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creative-frequency · 7 years ago

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Cinderelia Ch. 5 FINAL: The Search

Rating: SFW Pairing: King!Noctis x OC-ish (Evelia Orelia as Cinderella) Categories: Romance

It’s the last chapter! Thank you for everyone who has read this story. Hopefully you have enjoyed it. I really loved writing this and your kind comments concerning this fic have made my day on multiple occasions.

@singlebecauseofthechocobros enjoy your stay in Noctis hell ;) @lucianhuntress my bae ❤️ also go check out her blog, she is a new writer to the ffxv fandom! I except great things from her. @bleucommelhiver thanks again for your help, it was truly invaluable!

Previous Chapter

The Monday morning graced Insomnia with its warm rays of light. After a poorly slept night, King Noctis dressed in an inconspicuous pair of hoodie and jeans. He headed out with the intention of visiting the café where Evelia worked. He knew it was a very slim chance that she would be on shift at the moment, but it was the easiest place to begin. With any luck, Noctis would actually be able to conclude the search there.

The café wasn’t open yet when he arrived. He peeked inside through the glass door, trying to distinguish Evelia’s form behind the counter. There was someone, so with a trembling hand and a heavy heart he knocked on the locked door.

Caitlin raised her gaze from the cups she had been setting on their place. A dark figure waved behind the door. She glanced at the time; it was still five minutes until the opening time, but since there was someone so caffeine deprived already knocking, she decided to make an exception.

“Good morning,” Caitlin said as she opened the door for Noctis. She didn’t give two glances at him before walking back to behind the counter.

“What can I get for you?” she asked with her working-smile plastered on her face.

Noctis lowered his hood and Caitlin’s jaw dropped. She bowed hastily. “Y-Your Majesty!”

“Please, none of that. I don’t wish to be recognized,” Noctis shushed with a finger on his lips.

“Oh, of course, I’m sorry! How can I help you?” Caitlin said a tad embarrassed. Her eyes travelled curiously over the King, taking in his good looks.

“You’re Evelia’s colleague, right?” Noctis asked desperately.

“Yeah, but she called in sick this morning. She won’t be in for the whole week,” Caitlin said apologetically. She was itching to ask what this was about and why would the King of Lucis ask after her co-worker.

“Damn it,” Noctis hissed quietly. So much for that good luck. A week was too much to wait to catch Evelia at work. “Uh, this might sound strange, but what is her last name?”

Caitlin’s eyebrows rose up and she folded her arms on her chest. “Orelia? May I ask why are you asking me this?”

Noctis studied Caitlin’s face deep in his thoughts. Caitlin was still cocking a questioning eyebrow at him. “Maybe she’ll tell you someday. You wouldn’t happen to know her address?” Noctis said finally.

“No, sorry. I could find it from the office, but the manager is away for the week and she forgot to leave the keys. The door is locked. It’s just me here, all week by myself,” Caitlin said apologizing, but with a bitter undertone.

“Of course. I’m sorry, that must be troublesome. I don’t wish to add to your difficulties,” Noctis said with a sigh.

“Don’t worry about it. But, I know Evelia came to work by the second west subway-line if that helps.”

“I suppose it might. I’m sorry to having bothered you with this. Thank you, uh”–Noctis’s eyes darted on the nameplate on Caitlin’s chest–“Caitlin.”

“No bother at all. You’re welcome, Your Majesty.”

Noctis was back at the Citadel so fast that he might as well have unconsciously warped the whole way. He slammed the doors open into the Council Secretary’s office and made all the workers startle and turn in surprise.

Office workers bowed as he rushed past them to speak with the Council’s main secretary. Noctis gave instructions to find Evelia and offered all the information he had on her. He hesitated a moment before mentioning the unique glass shoe, but it only prompted a raised eyebrow from the secretary as he made notes hastily.

Then it was time for him to play the waiting game. He paced around in his quarters, eyes darting to the door at every sound of steps in the hallway. He had sent everyone, including his Shield away. He couldn’t concentrate on anything at hand. The image of Evelia was spinning through his head; he could almost feel her touch on his hand, smell her perfume and see how her lips curled into a sweet smile. His heart ached.

Fortunately it didn’t take long until Ignis came to deliver the bad news.

“What do you mean there’s no-one by the name of Orelia in the guest list?” Noctis asked shooting up from his work chair.

“What I’m saying is that maybe she doesn’t share her last name with her family. The invitations were sent on family basis,” Ignis said with a voice that spoke volumes about how he was getting tired of this charade.

Noctis frowned. “But that could mean–“

“That she is actually married, yes, or has been. It also means we have really no other way to track her down than to visit all the families in the West side of Insomnia. For starters.”

“Let’s do it,” Noctis said with a stern look.

Ignis paused for a moment.

“Are you that taken with her?” he chimed carefully. He was holding back a fond smile. It was about time the King would become enthusiastic about a lady, though the object of his affections was making them go through some extra effort.

“I guess I am,” Noctis said and a blush creeped to redden his ears.

Ignis sighed. “Very well then, I shall do everything I can. I will arrange for a search party–“

“Wait, I want to be there,” Noctis said walking up to him.

“If that is what Your Majesty wishes. Though it will require more time that way,” Ignis said slowly.

