#michelle danvers

[missstrawbs2001]

Part 1 of the story click here

Part 2 of the story here

Part 3 of the story here

Part 4 of the story here

OUAT AU - But it's Golden

Characters: CindeRoch, CharMichelle, Charming!Nikolai, Rumple!Cole

Ship: MichRoch

IB: Daylight by Taylor Swift, Into The Woods, Once Upon A Time and Cinderella (2015)

"How- how could you even-"

"Because I love her, mother! Because- Because when I'm around her I forget how to speak coherently, I forget I'm a princess, I lose my mind!"

"Why her!"

"I was never going to love a Prince, Mother. If I were to follow tradition I wouldn't be happy until my dying day. Surely if I'm going to rule this kingdom someday I should be allowed to have agency over whom I choose to spend my life with!"

Queen Caroline's lips tightened but she knew what Michelle said was right. The kingdom wasn't going to be hers forever. And Michelle seemed to be completely besotted with this person. With a sigh, Caroline looked at her wily daughter with sympathy.

"Alright. I give you permission to seek out this Ella who has turned your head. Take whatever guards and men you require, but if your quest proves fruitless you must return to the palace and choose a suitor that I approve of. Is that understood?"

"Yes Mother." Michelle nudged Nicholas who seemed to be falling asleep at her side, sharply digging her elbow into his ribs.

"Ow! I mean, yes Your Highness."

"Good. Now I need to ask my Lady in Waiting about a certain suit being made without my permission..."

Michelle grinned, grabbing Nik's hands and squealing. He smiled tiredly but he was clearly still very inebriated from the party which had only ended last night. But Michelle had never felt more alive. She was going to find the girl of her dreams and nothing was standing in her way. Except for the fact she only knew her first name, had only ever met her in a mask and her only clue was a shoe she had discovered liked to maim false wearers.

"Can I at least have a nap first?"

"No time! For all I know if her awful family have discovered her secret she could be sent away, or being impersonated, or being locked away in a disgusting tower away from all hopes of love and freedom!"

"Why are you so awake?"

"Because some of us didn't drink wine."

"There are so many lines that I've crossed, unforgiven

I'll tell you truth, but never 'Goodbye'."

Ella was in a daydream as she swept the floors, pretending the broom was a dance partner and danced around the kitchen humming to herself before clocking the entrance of her step-sisters and stepmother, quickly resuming sweeping.

"Ella I have a headache like no other and the girls are exhausted. I'll need you to wash all of our clothes from the last three nights, change our beds, sweep every room, beat the rugs and dust all the furniture down."

"Yes Stepmother!" Ella replied cheerily, sweeping past them happily, still in a daze from her nights of freedom. As she went to collect the post, she hummed a tune, not realising her Stepmother had followed her out, watching her like a hawk.

"There was a strange woman at the festivals you know.."

"Oh really?"

"Yes, long red hair, piercing green eyes, a new dress every night and swept a young Prince off his feet."

"How sweet."

"And she always ran out of the place on the stroke of Midnight."

"Strange thing.." Ella mused, not saying much at all as her Stepmother suddenly grabbed her wrist sharply.

"Do you think I'm a fool, Cinderella?"

"N-not at all, Stepmother."

"Don't try to act innocent then, I know you were there!"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"I know that face even behind a mask!"

"Stepmother please-"

But before Ella could protest she was dragged up the staircase to her attic room harshly, her Stepmother's nails digging into her pale freckled arm as she was flung through the door to her room and saw her produce a key that fit her lock.

"Stepmother no!"

"You will stay here until you learn your lesson about following my rules!" She hissed, slamming the door tightly, the key turning in the lock as Ella cried out, wrenching on the door in vain. She was stuck. And knowing her 'family' that door would never open again.

"I don't wanna look at anything else now that I saw you,

I don't wanna think of anything else now that I thought of you."

"We've been to nearly every house now, can't we go home?"

"Nik! No! I know she's here somewhere..." Michelle urged, sending her horse forward after Nicholas' horse.

"I haven't eaten yet this morning..."

"Here." Michelle retorted, throwing an apple at his head, almost knocking him off his horse.

"Ow!"

"Eat that and quit whining. We're here."

Nicholas bit the fruit begrudgingly as they approached the home. Felton Manor. It was the final house within the town to visit. Michelle's last hope. She dismounted her horse, fixing her hair again. A girl had tugged on it harshly after being attacked by the shoe and Michelle had almost had her ruse ruined. Time to be Michael.

