A/N: I’ve finally completed the epilogue. It honestly pains me to post this, because it means the story is truly over. I had so much fun writing it and I’m so thankful to everyone who came on this journey with Barry and Iris. Thank you for all of your support, encouragement, suggestions, and love.
The following spring was the nicest anyone in the Kingdom could remember. The sun shone brightly in a sky dotted with white, cotton ball clouds. Flowers, perfectly in bloom, lined the streets in decoration for the Prince’s wedding. Their sweet perfume gave the crowd of happy people a sense that love was literally in the air.
Church bells rang, but were soon drowned out by the people’s thunderous applause at the sight of the bride and groom exiting the church. Prince Barry and Princess Iris rode in a carriage procession, waving to their people. Children wore toy tiaras and sat atop their parents’ shoulders to get a view of the couple. Adults chatted optimistically about the new era for the Kingdom.
The atmosphere inside the Palace ballroom, where the Prince and Princess arrived for their reception, was equally enthusiastic. A shower of flower petals rained over them as they made their grand entrance. King Henry and Joe West wiped tears from their eyes, Wally and Jesse jumped as they cheered, H.R. forgot he was holding a drink, causing a champagne flute to shatter when he clapped his hands, even Duke Wells was smiling brightly. Prince Barry whisked Iris off to the dance floor.
“I’m so glad I set them up.” Cecile mused as she watched the newlyweds share their first dance as husband and wife.
Joe laughed. “How have you reasoned that you set them up?”
“It was my carriage that got her to the ball.”
Joe laughed again.
Cecile put her hands on her hips. “You snigger all you want, Joe West. It’s not my fault fate chose me to bring Iris and Barry together.”
“I’m happy to trade a minute of tear for a minute of humor.”
“Iris getting married is making you really emotion, is it?”
Joe gazed at his daughter with soft eyes. The person he would forever see as his little baby was now a grown woman. He looked beyond the dancing couple and saw Wally on the other side of the room, looking more like a man each day. He’d move closer to Lady McGee’s laboratory, where he’d recently been given his own workshop. Just as Joe was growing accustomed to that change, this day arrived.
“My children are no longer children.” Joe sighed. “Amongst my pride, is an abundance of nostalgia.”
“I understand. I was the same way when my daughter moved out.”
Joe swirled his drink. “Look at us, two empty nesters.”
“A house can get lonely when you’re all by yourself.”
“I’m sure I’ll be quite lonely.”
Cecile looked up at Joe with a twinkle in her eye. She whispered, “Perhaps, you don’t have to be.”
The music stopped playing, the first song was over. Joe stood, looking at Cecile in relative silence for a moment as he tried to comprehend what Cecile was implying. When it struck him, he giggled. “Cecile, are you suggesting..?”
“We’ve made such good partners in getting bad guys off the streets.”
Joe nodded. “We have.”
The orchestra began another song. More couples joined the dance floor.
Cecile bit her lip. She put her drink down on a table and took Joe’s hand. “I think we might make good dance partners as well.”
“Then, may I have this dance.”
“This one, and the next one.”
Jesse and Wally were already spinning around the room.
“Nonsense!” Jesse said. She and Wally were deep in conversation over Wally’s latest blueprint. “The thermal combustion chamber would never work. You’d need more gasoline and where will you get it from? Have you struck oil?”
Wally grinned. “I struck gold with you.”
Jesse’s eye roll at her boyfriend’s flattery did not distract him from the rose tint of her cheeks.
She brought the subject back to Wally’s design. “How fast do you propose this machine will be capable of going?”
“At least three times that of a horse.”
“I know it’s the faster the better with you.”
“You say that as if the same is not true for you.” Wally laughed. “Once my design is fully functional, I’ll race you.”
“Oh, you’re on!”
In the center of the ballroom, the happiest couple of all, the newlywed Prince and Princess danced. Barry took advantage of the steps that position him to whisper sweet nothings in his wife’s ear. Iris smiled, full of a warmth and glow that put the candles, flickering above them in chandeliers, to shame.
From overhead, Prince Barry and Princess Iris looked like twirling figures in a music box. Two people, watching them from the balcony of the grand staircase, exchanged satisfied glances.
“I’m so glad we set them up.” Cisco said.
“Did we?” Asked Caitlin. “Or was it destiny?”
“Either way, we end up doing the work for destiny a lot of the time.”
Caitlin tilted her head from side to side in consideration. “True.”
“You don’t think this Earth has a Big-”
Cisco was cut off when Caitlin tackled him to the floor, knocking the wind out of him.
Iris squinted. She could have sworn she saw them. But, with one quick turn during the dance, and the balcony was empty.
“What are you looking at, Iris?” Barry asked.
“Nothing. Just, remembering the night we met.”
Barry beamed. “A night topped only by this one.”
The orchestra slowed to a soft, gentle melody. Barry pulled Iris in closer and pressed his forehead to hers.
With his mother's death looming, King Henry holds a ball and invites all the eligible maidens in the kingdom, hoping his son, Prince Barry, will finally find a bride. Iris West is a bar maiden, who would love to attend, but, she is very poor and can't afford a nice dress or a ride to the castle.
Summary: With his mother’s death looming, King Henry holds a ball and invites all the eligible maidens in the kingdom, hoping his son, Prince Barry, will finally find a bride. Iris West is a bar maiden, who would love to attend, but, she is very poor and can’t afford a nice dress or a ride to the castle.