“I don’t care. I want to make sure we find her, and I’m probably the only one who will recognize her,” Noctis said thinking about Evelia behind the café counter. Of course he had then noticed her beauty, but hadn’t thought much about it. He had been too occupied with the upcoming ball to even think about ladies in that moment.

“Very well. I shall call Gladio and Prompto to meet us at the garage.”

A minute later, Noctis tapped his foot anxiously on the elevator floor. What if they wouldn’t be able to find Evelia? What if she had left the city for some reason? No, that made no sense at all. But, what if she didn’t want anything to do with Noctis? Maybe he indeed had misread the whole situation and his advances had been unwanted.

Noctis felt the pinch of desperation in his chest. In any case, he had to try at least, or he would never be able to stop thinking about her. If Evelia never wanted to see him again, he wanted to hear it straight from her. It would break his heart, but it would be better that way.

“Is everything alright?” Ignis asked, sensing his distress.

“Yes, I was just thinking where we should start the search,” Noctis lied. He was not alright before he could lay his eyes on Evelia again. He held the address list of all the families invited to the party in his hand. They would just have to go through them all, starting with the ones living in the west-side of Insomnia. There were over five-hundred names in the list.

“I can’t believe you missed old Cid’s visit,” Prompto whined as he and Gladiolus walked up to Noctis and Ignis.

“Well, you can call him and tell him that he is invited to the wedding,” Noctis said.

Ignis cleared his throat; Gladiolus leaned his hand off the car hood and almost fell. Prompto let out a long whistle.

Gladiolus and Prompto stared at their friend in unexpected awe and Ignis turned his head to his general direction.

“Wow, you’re really serious about her,” Gladiolus said with admiration in his voice.

“Whew, dude. Though I must say those longing gazes between you two were making my teeth hurt,” Prompto said.

“A younger bride is a good investment into the future,” Gladiolus grinned.

“Shut up, Gladio,” Noctis muttered.

Not a moment later, the trio was sitting in the new Regalia while Ignis stayed behind to oversee the Citadel. The black car had been a gift from Cindy and Cid to the Crown, and Noctis still had no idea that his best friends had had part to play in rebuilding it from a scratch.

Prompto was fondly caressing the dashboard in the front passenger’s seat, whereas Gladiolus was driving.

“Man, I love this car maybe even more than your dad’s old one,” Prompto said, but Noctis could barely hear him. He was too anxious. His heart was thumping so loudly it was blocking out all other noises like Prompto’s voice.

Noctis was staring at the guest list, trying to mark down which of the names were surely dead ends and which ones lived the nearest to their location.

“Just tell me where to drive,” Gladiolus said as he saw from the rearview mirror what Noctis was doing.

“Right,” Noctis said and gave the first address.

Hours, many stunned ballguests and as many polite declines for coffee, tea or whatever each household offered later, Noctis was getting desperate. They had not been through even tenth of the list and nobody seemed to know who the girl in the lilac dress on the third evening had been.

Prompto was trying to cheer up his best friend. “C’mon Noct. We’ll find her. She can’t possibly stay away from you and your… charms.”

Gladiolus snorted.

“Thanks Prompto. I feel so much better now,” Noctis deadpanned.

“Who would’ve thought that the King of Lucis would be funny when he’s lovesick?” Gladiolus said.

“So what are you gonna do when you find her? Give her that shoe back?” Prompto snickered.

Noctis glanced at the glass shoe resting on the leather seat next to him. He hadn’t really thought about what to do or say, and now that Prompto had mentioned it, maybe he should have.

“He will confess his undying love for her of course,” Gladiolus said.

“Maybe I will. At least I would beat you two to it,” Noctis’s mouth curled into a sly smile.

Gladiolus stopped the car at the next address. “Hmph. We’ll see about that at this rate. Let’s go.”

Meanwhile, Evelia was nervously fidgeting with her stuffed moogle toy, sitting on her bed. She had called in sick at work first thing in the morning and leaving Caitlin in trouble made her only feel worse than the initial white lie on the phone. She needed the week off to find someone who would take her as an apprentice. It would be a tough break, but she was determined to succeed. Even without the support of her so-called family.

Encouraged by Noctis’s words, Evelia had decided to finally grasp the nettle and tell her stepmother she wanted to study.

Naturally, she had been most surprised at the decision and attempted to laugh it off.

“You’re silly, Evelia. People go to school to get smarter, so they could get a job. You already have a job so it’s like skipping a step.”

“I know, mother, but I really want to follow in father’s footsteps one day,” Evelia had pleaded, trying so hard to make her understand why beginning medical studies was important to her.

Finally, her stepmother had lost a bit of her temper and snapped.

“There’s something I’ve always wanted to tell you, Evelia. You’re not very pretty or smart. People like you should be content with their place in the world, since you obviously have no chance for a better life.”

At that, Evelia had left and called to work, not at all ready to give up yet. As she was contemplating on her next step, Anastasia and Drisella came knocking by her door.

“Oh, poor Evelia! We heard what mother said about your dream of becoming a doctor!” Drisella said sympathetically and sat down on the bed next to Evelia.