"Come on Nik, I have a good feeling about this one."

"I'm having deja vu..."

"Nik! Just..."

But before Michelle could finish she was hastily greeted by an imposing woman with dark hair, flanked by two less then appealing young ladies who were practically salivating at both herself and Nicholas.

"Your Highness, Prince Michael, its an honour to welcome you to our estate."

"You must be Lady Felton. This is my associate, Sir Nicholas."

Nicholas bowed politely before frowning at 'Michael' privately about the added title. 'Michael' simply smiled and continued on, skirting over that minor detail very neatly.

"I am hoping to find the girl who fits this shoe as I am hoping to make her my bride."

"Oh my! Well my daughters attended the festivals each night, perhaps one of them are your beloved!"

"Well we shall see. May we step inside?"

Lady Felton led them inside and as they were entering the soft sound of a song was hears floating through an open window high up in the house. 'Michael' raised an eyebrow.

"Are there any other family members in this house who attended the festival?"

"No, just myself and my daughters."

"So who up there is singing?"

"What singing?"

Lady Felton proffered, feigning innocence. Nicholas narrowed his eyes and spotted an imposing chatelaine on the woman's skirt with a large key attached to it. As soon as their backs were turned, Michelle signaled to Nicholas to find the source of the noise by stealing that key. Nik nodded, immediately working to slip that key from Lady Felton's possession.

"Here we are, so, about that shoe?"

"Luck of the draw only draws the unlucky,

So I became the butt of the joke."

There were tears in Ella's eyes as she sang, cradling her lone glass slipper in her hand as she danced around her dirty, cramped attic room, accepting her fate. Then she heard the screams. Screams of pure agony as if someone was being attacked violently. Ella paused her singing and could swear she heard malevolent laughter on the wind. She ran to the door, banging on it loudly, crying to be let out.

Just as she was about to give up she heard a voice.

"Ella?"

"Who is it?"

"It's Nicholas, I'm here to save you?"

"Nicholas!" She was crying tears of joy as the door opened and she wrapped her arms around him, crying.

"Michelle is downstairs you-"

Another scream tore through the house.

"She's downstairs?"

"Yes! She's here for you...and you have the other shoe!"

"She has it?"

"Yes, you're the only one who fits it! Quickly before your sister slices her toes off." Nicholas muttered, leading her down the spiral staircase back to the others.

"And I can still see it all (in my mind)

All of you, all of me (intertwined)"

There was spit in Michael's eye. It was vile. These girls weren't just cruel, they were vicious. As she took back the slipper and lifted her head she saw Nicholas descending the grand staircase holding a girl's hand. A girl with flaming red hair, piercing green eyes and a ragged dress, holding the slipper's pair. Michelle lit up.

"Ella!"

"Michelle.."

Michelle tugged on the velvet ribbon in her hair, her curls falling down her back and ran to sweep up Ella in an embrace. Nicholas stepped back and handed the key back to Lady Felton who was stood there in horror.

"You dropped this, by the way."

Michelle teased, leading Ella to the chair. Ella took a seat in the chair as Michelle knelt to put the slipper on her grubby foot. Her foot slid into the slipper with ease and fit like a glove. She very carefully slipped the second shoe onto her other foot and helped her stand, smiling.

"I once believed love would be (burnin' red)

But it's golden

Like daylight."

"I told you I'd find you one day."

"You did...didn't you."

"Ella, will you do me the honour of being my wife?"

Ella was tearful and overcome with emotion as Michelle knelt in front of her, producing a ring with a sapphire set into it. Ella nodded fervently, smiling.

"Yes! Yes I will marry you Michelle!"

Michelle stood and placed the ring on her finger, pulling her into an intimate kiss as they both embraced for as long as they pleased, Nicholas watching from aside smirking, the Felton step-daughters and Lady Felton watching on in horror.

"Now if you don't mind, I'd like you to meet my Mother."

"I'd be delighted, Michelle."

Michelle carried her future wife out of her old home and towards her horse, still kissing her fervently as a less tired Nicholas followed, gesturing rudely at the step family as they made their escape.

A figure watched from the shadows, a grin on his lips. He'd let the happy couple have their fun. For now...he wasn't a monster. Just a trickster that came with a price. And watching the sisters be tortured by his cursed slippers was plenty entertainment for one day.

"I wanna be defined by the things that I love

Not the things I hate

Not the things I'm afraid of, I'm afraid of

The things that haunt me in the middle of the night, I

I just think that you are what you love"

The End 💛

Hope you enjoyed!