First chapter
Previous chapter
Archive of Our Own version
A/N: Only one more chapter and an epilogue left! I hope this iconic moment, of Barry putting the slipper on Iris, lived up to expectations.
Looks of astonished fell on everyone’s face but Wally’s. He beamed in excitement as Iris descended the stairs, glass slipper sparking in the sunlight pouring in from the open door.
The guard leading the troop gasped. “I- I don’t believe it.”
“My name is Iris West and I am the maiden from ball.” Iris confessed with pride.
“Iris” An endearing voice repeated.
The crowd of guards parted as one from the back came closer. A tall, lanky man with soft hazel eyes that gazed at Iris, stepped past the group. He took off his helmet so that his face was no longer obstructed.
Several people gasped, Wally put his fist in his mouth, Joe stepped back clutching his chest, and Iris let out a cry of relief, upon seeing Prince Barry.
Iris couldn’t believe her eyes. “You’re alive!”
Barry looked back at her with equal awe. “You’re here!”
“I’m here.” Iris giggled.
They ran into each other’s arms. Barry kissed her just as he’d been dreaming of doing since the second they’d parted. The brush of his lips against hers made Iris feel like she was in the Palace garden again, sitting on the fountain’s edge.
Barry only ended the kiss because he desired to look Iris in her eyes. They exchanged playful grins and batted eyelashes. Time seemed to have halted, for when they broke apart, everyone was still locked in the same shocked position. Iris and Barry held onto one another, each afraid the other would be lost again.
“I was scared I’d never find you.” Barry whispered.
“I was scared you were dead.” Iris whimpered. A tear rolling down her face was wiped away by Barry’s nose when he nesselted against her cheek.
“I’m alright.” Barry assured her.
One of the guards cleared his throat, louding reminding the reunited couple they were not alone.
“Your Highness,” He said. “May I ask, what is going on?”
“Captain Singh told me a suspect in the robbery was claiming to be the girl I fell in love with. I had to see her, to see if it was true, so I went to the prison to meet her, only to walk in on a breakout.” The Prince explained.
Wally cringed. “Sorry about that.”
“In the fighting, the glass slipper that you’d left behind, that I’d treasured as it was my only connection to you, was broken.” Prince Barry continued. “I was beside myself. Then, I heard that you were the escapee. Thinking it my last hope of ever finding you, I put on a uniform and joined the Royal Guard in their chase.”
“You came after me?” Iris asked.
“Always.”
“Hold on,” Joe, who seemed to have gotten a better grip on himself, spoke up. “Iris, you’re telling me that you are the mystery girl from the Royal ball?”
“Yes.” Iris said.
“Why did you keep that a secret?”
“And, why did she run away in the first place?” A guard added.
Iris hung her head. “I am so sorry for all my secrecy. I never imagined that I’d meet Prince Barry at the ball, much less fall in love with him. The whole night was like a dream. A beautiful dream, but I knew I’d have to wake from it.”
Barry looked at her in confusions.
“Your Highness, I’m not a Princess, or a Duchess, or noblewoman, or even lady in waiting. I’m just a girl, who got fired from her job as a bar maiden, and who couldn’t afford a dress or a carriage for the ball, so I relied on the generosity of some new friends. When it was time to give back all of the glamour they’d lent me, I ran away. I was a girl playing dress up, scared of being seen as who I truly am.”
“Why didn’t you come forward when the Palace announced the search party looking for you?” Joe asked.
“When I heard people talking about how poised and beautiful the mystery girl was, I doubted anyone would believe it was me.” Iris said earnestly. “I was going to wait till I was asked to try on the slipper, because that would be proof. But, the search was called off before I got the chance.”
“What about the robbery? Why had you arrived at the Palace with the Snarts?” A guard demanded.
“I wanted to go to the second ball, but didn’t have the help of friends to get me there. So, when I caught Leonard Snart and his gang stealing carriages, I used it as blackmail to get them to take me to the Palace for the second ball.” Iris admitted. “I had no idea they were planning a robbery. Please, believe me. I was wrong to trust them. I should have turned them over to the guards instead of thinking I could use them. It was foolish.”
Iris could no longer look at Barry, she felt too ashamed. But, he cupped her face and pressed his forehead against hers.
“I’m so sorry.” Iris apologized. “I was desperate for any way to see you again.”
“It’s alright.” Barry whispered. “I was desperate to see you too.”
“What about the prison break?” The lead guard huffed.
“That was all my fault.” Wally insisted. “Iris had nothing to do with it. I snuck into the prison to break her out. It was all me.”
Iris shook her head furiously. “NO! Please don’t blame Wally, he was only trying to help me. I’m at fault for going along with it. I did so because I heard the guards talking about how the Prince had been gravely injured during the robbery. I believed you dead.”
Barry squeezed her hand. “I am right here.”
“But, what about-” The lead guard began.
“None of that matters now.” Prince Barry asserted, silencing him. “All that matters,” Barry traced his fingers across the glass slipper. “Is this.”
He walked hand in hand with Iris to a chair. She sat down and handed him the glass slipper. Barry got down on bended knee. He guided Iris’ foot into glass slipper. It fit perfectly.
The crowd watched with wide eyes, but Barry and Iris only looked at each other.
“Iris” Barry breathed.
