i wrote this my senior year, when, in my german class, we were reading the brothers Grimm fairy tales. *sighs * those two were masters......^.^

now, America has horribly, horribly massacred these wonderful classics, especially disney. so, i decided to re-write a few...well, cinderella's my only one so far, and mostl likey will be. so, you guys'll get to see how cinderella really was written, though, i did add a few things.......like, the part about duo being a princess, and the locket, and the 2 kingdoms- all the stuff at the beginning of the story. but the rest is the way the Grimms wrote it.

wonderful, brillant men, those two.....so this is dedicated to them ^.^

SUMMARY: duo is cinderella, hiro is the prince. and forget the pumpkin-turned-carriage, the mice, and the fairy god mother.

WARNINGS: yaoi, forced cross-dressing, 1x2, some minor bloodshed (*smirks * the stepsisters do get it in the end...)

i just wanna go on the record and say, i absolutely hate and abhor with a passion the disney cinderella, but i wuvs the Grimm's version so much ^.^ *sighs happily *

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ASHEN PUNTEL

Cinderella

(the authentic german version, with a gw twist!)

Once upon a time, there lived a noble king and his much adored wife. Their only sorrow in life was the wife was barren. After many years of trying, the queen fineally conceived. They prayed for a daughter, so that she could be wed to the neighboring king's only son and heir to the throne, thus uniting the two close kingdoms. The neighboring king, Treize, was close friends, indeed, a soul-brother, of king Miliardo. Their wives, Queen Une and Noin, had never been close, but obeyed their kings' wishes, and were civil to eachother. The fact that Noin's daughter was to marry Une's son seemed to grow the two ladies closer together. The kings ruled their countries fair and just, and the people loved them and their families, joyously awaiting the day when the princess would be wed to the crown prince. Indeed, the rulers were so eager to forge an unbreakable bond with their countries that they drew up the marriage contract before the girl was even born, and the little prince barely more than 3.

Anticipation grew as Noin's pregnancy drew at an end. All of their hopes and dreams would begin to come true with the birth of this special girl. Miliardo and Noin were visiting Treize and Une, as they so often did, and vice versa, when it happened. Noin went into labor. The kingdom held it's collective breath; the news spread like wildfire. Servants, from the king's valet down to the goose girl, crowded into the royal chamber until both kings kicked everyone out except for themselves, Une, and the midwife. A baby's wail rent the room, and the midwife was shaking her head sadly. Something was wrong. Noin had given birth to a boy. The kings were in shock. Noin was recovering from the birthing. The midwife was silent; her only busniness was in the birthing, and tending mother and child. Une stood silent as well, her mind working swiftly. Everything was going perfect, both residents of the kingdoms rejoicing. Even now, in taverns all over both countries, mugs were being raised to the little princess and prince. The marriage contract had been approved by the Pope, and signed by both royal families, bearing all three seals. The union was blessed, and must be followed through. This just made things a little more difficult, it still didn't mean the marriage wouldn't take place.

Une smiled and told the others of her plan. The kings were shocked and outraged at first, then, as they mulled the idea over, realised it was for the better of both countries. Noin was in shock now and reached protectively for her baby. But the midwife held it, unsure of who to give it to; the new mother's waiting arms, or the other queen's. She looked to her lords' for guidance, and, at their nod, gave the baby to Une. The procedure was finished expertly and quickly, and the wailing, bloody child was handed back to Noin, who crooned to her little daughter as she suckled, drinking of her mother's milk.

There was a great feast to honor Princess Duo's birth. She was named duo, or double, to stand for the two nations. Nobles and knights from the far corners of the countries gathered to celebrate, and the peasants, artisans, merchants and serfs all took the day off from labor to toast the future unification of both nations. A special palace exactly in the middle of both kingdoms, was going to be the future home of the prince and baby princess, and the new capital of the newly united nations; the construction was to commence the day after the celebration. The great banquet was being held in an open field, on the ground which the castle was to be built, on a beautiful, warm day.

Young Prince Heero shuffled his feet and approached the flowered cradle hesitantlly. A tiny golden locket was held in his 5 year old fist. He didn't want to do this, but Papa had said that it was his duty, so he obeyed. Sometimes, he hated being a prince. Doubtfully, he stood on tiptoes and peered over the cradle's wooden edge. A tiny baby was wrapped in layers of purple, pink, and ivory blankets. Two big, curious violet eyes peered out at him. He was surprised by the depth and flickering shades of lilac and deep amethyst in those orbs. He blinked. The baby smiled with her cute rosebud mouth and blew a rasperry at him. A good sized spit bubble floated past her and up by his face. It popped by his nose, and he shook his head. The baby laughed, her eyes shining at him. He moved to touch her soft, round baby cheek when the locket clenched in his fist dangled before her. She giggled and reached out with chubby baby arms at it. Afraid she would break it, he held it up; he was supposed to give it to Queen Noin to hold until her daughter was of age.