@jackiequick @gcthvile @cherrysft @rooster-84 @blueboirick @meiramel @askstevella @ask-missparker @ask-starrk @therealdaydreamstark @thechoooooosenone @wizzzardofoz @finlayholmes @rickb-chaos @luna-d-marsh @purpleprincessonfyre

[missstrawbs2001]

For Part 1, click here

For Part 2, click here

For Part 3, click here

OUAT AU - Now I'm Covered in You

Characters: CindeRoch, Rumple!Cole, Snow!Mia, Charming!Nikolai and Charming!Michelle/Michael

Ships: MichRoch, Mikolai

IB: Once Upon A Time, Cinderella (2015), Into The Woods and ivy by Taylor Swift

The final night, Ella was hurrying to clean so there was less work for Cole to do tonight. Her hope was that if there were fewer chores to do for him, her debt wouldn't be as great in the end. Unfortunately that wasn't exactly what the deal meant but Ella wasn't really educated in the ways of magic and such.

It did mean she would probably get to the ball faster though which made her happy, knowing The Princess wouldn't be waiting all night for her to arrive. As before, Ella waited until her family had left, took her magical slippers out of their hiding place and slipped them onto her grubby feet, waiting for Cole to arrive.

As she stepped into the shoes, Cole appeared in her draughty attic space, grinning as usual.

"One last chance, Ella. One last chance to grab hold of your dreams. And don't be late this time, the magic runs out for good tonight. The shoes are yours, but everything else will be gone by the time the first minute of the hour has passed. No carriage, no dress, no staff. Just a pumpkin, rags and farm animals. So don't let that Princess catch you when it strikes Midnight."

Ella nodded, determined as Cole began to circle her, deciding on a soft grey gown for the final night, another pair of gloves and a half updo in her hair, handing her another mask to conceal her face and getting to work on her carriage after disappearing and reappearing outside with her. The carriage poofed into existence once again and the very tired farm animals transformed once again into staff, helping Ella into the carriage.

"Alright love, there you are. And don't you forget you owe me. Big time. Alright have fun dear, don't fuck it up, ta ta!" He waved, watching as the carriage headed for the palace, solving the rest of the house tasks with a flick of his hand, smirking.

"You'll pay the price one day, Rochelle.."

As Ella stepped out of the carriage, once again feeling that lightness of entering the palace, she was quickly pulled aside by 'Michael', her new friend Snow and a young man dressed in a very smart attire with dark hair.

"Ella! This is Nicholas, a good friend of mine. He is also friends with Snow here..."

"Well more than just friends really," Snow muttered softly, giving Nik a look before smiling at Ella.

"I'll be candid, I did not recognise you yesterday, but I'm very glad Ella did."

"As am I, I hear you two are getting along rather well behind closed doors."

"Nicholas!" Snow gasped, jabbing his arm sharply with her elbow. He just chuckled. Michelle cleared her throat, looking at Ella kindly.

"So what would you like to see?"

"I'm not sure.."

"I can show you my room, or the private gardens, or just the rest of the palace."

"Whatever you want, Your Majesty." Ella smiled, taking her hand.

"You two have fun, we'll be wherever the drinks are if you need us." Nicholas teased, holding Snow's hand gently, kissing the back of it as they headed for the dance floor. Michelle turned to Ella, smirking.

"A tour it is."

In every new room Michelle showed her, Ella felt slightly smaller in stature, realising just how much Michelle had compared to herself. She smiled through it but there was sadness in her eyes as Michelle spoke about each room, a feeling in her gut saying she would never be this happy again.

"And here's the greenhouse where we grow all of our- are you alright?"

"Hmn? I'm fine, don't worry."

"I am worried, you look upset, have I done something wrong?"

"No it's just..."

Michelle took her by the hand, taking her to sit on a stone bench in the greenhouse, looking her in the eye.

"Please. You can trust me."

"Well, this will never work, will it? You're a Princess, I'm a maiden, a working maiden. With no money, no land, nothing to my name. You will need to marry well, and I couldn't ruin your reputation like that."

Michelle looked away, a feeling sitting in her throat now as she remembered her mother's words back in her bedroom from before the party had started.

"Oh goddamn,

My pain fits in the palm of your freezing hand

Taking mine, but it's been promised to another.."

"That is enough, Michelle! I will find you a suitor to marry who is fit to be King and you will marry him and bear children or so help me you won't live to see this kingdom enter your hands!"