“The last time you placed my glass slipper on me was that night at the ball.” Iris remembered, looking down at him and her shoe. “I fell more in love with you in each second we spent together. I ran from you at the end of the night, but I couldn’t run from the way you made me feel. Ever since that night, I have not been able to stop thinking about you.”
“I’ve never stopped thinking about you.”
Barry surged up to kiss her. He wanted to show her how much he’d longed for her, every hour, every minute.
Sorry I’m taking so long to post chapter 11. I have been working a lot so I haven’t had a lot of spare time to write. When I do get the time, I keep struggling to put the ideas in my head into words. This chapter is really exciting and something pretty wild happens. I want it to read like a big action scene you can see playing out in your head. So, I keep writing parts of it and then erasing it all because it doesn’t feel good enough for what I want the chapter to be. But, I am partially done and happy with it. I will hopefully finish sometime this week. Again, sorry for the delay. Thanks for sticking with the story and being so positive about it! I love writing it for you guys.
Summary: With his mother death looming, King Henry holds a ball and invites all the eligible maidens in the kingdom, hoping his son, Prince Barry, will finally find a bride. Iris West is a bar maiden, who would love to attend, but, she is very poor and can’t afford a nice dress or a ride to the castle.
First chapter
Previous chapter
Archive of Our Own version
“Hey, Iris.” Jax sighed as he plopped down on a seat at the bar. “Man, do I need a drink.”
“I heard you had a rough night last night.” Iris said as she poured him a glass of whiskey.
“Leonard Snart, his sister, and their bastard friends were at it again. They’re rouge citizens. They stole every carriage I was repairing in my garage. My customers are furious.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. But, the important thing is you’re alright.” Iris reminded him.
Jax squinted in concentration. “Yeah, it was strange. The gang ran for it when they heard the Royal Guard coming, but when I went to officially report the robbery this morning, the Guard said they have no record of any guards responding to a break in at my garage. They said no guards were even in the area.”
Iris smiled to herself. “Well, I suppose your guardian angel was looking out for you.”
Jax raised his glass. “Cheers to that.” He took a big swig.
Iris turned away from the bar to clean some dishes. She looked back when Jax said, “Oh no, not this guy again!”
An announcer from the Palace had entered the tavern. He stood proudly in the center of the room and cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention.
Jax covered his ears. Iris however, leaned over the bar, wondering what he’d come to announce.
“Ladies and gentleman of the South side of Central Kingdom,”
Heads turned as the announcer’s voice bellowed.
“I come bearing good news. His Majesty, King Henry, has declared that the royal Palace will host a ball at the Palace next Friday. During the night’s festivities, His Majesty will make an announcement.”
Whispers filled the air as people speculated about what the King’s announcement could be.
Jax scoffed. “An announcement that there will be an announcement, how ridiculous!” He looked back to Iris.
She was looking down at the wooden bar, eyes shifting out of focus as they glided across the grain. She thought for a moment that she was dreaming, or hallucinating from exhaustion after another long shift. It sounded like there was going to be another ball. But, it would be held on…..
“What date did he say?” Iris asked Jax.
“Next Friday.”
Iris’ heart sank. That was the same day Wally would be borrowing Cecile’s carriage and going to Lady McGee laboratory. She couldn’t ask Wally not to go, this was his dream. But, without Cecile’s carriage, getting to the Palace would be impossible. There was no way Iris would be able to travel such a distance on foot and she couldn’t afford to rent a carriage. She’d barely scraped up enough for a low end dress.
What pained Iris the most, was thinking how Prince Barry probably asked his father to throw this ball so she would come and they could reunite. In her frustration, Iris slammed a tray of dirty glasses down on the counter so forcefully, one fell and broke on the floor.
“Damn.” Iris cursed under her breath. She went to get the broom, but the owner of Drunkards, Mason Bridge, blocked the entryway to the kitchen. Arms folded and teeth grinding, Iris knew the look meant she was in trouble.
“West,” He angrily wheezed. “What the hell was that?”
“I dropped a glass.” Iris explained. “I’m sorry. I’ll clean it up right now.” She tried to maneuver around Mason, but he held out his arm, halting her.
“That’s not what I saw from the kitchen window. I saw you carelessly dump a tray of glasses on the counter instead of setting them down gently in the sink, like you’re supposed to.”
“I’m sorry.” Iris apologized again. “I was just-”
Mason cut her off. “You were just FIRED. Get out of here.”
Iris flinched. “What?”
“You’re fired.” Mason repeated.
“Wha- But, but,” Iris stuttered. “I- I’ve worked here for years. I’m a reliable employee. The customer’s like me.”
“The customer’s don’t give a damn who’s behind the bar so long as they pour the drinks. If you were under the impression that you’re irreplaceable, you were sadly mistaken. Now, go.”
“You can’t fire me!” Iris protested. “I need this job. Please, give me a second chance.”
“Second chances are important people. You, West, are not important.”
Iris began to cry. Normally, she’d feel embarrassed, but her pride had already been obliterated. “Please, I don’t have any money. I need to work.”
“Fine, work, just not here.” Mason said. He waved his hand, shooing Iris off like a fly.
“Mr. Bridge, please!”
“Would you go already. People come here and drink to forget their desperation. They don’t need the stink of yours.”
Iris yanked off her apron, shoved it at Mason, and stormed out of Drunkards.