It was supposed to be his first gift to his intended bride. His amusement died at the thought that someday he was going to marry this squealing, squirming bundle. When his parents told him this, he'd naturally objected. They ignored him, Queen Une comforting him only by saying that she'd grow, they both would, and he would change his mind. Yeah right. But the baby's skin was a soft ivory, and her features, eventhough she was only a baby, was delicate. Heero had heard the ladies of his father's court say the baby was going to be a great beauty. She is now. Well, maybe marriage to her wouldn't be that bad.

Prince Heero shook his head and suddenly turned away, dashing to Queen Noin's side and thrusting the locket at her. She smiled when she saw him glance back at the cradle, then she broke the locket in 2, and put the other half on another golden chain, which she fastened around Heero's childish neck. When the people saw this, the burst into applause. It seemed as if nothing could happen to break the plans. It was destiny these two should marry and unite the kingdoms. And, apparently, fall in love.

On the way back from the new, yet to be built castle to the old, when they were still in the country, King Miliardo and Queen Noin were attacked by a band of masked men. Not a single living being from the entire train and entourage was left living, safe the baby princess who, when the royal carriage had been toppled over, had rolled out of her numerous blankets and into a bramble bush. The ambushers only found the muddied blankets, and, as the child was unconscious and made no noise,was passed over by them.

Now, as luck would have it, a rich lord and his lady, the only two nobles in the entire kingdoms who didn't attend the feast, were out for a walk. Or, rather, Lord Maxwell was, as his wife, the kind and gentle Helen, was too ill. Poor Helen had been plagued by a wasting sickness which caused her to be barren. The couple had prayed fruitlessly for years for a child. If not one from Helen's own diseased womb, then at least a child off of the streets whom they could adopt. But no child had come.

Lord Maxwell was strolling by the main road when he heard a faint mewling coming from somewhere. He glanced around, and saw no one. There was nothing there. When he heard the noise again, he found it was coming from a bush. He listened closely, following it, and spread the branches apart to find...a baby. A little, newly born girl with no blankets, no protection of anykind against the elements. From her sickly appearance, she had been abandoned for quiet some time, maybe almost 2 or 3 whole days. She was lucky no wild animal had come and finished her off.

Lord Maxwell quickly knelt and gathered the child to him. He glanced around the field closer now, but found nothing except traces of dried blood on the grass. The insufferable amount of blood found when peering close up at the root of the green blades and soil hinted at a massacre of somekind, but there were no bodies. Indeed, there was no evidence of anykind. Clearly, this poor child was all that was left of her family. Sure that his prayers had been answered, the man turned home, clutching the baby to him and rushing to show his sick wife.

So, Lord and Lady Maxwell took the child in and raised her as their own. Lady Maxwell put the baby's locket in a special jewlery box designed just for the locket. The baby was an utter mystery. They were too overcome with joy at their good fortune, however, to question the origin of the locket, the baby's strange scars, and the fact that she was the only survivor of a massacre, and the only massacre recently had been that of the king, queen and missing princess. They did put two and two together, but said nothing, for this is what they had been dreaming of for many years. So, the baby princess grew into a beautiful young maiden.

When the girl was 12, Lady Maxwell fineally succumbed to her wastng illness. On her deathbed, she called her beloved daughter to her, and told her the truth of her origins. "Mama, you mean I'm actually a princess?" Lady Maxwell smiled and nodded, telling her daughter everything. "No matter what, you'll always be my mama." The girl said, nuzzling against her mother's weak body and fighting back tears. "Beloved, you are a princess. You always were to me. Just remember I loved you." "Mama...." The girl clutched the box Lady Maxwell had given her, and gave into her tears.

Lady Maxwell was buried in her favorite spot in the garden behind the house. Lord Maxwell , grief stricken, turned into a cold, heartless beast. He ignored his daughter, wanting no reminder of the painful past with his wife. He couldn't even stand the sight of his once loved daughter, his pride and joy. When he saw her, he would throw things at her, abuse her, rail at her, until she saught refuge in the deserted servant's quarters. The servants had long since run away, driven off by their lord's foul temper. Soon, Lord Maxwell remarried to a bitter old spinster, Dorothy, and her wicked daughters, Relena and Sylvia.