"But mother-"

"I'm taking control of this problem right now. And I do not want to hear about this damsel you danced with at the party again! You are a future Queen. You will bring dishonour to the crown. You are no longer a child, you must do what is required, young lady."

"Yes Mother. I will do my duty."

"Oh, I can't

Stop you putting roots in my dreamland

My house of stone, your ivy grows

And now I'm covered in you"

"What you say is true. Mother wants me to marry a man. I'm almost certain she has already found me one. But I can't."

"Why not?"

"I do not love a man, any man! I love you Ella. I love you. I would give it all away if I could have you."

"But I-"

"I love you, Ella."

And before Michelle knew it she had her arms wrapped around Ella's body, kissing her with as much passion and love she had wanted to give her from the second she laid eyes on her. Their lips crashed into each other, the world standing still as they embraced under the night sky in the greenhouse together, Michelle's hands going up into Ella's hair, Ella's going into Michelle's as they kissed in this pure ecstasy and isolation from everything. Nothing could spoil this.

And then the dreaded moment came. The final night. The final time. The clock bell tolling like a death march. Ella disentangled herself from Michelle's arms, running back through the palace towards the exit as 'Michael' pursued her on foot. She could see the carriage outside and ran faster, not feeling the moment her glass slipper was left behind on the steps of the palace.

"Nicholas!" Michelle called. Nicholas swung his head around and saw 'Michael' looking distraught.

"Yes?"

"Follow that carriage!"

Nicholas nodded, running to the doors to go and grab his horse, saddled up and raced off into the night to pursue the escaping carriage. Michelle ran down the stairs with Snow at her heels, finally seeing what Ella had left behind. There on the snowy steps, was a crystalline slipper that shimmered in the moonlight. She picked it up carefully and knew she had to find Ella.

"What's the plan?"

"We find Ella, after all she'll probably want the shoe back."

"Clever. Do you think Nicholas caught her?"

"We'll have to wait and see."

"You think this will fit me?" Snow attempted to try on the slipper but as she slipped her toe in she got a sensation of what felt like shards of glass digging into the sole of her foot.

"Ow! How the Hell did she wear this?"

"Magic?...no wonder she has a curfew."

Snow pursed her lips, recognising the smell on the shoe, knowing who's magic smelled like that.

"Snow?"

"You're right, Michelle. The shoes are magical. They could kill the wrong person."

"So we find Ella then?"

"What? Oh yes, we find Ella."

.......

The carriage tore through the trees with reckless abandon, hurrying to escape Nicholas and his horse as they tried to get home. Ella was distraught, watching the magic fade away fast. Her carriage was starting to look a lot less golden and much more overripe as the horses started struggling to pull the carriage along. Ella called out, tears in her eyes.

"Cole! Help!"

Back at the house, Cole had been rifling through drawers and trunks when he heard her call out. He was confused and then it hit him. Ella was dangerously close to being discovered. With a flash of magic she landed in his arms safely, her animals returning to their homes and the pumpkin being left to rot in the woods. She was clinging to Cole tearfully, sobbing as her dress returned to rags.

"She loved me Cole, but she's betrothed to another!"

"Not necessarily, love."

"Why would she marry me!"

"Because she loves you? I thought we went over this-"

"We can never be together.. "

"Now you're just milking it."

"Cole, please tell me this isn't my ending!"

Cole sighed and put her down. He knew exactly how this was going to end but knew that he couldn't really tell her the truth either. So he settled for a half truth wrapped in a slight lie, knowing it would at least help her calm down.

"Look, when love is.. true and blegh real or whatever, it doesn't die so easily. It might fester sure, or it will keep blooming and one day it won't need to be worried about and waited on. People have a funny way of finding themselves where they want to be. Don't doubt your Love's potential. Besides, she has your other shoe so...a good person would want to return it."

Ella smiled, wiping her tears. Her story wasn't over yet. There was hope for her and Michelle.

The final part is going up this Friday so watch this space! Will love prevail? Will Cole's efforts be in vain? Will Michelle find Ella? Or will it end in Tragedy?

