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chloe-spade · 1 year

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The Glass Slipper Ch. 1: A Meeting to Remember

Sun rises as a new day began. 6:00 is as early as they come, early for everyone to start the day. Even the clock thought so too, as every single second passed since 6:00, the bell rang throughout town, loud enough that some may felt the ground move as it rang.

Cater was one of the those who hates waking up, twisting, and turning to cover his face, hoping that the pillow would somehow soften the loud sounds of the clock. But it doesn't work for everybody.

"Ugh..." Cater groaned, looking up from his bed and at the clock, "It's too early for this." He yawned and got up at his bed, "You always alert everyone with such loud booming sounds, as if it was peaceful way to start the day. And I'm sorry to tell you, but it's not."

With that, Cater closes the window, which somehow muffled the clock.

"...too early," Ace yawned, "wanna sleep in.."

"You always sleep in," scoffed Riddle, "get up, you two! It's early in the morning and we have work to do."

"...not now," Ruggie groaned.

"Ugh, you two are always the laziest," Riddle pulled them both by the tails, "it's not healthy to stay asleep."

"Today's going to be a great day," Kalim spoke, stretching, "We should get our bodies moving and our brains tinkering."

"Easy for you to say..."

Cater grinned and sat down on the bed.

"Shame," Cater sighs, "I was having the most wonderful dream."

"Hmm? What was it about?"

"Oh no," Cater laughs, "I am not telling any of you. Besides, my mother always says that if you tell a wish, it won't come true."

✨

A dream is a wish your heart makes

When you're fast asleep

In dreams you will lose your heartaches

Whatever you wish for, you keep

✨

Cater got dressed in his usual rags as he begins to brush his hair, looking at the mirror. He opens the windows to let some birds in as some chirped to greet him for the day. He opens the door to prepare the new day of same old chores, same old demands and same old bossy people.

✨

Have faith in your dreams and someday

Your rainbow will come smiling through

No matter how your heart is grieving

If you keep on believing

The dream that you wish will come true

✨

As Cater walked downstairs, he heard clashes and clangs of a nearby cage. It was one of Last Rosalind's mousetraps, a way to keep mice away, to starve and die when the time comes.

"A new one?" Riddle ponders, "I thought we got rid of every single one of those stupid things."

"Maybe we missed one?" Ruggie added.

Cater walked over to the mousetrap, and checked inside, seeing a small blue mouse, lunging himself forward to break over the cage that trapped him inside. Cater uses his finger to stop the mouse from injuring himself.

"Hello," He greeted, "What's your name?"

The mouse didn't answer, only staring in fear.

"Cater, let us do the talking," Ace spoke before jumping down from Cater's pocket before walking over to the mousetrap. "Hey hey," Ace chuckles, "I see you accidentally got yourself in this situation, and I can also see you're scared."

Ace walks over at the mice, "Trust me, I've been there myself, everyone else as well.' Ace pointed at the other mice behind him, which calmed down the mouse. "See that human?" Ace asked, then turning over to the mouse, "That's Cater, the only nice human in this old house, and he won't hurt you, we promise."

"How can you be so sure?" The mouse questioned.

"Because we're alive, aren't we?"

The mouse looks at Ace and sighs, before following Ace out. "...so, this guy says your a nice human?" The mouse asked.

"Well, yes," Cater chuckles, "I'm Cater, one of the residence here. And I'm sorry about the mice traps, my step mother hates mice."

"And you don't?"

"No! I find them to be the smallest but the bestest friends you can have..which is saying much before I don't have much contact with my other friends." Cater looks down at the mouse, "So, what's your name?"

"Deuce," the mouse introduced himself. "Nice to meet you."

Cater grinned and takes some extra clothes, "Now, try these on."

Deuce was confused but got dressed in the tiny clothes Cater gave him, and what do you know? It fits perfectly and it's comfy. "You made these?"

"Yeah, small hobby of mine," Cater looks over at the other mice, "Make sure you show him around," Cater gets up and looks back, "and please, stay away from Pom-Pom."