They took advantage of Lord Maxwell's ignorance and abused poor Duo even worse that her father did. The girl was so heart broken, she didn't have the will to fight back. They forced her to do all of the chores and housework. She was little more than a slave. If she tried to protest, she was quickly beaten into submission. Normally, she would have fought back and stubbornly refused to submit, easliy defeating them all with her strength of will and determination, but she was too overcome with loss. Everyday, she went to her mother's grave to weep.

Her days were hard and tiresome. Her once soft hands became calloused. Dorothy took away all of her fine gowns and her room was given to Dorothy's own bratty daughters. Duo was forced to wear old rags and the only place for her to sleep was in the kitchen, by the fireplace. The sisters found this hilarious, and saddled her with the nickname Aschenpuntel, or Cinderella. If Duo had had enough energy to care, she would've objected, but as the years wore on, she lost more and more of her love for life. Her only solace lay in visiting her mother's grave, and in the jewelry box. Late at night, as she cried herself to sleep, she took the box out of it's hiding place in a loose plank on the kitchen floor. She opened it and it played a soft, beautiful lullaby which lulled her to sleep. In the special box was a locket that had let her keep her real name. Inscribed on it was Princess Duo.

One day, Lord Maxwell was going to the court of King Treize. Since the death of King Milliardo and Queen Noin, both countries had been ruled by King Treize, who claimed that, through the marriage contract, the lands would all one day belong to his son. The people gradually blended together throughout the years, though not in the joyful way they had imagined. What had transpired had been forgotten by all except the royal family.

Lord Maxwell asked his stepdaughters what they would like. Sylvia wanted the finest silks and satins for gowns, while Relena wanted exotic jewels and expensive pearls. Feeling obligated, he also asked what Duo wanted. The sad girl said she wanted the first branch that knocked his hat off on his journey. He snorted but agreed.

When Lord Maxwell returned from his trip, he gave out the presents. Duo immediately ran to her mother's grave and planted the branch, a symbol of the happy times the three of them had had together. Those memories brought on a familiar ache in her chest, where her heart should have been, and stemmed the flow of tears that fell onto the branch and soil. When Duo cried every night, her tears watered the branch, which grew into a beautiful tree that went unnoticed by the others in the garden. A pair of pure white turtle doves came to nest in the tree. The always watched over the princess, and, as she lay in the dirt crying, would imitate the lullaby of her jewelry box. So, on warm summer and spring nights, Duo slept outside, near her mother's grave. The doves also, as she cried, would grant her any wish her pure heart made.

In the palace, things weren't going so good either. Prince Heero was going to turn 18 soon, and, in the marriage contract, was to be wedded to Princess Duo when she reached 16 years, which would be in a few short months after Heero's birthday. Heero had grown up strong, tall, handsome and brave, a true warrior and hero indeed. Yet he also remembered kindness in his heart. He was a perfect marksman with his bow, excellent hunter, warrior, and jouster. He excelled in his studies, too. He had learned long ago all the vast knowledge King Treize's scholars could part to him, every scrap of information they possessed, until he knew all of the kingdom's secrets. Infact, his father had to send him to the Far East to continue his education, and within a year or two, he had returned with a close friend and battle companion, Prince Wufei, who was accompanied Heero home to avoid an arranged marriage.

That was Prince Heero's only flaw; he, like Wufei, despised women. He avoided them like the plague. He was never disrespectful, and upheld all chilvaric codes, but never was he interested in them. The King and Queen tried to do their best. Princess Duo, Heero's ideal mate, was dead long ago, but their son was not, and life moved on, which meant that the crown prince needed a bride. They had searched everywhere, inviting princesses from all over to come and meet the prince. They had even gone as far as to ask Wufei to send for his sister. Heero rejected every female brought before him. Treize would have forced him to marry, but Heero was too willful. If forced into marriage, his surly temper surely would bring the already weakened kingdom to its knees.

The time of Heero's marriage was fastly approaching, and there was no bride. The King and Queen were desperate.

They did the only thing possible. A last resort. They invited all the noble young maidens from all over the kingdom. For days, that was all anyone could talk and think about. Fathers made sure to provide the richest materials for gowns: who knew, maybe their little girl would become the next queen? Mothers rushed to drill etiquette, poise, grace, and flattery into their daughters. Girls everywhere rushed about, all of them seeking to win the grand prize; Crown Prince Heero Yuy.