Her tears kept falling, but she done being sad. She was angry. All that time she’d spent working for Drunkards, never calling out ill, always punctual, and Mason has the audacity to fire her. It was salt in her wound. The tiny sliver of hope there was that she’d be able to go to the Palace for the ball was if, by some miracle, a customer left her a hefty tip. But now, even that one in a million chance was taken from her.
“AAAHHHHHHH!!!!!” Iris screamed into the night. She stamped her feet in frustration before collapsing in the cloud of dirt she’d kicked up. Her chest heaved as she cried quietly into the fabric of her skirt. She was pathetic and she knew it.
Iris threw her hands up. “HELLO, I DON’T KNOW IF YOU’RE STILL OUT THERE, WEIRD PEOPLE WHO JUST APPEAR, BUT I NEED YOU TERRIBLY RIGHT NOW!” She called to no one.
Iris laughed at herself. She was a fool for thinking she could pull herself out of her miserable little world, a fool for her romanticism. A poor girl from the South side like her had nothing to offer. She’d die a poor spinster slaving away at some other dead end job. Iris sobbed. Facing that reality tonight was scarier than hiding feet away from Leonard Snart the night before.
Then, Iris got an idea. She paused her self-pity to think. Leonard and Lisa Snart, Mick Rory, and Rosa Dillon were all wanted criminals. She caught them stealing carriages last night. If she told her dad or one of the Royal Guards about what she saw, it would lead to their arrest.
It was a bad idea. Desperate times call for desperate measures, Iris told herself. Snart had carriages to spare and a good motivation to get on Iris’ good side.
♥ ♡ ♥ ♡ ♥ ♡ ♥ ♡ ♥ ♡ ♥ ♡ ♥
Prince Barry walked down the stairs to the Palace kitchen two at a time. He smiled with relief when he saw Linda.
“There you are, Linda. I’ve been looking everywhere for you. I would like to ask you something.”
Linda barely acknowledged Barry. She kept her focus on her cooking. She was stewing a pot of vegetables and mixing a delicious smelling sauce in a pan. Barry glanced around and realized the kitchen was filled with freshly prepared food, enough to feed the Royal army.
“Are you having a dinner party?” Barry joked.
Linda didn’t look up at him, but said, “Cooking helps me to relax.”
The Prince was at first confused, but then realized the tension in Linda’s body as she stood over the stove.
“Why do you need to relax?”
Linda turned off the boiler, put a lid on the pot of vegetables, and finally looked at Barry, exasperated. “Because finding out the man I believed to be my suitor is arranging another ball in the hopes of his long lost love returning makes me feel on edge.” She brushed by the Prince swiftly, moving to the island to chop garlic.
Barry deflated. If he were being truthful, yes, a part of him was hanging onto the fantasy that the mystery girl would return to the Palace for this ball. It was only a small fraction of him though. His rational mind knew it would not happen and that was the main reason for the ball. Barry was genuinely interested in moving forward in his relationship with Linda.
It was after a solid minute of silence that Barry registered how is lack of denial made the situation worse. He quickly spoke up.
“Linda, that’s not why I asked my father to hold the ball. I wouldn’t do that to you. I’m not that kind of guy.”
Linda chopped the last bit of garlic. She folded her arms and stared down Barry. “Well, let me tell you what kind of girl I am. I was born into a position that mean I am forced to spend a great deal of time associating with narrow, stuffy people I would have been perfectly happy to have never endured a conversation with. Therefore, I’m picky about whom I chose to spend my free time with.”
The lady’s plight was all too relatable for Barry.
“I chose to spend some of it with you.” Linda sighed. “So, tell me, Your Highness, did I make the right choice?”
“Yes, you did! ” Barry exhorted. “I understand, probably more than anyone, what it’s like to have to spend your time trying to make small talk with people who don’t interest you, and who you know would never be caught dead talking to you if it weren’t for your title. I understand what it’s like to be desperate to find someone who isn’t draining to spend time with. That’s one of the many reasons I enjoy spending time with you!”
Linda softened. She took a step towards Barry, who still felt uneasy. The way Linda was looking at him was almost pitying.
“I’m not angry, Barry, I swear.” Linda said in a honeyed voice. “But, I do think that we should call it.”
“W-Wh- Wait, can we talk about this? What do you mean?”
“Look, I know how difficult and awkward it is to pursue someone new when you’re still not over someone.”
Barry held Linda’s hands. “I am over the girl from the ball.” He said it with such conviction it was believable. Barry may have even believed it himself. “I proposed Friday’s ball because I wanted to announce our relationship to the Kingdom.”
Linda was stunned.
“I- I was looking for you all over the Palace grounds because I wanted to ask you if umm- If you would like to ummm- Take our relationship to that uh- Next stage.”
Linda’s eyes darted back and forth. She looked conflicted. “Barry, I gave you an out.”
“I don’t want an out.” He said firmly.
“I don’t want to court someone who’s pining for someone else.”
“I’m not pining for anyone else. Linda, you are the only one I want to pursue.” The Prince insisted. “I will prove it to you.”
Barry dropped Linda’s hands abruptly and went to the pantry. He knocked over things as he carelessly searched the shelves for a specific food. Linda had complied that the Palace lacked the wide array of spices and seasonings she was accustomed to back home. To surprise her, Barry had the chef order a peppers. When he found the container of peppers, he grabbed one and showed it to Linda.