@jackiequick @gcthvile @blueboirick @cherrysft @meiramel @rooster-84 @askstevella @ask-starrk @ask-missparker @therealdaydreamstark @thechoooooosenone @wizzzardofoz @finlayholmes @rickb-chaos @luna-d-marsh @purpleprincessonfyre

[missstrawbs2001]

For Part One click here

For Part Two click here

OUAT AU - You were Romeo, I was a Scarlet Letter

Characters: Cinderella!Roch, Charming!Michelle, Lady in Waiting Maria Rambeau, Snow!Mia

Ship: MichRoch aka Michelle x Rochelle

IB: Love Story (Taylor's Version), Twelfth Night, Into The Woods and Cinderella (2015)

"Romeo take me somewhere

We can be alone,

I'll be waiting

All that's left to do is run."

Michelle was finally ready for the second night of her family's Royal Festival. Her mother's Lady in Waiting Maria had worked to make Michelle look the part for tonight, tying back her hair with a velvet ribbon, helping her appear more masculine and using a little makeup to make her face look less like herself. To Queen Caroline's knowledge, Michelle was in her room studying.

"Remember to be discreet and use your time wisely, Princess."

"I will, Maria. Trust me," She smirked, adjusting her collar in the mirror. Maria rolled her eyes.

"You may be dressed as a man but try not to act in their pig-headed manner."

Maria retorted, flattening down her collar again. Michelle sighed and took a look at her reflection, seeing someone she certainly recognised but one that didn't look like the Princess.

"How do I look?"

"Perfect. The note was sent to the guards as you asked and once your maiden arrives they will let me know of her arrival."

"Good. Don't want to risk entering the ballroom where anyone can try and dance with me." Michelle added, brushing herself down.

"Well then Michael, now we wait."

"I don't suppose you could maybe get Michelle some food to help her 'study'?"

Maria sighed and stood up, heading for downstairs to fetch something for The Princess to eat. 'Michael' stood up from the bed and gazed out the window, willing that fair redheaded maiden to come again.

"I got tired of waiting,

Wondering if you were ever coming around.

My faith in you was fading,

When I met you on the outskirts of town.."

'Michael' had grown so bored waiting for Ella to arrive he had actually started studying, worried about her maiden sweetheart but also concerned she wasn't coming at all. But just outside the window she heard the cantering of horse hooves on the road to the palace, she ran to the balcony and saw that golden carriage travelling down the road towards her.

The carriage came to a halt and a girl with red hair cascading down her back and ringlets stepped out, wearing a deep blue dress this time and longer opera gloves. Michelle nearly squealed with delight, watching her exit the carriage. Then she had a very risky idea. She leaned over the balcony about to call out to Ella but felt Maria pull her back inside sharply.

"Absolutely not. You will stick to the plan. Unless you want to cause a scandal?"

Michelle sighed and headed back inside, ready to enter the party.

"Whatever her family make her do, they must work her terribly hard if it takes her this long to arrive."

"You have no idea, Your Majesty."

Michelle entered the ballroom quietly as she could, slipping into the crowd trying to blend in, waiting to see Ella descend the staircase again, ready to fall head over heels as she did that first night. Ella entered the ballroom and once again took Michelle's breath away, a soft hush falling over the crowd again as a fellow Princess greeted Ella in a friendly manner. Michelle made her way closer to Ella, intent on asking her to dance when the Princess suddenly laid eyes on 'Michael'.

"Don't I know you?"

"I'm sure you uh do not, I'm not a regular at these functions, uhm."

"Really? Because you look so familiar to me."

"Couldn't possibly- ahem possibly." Michelle squeaked before clearing her throat and trying to disguise her voice. Behind her mask, Ella was trying not to laugh as her friend stepped away to find a drink and locked eyes with the handsome 'stranger'.

"Well hello sir, I don't think I've had the pleasure yet."

"Michael, madam, and you look exquisite."

"As do you, good sir." Whispered Ella, amused by the situation. The recognition in her eyes confirmed that Michelle had been  successful in pulling the wool over everyone else's eyes but hers.

"And you are?"

"You may call me Ella, kind sir."

"Ella, beautiful name."

"Why thank you, Michael."

"Ella, may I have this dance?"

"Oh I couldn't possibly..." Ella teased, taking Michael's hand as the music starts to swell, almost compelling them to take to the floor and dance. 'Michael' smiled and took the lead, holding Ella's waist with one hand and taking her hand with the other as the dance began. The two started to dance along with the many couples on the floor, floating across the ballroom with each step, the dance becoming more intimate the longer it lasted.

As the night wore on, both Ella and her mysterious dance partner had disappeared to the gardens of the palace and were sat under a gnarled tree away from the noise and excitement. Ella hadn't stopped laughing since they had snuck out, her laughter sounding like pure joy and hope as Michelle ran with her to her favourite spot.