Who, of course, knew none of this. The King and Queen had tried to keep it from him, but Heero was just too clever. After a head to head collision with his father over this, Heero stormed about the castle, forbidden to leave the grounds. Like any one could stop him if he wanted out. But they could hurt his horse: Queen Une had vaguely hinted at the threat of injurying Wing. Heero felt his blood boil as he stalked about the ornate halls, snarling at anyone foolish enough to unfortunately be in his way. He wanted to find Wufei and sulk, but the Chinese boy was out hunting. Damn, he knew he should've gone with him, instead of saying he'd catch up. The last thing he wanted was some cry-baby princess fawning all over him. The mere thought made him sick. Give him blood and battle over home and hearth any day! Yet a haunting pair of shimmering violet eyes made him pause. After all these years, he still remembered her, the baby princess. His future wife. He had never forgotten. For some strange reason, she, even dead, still held his heart. He wondered that, if she were still alive, if he would still be so opposed to marriage? Probably not.

Dorothy was driving her girls crazy, preparing them for the ball. Relena and Sylvia rushed about, trying to make themselves look perfect, practicing what they'd say to the prince, and their dancing and flattering.....er....conversation skills. Duo sat in the kitchen, scrubbing the floor with a worn wooden brush. She sighed, mentally blocking out the noise coming from upstairs. When she had heard the royal announcement, she had wanted to attend. Not to marry the prince, just for a few nights of a dream, something beautiful to remember for the rest of her life. That's all she wanted. A tiny ray of happiness to cherish and help sustain her throughout her dark days. Apparently, even that was too much too ask for. She had been roughly shot down. She had begged and pleaded, to no avail. Relena and Sylvia had teased her mercilessly about this, until Duo, as she so often found herself, was fighting back tears. Over the years, she had learned to control them somewhat, but she had cried so long, and things had gotten so hard, that tears were just a part of every day life for her.

The whisper of heavy skirts outside the door warned her of a female's approach. Dorothy came into the kitchen, just passing through, when Duo saw her chance. Neither of her daughters was with her, so Duo launched herself out, grabbing onto Dorothy's hem. "Please, let me go to the ball. I'll walk there myself. Just please let me go."

Dorothy yanked her skirts away. "Ha! What would the prince want with a dirty little waif like you?"

"But I don't want to dance with the prince: I just want to go! I won't be any trouble!"

"No"

"Please."

"No."

"Please."

"NO!"

"PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE!!!!!!!"

"OH, ALLRIGHT, JUST SHUT UP"

"Arigato."

"Hmph. But first.....you can go if you........."

"NOOOOOOO.................!!!!!!!!!!"

"....get all of the beans and lentils out of the ashes." Dorothy smiled at her stepdaughter's look of dismay and turned and walked away.

Duo knelt, stunned. She could go, if she could pick all of those beans and lentils, a whole bowl full, out of the ashes. It would take forever, and she only had 2 hours. Guess she wasn't going...... Wait a minute...... Duo ran into the garden and knelt beneath the tree and said, "Doves, little turtle doves, and all the birds under Heaven, please come and help me! Put all the good lentils in the bowl, and the bad ones throw out the window."

The birds came, and began to peck at the ashes, seperating the lentils. Peck, peck, peck. Within an hour, the birds had seperated the beans and lentils, then flew out the windo. Duo smiled in thanks, and relief. Now, she could go to the ball! She bounced up to Dorothy, proudly displaying the birds' work. Dorothy snarled and knocked the bowl out of her hands. She told Duo she could go if she could get 2 bowls out of the ashes.....and she threw 2 new bowls of lentils into the ashes of the fireplace. Duo once more called the birds, who came and helped her. They were done in only ½ an hour. Dorothy still wouldn't let her go.

Duo waited until the carriage had pulled out of sight, then ran into the garden. She knelt beneath the tree and sang to the birds. "Doves, tiny turtle doves, please, give me a gown. A beautiful gown of gold and silver." The gown was a fabulous gown of pure white chiffon, and satin shoes. Then, with a tiny puff of smoke, Duo disappeared to the ball.

Heero sighed, none too politely rebuffing the fiftith fortune hunter to throw herself at him. He stalked around the extravagent ball room, trying desperately to fend the female off. Damn, the irritaiting blonde was persistant. He snarled and ducked out of her eyeline. She was calling his name and coming towards him, despite his best efforts to alter that fact. She had reached him and was cooing "Prince Heero." in that screeching voice of hers.

