Cinderella's POV

Two hours later...

"Cinderella, would you care for a dance?" He offered me a hand.

"Certainly, Arthur. I'm not a fan of dancing, but one dance couldn't hurt."

"One dance. That's all I ask. I know you're not crazy about dancing."

"Then by all means, take me to the ballroom," I ordered him teasingly.

"As you wish," he answered, playing along. He elegantly took my hand with his own gloved hand and led me inside, leaving his wine glass on the tray in the hands of a nearby servant.

Oh yeah, since we came in, we were just in time for the next dance.

"This one is the waltz, a classy dance," my partner murmured in my ear. "Do you know the steps?" I rolled my eyes as we walked to the center with the other dance partners.

"That's quite late for asking, don't you think?" I returned sassily. "And don't mock me, I know every type of formal dancing."

He flashed me a smile and began leading me through the dance. Not three minutes later, he broke the silence between us.

"So you do know the steps," he pointed out.

"And apparently you can point of the obvious, thank you," I retorted. "And I suppose I can't say the same, for you are the prince after all."

"Then maybe you should be the next princess," he teased, spinning me around. "Since you're dancing so well."

"I'll take up on your offer when the time comes," I responded. Each of his movements were beautiful and precise. Not a step out of place. I matched my movements with his and all too soon, the song ended.

"That was the most enjoyable dance in my life so far," the prince said, giving me a formal bow like the other men.

"Oh is it? I would have thought by now you'd have danced with so many other satisfying girls," I said, making a courtesy with the other ladies.

"The only lady I ever danced with other than you is my mother," he said.

"Still holding onto your mother's hands, eh? Never would have imagined that my future would be in the hands of a Mommy's boy." He threw me a look but laughed with me.

"Would you like to head out to the garden?" He offered, the next song coming up soon. I was going to reply when suddenly, my dance partner was shoved harshly aside by a richly-dressed man. He was dressed in gold, red, silver, and white. Doesn't take a person forever to figure out this is the younger prince, Prince Edward. He has the looks, I'll give him that, but he isn't very gentlemanly.

"I would be honored to dance with you," he said in a charming way. Right behind him was Anastasia and Drizella looking enraged at me. And what do you know? Stepmother is standing with the other older ladies, looking outright angry. Whoops. Looks like I'm caught.

Then again...

Like. I. Care.

"I'm sorry, but I am going have to refuse," I said sickeningly sweet. "I don't dance with people who don't have a shred of politeness." I took Arthur's arm and took a few steps towards the garden before looking over my shoulder. "And currently, I am on a date with this handsome gentleman right here, so please excuse us."

"Are you refusing me?" The look on his face was priceless. Apparently, this guy thought he would be accepted by every girl. Ha. He just got burned by me.

"Congrats, you're not completely hopeless," I said sarcastically. "Five points for his royal highness who realizes there is just one girl who is going to say no. Come on, Arthur. I need fresh air." I tugged the elder prince away, leaving behind the shocked brother.

When we reached the gardens again, we both bursted out laughing.

"Did you see his face?!" I gasped in laughter.

"I honestly thought he was going to explode!" Arthur added.

"Exactly!"

"And he was so surprised, I wouldn't be surprised if he stood there until this ball ends. He's a very arrogant fellow."

"Wow, never thought I'd hear the words 'arrogant' and 'fellow' in the same sentence by a very gentlemanly speaker," I said sarcastically, beaming all the while. This made him laugh once more, and I couldn't help but join in.

The clock rang, striking one in the morning, and I was already tired.

"Well, it's time for me to leave," I spoke up after a comfortable silence.

"I understand. My mother never left me stay up in any of the night parties we used to hold," Arthur said quietly. "I was always in bed before twelve. She made sure of that."

"Good little boy," I praised sarcastically, patting his shoulder. "I guess I'll go. It was a wonderful evening, Arthur."

"Yes, it was the best I've had in years, Cinderella."

"I'll see you then," I said jokingly, walking away.

"Tomorrow?"

"Yes. The second night of the ball, apparently. I live in the Caroo Town. I'll be there if you need something. You've never been there before, right?"

"No...you always came to the palace to see me."

"Now you know. Good bye..." I leaned up and gave him another kiss.

"Good night."

I left the ball and went back home. What about leaving behind my slipper, you say? Excuse me?! Shoes are expensive! I am not going to waste my money over something that shows I am irresponsible! If I wanted to leave behind something, it would be my facts and trivia. Leave it to the prince to come up with some plan to find me without causing a commotion.

Besides, who needs a glass shoe if I JUST GAVE HIM MY ADDRESS! Also, I'm just going to the ball again tomorrow.

Now then...I'm going to bed. I've had enough of this nonsense. But, of course, life hates me, so......

"CINDERELLA!" Two voices screeched. I swear, one of these days, the glass will break!

"Yes?"