“That was so unfair of her to lay it out for you like that!” Anastasia continued.

Evelia blinked in surprise of the uncharacteristic kindness from her stepsisters. “Why, thank you for understanding. Maybe you could talk to her then? Please?”

Anastasia and Drisella exchanged looks. “We could, of course!”

“Yes, anything for our dear sister!”

“Really? Thank you so much! I mean, it would mean a lot to me,” Evelia said with a spark of hope in her voice.

“But it wouldn’t change anything,” Anastasia said carefully. Her too darkly painted mouth curved into a mischievous smile.

Evelia frowned at her and pulled the moogle plushie closed to her chest. “What do you mean?”

“Mother is right, naturally, you’re just not smart enough to pull something like that off,” Drisella explained matter of factly.

“You, becoming a doctor? Patient death statistics would spike!” Anastasia said, barely biting back her malicious giggle.

Evelia’s eyes fell on the floor.

“Maybe you should set some more achievable aspirations, like getting a promotion to a manager at that café you work in.”

“A manager? Her? It would go bankrupt in the matter of days!” Anastasia laughed.

“I would like to be left alone now, please,” Evelia said firmly, holding back the tears welling in her eyes.

“Whatever you wish, Cinderelia,” Drisella cooed and stood up from the bed. They left the room, snickering cruelly.

Evelia threw herself on the bed. She took the flower necklace from under her pillow to her palm and stared at it in longing. Her heart was aching after Noctis. She felt so silly for pining after the King of Lucis. A single tear fell on the flower, making it glow hardly noticeably, but at the same time Evelia closed her palm around it.

She cried inconsolably until her stepmother would come to yell at her because she had not left for work.

If Noctis had not been desperate earlier, he surely was now. The day was turning into evening, and still they had not the slightest clue about who Evelia was or where she lived.

Prompto and Gladiolus did their best in trying to reassure the King that matters would turn out alright, but Noctis was inches away from falling into the dark pit of regal sulking.

They were already in the neighborhood where Evelia lived, looking around, seeking out the next address on the list. Prompto was still trying to encourage Noctis with words which were already starting to fall on deaf ears.

Then Noctis felt something stirring within him. It was a sudden rush of sadness. The emotion was so strong it felt alien. He felt many things in that moment, but deep sorrow was not one of them. He straightened his posture in the back seat so quickly that Gladiolus and Prompto turned to look.

“What now?” Gladiolus asked. He knew the look on Noctis’s face. He was unto something, probably something to do with magic.

“You okay there, buddy?” Prompto asked concerned.

“Stop the car,” Noctis said, looking wildly around to outside. The streets were empty.

As soon as the vehicle halted, Noctis was out.

“Dude!” Prompto yelled after him, but he had already dashed towards the alien pull in his chest. Prompto and Gladiolus followed as quickly as they could.

Noctis’s insides were coiling. What was the strange feeling? Could he possibly feel Evelia’s presence? Even the concept was ridiculous. Besides, why would he feel so crushingly sad if she was near? Fear and excitement were building up in his stomach.

Led by his intuition, Noctis soon encountered an iron gate leading to the backyard of one of the grander houses in the area. A single maple tree was lightly shaking its branches in the wind. He was about to step in, but Gladiolus’s hand on his shoulder stopped him.

“Noct, you can’t just barge into someone’s backyard,” he said with a grimace.

“Right,” Noctis said distantly, letting Gladiolus pull him back and lead them to the front door.

Noctis’s hear was racing. The pull of magic was strong, almost urgent inside him as he stood before the wooden front door, staring at the label on it.

“Prompto, is this address on the list?” Noctis asked.

“Yeah, I think so. How did you know?” Prompto replied.

Noctis’s pulse spiked higher, before he forced himself to calm down by exhaling slowly.

“You sure this is the right place?” Gladiolus asked with a frown.

Noctis nodded once and inhaled deeply.

“I-I’ll go grab the shoe!” Prompto said and ran back to the car.

“You sure about this?” Gladiolus asked.

“Yeah. More sure than I’ve ever been about anything in my life,” Noctis said breathily.

“Well then, what are we waiting for?” Gladiolus smirked and rang the doorbell.

They heard the soft chime echo from inside the house.

Noctis was going to protest for not having enough time to mentally prepare, but the sudden rush of footsteps from inside and a familiar-sounding “I’ll get the door,” made the words hitch in his throat. He gave Gladiolus a wide-eyed glance and braced himself.

Noctis saw in slow-motion as the door opened before him. In the doorframe was standing entirely dumbfound Evelia. She gasped.

“Who is it Evelia?” her stepmother asked on her way to see who the guest was.

“It’s–“ Evelia could only say before her stepmother let out a scream.

“Your Majesty!” she gasped and pushed her away from the doorway. Evelia stood back, her eyes locked with Noctis, both pairs thoroughly stunned.

Prompto came back with the shoe, huffing out of breath. Mechanically, Noctis reached out to take it from him. “Good evening,” Noctis said, his eyes quickly darting at the woman standing in front of him, trying to hide Evelia behind her.

At the combination of the doorbell and the scream, Drisella and Anastasia flew down the stairs.

“Mother, what is it–“

“Who is there–“

Both sisters stopped on their heels after bumping Evelia’s sides in their rush to get past her.