He walks downstairs to the kitchen. After a few minutes, breakfast was prepared along with a pot of herbal tea, all in their separate pans. He was so busy that he didn't noticed Ruggie now on counter, staring at the delicious bread. Ruggie snickered as he goes up to sneak some food, hiding beneath a teacup, and plan his next move.

"Is this normal for him?" Deuce asked.

"You'd be lucky if he didn't alert Pom-Pom," Kalim answered, watching Ruggie.

"Who?"

"Stepmother's evil cat," Ace looks around, "She has an eye for us mice," he looks around more before climbing down. "Oh, that doesn't sound nice," Deuce mumbled.

Cater rolls his eyes as he set up the trays. "Don't scare him, Ace."

"I wasn't!"

"You are," Riddle concluded.

Cater begins to carefully balancing the trays of food on his head and hands, before walking up the long row of stairs without a single wobble.

"Woah," Deuce gasps on awe, "How can he do that? Aren't those very heavy?"

"Cater's a professional," Ruggie chuckled, grabbing some cheese, "He's good at what he does, though under sucky circumstances."

"Sucky?" Deuce echoed.

"It's a story for another time." Riddle answered, "Let's just get some food and leave."

"You don't have to tell me tell twice," Ruggie laughed, grabbing everything he could carried.

Cater, meanwhile, had the trays set down and started to open the blinds that covered the windows, adding light to the hallway. He looked over to the door and started with Astrid. "Good morning, Astrid," he greeted.

"Ugh! It's too early for this!" She gasped as Cater opened the blinds, "Close them!" She demanded, covering herself in the blanket.

"That can't do," Cater says with a proud smile," You can't miss out on a good breakfast, now, can you?"

He sets the tray by her side table, a perfect breakfast that they are all so used to. She pouts as she gets up and takes her tray, puts it on her lap, and begrudgingly starts to eat. "Now, that wasn't so hard, now, was it?" Cater teased with a smile, grabbing the remaining trays.

"Shut up, worm," Astrid hissed venomously, "now, leave me alone."

Cater shrugs and leaves the room. "Suit yourself." He strolls over to Elise's room and does the same thing with a smile.

A small groan was heard from under the sheets.

"Good morning, Elise," Cater greeted, "I hope you had a good rest. Here's your breakfast and tea, and some extras like you requested."

Elise sighs as she looks over at the food beside her. ".... leave," she mumbled, "...didn't you hear me? I said leave."

Cater nodded and walks out the room, closing the door behind him, now ready to enter that last room Lady Rosalind's. With hesitant breath, he walks inside.

"Ah, you're here, Cater. And with a delightful breakfast," Rosalind's voice rang from her bed, "you've seen nervous. Is something the matter?"

Cater shakes his head. "No, ma'am, just early morning getting to me." He gives her a cup of tea. "It is nothing."

"So formal."

Cater kept a grin as he set down Rosalind's tray and gives her a cup of tea, and cat food for Pom-Pom.

"How's your tea?"

"Delightful. Now, your chores," Rosalind starts, petting her cat, Pom-Pom, who wickedly grinned at Cater, "sweep the stairs at front and back, scrub the floors again, take care of the laundry and do the dishes, and clean the chimney,"

"I've cleaned the chimney yesterday," Cater reminded.

"Clean it again!" Rosalind snapped but gave a small smile. "I do not like arguments, dear Cater, and you should know that if I make the order, you do it. Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am," Cater sighs.

"And," Rosalind added, "feed the chickens. They seem hostile lately, and if they have eggs, please do collect them. I do want my girls to have a very healthy breakfast, like this one."

"Of course, Lady Rosalind." Cater nods and starts to walk out the door.

"Don't forget, Cater," Lady Rosalind added, "My daughters are going to need you at the village today, as they have been lacking in dresses."

"I haven't forgotten."

"That's why I like you. You don't ask any questions." Cater left the room as fast as possible, before sighing in relief, watching the mice reach the final step.