“This is the Bhut jolokia, or the ‘ghost pepper’. It is the world’s hottest pepper, measuring 401.5 times hotter than tabasco sauce.” Barry explained. “If you do not agree to attend the ball as my guest of honor, I will eat it. Right here, right now.”
The concern on Linda’s face morphed into humor. “You’re bluffing.” She accused.
“I never bluff.”
Barry bit off half the pepper. At first, it wasn’t unbearable. But, the pepper soon scorched his tongue. It took all of Barry’s resilience to maintain his dignified, determined stare at Linda.
“Are you ok?” She asked.
“I’m fine, yes.” lied Barry.
“Are you sure?”
“Mmm hmm.” He hummed. But, it was no use. Barry couldn’t handle to pepper’s sting any longer. He spat it up on the floor.
Linda lurched back to avoid having the partially chewed pepper hit her shoes.
“Yes, yes.” She shrieked. “I’ll go the ball with you.” She ran to the refrigerator and grabbed a carton of milk for Barry. “That pepper could have killed you, you nerd.”
Barry guzzled down the entire carton. “Mmm, thank you.” He grunted.
Linda giggled. “My Prince and spice champion.”
The pleasant burn of her kiss helped Barry forget about the painful burn of the pepper.
♥ ♡ ♥ ♡ ♥ ♡ ♥ ♡ ♥ ♡ ♥ ♡ ♥
Iris found Leonard Snart at a bar much sleazier looking than Dunkards. It was empty except for Snart and the barmaid, who’s cigarette smoke floated through the room, giving the impression it was filled ghosts.
Iris took a deep breath for confidence, but grew to regret it when the smoke choked her.
Hearing her cough, Snart turned to from the bar to look at Iris.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the daughter of old man West. I think you’re in the wrong bar. Come to check out the competition?”
Iris stood tall, not allowing herself to get intimidated. “I have business proposal for you.”
“Really?” Snart drawled. His sneer was identical to his sister’s. “I don’t think a girl the poorest family in the Kingdom has a good grasp on business. I’ll pass.”
“I have a problem you can help me with.” Iris told him.
“You must be pretty desperate to come asking for my assistance, but I’ll bite. What do you need?”
“A carriage.”
Snart laughed. “A carriage?”
“Yes.” Iris took a seat next to him and whispered, “I happened to know you came into possession of quite a few very recently.”
Snart’s eyes narrowed. He looked Iris up and down. “What are you implying?”
“I saw you and your gang in Jax’s garage the other night. You rode off with every carriage he had.”
“Careful, West.” Snart warned. “If you say you see crazy things like that, well, you might end up unable to see at all.”
Iris was expecting a threat and came prepared. Without breaking eye contact with Snart, she pulled a few sheets of parchment out of her pocket and slapped them down on the bar.
“You won’t be able to blind everyone who sees this.”
It was an article Iris wrote up, detailing the crime. Snart looked over the paper. He had a commendable poker face, but Iris caught a flicker of worry in his eyes.
“Once there’s a witness confirming Jax’s story of the robbery and everyone’s read about it, there won’t be a bar in the Kingdom you can hide in.”
“Cold.” Snart said. “Not bad, for your first time blackmailing someone, but you really shouldn’t have given me this sneak preview. There’s nothing stopping me from icing you and having my friend burn this to ash.”
“I have a journalist friend who would just love to publish this story in South Side Print News.” Iris informed Snart. “I already sent him a copy, as well a few other journalists I know, just in case this one mysterious catches fire.”
It was a bluff. Iris had more copies of the article, but they were all in her bedroom. She couldn’t send this to Scott or any journalist and expect them not to publish it right away.
“You’ve already been taken in by the Royal Guards several times, haven’t you? I’m sure they’re losing patients with you, Leonard, and you know what happens when they lose patients.” Iris said menacingly.
To her shock, Snart’s lips curled into a sinister smile. “Alright West, you got me.” He conceded. “So, why the need for a carriage?”
“I need to go to the ball at the Palace on Friday.”
“You’re blackmailing me so you can go a ball?” Snart questioned.
“I love a good party.”
“If I’m your coachman you’ll hand over every copy of this article?”
“Simple as that.” Iris confirmed.
Snart huffed. “You sure you don’t want to throw in a pretty dress too?”
I'm enjoying @barryandiriswest-allen CinderIris (Cinderella Westallen AU) so much. I made another fanart for it. If ya'll havent read it yet, go check it out😊
Summary: With his mother death looming, King Henry holds a ball and invites all the eligible maidens in the kingdom, hoping his son, Prince Barry, will finally find a bride. Iris West is a bar maiden, who would love to attend, but, she is very poor and can’t afford a nice dress or a ride to the castle.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Archive of Our Own version
Barry rubbed his neck to ease his tension as he tried to reconcile the conflicting advice he'd received. He stood waiting behind the doors to the ballroom. On the other side, he heard the muffled voice of his father introducing him.
“Little known fact about His Royal Highness, Prince Barry, he is a skilled fencer. He’s able to hit the heart of his opponent just as he’s able to capture the heart of everyone he meets. Oh, and what a strong connection the Prince has to his own heart, one filled with generosity and thoughtfulness.”
Barry facepalmed, mortified. Being the King did not exclude Henry Allen from inflicting the usual amount of paternal embarrassment on Barry. Hearing his father attempt to be his wingman gave Barry the urge to hide in the Palace’s tallest tower and never make eye contact with a woman again.