Heero searched about for a quick means of escape: the little bounty hunter wasn't caught up with him yet; there was still hope. All he had to do was...avoid the hundreds of gloved, braceleted arms reaching towards him, vainly attempting to entice him.. Then he saw her. Movin hesitantly amongst the throng of vain beauties was just another young maiden, another fortune-seeker, no doubt. She slunk along the walls and stayed in the shadows, trying to slither her way up to him, he suppossed. Yet she was the only girl whose attention wasn't focused on him; she was busy looking around at the grandure of the castle, as if awed by it. And no doubt wishing to get her greedy clutches on it, he thought with a snarl. Yet when her eyes met his, instead of smiling and bowing flirtatiously, as the others all did, she ducked her head and quickly spun around, heading for the exit.

Intrigued, Heero followed her as she went out into the cavernous hall. He found her leaning against the stone, one hand over her heart and her eyes closed. She seemed flustered and unsure of herself, as if she wanted to remain unnoticed by him. Interesting. Heero studied her intently. She was, his eyes discovered, the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. Her extravagent gown was of pure white chiffon, clinging to her gracious curves and flaring out in folds at her hips. The low cut bodice revealed slender shoulders and shapely arms. Her hair was piled into a perfect curled coiffure, the rich, honeyed brown curls tumbling down to her neck. Flecks of gold and red fire danced amongst those ginger locks. Her skin was smooth alabaster, her lips petal soft pink, and her eyes....they were of a brillance that had haunted him since his childhood, and he felt a sudden flash of recognition in his heart. But it was impossible...she had died when she was but an infant....yet those eyes, those startling clear amethyst eyes, told him different. He cleared his throat to announce his prescence, and the girl jumped like a frightened deer. Heero approached, gazing into her mezmorizing eyes all the while, and thought, one dance with her couldn't hurt.

Duo had kept to the shadows, afraid to be seen by Dorothy or her daughters. She had been enjoying herself immensely until he'd seen her. The prince, the last person she wanted to be noticed by, for if she danced with the prince, she'd be caught for sure. So she'd fled, and thought she'd gotten away. Until he came after her. She cursed herself for a fool as she gazed into his cold cobalt blue eyes. Those eyes.....they seemed so familiar to her, as if, long ago, in another lifetime maybe, she had known this man, this...magnificent god. She shuddered and chided herself for thinking wanton thoughts about the beautiful prince.

Heero didn't miss her little shiver. "'Tis cold out here; you should go in where you'll be warm."

Duo curtsied low, keeping her lashes lowered so as not to meet his eyes. "No, thank you, Sire. 'Tis fine out here. Now, if you'll excuse me, Your Highness, I'd best be going. Good-day." Duo turned, but the prince caught her arm.

"One dance is all I want. Then I'll let you go. Besides, 'tis the purpose of the ball." Duo blushed and tried to tug her arm free. If she danced with him, she'd be caught for sure! Yet, how could she refuse her lord and prince? She was aught but a servant girl, after all. No, you're not, her mind said sharply, you are a princess. Your mama said so. As such, surely you, more than anyone else, are entitled to at least one dance with him. Besides, what other girl in rags could say they danced with the crown prince? 'Twould make the lonely, cold nights by the fire place more bearable, to think that she, poor, abused Duo, had danced with the king!

"Just one?" She questioned.

"Aye." Duo nodded her ascent, and Heero led her back in, firmly keeping his hand on her elbow, lest she try to bolt. He didn't know why, but this beautiful, girl captivated him. It was just the fact that while the other girls were dying to dance with him, she wanted nothing more than to be rid of his very prescence, and the way she talked to him. She didn't simper and fawn like those foolish pansies did; she only accorded him with the respect due his rank, yet with an abruptness that amused him.

Noble young ladies watched with bitter, jealous eyes as the prince danced with this mysterious, stunning girl. No one knew who she was, or where she came from, but she twirled naturally in the prince's arms as if they'd been made for one another. One dance turned into another and another. Prince Heero danced with her all night, much to the other girls' dismay, and the royal family's delight.

Heero waltzed about the floor with the girl, who stepped light and swift as a warm summer's breeze. After all those hours spent dancing, he couldn't deny that he was attracted to this girl. He hadn't felt a pull this strong since...since he was five years old, peering into a baby's cradle. He didn't even know her name or where she was from, but he knew he loved her. Maybe even enough to marry. After the first few dances, she had loosened up and talked to him, her words making his heart sing. Yet she dodged his questions. Whenever he asked her, she would grow silent, purse her lips, and a faraway look would come into her eyes.