"Now, what are you all doing?" Cater whispered, walking over to them, offering his hands.

"Deuce wanted to see you in action," Ace explained.

"Well, I was interested on how he can do this, day to day."

Cater takes them and helps them in his pocket and walks down the stairs. "Well, try not to get caught, and prepare for a day in town...a long day in town."

✨

Malleus was staring at a window towards town, ignoring his grandmother and Lilia speaking about his future spouse and his time as king, for when the Queen passed.

"Malleus, are you listening?" The Queen asked, "Did you hear anything we've said."

Malleus looks over and didn't respond and looks back at the window.

"For heaven's sake, Malleus," the queen groaned, "Don't you understand what's happening?"

"That I am of age and to wed soon," Malleus spoke solemnly, "But the lady you brought in wasn't someone I felt a connection with. She seemed to care about wealth and wealth alone, which is not I want in a relationship, even in an arranged one."

"Malleus, who cares about connection. You need someone to rule with and I am running out of options for you."

"Lilia said it was important."

"I did say that," Lilia admitted, "because, your highness, I truly believed that love is essential for a positive marriage and a fruitful ruling. Malleus should be with someone he chooses."

The Queen looked at Lilia and back at Malleus. "Do you still have your handmade letter for our annual engagement ball?" The Queen asked.

"I do, Grandmother." Malleus answered.

"Here's what I'll agree too," The Queen explained, "If you happen to meet someone that you feel that you really care about, I'll let marry them."

"Then I should start at the village."

"Pardon?" The queen stammered, "I-I didn't say you should do the village."

"But you did say I should choose whoever I want, villager included."

"It does count," Lilia agreed, "You didn't say it wasn't allowed."

The Queen groaned and sighed, "Fine, go to the village and watch how those will tremble at your feet for money and status."

"Grandmother..."

"No. I will not interfere with this process. This is your idea, and I won't say a word." The Queen walked away after, leaving Malleus and Lilia in the ballroom, verbally speechless on what the queen had said.

"You are welcome," Lilia chuckles, "So? How's about it? Going to the village today?"

"I don't know, Lilia," Malleus sighs, "Grandmother seemed upset and what if she's right? About the connection to the greediness of others? I'll be honest, Lilia, I have no idea how love works and yet I just made a deal to find love."

"Oh, remember what I said? You'll know when you know, Malleus. Now, get ready! We have a day in the village!"

✨

"Oh! And this! And also this!" Astrid shrieked in glee, picking many dresses, fabrics, shoes and more.

"Ooh, these shoes are much more my style!" Elise cheered, grabbing a pair of shoes.

How long as Cater's been in the village? At least for 3 hours, no breaks and he was carrying every single thing that they've bought with or without thinking. It was taking a toll on his physical strength, but he's surviving. The mice in his pocket say otherwise. It was painful to watch Cater do this much physical labor, even through he said he was fine, but the small shakes of his arms claimed otherwise.

"Now you! Wait outside until we are done." Ordered Astrid, who was still looking for more jewelry to try on. Cater sighs as he walks outside and waits.

"Exhausting..." he mumbled, "who knew shopping at the town square was an exhausting encounter," Cater paused for a moment, "Hold on, it's not the first time I've done this." "I'd say, you've gotten stronger though," Kalim complimented, "But do you need help?"

*Jingles Jingles*

Kalim's perked up. "Oh! Looks like I'm needed for something!" He climbs out and grabs his wand. "I'll be right back!"

"Be careful," Cater smiles, "and don't cause a scene like last time."

Kalim nods as he disappears, leaving a sparkling trail.

Deuce could only stare and opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out.

"We'll explain," Ruggie started.

✨

Kalim appeared in a small alleyway, cleaning himself up, and was clearly dizzy.

"Ah, Kalim." Lilia greeted, "Look at you, fruitful as ever."

"Nice to see you again, Lilia." Kalim spoke, "Sorry if I'm a little dizzy! I've been a mice for way too long! Anyways, do you need a daily report?"

"One would be nice."