"She had no idea who you were!"

"That was the idea, love."

"But still! I knew...from the eyes, and that terrible man voice."

"Terrible?"

"You were hardly trying!"

"You dare insult a future Queen?"

"All I see is a gentle fellow named Michael." Ella giggled, prodding her on the arm.

"Please say there's a good explanation for your lateness."

"There is. My family...are awful. They don't even think of me as their family. I suppose they aren't really."

"Who is your family?"

"My father and mother are dead, my mother died when I was young and my father died not long after her remarried."

"I'm...so sorry Ella."

"Don't be. I still have a family, just not the one I wanted. And apparently they don't want me either."

Michelle's face softened. Ella looked so much smaller and more scared than before, her face lit up in the moonlight and tears starting in her eyes. Michelle took her hands carefully and looked her in the eye.

"They must be crazy then, because I don't see how anyone could resent you or not want you. And well, I know someone who definitely wants you."

"Who's that?"

Michelle smiled, lifting Ella's head up and tilting her chin up gently, their eyes locked onto each other.

"I do. I want to be yours. Ella I know this is sudden and maybe you don't feel the same but I can't stay silent anymore. Ella, I-"

And before Michelle could finish her sentence she heard the dreaded chiming of a certain clock. Midnight had struck once again and Ella pulled away from Michelle's gaze, a look of terror on her face as she gathered herself up, brushing herself down.

"No! Please stay!"

"I really can't, they'll catch me if not, please I'll be here tomorrow night!"

"Ella wait!"

"I'll be back!"

"Ella I-" but she was already gone, running to that carriage all over again. Michelle didn't know much about Ella's family but she knew that whoever was forcing her to keep this curfew was not a kind person. And tomorrow she would save Ella for good. No more clocks interrupting, no more running away, no more words unspoken.

"I'll save you Ella. I promise..."

"Romeo save me,

I've been feeling so alone.

I keep waiting for you

But you never come.

Is this in my head?

I don't know what to think..."

Part 4 coming soon! Thanks Sneef for giving me Michelle's Male FC and for making it so easy to find kissing gifs 😊

Tagging: @gcthvile @jackiequick @blueboirick @cherrysft @meiramel @askstevella @ask-starrk @ask-missparker @therealdaydreamstark @thechoooooosenone @wizzzardofoz @finlayholmes @rickb-chaos @luna-d-marsh @purpleprincessonfyre @rooster-84

[missstrawbs2001]

OUAT AU - Rags to Riches Part 2: I'm Wonderstruck

Part 1 of Rags to Riches here

Characters: Cinderella!Roch, Charming!Michelle, Snow!Amelia

Also mentioned: Queen Caroline Danvers, Lady Maria Rambeau

Ship: Rochelle x Michelle aka MichRoch

IB: Enchanted (Taylor's Version)

"This night is flawless,

Don't you let it go.

I'm wonderstruck,

Blushing all the way home."

The palace was like something out of Ella's dreams, a marble structure with huge towering pillars and statues in several shapes of humans and animals, all draped in finery. Tall, imposing guards stood at the doors dressed in shades of silver and gold, stern expressions on their steely faces as they welcomed guests to the ball. The doors were enormous and looked heavy, the warmest light pouring through the doors as they opened as though Ella was stepping through the pearly gates themselves.

The ballroom was alive with faces adorned in masks, necks with bejeweled necklaces, dresses in all shades and the men were dressed in finery as well, the room was full of refined figures and out of the corner of her eye Ella did spy her obnoxious family by the buffet table and chuckled a little, making her way to the long, grand staircase. As she made her way to the floor, every head turned to admire her, causing the disguised redhead to blush.

Ella had never seen such adoration, desire, jealousy, curiosity and intrigue on so many faces at once. But one face stood out of the crowd. Her sunny blonde curls pinned under her crown, her long blue dress with a red sash draped over it and her gold elbow length gloves drew Ella's eye immediately. This had to be the Princess Royal, Princess Michelle. She had heard stories of the wayward Princess from town talk and vendors at the market but Ella's heart did a somersault in her chest as this Royal Princess gave her the softest of smiles, her eyes seeming to light up the room.

Once Ella reached the floor, she was almost too nervous to speak, to move as the music swelled around her. A brunette woman dressed in a red gown took her by the elbow and handed her a drink kindly.

"I'm supposing you don't frequent many parties?"