Soon, the end of the first night of the dance was coming. With an hour left, Duo suddenly pulled out of the prince's arms. So sudden was she, that he didn't have time to react before she had slipped away once again. Heero raced after her, but she was gone. He spotted a man leaning against a wall and demanded to know if he'd seen her. The man, Lord Maxwell, had caught just a glimpse of the girl. He thought she'd looked familiar, but he couldn't be sure.

When Dorothy and the others got home, they found Aschenpuntel's chores finished, and the little ragamuffin asleep by the cold hearth. They noisliy woke her up and made her help them undress. Relena and Sylvia prattled on and on about the ball, exagerating many of the details to make her jealous.

"Oh, the palace is just ever so lovely." Sylvia whined.

"Oh, yes, I couldn't agree more. Everything was going beautifully, I would have been queen by now, if she hadn't shown up!" Relena hissed.

"She?" Duo prompted. She needn't have bothered; the girls had been waiting to vent their frustrations.

"Oooh, that little witch!"

" I was supposed to dance with the prince all night, not her."

"How I'd love to break that delicate little neck of hers!"

Finishing up, Duo went back to sleep chuckling softly. Her? Delicate? Okay, maybe, yeah, but she could take out Relena and Sylvia blind with one arm tied behind her back. Now, the prince, well....she'd certainly put up a good fight!

The next night, after Dorothy and the others had left for the ball, Duo once more went out into the garden, under the trees, and asked the birds for a beautiful gown. This one was even more beautiful than before, all white with silver trim. At the palace, the prince immediately sought her out, and they danced together once more. The other girls were jealous of Duo, and the noble men of Heero. The king and queen were quite pleased, but no one knew who the beautiful girl was, and Heero had kept his mouth shut when they questioned him.

Heero held the girl in his arms as they twirled about the dance floor. She had lost her reserve around him, showing him her true care-free, spirited nature. The more he talked to her, got to know her, the more he was certain she was meant to be his bride. She was so different from the others. Even Wufei had remarked favorably upon her. As enchanting as her gown was, Heero wanted nothing more than to rid her of it, and find the soft alabaster curves beneath. The thought of that supple body beneath his, moaning with pleasure just for him, sent him afire. He held her back slightly, lest she discover the course his thoughts had taken.

Duo's heart fluttered a little as the prince pushed her back. They had been dancing close, too close, and she had fallen into a delighted half doze as they waltzed together, lulled by the warmth of his body heat and strong, encompassing arms. She wondered what it would be like to feel his hard steel body against hers, his mouth on hers.......she gasped, and his eyes widened at the slight sound. "What?" he asked, concerned. She just shook her head. He took her elbow. "Come, I think some fresh air would do you good." She allowed herself to be led into the garden.

The moon was full and bright, shining its soft light upon the blooming bushes and shrubs, dancing off the rippling water. Duo sighed at the beauty of it, leaning her head against the prince's shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her waist and drew her closer. She started to stiffen, remembering that she could never have him, this was the only time allowed her with him, but as soon as her body made contact with his, all else was forgotten.

Heero caught her other hand and pulled her around to face him. "I would know the name of my heart's one desire." Duo had been listing closer to Heero, but suddenly stopped. She whirled around only to have him snag her hand and pull her back. "Nay- " she began, but was cut off by the prince's full, firm lips on hers, his tongue gently licking and begging for entrance. She gasped, and his tongue entered her mouth, plundering its sweet depths.

Heero couldn't beleive he'd lost his infamous control just now. But she felt so good, soft, and warm...he couldn't resist just a small taste of that alluring honey. And, oh, what a taste it was! He could feel himself drowning in the richness of her. His body shuddered, and he deepened the kiss.

Duo's heart was hammering in her chest, and she felt suddenly light-headed. Her first kiss! And by the prince, the man she loved but could never have. That sobering thought quickly punctured the envelope of warmth and happiness she was floating in. Coming back to her senses, she quickly pulled away and ran. She succedded b/c the prince wasn't suspecting it, but he recovered quickly enough and took off in pursuit. He was good, she had to give him credit for that much, at least. But he still wasn't good enough.

Duo was asleep once the others returned home, the girls once more flustered over her.

The crown prince was growing frustrated. Tonight was the last night of the ball, and he still didn't know her name, or where she lived! It was driving him mad! And after last night, holding her close in his arms, and sampling her sweet nectar, he knew he had to have her. It galled him, that the only female able to capture his interest should spurn him so. He began to formulate a plan for tonight.........

