enough, they were glass slippers.
It seemed the beautiful girl before him was indeed Cinderella, even more stunning than he had imagined.
Yize remembered the fairy tale's ending, where Cinderella and the prince were true loves, living happily ever after.
But the fairy tale never mentioned the prince's name.
As a genuine prince, Yize thought Cinderella might be his true love.
If he brought her back to the Duchy of Kabel and had her kiss him on his birthday, it might break the curse.
"Hello, I'm Yize from the Duchy of Kabel."
Yize introduced himself.
Cinderella stood up, curtsied, and said, "I apologize, Prince Yize, for bumping into you as a guest from afar."
Yize smiled, "I don't have a dance partner yet. If you truly feel sorry, how about joining me inside and dancing a few dances with me?"
Yize didn't believe in love at first sight, considering it a polite term for infatuation. Though he admitted Cinderella was beautiful and desirable, he didn't think it was true love.
True love is two independent personalities, who, after long companionship, still genuinely respect and admire each other, seeing each other as their weakness and armor, willing to sacrifice their lives for each other in critical moments.
Most people never find it, making true love especially precious.
Thus, Yize didn't pin his hopes on finding true love but sought to steal the magic mirror for another solution.
"Dancing with Prince Yize would be my honor."
Cinderella blushed and lowered her head.
Yize and Cinderella entered the ballroom, Yize placing his left hand on his waist and glancing at Cinderella, who immediately took his arm.
As they walked into the ballroom, all eyes were drawn to them.
A handsome couple always attracts attention.
"Who are they? They look stunning!"
"The man is the prince of the Duchy of Kabel; I saw him this morning. I don't know the girl."
A minister said.
"The prince of Kabel has such presence; the girl must be a princess from some country!"
Prince Hans also looked at Yize and Cinderella, captivated by her beauty, unable to take his eyes off her. Compared to Cinderella, the other princesses and noble daughters at the ball seemed dull.
But seeing her with Yize, Hans, as the host, couldn't approach abruptly and had to wait for her to be alone.
The musicians played the Seine River Tango.
Yize asked, "Do you know how to dance the tango?"
Cinderella blushed and nodded, "Yes, but I haven't danced in a long time, so I might not be very good."
"No worries, I'm not great either."
Yize's gentle humility eased Cinderella's nerves.
Though she hadn't danced in a long time, Cinderella was a natural dancer. Once the music started, her graceful movements and perfect figure could captivate the entire city.
Cinderella's passionate tango drew countless eyes, and Yize, infected by her, lost himself in the music and dance.
When the music ended, the surrounding people applauded. The handsome couple's perfect dance was a delight to watch.
Outside the dance floor, Prince Hans, abandoning the minister's daughter, drank alone, feeling overshadowed by the prince from Kabel at his own ball.
Unaware of the resentment, Yize and Cinderella felt rare joy in their dance. Panting, Cinderella said, "Prince Yize, I've never been this happy."
"You dance beautifully. May I have another dance?"
Yize smiled at Cinderella.
"Of course!"
Cinderella agreed without hesitation, then regretted not being more reserved.
The music started again, this time a waltz. Yize gently held Cinderella's hand, placing his other hand on her slender waist.
At his touch, Cinderella's breath quickened, her heart raced, and her mind became chaotic. Yize's deep gaze made her feel like a boat adrift on the ocean, ready to sink at any moment.
Seeing her dazed, Yize smiled and reminded, "Miss Cinderella, we should dance."
"Oh, oh."
Cinderella quickly lowered her head, wishing she could disappear.
Fortunately, she soon regained her composure, and they danced a splendid waltz.
The dance, "Kiss of the Danube," ended with the male partner holding the female partner's waist, the female partner leaning back. If the couple were lovers or had mutual affection, the man would usually bend down to kiss the woman.
Yize and Cinderella danced passionately. As the dance ended, Yize, looking at her slightly parted red lips, felt a strong urge. Her allure easily stirred a man's hormones.
Noticing other male partners kissing their female partners, Yize thought the atmosphere was perfect for a kiss.
Cinderella, half-closed eyes and blushing, looked at Yize, seemingly expecting something.
Yize thought for a moment and bent down to kiss her.
- Writer