To think, his future wife was out there, hearing this! What Barry wouldn’t give to meet an eligible maiden in the Kingdom who hadn’t.
The doors flew open. Trumpets played the Kingdom’s Anthem. Barry descended the marble steps, hoping nobody could tell how nervous he was.
The men bowed and the women curtseyed to their Prince. Many, sneaking glances up at him, as this was the first time they were seeing him in person.
The Anthem concluded before Barry made it down the stairs, causing his last few steps to echo throughout the ballroom. Waiting at the bottom of the stairs was an announcer with a feathered hat and a smiling young lady in a purple gown. The Prince would be formally introduced to nobles and the gentry, to ensure he meet all of those ladies tonight.
“His Royal Highness, Prince Barry is introduced to Lady Lucinda of Starling Kingdom.” The announcer’s voice boomed.
Barry was still getting a hold of himself, and awkwardly stood there, looking at the crowd of guests rather than at Lady Lucinda.
She cleared her throat to get his attention.
“Right, my apologies.” He said quickly, turning to her and racking his brain for a coherent sentence. Barry had never been more nervous.
Thankfully, Lady Lucinda made it easy for him when she held out her hand expectantly. Barry bent down to kiss it. He was well aware that every eye in the ballroom was focused on him. That was not helping the bubbling of stomach to settle.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Said Barry.
“Please, your grace,” Lady Lucinda said coyly. “The pleasure is all mine.”
The orchestra broke the intimidating silence of the couple’s introduction with a song. Guests’ interest in staring at the Prince wavered in favor of dancing.
Barry felt more comfortable now. He looked at the woman standing before him. She was very beautiful, with dark hair and delicate features.
“Tell me, Your Highness, are a man of action rather than words?” Lady Lucinda asked.
“Huh? Pardon me?” Barry asked.
“You don’t have much to say.” Lady Lucinda clarified.
“Oh,” Barry laughed nervously. He decided honesty was best. “I’m afraid my family and friends know me to be a man of far too many words at times. Tonight, I am, admittedly, anxious.”
“Anxious to find yourself a bride?”
Barry ducked his head. “Yes, that would be ideal.”
“Well, you don’t have to be nervous with me.” Lady Lucinda said. Her voice was soft, like Summer rain. “As of right now we are just two people who want to get to know each other, befriend one another. Whatever may happen in the future is irrelevant at the present time.”
Barry took a deep breath. Lady Lucinda had said exactly what Barry didn’t know needed to hear to calm his nerves.
“Are you comfortable proceeding like that?” Lady Lucinda asked.
“Yes, I am. As a matter of fact, I have long believed that an established friendship should precede any romantic relationship.”
Lady Lucinda tilted her head. “Is that why you have yet to court? Trouble making friends?”
“Not everyone is as personable as you, my lady.”
Barry mentally patted himself on the back. That line was smooth.
Lady Lucinda bit her lip. It made Barry’s jaw go slack.
But, not wanting to stare dumbly at her for too long, Barry offered, “Would you like to dance?”
“Why, thank you, I would.”
For the first time ever, Barry was glad his mother had forced him to take dance lessons. He replayed the instructor's voice telling him which step to take next that was drilled into him from the hours of torment spent with her.
"You're grip is very strong, Your Highness." Lady Lucinda noted.
Barry became aware of how tightly he was holding Lucinda's hand and how stiff his entire body was. "Sorry, the nerves again."
When the song ended, Barry was relived.
Lady Lucinda sighed. "I know I must leave you, so you may be introduced to more ladies." She patted Barry's arm and whispered to him, "I'll be here dancing all night. Whatever you do with that information is up to you."
Like smoke, she disappeared into the sea of people surrounding Barry. Obviously, she was hoping he'd seek her out after he'd been introduced to all the ladies he was obligated to meet. Barry liked Lady Lucinda. A lot, actually. She was very attractive, witty, playful, and didn't seem put off by Barry's gracelessness. He could see himself being content with her.
Barry went on with his night, now able to relax, as meeting Lady Lucinda made him confident that he would be able to tell his father he was interested in a woman.
For the next hour or so, the Prince was introduced to a dozen more eligible maidens. Barry felt as though he were giving them a job interview, and in a way, he was. Though this particular interview was more personal than most. Barry could tell he was a disappointment to some, but that was fine with him. A few judgemental girls repelled was only going to help him.
After Barry drudged his feet through a dance with a snobby Duchess from the north, his father, Grand Duke Wells, and Earl H.R. of the 19th district, approached him.
"You look like you're fairing well, ladies man." The King joked.
"Very funny." Barry smirked but he didn't laugh.
"Is meeting these ladies really as dreadful as you thought it would be?"
"Only a few of them."
The King clapped his son on the shoulder and chuckled.
"Good humored," H.R. noted. "Yet another important quality in a husband." He said a little louder so that those standing close could hear.
"Oh, would you both please stop?" Barry begged.
"Alright, alright." The King complied. "We are just excited for you, that's all."
Grand Duke Wells, never one for chit chat, got straight to the point. "Are there any ladies you are particularly found of, Your Highness?"
He made sharp eye contact with Barry as a silent reminder of their prior conversation.
"As a matter of fact, I have." Barry informed him.
The King smiled from ear to ear. He looked like a man resisting the urge to jump for joy and shout to the heavens.
"Excellent!" He proclaimed. "Who is the lucky young woman who's caught your eye?"