“Oh, good evening, Your Majesty,” their mother purred, while shooing the girls away from gawking, “What brings us this unexpected pleasure?”

Evelia had fallen back to lean on the railing of the stairs. How on Eos had Noctis found her? What was he doing here? And what was with that shoe in his hand? Evelia could not think straight and her heart was beating in her throat.

Noctis coughed to clear his throat. “I’m looking for her.” He nodded behind the stepmother who was effectively blocking the doorway. She quickly stepped aside to offer the King a clear view at her daughters.

“Oh, what a lovely surprise! Which one of my girls you wanted to speak with?” the mother sang in excitement.

Drisella and Anastasia quickly smoothed their clothes and swiped any stray locks from their faces.

“Uh, actually, I meant her,” Noctis said motioning towards Evelia, who had sat down on the second lowest stair.

Drisella, Anastasia and their mother looked at each other in confusion. “Her? Your Majesty must be mistaken; she is just our simple-minded servant girl. I let her live in the house, because she has no other place to go. I always try to be kind to those less fortunate, don’t you agree, Your Majesty? Hmm, Your Majesty?”

Noctis had stopped listening before halfway through to her monologue and stepped inside the house. Drisella and Anastasia stepped away from his path, confused gazes still darting between their guests and their mother.

Noctis crouched before Evelia, who was staring at him at loss of words and biting her lip to keep away the tears threatening to well up.

“Hey,” Noctis husked.

“Hey,” Evelia managed to whisper in a dry voice.

Prompto and Gladiolus were curiously peeking inside to see what was happening. Drisella and Anastasia were being shooed away by their mother, to whom the obviously occurred events were starting to make sense. Evelia had disobeyed her and managed sneak into the ball to seduce the King somehow. There was no other reason he would’ve possibly wanted to see her and disregard her two lovely daughters so coldly.

“I believe this is yours,” Noctis said, offering the shoe for Evelia.

She stared at it, completely stunned. She had kicked the shoes away so she could make her escape without tripping, and there the glass-made heel glinted at the King’s hand. Shouldn’t it have disappeared like the rest of her attire at the stroke of midnight?

Evelia tilted her face up to see Noctis’s eyes and the hint of smile playing on his lips.

”I’m sorry it was such a stupid thing to do!” she yelped, “Leaving my shoes behind…”

Noctis chuckled. “No, it was not stupid at all…” his eyes seeked Evelia’s in a tender gaze, “It led me back to you.”

Evelia didn’t say anything. With a shaky hand, she took the shoe, wondering where the other one was.

“Evelia!” her stepmother almost screamed, “Would you care to explain what is going on with our charming guests here?” The furious undertone in her voice made Evelia flinch and turn her eyes at her from Noctis.

Her stepmother’s eyes bulged from restrained rage. Evelia had never seen her looking so enraged. The sight froze her blood.

Noctis turned to look at her as well and as fast as the rage had risen on the stepmother’s face, it disappeared just as quickly as she got her emotions back under control. However, the inviting smile never returned and still traces of extreme irritation laced her features.

“Could we talk for a moment? Alone,” Noctis said standing up. He offered his hand for Evelia, who took it a bit shakily.

“Let’s go out to the garden,” Evelia said, taking one final glance at her stepmother, who was glaring at her murderously.

“Just–, give a holler should you require me,” she said desperately.

Anastasia and Drisella stared in disbelief when Evelia led Noctis to their backyard, still holding his hand.

They stopped under the maple tree. Noctis was chasing Evelia’s gaze, but she persistently kept looking elsewhere.

“So, uh, Ignis is going to be either pissed or impressed,” Noctis said awkwardly to fill the silence.

Evelia’s eyes snapped into his. “Yes, he should be. You shouldn’t consort with someone as lowly as me–“

“Please don’t talk like that about yourself,” Noctis pleaded, making Evelia fall silent. She was still holding his hand and gripping the glass heel in the other.

The light touch had made the coil of emotions unwind inside Noctis and he felt like he could finally breathe again after a long time. As he inhaled, the familiar smell of Evelia’s perfume filled his nostrils.

“I, uh, I’m sorry for deceiving you,” Evelia said quietly.

“You did not deceive me, someone as gentle as you couldn’t possibly manage something like that.”

A hint of a smile played on Evelia’s lips. “Well, I’m obviously not a princess,” she said gesturing towards her old t-shirt and leggings.

“I never expected you to be, Evelia, even though you dress like one,” Noctis said calmly and finally got a proper smile out of her.

“Well, I had help,” Evelia confessed, biting her lip.

Noctis’s brows shot up. “From who?” As the question hanged in the air, he realized he already knew the answer. It was obvious now that he thought about it.

“There was a spirit, called Gentiana. She magically transformed my clothes into those beautiful gowns,” Evelia explained with a trace of sadness in her voice.

“Gentiana… I see,” Noctis said. His tone was so even and not at all surprised that it piqued Evelia’s curiosity.

“Sounds like you’re familiar with her,” she said carefully.

“You could say she is… a family friend.” Noctis made the mental note of summoning Shiva soon to thank her for what she had done for him – For them.