That night, Heero and Duo danced as they had the previous nights. When the time came for Duo to flee, Heero let her go, but chased in pursuit anyway, just in case he did catch her. Duo flew down the stairs; she was going to get away! Her heart hammered at her to escape quickly, lest she be caught and found out. But something happened at the bottom of the stairs. She gave a tiny cry as her foot wouldn't lift, and she fell. Looking over her shoulder, she saw the prince swiftly coming, and she scrammbled to her feet, forgetting about the shoe stuck in the tar.

Heero knelt down and plucked the shoe out of the tar he'd ordered placed there. "I shall only marry the girl whose foot fits into this slipper." he declared.

So, the next day, the crown prince went to each noble man's home whose female occupants had been in attendance of the ball, and had them try on the shoe. Fineally, he came to Lord Maxwell's house. Dorothy ushered him with a greedy glint in her eyes when she saw the small, golden shoe. She was certain Relena or Sylvia's feet would fit it; her daughters were beautiful, and their feet were no exception.

Dorothy insisted on helping the girls try it on, just to be sure. Sylvia tried it on first. She couldn't get her toes in, so Dorothy hissed, "Give me your foot and I'll cut your toes off. When you're queen, you won't have to walk." So Sylvia gritted her teeth as her mother whipped out the knife she always seemed to keep handy and chopped off her two smallest toes. She bit back a cry of pain as her foot slipped easliy into the shoe. She kept a tight smile plastered to her face, fighting off the pain in her foot as the prince led her out to his horse.

Something wasn't right. Heero could feel it in his bones. This girl didn't have honeyed brown hair and captivating violet eyes. She was...just another female fortune hunter. Yet, the shoe fit, and he had vowed to marry whoever's foot fit in the shoe. So, he was bound to marry her. He gave a long-suffering sigh. Perhaps the fey creature who held his heart was not of this realm, a faerie or sprite playing a mischivous trick on him.

He mounted Wing behind the girl, and the snow white stallion trotted off. To exit the estate, they had to pass through the garden. As they passed the most beautiful tree there, a pair of pure white turtle doves suddenly caught his eye and sang out,

"Cuckoo, cuckoo.

There's blood in the shoe.

The foot's too long.

This is not the proper bride."

Heero halted and glanced down. Blood was indeed seeping out of the show. He glanced at the girl, who gave him a weak smile. He snorted and whirled Wing around, elated that his heart hadn't been mistaken, and now he was free of her. He dropped her off unceremoniously at her mother's feet and demanded to see the other girl. Surely, this must be his mysterious beloved.

Dorothy used sly and cunning words to convince the prince to let her help her second daughter. Heero reluctantly nodded. He really didn't feel like dealing with the girl, who seemed prone to whining. He groaned inwardly, thinking he didn't want to be saddled with her for the rest of his life, and praying that the shoe didn't fit. Dorothy stood infront of the prince, shieldig his view of the fitting. She needn't have bothered; Heero wasn't paying much attention.

Relena's foot slid easily into the shoe. She smiled in triumph, which was short-lived. Her foot fit nicely, except for her heel, which was too big. Dorothy grabbed her foot and said, "You're heel's too big; I'll cut it off so the shoe will fit. You won't need to walk once you're queen." Relena absently ascented. She wanted to be queen so badly, to be by the prince's side forever and ever. She sighed dreamily then almost screeched in pain. Her foot slid perfectly into the shoe and she walked with difficulty, biting back the pain. The prince seemed not to notice.

Relena was thankful when he lifted her onto his horse. Her foot still hurt, but it was a pleasure not to put any pressure on it. Besides, she showed her sister who was better deserving of the crown, she thought smugly. She could handle pain or whatever it took to gain what she wanted. And, she really did love the prince, or at least his good looks, and Sylvia had just wanted the crown. Relena was satisfied with the whole package. She was sure she'd come to love the prince for his personality, once she got to know him. She would've been completely in love already if it hadn't been for that damn little frothy bubble stealing her man... She ground her teeth together then smiled smirked. She, not that little trollop, was sitting in the prince's lap. Relena ignored the pain in her heel by snuggling against the prince, who stiffened at the intimite contact. She had been right, she congratulated herself, she had known he was shy!!!