"Lady Lucinda."
"Ahh! Meeting her first must've set a high standard for the evening, I see."
Barry nodded. "She's a lovely girl."
"A lovely girl, or a girl you love?" H.R. asked for clarification.
Barry noticed his father's smile falter. He looked down at the floor, trying to find a way to explain. "She's a lovely girl who I think I could love one day."
At once, the Grand Duke changed the subject so as not to let the King say anything to his son that might complicate the Prince's decision to propose a courtship to Lady Lucinda. "Your Highness, I believe there is another maiden patiently waiting to make your acquaintance at the bottom of the staircase."
"Excuse me." Barry nodded curtly to the gentlemen and left.
The King sighed.
"What's troubling you, Your Majesty?" H.R. asked.
"This Lady Lucinda is quite the respectable maiden. I think her and Barry are a good match."
"They are." Wells agreed. "I've heard of this girl. All who speak of her say she is charming, smart, and she enjoys sporting activities."
"Yes, they are a good match." The King repeated, more to himself than anyone.
H.R. was still concerned. "Then, why do you look dejected?"
"There is a great difference between a good match and love."
Wells rolled his eyes. "Correct me if I'm wrong, Your Majesty, but wasn't the purpose of this ball for the Prince to find a good match? A suitable future Queen?"
"Yes, yes." The King waved his hand in a motion like shooing away a fly. "But, I was praying for more than that. I want Barry to have the love I know he's been longing for."
"If I may say so, Your Majesty, I did try to warn you. But, you sire, like the Prince, are incurably romantic. We can see where the boy gets it from." Wells said.
H.R. laughed. "No doubt you saw the whole pretty picture in detail." He held up his hands like he was directing a film scene as he spoke. "The young Prince, bowing conceivably. Suddenly, he stops. He looks up. Behold, there she stands! The girl of his dreams!"
Wells looked annoyed but the King was listening intently to H.R.
"Who she is or where she came, he knows not, nor does he care. For his heart tell him that here, here is the maid destined to be his bride.
Wells scoffed. "A pretty plot for a fairy tale. But, in real life, it was all doomed to failure."
Barry had finished going through the motions of dancing with another girl. He returned to the staircase and was thankful to see two ladies there. This meant he could cross off two forced introductions with one princely smile. The ladies were Anastasia and Drizella, daughters of Lady Tremaine.
But, he didn't bother saying a single word to either of them, for the moment he bowed his head, he saw her enter.
There she is! The girl! Beautiful, stunning, a vision in blue. Barry could see the sparkle of her eyes from all the way across the ballroom. Her every move hypnotizing him into a love drunk stupor. The girl had an aura of soft light, like the sunshine. Just being in the same room as her flooded Barry with warmth. She seemed to glide across the floor like an elegant skater on the ice, or a cloud in the sky.
Barry felt as if the room's ceiling and floor vanished. It was just him and her, caught up in an enchanted daydream. If he were able to retch his eyes away from the girl, Barry would've seen that everyone was looking at her.
Barry walked past the girls in front of him, never giving them a thought again. He needed to get closer to the girl, just as much as he needed to breath. Barry murmured a practice of his 'how do you do?' before he got to her. His legs wobbled. If he were more boisterous, Barry would have flung out his arms and sung out the news, 'I HAVE FOUND HER!'
"I beg your pardon, Miss." Barry said breathlessly.
The girl glanced back at him. She was even more beautiful up close. Like an angel, with the dust of the stars in her eyes. When she faced him, Barry had to make conscious effort not to faint.
Oxygen escaped him, but as if on instinct, he said, "It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
She curtseyed. Her movements were like that a swan.
Barry's eyes fall on her hands. A proper introduction included the gentleman kissing the lady's hand. But, this felt more momentous than any other introduction. Touching her, a creature so pure, angelic, almost not of this world, was daunting. Barry didn't feel worthy. You don't touch a priceless sculpture. Although, Barry really wanted to.
The girl nodded slightly, looking up at Barry from under her lashes that fluttered like butterfly wings.
Barry took one of her hands in both of his. The moment he made contact with her, his body surged with electricity. It was like being struck by lightning. If he thought that feeling was amazing, it was nothing compared to the thrill of kissing her hand.
This was it. At long last, Barry found her. The one he'd been dreaming of for longer than he could remember. He was more certain of it than his own name.
♥ ♡ ♥ ♡ ♥ ♡ ♥ ♡ ♥ ♡ ♥ ♡ ♥
Iris arrived at the Palace. It looked even more magnificent at its entrance than it had all the years she’d admired it from afar. Iris stepped out of the carriage with the help of an attendant. She smiled up at the Palace in awe, like a child, as she entered.
The foyer made a clean path to the ballroom. It was lined with statues of knights in shining armor, each with a real live knights standing beside them. They looked determinedly across the room, making no visible notice of Iris’ late arrival. It was a little unnerving.
Iris stood for a moment in the doorway, taking in the picturesque site.
The ballroom was enormous. Ornate candelabras drenched it in light. A half dozen crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The Royal Philharmonic played a symphony. More flowers than Iris had ever seen in any garden decorated the space. Marble columns with gold molding outlined the walls. It was impossible to look in any direction without seeing something made of gold.
Iris craned her head to peek through the crowd, most of whom were paying attention to a scene at the bottom of the grand staircase. She could make out the silhouette of a tall man. Two young ladies curtseyed before him.