“Oh, I see. Well, maybe you could thank her for me then?” Evelia said sheepishly.

“I’ll make sure you can do it yourself one day,” Noctis said with a smile.

A moment of silence followed.

“So what happens now?” Evelia asked, afraid of the answer, “I mean, you found me.”

Noctis inhaled before talking. He was very conscious of his pulse rising again and Evelia’s insecure stare did nothing to soothe it. He wanted to comfort her, to tell her she had nothing to be afraid and that she would be alright. Noctis wanted to offer everything he possibly could for her, but realized he should hold back a bit for now, lest he might scare her away.

”Evelia, would you give me the honor of going out with you?” Noctis asked carefully. From the way Evelia’s eyes studied his face, the sudden fear of her declining tightened into a lump in his chest.

There it was. The subject Evelia had been dreading for. The exact reason she had been afraid to see Noctis again.

“I’d like nothing more, but…” Evelia said, tears forming in the corners on her eyes, “I can’t.”

“Why not?” Noctis asked softly, searching her eyes.

“Mother would throw me out on the street and my sisters would love to see me dead if I did that,” Evelia said and sniffed.

“Is that what you’re concerned?” Noctis asked incredulously. He stroked Evelia’s cheek and lifted her chin to see her eyes. A tear fell down on her cheek.

“We’ll figure something out for you,” Noctis continued and wiped the tear with his thumb.

Evelia swallowed. “No, I couldn’t ask–“

Noctis shushed her to quiet. “I’ll help you find a place to stay. In the meanwhile you can come live at the Citadel.”

Evelia laughed at his surreal suggestion, but was at loss of words.

“Just one proper date. And I’ll help you out of this place even in case you don’t want to see me anymore after today,” Noctis said softly, “Please.” His hand still rested on her chin, tilting her head up to meet his eyes.

Evelia’s heart melted. “I-if you’re sure,” she said in a shaky tone.

“I am, don’t worry about that, Evelia.”

Evelia breathed out lightly and tried to muster a thankful smile. Her body relaxed and she squeezed Noctis’s hand lightly.

“May I kiss you?” Noctis asked quietly and tugged a few strands of hair behind her ear.

Evelia blushed heavily, well conscious of the possible prying eyes, and nodded.

Noctis cupped her cheek and his lips gently pushed against hers in a chaste kiss.

The End

Writing Masterlist

#ffxv fanfiction #noctis x oc #noctis lucis caelum #ffxv #ffxv oc #final fantasy xv #fanfiction #oc #cinderelia #evelia orelia #caitlin felineia #gladiolus amicitia #prompto argentum #ignis scientia #my writings

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creative-frequency · 7 years ago

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Cinderelia Ch. 1: The Invitation

Rating: SFW Warnings: Abusive family, like in the Disney version of the fairytale Pairing: King!Noctis x OC-ish (Evelia Orelia as Cinderella) Categories: Romance

This was supposed to be a one-shot fluffy fairytale, but My Hand Slipped™ and it became five chapters of slow burn romance. And I’m totally okay with that.

The Cinderella of the story is specified by name only for the ease of writing and reading. I tried to keep from specifying her hair, eye or skin color and body type etc., so this story might as well be treated as King!Noctis x Reader in third person, if that makes any sense.

Just imagine yourself as the princess here~

Tagging @sakumartti & @singlebecauseofthechocobros My lovely baes, thank you for your support, ideas and enthusiasm (and the occasional whip) ❤️

@bleucommelhiver, Girl were you sent by the gods cause you’re a blessing? ❤️ Thank you so much for helping out with your comments and suggestions for this story.

Hopefully you’ll enjoy reading this!

By Royal Invitation

The honor of Your presence is requested in the annual celebration of the Dawn Break at the Citadel of Insomnia on Friday, 14th, Saturday, 15th and Sunday, 16th July at 8.00 p.m.

Evelia watched in disgust as her stepsisters, Drisella and Anastasia, fought over whose turn it was to hold the royal invitation in her hand.

“Word is that the King is going to choose a bride in the ball!” Drisella chided in excitement and snatched the piece of thick, embossed paper from her sister’s unnaturally long fingers.

“Really?” Anastasia chirped, “Well it has been over ten years since the Oracle kicked the bucket! Poor King, losing his fiancé in such a horrible manner…”

“Imagine if I was to become the queen of Lucis!” Drisella squeaked excitedly and feigned a swooning motion.

“Imagine if I was!” The two sisters giggled in delight.

Evelia took another glance at their rejoicing, before her eyes fell back on the mirror she was wiping clean. After the mirrors and windows in the house, she would still have to clean and organize the food cabinets. Then, she would be done for the day and would finally have some time for herself. The thought was uplifting. Maybe she could go for a walk or read a book in peace.

Drisella and Anastasia strutted past Evelia. The royal invitation was tightly pinched between Drisella’s fingers.

“You missed a spot,” Anastasia said and spat on the mirror. “Oops, looks like I missed!” They cackled manically as Evelia’s shoulders slumped and the corners of her mouth dropped.

It had been a year since the Chosen King of Lucis had conquered the darkness and brought the dawn back. Insomnia was flourishing. Rebuilding the city was still in progress, but every day more and more former refugees moved back into the city. People were opening new practices and starting businesses, and the center of trade in Eos was slowly tipping from Lestallum to Insomnia.

