Knightly (A Reverse Harem)

Chapter 40: Cinder Ending

I entered the ballroom to see that most of the princes were scattered around the ballroom, socializing, eating or waiting for an invite to dance. I saw Cinder sitting in a chair and chatting with a couple of older women. I recognized the women and I knew that they were probably gushing over how handsome he is.

Cinder's face looked slightly embarrassed as the two ladies started to laugh. I made my way over to join the conversation. "Ladies."

"Oh! Knight Orion! Excellent work you did while you were gone out. You did manage to catch quite the strapping, young, princes. If I wasn't a married woman I would've made my move on one of them already." One of them chipped.

The other woman shook her head. "You're already making a move on this Prince Cinder here."

The ladies continued to giggle and talk amongst themselves. I tapped Cinders shoulder to get his attention. "Can you stand or did the Princess break one of your toes?"

He chuckled and stood up slowly. "My feet hurt but she didn't break anything. Would you like to dance with me?"

"No thanks. I just need to talk to you in private. I have something very important to tell you." I confessed. Cinder looked concerned as he followed me to the royal garden. I led him to the grand fountain and sat down on the ground, leaning against the wall of the fountain. Cinder sat down right next to me.

"The garden is beautiful. More beautiful than the garden in Agrabah, and they had a pretty impressive water fountain." He tried to make small talk.

I nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that garden was pretty sweet. We ate breakfast together there and enjoyed our surroundings."

Cinder chuckled. "I was actually trying to confess to you then. But you were so oblivious and then Snowen ended up interrupting. I was trying to enjoy something other than just the surrounding scenery."

I hit his arm playfully. "Yeah, yeah. I'm oblivious. I get it now. At least I know now. That's better than never knowing at all in my opinion. I got there eventually. The whole balcony confession back in The Land of Dragons, remember?"

Cinder blushed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Thinking about that moment still makes my heart speed up if I'm being honest. That night was probably one of the best nights of my life."

I felt my cheeks heat up from his comment. "You know, I think fondly of that night as well."
I could feel his blue-eyed stare on my face. I began to heat up even more and stared down into my lap. Cinder cleared his throat. "What did you want to talk to me about that was supposed to be important?"

I crossed my arms and tried to hide my blush with my hair, but it was useless. I should've waited to get a haircut tomorrow or something. "So, we've been through a lot together and we have both said some things to each other. Some of which revealed our feelings. I think it's about time I confess a couple things."

Taking a deep breath, I continued. "I fell in love with you. You've been able to make my heart race, you always listened to me and believed in me, and you are so amazingly sweet and patient."

Cinder pulled me into his arms and hugged me tightly against his chest. "You don't know how much I've been waiting to hear those words. You make me so happy, Rion."

"You make me really happy too." I hugged him back. Suddenly, his shoulders slumped and he pulled back.

"But, Princess Ava may choose me to be her husband. Is it wise to try to start something now when we don't know what will happen?" He explained. I sheepishly smiled and nervously laughed.

"That's the second thing. Princess Ava is no longer the destined queen for this kingdom. It's me. I'm the rightful princess of this kingdom. Royal blood runs through my veins. Surprise! I'm a princess!"