The attendees seemed distracted, leading Iris to believe this was the best time to subtly join their midst. With trepidation, she crossed the threshold of the ballroom.
A group of giggly young ladies did a double take upon seeing Iris. Then, a man padded his comrade on the shoulder and pointed at Iris. She kept walking with her head down.
One by one, people turned to stare at Iris. She felt self-conscious. Where they staring because it was so obvious she didn’t belong among them? Unintelligible whispers of the gawkers plagued her ears. Iris felt horribly out of place. She Counted the tiles on the floor as she hustled towards a lonely corner.
Just before Iris made it to the sanctuary, a voice from behind halted her.
“I beg your pardon, Miss.”
Iris glanced over her shoulder to see a tall, handsome man with dark hair and bright eyes. He was looking at her in shock and awe. For some reason, his gaze was the only one that didn’t make Iris feel self-conscious. She turned to face him, the tulle of her gown dancing around her as she did.
“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” The man said, rather breathlessly.
Iris curtseyed. She never truly mastered etiquette, but she assumed that curtseying was what was expected of her.
As she rose to her full height once again, Iris noticed the man’s attire. He was dressed in a red uniform, with military badges and the royal crest of the House of Allen. It was clear he was a high ranking member of society.
The man’s eyes went to her hand, than met hers, silently asking for permission. Iris nodded ever so slightly. The man smiled as he took her hand, cradling it like a precious jewel, and gently pressed his lips to it. Iris felt her heart flutter.
“I’m Barry.” The man introduced himself.
Before Iris could introduce herself to him, horns trumpeted. They startled Iris, but Barry was unfazed, still captivated by Iris.
An announcer spoke. “His Royal Highness, Prince Barry, is introduced to…………. a maiden of Central Kingdom.”
There were whispers among guests and Palace staff. Nobody knew who this girl was.
It took Iris a moment to realize the announcer was talking about her. Her jaw dropped when it occurred to her that it meant this man was the Prince.
“You’re the Prince?” She gasped.
“I am.” He said nonchalantly.
Iris became nervous again. She’d never interacted with anyone even close to such status. Unsure of what to say, she sank down in another curtsey.
Barry looked amused.
“I’m sorry, Your Highness. I’ve never met royalty before. Please forgive me.”
“I should be thanking you.” He said. “As I think a second curtsey warrants a second kiss of your hand?”
Iris held back a school girl giggle.
Barry kissed her hand again. The feel of his lips on her flesh lingered, burned.
“Would you do me the honor of sharing a dance with me?” asked Barry.
Iris didn’t know how to dance properly. Her father taught her only a few steps, but she lacked his coordination. The rational side of her brain told her to decline, run away, and save herself the embarrassment of falling over her feet in front of so many people. But, something about being with Barry made Iris feel brave.
“Yes.”
Barry beamed.
Iris’ breath hitched when his hand held her waist.
The violins played a harmonious tune. Barry lead the dance and Iris tried to keep up with him. He twirled her around, and Iris felt her knees buckle when she saw all the other guests staring.
“They’re all looking at you.”
Barry chuckled. “Believe me, they’re all looking at you.”
The couple stepped and swayed. Iris got lost in the dance with him. The way Barry guided her across the floor made her feel as if she were gliding on a cloud. So steadfast in his movements and adoring in his gaze. The other guests disappeared. It was just her, Barry, and the pounding of her heart. Barry lifted Iris off her feet and twirled her around. She felt like an angel ascending into heaven.
When the music stopped, Iris was breathless. Barry’s hand remained on her waist, which she didn’t mind at all.
The outburst of applause jolted Iris back to reality and she remembered the spectators. Barry, who’d also been in a daze, became flustered upon hearing them clap.
The orchestra spared them from figuring out what to say when they began playing another piece. Like on instinct, Barry tightened his grip on Iris’ waist and danced with her a second time. Iris had never before felt the kind of intimacy she did dancing with Barry. She was in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by strangers, doing an activity she had little practice in, but for some reason, being with Barry felt natural.
As the second song ended, Barry dipped Iris. She looked up at him and couldn’t tell what was shining more brightly, the crystal chandeliers or his smile. The giggle she’d so far been successful in repressing escaped her lips as Barry raised her back up.
The other guests applauded, but less enthusiastically this time. They muttered about who this girl could be, why on Earth the Prince was so smitten with her, and when they would get a chance to dance with him.
Barry and Iris were deaf to it. Slowly, Barry took his hand off her waist. Iris wanted to say something, thank him for the dance, make him laugh, or impress him as a conversationalist, but every word in the English language was lost on her. She feared her heartbeat was so loud, Barry would hear it.
Barry was studying her. Iris felt like he was x-raying her soul. She stood proud before him, not as a poor commoner, not as Joe West’s daughter, not as a bar maiden, but just as herself. The purest form of herself, the person she kept hidden from the rest of the world. Tonight, she was herself, totally vulnerable to him, yet feeling so empowered.
Barry licked his lips. His pink, pretty lips that looked sweeter than honey. He leaned his head down towards Iris’ face. She closed her eyes and held her breath, anticipating a kiss.
Instead, Barry whispered into her ear, “May we take a stroll through the garden? It’s quiet and private there.”
Iris recovered quickly from her disappointment. It was probably wise to not be seen kissing a man she’d just met in front of so many people.