Evelia and her father had been amongst the first ones to pack up their small belongings in Leide and move back into the wrecked city. Her father had been a doctor. It had been an honor for him to help the people of new Insomnia with his medical skills. He had run his own clinic in the city and business had bloomed, even though he had always charged below the average. Evelia’s days had been blessed with studying without a care in the world.

Until a short time after their move, her father had announced his intentions of marriage with a noble woman he had met at the clinic. Evelia’s new stepmother had two daughters, both ill-willing and malicious creatures. Evelia had quickly learned that they had nothing in common with her but their age. And to think that at first Evelia had been excited to gain new sisters.

Things had become as bad as they could; her father had suddenly passed away, leaving his new wife to manage his funds and the profitable clinic. His last wish had been for his family to stick together during these hard times and Evelia was left hanging by the goodwill of her stepmother to not throw her on the streets. Her mind was set on finishing her medical studies one day, and starting a practice of her own, but in the ruined city, finding a willing teacher was not just hard, it was also very costly. There was no real university yet and people leaned on each other for education.

Evelia rubbed the mirror furiously with frustrated tears welling up in her eyes. Every day she debated between leaving the city for good and just accepting the way her life was now; as a servant for her stepmother and sisters.

Despite her miserable circumstances at home, Evelia was sure that someday her dreams of happiness would come true. She was not going to let her siblings discourage her. She refused to give up, no matter how hard things were sometimes. She had already been through more difficult times during the ten years of darkness.

They could not stop her from dreaming.

Evelia’s mind wandered into the royal ball invitation. She would be thrilled to go, to see the King of Light with her own eyes. She had only seen him occasionally in the news and from that she could very well understand why Drisella and Anastasia had been so excited. The King was absolutely handsome.

Evelia never really kept up with recent events, but from what she had heard, King Noctis Lucis Caelum was a good ruler and well loved by his people. He had been praised by his decisive and swift take on handling the matters of his kingdom, but he also listened to his people. When the new Council had been appointed some months ago, it was a real feat how the King had kept the political bickering to a bare minimum, urging his advisors to keep the people’s best interests first. Things were really looking up for Insomnia.

A furry flash of grey dashed past Evelia, the motion making her turn.

“Oh, Lucifer, you’re not after another mouse, are you? I might need to check the traps…”

The fat cat positioned himself behind the couch, chin on the floor, eyes fixated under the piece of furniture.

Evelia frowned and shooed the cat away from stalking any potential living beings hiding under the couch. If there would be any mice in the traps that she had set in the basement, she would have to make another walk to the park near the wall surrounding Insomnia to set them free. Her stepmother had given clear instructions that any rodents found in the house were to be killed on sight, and Lucifer had taken the instructions to heart.

Days passed and turned into weeks. Drisella and Anastasia were all about the ball. It was the only topic that was talked about in the house as the July 15th drew closer.

The day the celebration of the Dawn Break at the Citadel would finally begin, Evelia walked to work half an hour early. She just couldn’t stand to stay at home, even though her half-sisters were still asleep like they would be most likely until midday.

Last few weeks had been ever more horrible than usually. Evelia had had to run all over the city to fetch things for her sisters for the ball and help them try on the most beautiful gowns and jewelry she had ever laid her eyes on. Evelia had not discussed her participation in the festivities with her stepmother. She knew she would not be allowed to join, but shook the thought away, reminding herself to stay positive.

Evelia went through and organized everything behind the counter; thought there wasn’t much to do because she had done the same thing before leaving work the day before. It was five minutes until opening time, when her co-worker Caitlin barged through the front door. Evelia lifted her gaze when she heard the doorbell jingle.

“Hey Cait,” she greeted her co-worker.

“Morning, Eve. Sorry I’m late again,” Caitlin huffed taking off her coat and shoulder bag.

“It’s okay, I was only just going to open up,” Evelia calmed and smiled.

Until noon, the day was tediously normal. The café was half-full most of the time and lunchtime was as busy as ever. Evelia was just making a latte macchiato for a customer when the doorbell jingled again. A pair of men paced behind the line at the counter, looking at the large blackboard menu on the wall.

Evelia eyed them curiously. They were both wearing dark and modest clothing, but something made them stick out. The taller one with long hair on a ponytail was very muscular and had two long scars on his face, one on the forehead and another one along the cheek. The shorter man, who was still taller than Evelia, wore a hoodie and had his hood on, so she couldn’t distinguish anything but the side profile of his nose and cheeks.

Evelia was serving the next customer in the line, when Caitlin bumped her ribs gently with her elbow.

“Are you seeing this? Two words: Wow. Hot,” Caitlin whispered to Evelia and eyed hungrily the taller man.

Evelia glanced at them again as she placed the just finished coffee order on the counter.

He was definitely Caitlin’s type as far as Evelia knew. This time she could see the face of the other man too. His eyes were the most amazing shade of sapphire blue and he looked somehow familiar. Evelia just quite couldn’t put her finger on it.

“Remember to smile,” Caitlin purred in Evelia’s ear before returning to serve her customers.