"Is...is it that obvious?"

"Oh darling, you looked like a deer in a hunter's crosshairs, but you've certainly left a lasting impression on Her Majesty." The girl chuckled, pausing to glance at where the Princess was stood.

"I'm not really supposed to be here, actually."

"Neither am I. But I'll enjoy the drinks and food whilst I can. And so should you. I'm Snow."

"Ella. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Snow looked over her shoulder coyly before taking Ella by the hand and whispering in her ear.

"Go towards the balcony, I have a feeling Her Royal Highness might just follow you if you head there now."

"You think so?"

"Call it intuition. Go on, before you miss your chance!" Snow insisted, gently pushing Ella through the crowd towards a balcony that opened out onto a gorgeous view of the night sky, the deep indigo expanse scattered with tiny shimmering diamonds in the darkness. Ella stopped to admire them, taking in the sight when she heard footsteps behind her.

"You like the view?"

"It does look rather beautiful, at least from here."

"I agree, it's not every night you see them but when you do...they take your breath away."

Ella turned to follow the voice and there, gleaming in the moonlight, was the Princess herself. She smiled ruefully as Ella's eyes widened and she sank into a deep curtsey, bowing her head as the Princess took her by the chin gently with a gloved hand, lifting her gaze to her own. Ella lifted herself from the bow, smiling shyly.

"I've never met someone as beautiful as you before."

"You must be mistaken, Your Majesty, I am no one important at all."

"No one important? In all my years living in this kingdom I have never met anyone who was not important. You, my darling, are mistaken. May I have this dance?"

Ella looked around, worried that others would see her dancing with the Princess Royal of all people. Michelle held her chin again, this time her touch causing Ella to melt instantly.

"There is no one here but us. Just you and I, and the music."

The music swelled from inside and the Princess led the dance the way a man would, taking Ella in her arms and they glided across the balcony under the moon's beams, the shadows concealing their moves as the party wore on inside. The two danced as if they'd never be parted, two whirling visions of beauty and grace to each song until they were wound in each others arms, gazing up at the sky.

"Tell me your name, fair maiden, so I might put a name to the Angel that has changed my heart and mind this night."

"My name is Ella, and I am no angel, believe me. More a humble servant, one who would be scrubbing floors until my fingers bleed were I not here."

"Ella, if you were mine your fingers would never bleed, your back would never strain and no tears of sorrow would leave those eyes. I would make you my muse, my everything, my love for you would transcend authority and reality."

The Princess replied, taking Ella's gloved hand and slowly removed the glove, revealing Ella's roughened hand. Her fingers had tiny cuts along them and they were raw from years of servitude, her hands were that of a working woman. Michelle took Ella's hand in hers and kissed it tenderly, the act causing butterflies to flutter in Ella's stomach as she almost swooned, feeling the Princess wrap a strong arm around to catch her.

"Are you alright, Ella?"

"I've never been happier." Ella smiled, the first time her smile felt good in years. It felt like time stood still as they spoke and danced, as if the world had disappeared and there was only the two of them just floating above it all in pure enchantment and brilliance. Ella never wanted the night to end as she fell deeper in love with Michelle as the hours slipped away.

She had almost lost all sense of time and space when she heard the chiming of the clock. Midnight. Ella snapped back to reality, letting go of the Princess suddenly as she came to her senses sharply.

"Ella?"

"I have to go, I will be back tomorrow night, I promise, we'll meet again, I'm so sorry!"

"But Ella-"

"Tonight's been wonderful, I need to leave, goodbye!" Ella gabbled, picking up her skirts and running towards the carriage away from Michelle into the night.

"But I won't..." Michelle finished, knowing her mother had only permitted her to attend the first night of the festival. She was wounded but knew she couldn't leave this be. Michelle headed back into the ballroom, pushing guests aside to speak to her mother, Queen Caroline.

The Queen was drinking wine carelessly, lounging in her throne and laughing at the goings on without a thought in the world.

"Mother?"

"Yes dear?"

"I wish to attend the festival tomorrow."

"Darling I told you-"

"And I hear you but I...I need more time to choose a suitor. Please."

"Darling rules are rules. You were given tonight and that is all. Your studies are too important to spend every night dancing and..frolicking. My word is final."

There were tears in Michelle's eyes as she ran up the stairs to her room, throwing herself onto her bed passionately.

"Your Majesty?"

"Not now, Maria!"

"Princess. Please."