"Well, helping Cater! He still doesn't want me to just *poof* him out of there. But he was right about us having a plan before I could even consider it."

"Fairy Godfather business does feel like that sometimes. You just want to help but they won't let you."

"But I am great at using my magic for small specks of revenge." This caught Lilia attention and a cat like grin appeared on his face. "Do tell." "Well, The mean stepmother so cruel that I stick her nose into a spoon. She has a spoon on her nose for the rest of the day...or well, a week." Lilia let's out a laugh, "Oh, I would've done that too if it wasn't for me retiring."

"But I just wish we could so something to actually help Cater and not just...help with chores. I need some sort of plan."

"Oh, lucky for you." Lilia guided Kalim to Malleus, who was looking at some sorts of desserts, clearly distracted.

"Isn't that the prince?" Kalim gasps.

"Yeah, surprise," Lilia softly cheered, "I'm the queen's royal advisor and I take him to town to find someone he fancies, but no luck."

"Lilia, are you saying...?"

"Oh, I am. Watch this." Summoning his wand, he aims towards Malleus and carefully takes the envelope out of pocket, alerting Malleus.

"Hmm, must be a windy day," he mumbled as he followed but failed to grab the letter each time, causing giggles from Lilia.

"Now, let's get to Cater."

✨

Cater was now internally cursing at the sky above as the new items were causing a decreased to Cater's speed.

"Great Stars, must you be so slow!?" Astrid complained, "Mother is right. You do get lazier and lazier everyday."

"Hurry up! Or else everything is off sale!" Elise added, "It seems you like getting locked in your room."

"..I don't think you noticed that I have besn carrying everything for 3 hours," Cater murmured underneath his breath, clearly spiteful.

"I'm just surprised you can carry it all." Deuce spoke, "Look at all of that. It's a mountain that's ready to collapse."

Because it was about to. With the boxes covering his vision, he could only depend on hearing to get him moving. What he didn't expect was a carriage that zoomed across carelessly, startling Cater enough to trip. Everything else happened so fast. Cater gasped as he felt a hand around his waist, and heard an unfamiliar voice, "are you ok?" Cater looks up to see someone he can't recognize but a strangely handsome man, Cater thought. Over them was all the boxes, surrounding by fae magic, not even close to the floor.

"Y-yes, I'm fine," He looks up. The man above him took a relief and helped Cater up on his feet, fixing his outfit. Cater was distracted by how tall he was and the unusual but amazing horns on top of head.

"Cater! You clumsy worm!! I hope everything didn't break when dropped them!" Elise screamed.

"Mother will hear about this!" Astrid screamed as well. The stranger looked over and gave them a glare, which silenced them immediately, but ignored them, still brushing off Cater. "Hello, Cater." The stranger greeted, "I hope you didn't hurt yourself when you almost fell." "No," Cater gulped, "I just..uh, I should thank you for helping me. I appreciate it."

"I'm glad I came by in time. And also, I believe Cater is a lovely name." The stranger spoke, taking Cater's hand and kissing his hand.

Cater gasps. "W-what's your name?" "Malleus," he introduced himself. "Like the-" "Not in front of your...what am I supposed to call them?" "Oh you mean my stepsister?" Malleus nodded and kept the boxes above as he approached the girls. "Hello ladies."

"What do you want?" Astrid asks.

"I simply requested that you should not overwork Cater, he seems very lovely and I hate the thought of him possibly fainting of exhaustion. So I recommend we bring you guys back to your home and Cater will have a nice rest."

Cater just had to blush at that. The prince himself was calmly scolding his stepsister not to overwork him. It wasn't the first time he was defended but considering that it was Prince Malleus himself doing it. It was doing something to Cater. Ace took notice of it.

"Oh, there's the look," Ace said.

"What look, Ace?" Riddle asked.

"That's what I call the look of love." Ace answered, "Come on, the evil stepsisters are getting scolded by that man."

"Yeah, how can Cater not fall for him?" Ruggie added.