Evelia plastered the most genuine smile she could muster on her face.

“Hello, what can I get for you?” she said, her gaze darting between the two men. She had to resist the urge to look away bashfully when her eyes locked with the pair of sapphire gems. How was it even possible for a man to have enchanting eyes like those?

“Hi, I’ll have a double espresso to go, please,” the taller man ordered, taking a glance at beaming Caitlin, who was hovering behind the counter and shooting thirsty looks at him. He flashed a smile at her, making her flush instantly.

“Uh, hey and I’d like a large cappuccino, please.” The shorter man smiled hesitantly at Evelia.

Evelia bit the insides of her lips hearing the man’s voice. He sounded so nice and pleasant.

“Will you have it to go too?” Evelia asked, taking the chance to study his features. He really looked familiar, but from where could she have known him? They must have never met, because he didn’t seem to recognize her either.

“Yeah, please.”

Evelia turned to make their coffees, poking at her brain, trying to figure out who the man behind the counter was.

“This is a nice place, ain’t it, Noct?” Evelia heard the taller man say to his companion.

“Yeah and it’s a convenient walk away from the Citadel.”

Citadel? Evelia didn’t know anyone working there. Unless…

She turned to look at the two men, suddenly realizing who they were.

“Is everything okay?” the King’s Shield asked her, furrowing his brows lightly at the abrupt movement.

Evelia caught herself staring at the King of Lucis when she should have been making his coffee order.

“Uh, would you like soy milk or regular in the cappuccino?” she asked hastily. Usually customers, who ordered something with milk, would define the type they would like to have without asking separately.

“Regular is fine, thanks,” the King said and his hesitant smile widened into a gentle one.

Evelia nodded dumbfound and turned back to the coffee machine.

When the King and his Shield left the through the glass door with their cups, Caitlin instantly jumped next to Evelia.

“Oh by the Gods, do men like that really exist?” she heaved squeezing Evelia’s arm.

“Aren’t you excited,” Evelia smirked at her.

“Hello? Did you see them?” Caitlin jested.

Evelia sighed, amused at Caitlin’s enthusiasm and went back to serve the next customer. Yes, of course she had seen the King and his Shield visiting their small café. For the rest of the day whenever Evelia was making coffee orders, her thoughts wandered into those sapphire blue eyes and a gentle smile.

The workday was over too soon and Evelia headed home. She knew that she wouldn’t be let in would she try to come home late without asking for permission to stay out first.

“Evelia dear, please clean the ash from the fireplace,” her stepmother said not even looking at her when she walked through the front door.

“Mother, can we talk?” Evelia began carefully.

“Evelia, the fireplace. You can’t light a fire in there if it’s already full.”

“Yes, of course, mother. I will fetch the dustpan now,” she said and bit her lip, frantically thinking about how to phrase her words. She took a deep breath as she came back to the living room, where her stepmother was sitting on the couch, reading a book. Evelia swept the ashes from the fireplace as swiftly as she could, spilling the grey dust on her clothing in her haste.

“Mother?” Evelia began confidently.

Her stepmother let out a heavy sigh. “Yes, Evelia? Spit it out.”

“Can I go to the ball tonight?” she splurted out hastily. The book closed with a loud bang.

“You? To the ball? Don’t be ridiculous. The invitation was obviously meant for the noble families of Lucis.”

“But I am a part of this family, aren’t I?” Evelia said, gripping the dustpan with both hands. Her heart was jumping in her throat, making speaking difficult.

Her stepmother eyed her for a moment. “Very well, you can go”–Evelia’s heart made a flip–“if you can finish your duties for the weekend before”–and sank.

“But there’s only hours before the ball, I–“

“Oh, my dear, you’re breaking your mother’s heart with that picketing! You have your terms, now I suggest you hurry up.”

A catty fit of giggles wafted from the doorway. Drisella and Anastasia trundled into the room, still laughing at the absurd idea of their little sister going to a royal ball. Their mother flashed a derisive grin at Evelia.

“Poor Evelia. All covered in ash!” Drisella blew on the dustpan Evelia was holding. She had to close her eyes to shield them as the ash scattered all over her. Drisella and Anastasia burst out in wicked laughter.

“Cinder-Evelia! You should be named Cinderelia! That would suit you better!” Anastasia mocked making her sister laugh even harder.

“Poor, poor Cinderelia!” the sisters chirped maliciously in choir.

Their mother stood up from the couch, making unappreciative clicks with her tongue.

“Clean this mess up, Evelia. Girls, you should be getting ready for the royal ball. Why are you still standing there?” she said shooing her daughters away and turned to Evelia. “If there was any uncertainty on the matter; no, you can’t come to the ball unless you finish your duties first.”

Evelia did not know what to say. Silent tears were rolling down her cheeks as she stood still with the dustpan in her hands. Everything was so unfair. Why did they treat her like this? She had done absolutely nothing to deserve their mockery and ire. Evelia sank on her knees to the floor and while heaving heavily from the sobs of despair, she swiped the floor clean from the ash.

She went to her room to get cleaned up and rest, but was soon called to help Drisella and Anastasia get dressed.