Michelle lifted her head to see her Mother's lady in waiting, Maria, standing by her bed.

"What is it?"

"Princess, your mother may not have allowed the Princess Royal to attend the festival for another night or two...but what if you were not yourself?"

Michelle frowned, sitting up.

"Explain?"

"Well your Majesty, if you want to see that maiden again in secret, you could arrive as someone else. A Prince perhaps? Or a wandering Duke, or just a mysterious gentleman?"

Maria revealed in Michelle's closet an ornate suit fitted to her measurements, a ribbon for her long hair and bindings to hide her femininity. Michelle grinned, wiping her tears. Perhaps it was time to debut The Wily Young Michael, a character from her childhood, at the festival.

"Your mind is a marvel, Maria."

"I was never here. And do not let your Mother see you in this suit."

Michelle was finally going to get her way. As she gazed up at the night sky, she hoped and prayed that Ella was not promised to anyone else and that she would forgive her for what she was about to do for love.

"Please don't be in love with someone else,

Please don't have somebody waiting on you.

Please don't be in love with someone else,

Please don't have somebody waiting on you...."

Wanna see how the story ends?

@jackiequick @gcthvile @cherrysft @blueboirick @meiramel @purpleprincessonfyre @askstevella @ask-starrk @ask-missparker @finlayholmes @wizzzardofoz @therealdaydreamstark @thechoooooosenone @luna-d-marsh @rickb-chaos

[baneslashes]

Protecting the Defender, and Defending the Protector

Any time the dreamy desert romance Protecting the Defender, and Defending the Protector updates, it’s a reason to celebrate. Readers are taking a long journey through the desert with Bane and the attorney he kidnaps, Michelle Danvers. Locked inside each of them is an "Inception"-like secret...something they once knew to be true, but chose to forget. Years ago, Bane (then known as 'Asim') was the young leader of a street gang when he fell in love with Danvers, a law student on vacation in Morocco. A few brief flashbacks sweetly reveal them á la Romeo and Juliet, but all the reader really knows is that the romance ended badly, with Michelle having to visit an abortion clinic when she arrived home. Bane's memories unlock this hidden truth in Chapter 10, but as of chapter 23, Michelle still hasn't come around. Or has she?

Meanwhile, the desert journey of Bane and Danvers is dangerous and difficult. Bane reacts to the emotional pain he feels with brutal and childish behaviour, causing Danvers to give as good as she gets. But the traumas they confront in the pit don't lie. Despite Bane's erratic behaviour, Danvers no longer considers herself 'kidnapped', and the two develop growing feelings for one another.

Now the slow romance between these two combatants is picking up speed. In the same hotel where Asim and Mizzy(?) fell in love, Bane acknowledges his undying love for Danvers. I love the idea that he's not just thinking of his lost love here, but also the woman that she is now. And the bout of shyness that each experiences is beautiful! Danvers has already admitted to herself that she is "overwrought without him", and recognizes her "client attachment" as a smokescreen for her true feelings...  As chapter 23 closes, I believe the cloth doll, the hotel room, and Bane will figure very largely in the story.

One more thing -- I have written before about the theory of "less is more". I'm sure readers of Protecting the Defender, and Defending the Protector have noticed the insanely high level of romance. But, how can that be when there are 23 chapters and not one sex scene? It's simple. Eliminating throw-away and obvious sex scenes forces writers to think about their work and create genuinely human characters and motivations. Although I fully welcome and wish for the ultimate, beautiful love scene between Bane and Michelle, I'm so glad the authors haven't written a bunch of meaningless sex scenes between the two of them.

That would have seriously cheapened their discovery of one another...

[baneslashes]

Protecting the Defender, and Defending the Protector

Although I'm not posting these stories in any particular order, I want to begin with one that I absolutely love. In Protecting the Defender, and Defending the Protector, a Gotham City attorney doesn't recognize Bane as her lost desert lover, and that's the way Bane wants it. If you can accept the slightly altered universe of Bane having been in and out of prison most of his young adult life, you'll love this story and its exciting plot. Beneath the armor of this stoic, chivalrous protector beats the heart of a possessive man-child. Bane's love interest is Michelle Danvers, a woman who's built a fort around her emotions since the end of her desert romance. Well, she and Bane make a fine pair, don't they? ;). Protecting the Defender, and Defending the Protector is ongoing, and highly recommended!

Colour of the Bane stare: cerulean blue

The Quotable Bane:   "See that window? Inside there waits an entirely new life for me.  A woman."