"Well, I suppose I can see it," Riddle admitted, "I just think it might to sudden for you."

Cater didn't add much to the conversation as he continued to watch, as well as the other townfolk.

"Although," Malleus continued, "Look at all of this. You bought so much that it could've lead to an injury. Tsk tsk. How about this, I'll come along as a helping hand. Would that work for you, Cater?"

Cater, still amazed, just nodded. Malleus smiles. "Ladies, would you please lead the way?"

With a small huff, Astrid and Elise started to lead Malleus, Cater walking with him.

✨

"I can't believe that worked." Kalim gasps, "I didn't mean to summon the carriage!"

"Even if you didn't mean to, that definitely helped us a lot." Lilia laughed and watch them walk away, "and besides, did you see the way Cater looked at Malleus?"

"And Malleus scolding them?"

"Perfect."

"Cute."

"We should follow them."

"Right!"

✨

"Thank you for helping," Cater thanked Malleus as they walked down the path to the Diamond Estate.

"Of course, and here's everything that they bought. And I must say, you are quite a conversationalist, Cater."

Cater smiles.

"Oh, I had plenty of practice, with animals. Hmm, yeah I can tell that shouldn't be a good thing, right?"

Malleus looks over at Cater and does a small chuckle. "Oh, I have a Knight who can talk to animals as well, so I'm used to that. And I think it's a good thing, as you may understand all animals around you."

"Oh, phew!" Cater sighs of relief, "that's a relief. I'm used to being called weird because of it."

"Oh, I am very aware of weird it is but it never weirds me out." "Really? I suppose someone like you seen so many stuff."

"That is true. But sometimes it's all repeated affairs, so going to the village was a nice change of pace for me." Malleus explained. "And that did lead me to meet you, Cater. So today is a lucky day."

"Oh..lucky?"

Malleus smiles as he takes out a envelope and hands it to Cater.

"This is for you to open," Malleus explained, looking over at the sisters, "When you are alone of course."

A neigh from a horse caught Cater off guard again and stumbled into Malleus.

"My, my, you seem very clumsy, Cater," Malleus laughs, "Perhaps you have fallen for me?"

"Or is it perhaps you made me weak at the knees?" Cater flirted and laughed at his off guard Malleus was at that comment.

"Our coach is here!!" Astrid called, "You two! Put the stuff away and get a move on!"

"Are they always so demanding?" Malleus whispered as he loaded the coach of their bags and boxes.

"You should've seen them in the mornings." Cater answered. Malleus looks back as everything was now packed. He grabbed Cater's hand once last time and couldn't help but ask: "When will I ever see you again?"

Cater smiles and brings Malleus down for a kiss on the cheek. "Soon. If fate brought us here once, I bet it'll do again."

Malleus liked the answer and helps Cater get into the coach. Malleus watched as the coach rode off, waving back at Cater before it was no where to be seen.

"... fate will bring us together again," Malleus whispered before walking back to the village.

✨

As soon as the returned, Cater was already putting things inside, but he was humming and softly dancing as he did so.

"So did something happen while I was away?" Kalim asked, startling the mice.

"Yeah! Cater's fallen in love," Deuce exclaimed, "I mean, look at him!" "This could be a good or bad thing," Riddle muttered. "Nah," Ace disagrees, "Cater's so happy. What's the best thing you can ask for?"

"Nothing I suppose."

✨

"Well, I hope your happy," Lilia pouted in fake anger, "Leaving me with more grey hairs then pink ones?"

"Sorry for my scare, Lilia," Malleus apologies, "but you need to hear this." He spoke with a smile and started walking ahead. "You should've met him, Lilia. I never thought I...I could meet someone as understand as him. Cater is so exhilarating."

"My, did fate help you?"

"...for the first time? Yes, fate has helped me learn love."

#the glass slipper #twisted wonderland #twst #cater diamond #malleus draconia #lilia vanrouge #kalim al asim #riddle rosehearts #ace trappola #deuce spade #ruggie bucchi #original characters #cinderella au

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