Who are you?

In case this is the first chapter you read, let's recap. Cinderella got into the bedroom of the king and found the safe with hopefully a crown inside. Before she could take a look, she was interrupted by the prince and a lady doing "adult things." She hid behind a cabinet but couldn't close the safe in time. The prince saw and sent the lady on her way so that he could investigate.

Let's continue.

The prince came closer inch by inch, and Cinderella tried to think of a way out. But what could she possibly say or do? The Boss said she could use violence, but Cinderella didn't want to use force without talking to him first.

'Who is there?' The prince said with authority. 'Show yourself!'

'Alright, alright.' Cinderella stood up from behind the cabinet. She could see the confusion and just a hint of shame in his eyes.

'Who are you? Are you a guest?'

Cinderella looked down humbly and said in a quiet voice. 'I'm sorry, your highness. I was looking for the lady's room but got lost...'

'And you got lost? Here?' He looked like he didn't believe her. 'How did you get past the guards?' Cinderella wanted to answer, but the prince interrupted her. 'Nevermind, that is not my biggest concern.' He lifted her head with the tip of his index finger. 'Who are you?' Faced with the gorgeous face of the prince, she was lost for words for a moment.

Then she remembered her ultimate goal, get the crown, get out. The Boss was probably waiting for her already. She turned her sideways and stepped backward. The prince only raised his eyebrow.

'Don't touch me again. I will cut your finger clean off. Also, you're in my way.' She pushed him aside as she glanced at his face. He was perplexed, and it was clear he was not used to someone treating him like this. Cinderella wasn't sure if she ever wanted to address a prince like that ever again. But it worked. The prince stayed back. Cinderella turned around and finally opened the safe so she could look inside. Inside she saw a crown. But not thé crown. It was small and more suitable for a prince than it was for a king.

Behind her, she heard a scoff. 'I think I get why you're here, but I doubt you'll be satisfied with just my crown. You want to know where the crown of my father is, right? The one they crowned him with?'

Cinderella was confused, and all she could stutter was: 'Wh-what?'

'Am I wrong?'

Cinderella didn't dare to answer. Instead, she avoided the question. 'What exactly are you asking?'

'I'm asking if you want help. My help to be precise.'