Their evening dresses were way too exuberant for Evelia’s tastes. She really didn’t think that showing their decolletes so generously would catch the King’s eye. He hadn’t seemed like a man who would be interested in a woman based on the amount of skin she was showing.

As Evelia was putting hair spray on Anastasia’s hairdo, she thought about the pair of blue eyes she had met with that day. Evelia would have happily become better acquainted with their owner. Of course, the thought was ridiculous. He was the king and she wasn’t even allowed to go to the ball so she could gaze at him from afar. Still, the memory of that warm smile made her heart flutter in a way she had not ever felt before.

“Are you ready girls?” Evelia’s stepmother asked appearing at the doorframe. “Oh, you look so lovely my daughters! I know one of you will make your mother very proud. And royal.” The trio giggled and Evelia sneered at them in disdain.

“Bye bye, Cinderelia!” Drisella and Anastasia chirped in glee, “We’ll tell you all about how handsome the King is when we get back!”

“I can’t wait,” Evelia muttered after they had left the room.

The otherwise empty house was silent as Evelia paced into her room. She flopped on the bed and hugged her moogle plushie. Well, there was no point in moping about the once-in-a-lifetime royal ball anymore. She wasn’t going to go there and instead it would be better to just focus on the bright side – Like the fact that the house was for once, empty and peaceful.

“Looks like it’s just us now, Mr. Moogle… and Lucifer somewhere, probably sleeping on mother’s bed. Should we watch TV– What was that?”

A faint blue glow reflected on the window, pulsing curiously. Evelia jumped up from the bed and went to look. The garden seemed to be empty.

Evelia screamed in surprise when another blue glimpse suddenly appeared in the air. She squeezed the soft moogle toy tighter and went downstairs with careful steps. It had probably just been a light from a car or something, or maybe someone was messing with her. The kids in the neighborhood liked that sort of pranks and would howl in laughter when they saw her coming outside, all shaky.

However, when Evelia arrived in the garden, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Nearby street lights were casting their soft, yellow light on the orderly flowerbeds. The large maple tree was humming gently in the light wind.

“Hello?” Evelia hooted looking around her.

“Good evening,” a soft voice called out from behind her. She stifled a scream and turned quickly.

A dark haired woman in a black dress with golden ribbons around her waist stood before Evelia, smiling gently as if nothing could please her more than being there in that moment.

“Who are you?” Evelia asked. A warm aura surrounded the mystery woman, making Evelia somehow feel safe. Her grip of the stuffed moogle loosened.

“Gentiana is my name. I am a messenger,” she answered. Evelia noticed her eyes were closed as she spoke.

“Oh. Nice to meet you, Gentiana,” Evelia said trying to figure out what was happening. What was a messenger of the Gods doing in their garden? Because that was the only thing that the mysterious woman could be. Evelia had heard stories of them, spirits bound to the Six gods. She could not even pretend to understand why one would be approaching her.

Gentiana paced around Evelia, as if taking in her form.

“I will help you,” she said.

Evelia was confused. “I didn’t realize I needed help,” she said with a nervous chuckle. Good thing that Mr. Moogle was with her to make her feel more confident.

“You do not wish to attend the ball?” Gentiana asked stopping.

“Oh, I would, but my stepmother wouldn’t let me. And I wouldn’t even have anything to wear if did. All my clothes are so worn out,” Evelia said and lowered her eyes on the ground. She had been almost over the sore disappointment.

“Do not worry, young maiden. Tonight is your turn to shine,” Gentiana said, and without a further explanation she lifted her hands in the air and spun her wrists around, fingers following the motion elegantly. The same kind blue-hued shine as before began swirling around her like a mist.

Evelia was about to take a step back, but the blue glow spread from Gentiana’s palm and surrounded her. It spun in the air and Evelia looked when the fabrics on her shifted in shape and color. Dark grey became light, icy blue. Worn out coarse threads weaved into the lightest silk. A detailed lace spread over Evelia’s shoulders, shaping short sleeves.

The gown was stunningly beautiful – It’s only details the lace and a wide ribbon around Evelia’s upper waist. The hem descended subtly, just barely covering the matte nude-colored heels. The back of the gown was generously, but tastefully open, revealing the forms of Evelia’s shoulder blades.

“This– this is too much”, Evelia breathed spinning around in the dress. Her hair was tied up with braids, decorated with pearls travelling on both sides of her scalp, and forming into a neat bun.

“In the street, you shall find a vehicle to take you,” Gentiana said pleased.

Evelia was still staring at her new clothes, hands gently feeling out the hairdo.

“You shall need this too,” Gentiana said and gave Evelia an invitation to the ball. She took it with shaky hands. She was speechless.

“Go now, love lost in the tide of darkness, but remember, when the new day begins its first hour, the magic will disappear,” Gentiana said.

“I will. Thank you,” Evelia said and hurried to the car. No matter the time, midnight would come too soon for her.

“The king of kings deserves happiness, may you bestow it upon him,” Gentiana said in the empty garden and disappeared.

Next Chapter

#ffxv fanfiction #noctis x oc #noctis lucis caelum #ffxv #ffxv oc #final fantasy xv #fanfiction #oc #cinderelia #evelia orelia #gladiolus amicitia #caitlin felineia #gentiana #my writings

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