Heero stiffened and pushed the girl away from him. He was sure now fate was playing some cruel, miserable joke and laughing merrily at his expense. He gnashed his teeth in frustration. Damn it! He wanted the warm, wild dancing partner in his arms, not the agitating little blonde who had hunted him until the other girl had saved him from her hungry clutches. Yet, the shoe did fit her. But she didn't have a laughing smile or shining purple eyes. She didn't make his heart sing. She wasn't his true love. But the shoe fit. And he had given his word. And he didn't know where to find his love.

He closed his eyes and prayed when the passed the tree. Sure enough, the birds sang out:

"Cuckoo. Cuckoo.

There's blood in the shoe.

The foot's too long.

This is not the proper bride."

Heero grinned in relief and whirled Wing around, startling the blonde in his lap, who launched into a verbal tongue bashing that made him extra thankful to be rid of her irksome prescence.

Heero turned on Dorothy, snarling and demanding to know if there were any other females in the house. She said no, but just at that moment, Lord Maxwell arrived back from the king's court. He said absentmindedly, "Yes." After a hostile look from his second wife, he added hastily, "But she's just a scullery maid. Nothing worthwile." Heero still demanded to see her. So, reluctantly, Lord Maxwell called for his forgotten daughter.

While all this was going on, Duo paced up and down in the kitchen, wringing her hands in frustration and fear, and fretting to herself. She very much wanted to go out and reveal herself to the prince, but was afraid of what would happen. If he knew the truth about her, he might reject her, shattering what little happiness she had had in her short life. She eeped when she heard her father call her name, which he hadn't done in years. Trembling, the choice was now taken out of her hands; she had no choice but to obey. Before she came, however, she could at least make herself look somewhat presentable. She brushed her tangled, loose locks and washed her face and hands.

She opened the door, and the crown prince himself led her to a stool. Then he gently raised her skirts, his palms ghosting along the exposed skin of her calf and down to her ankle. She had growled in frustration as first Sylvia, then Relena had been able to fit into her shoe. Duo was small; she always had been of a delicate build. She knew for a fact that the wicked stepsisters' feet was bigger than hers, though not by much. The prince's hands cradled her small foot for a few seconds before slipping the shoe on. It fit perfectly.

Heero held his breath as a slender girl in dirty rags was brought before him. Seeing the look on his face, Dorothy attempted to shove her back into the kitchen, but he wouldn't permit it. He wasn't disgusted or repulsed by her; indeed, the girl was very familiar. Since she kept her head down, refusing to look at anyone, he didn't get a good look at her until he knelt by her and cradled her foot in his palm. He looked up into her face and stifled a gasp. Her hair color was vaguely distinguishable, but obscured by the ashes and dirt marring it, but her eyes...she had huge, downcast and heart broken violet eyes. His heart sang as he easily slid the shoe on. This was her, he knew it. Though where a kitchen wench could have gotten such a fine dress as before, he simply didn't care. She was his, he had found her, and he was never letting her go again. He was too happy to care at the moment.

Duo gasped as she was plucked up off the stool and into a pair of familiar, strong arms. She held on tight to his neck, looking back over his shoulder at her father and step mom and sisters. No one was happy for her, but she shrugged them off. They didn't matter now. She had Heero. She smiled and nestled against him.

Heero smiled as he felt her move closer to him. The journey to the castle was going to be a very pleasant one, he thought until he felt her shaking. Frowning, he looked down at her. Doubtfully, he double checked the foot with the shoe, eventhough he knew for a fact there was no blood there; he had put it on her himself. Then what could be wrong? Glancing up, he suddenly found out. Wing. The proud destrier was waiting patiently, strong, tall, and imposing. "You've never ridden before, have you?"

She shook her head, unable to look at the stallion. Heero chuckled. "Don't worry, I"m here; I'll keep you safe." She bit back a whimper of fear as he placed her sideways upon Wing's saddle, then climbed behind her. The prince pulled her back against him, wrapping one solid arm around her waist. He clucked his tongue, and the powerful beast started off into an easy walk. Duo jumped and shifted backwards, into the prince. He held her tighter. "It's allright." he murmurred. She nodded, feeling safe within his arms.

As they passed the tree with the birds, they sang out:

"Cuckoo. Cuckoo.

There's no blood in the shoe.

The foot's just right.

This is the proper bride."

The birds accompanied them to the palace.

tbc......

&&&&&&

there's like only the ending left, but i've never finished it, as is apparent, and i haven't had german in like a year, nearly 2, so i'm a bit rusty, and i can't translate the story anymore, and i've forgotten how the ending went. -_-

so, when i brush up on my german- i'm starting it this fall, 2nd year of college, perhaps i'll get inspired again.