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The chameleon stares upon the beautiful shimmering castle standing before him, his heart beating so hard that he can hear it in his ears. He can feel his legs shaking, the clink of his glass shoes against the grand marble steps echoes faintly through the quiet castle gardens. As he approaches closer, the soft swell of music and laughter can be heard, which only makes his nervousness increase tenfold.
He shouldn't be here. His stepmother forbade him from coming. His cruel step-brothers destroyed his late father's suit that he wanted to wear to the prince's ball. He didn't even want to meet the prince. He was only hoping to be able to meet the apprentice, C.J.; The young beaver he had met in the woods a few weeks earlier.
Yet, by some turn of fate, his fairy godmother appeared to him and granted him with all of these fine trimmings and trappings meant only for royalty. Flick, a worthless commoner forced to work as a servant in his own house for a "family" that treated him like dirt. All because he was… nice?
He couldn't find it in himself to harbor hatred for his so called family members or anyone for that matter. He would show kindness to everyone, for that's what his mother and father always told him was most important. The chameleon had always believed that one day his dreams of happiness and freedom would come true. To his shock and surprise, it came at the time when he felt like it never would.
The prince's ball was in full swing as he arrived at the top of the stairs, his eyes widened and mouth agape at the beautiful tapestries and multitudes of crystal chandeliers. Making his way down the corridor, he doesn't notice how many of the guards and servants standing at attention are staring at him. Eventually he hears the music swell behind a giant set of double doors. Taking a deep breath, he pauses before knocking.
' Will he recognize me…? '
Flick bites his lip and blushes thinking about the beaver. C.J. was so handsome and refined. The complete opposite of Flick's dirty and dingy appearance. Soft brown fur that was impeccably trimmed and groomed, not unlike his red, cold scales. When they had met, he was so genuine and charismatic. And those eyes… Bright blue like the sky on a clear day. Flick swore his heart stopped when he smiled at him.
He had to see C.J. again. He was the entire reason he had wanted to go in the first place.
With that thought firmly steeled in his mind, he knocked gently on the wooden doors, the servants opening them and allowing him to step inside.
---
"I hope you know what you're doing, son. Inviting the commoners to the palace…"
C.J. watches with boredom as all the royal visitors, princesses and countesses, dukes and barons make their way down towards the dance floor. Mingling and meandering around, trying their best to impress him. He rolls his eyes as a few of them fall over themselves to get his favor. He's pleased to see some of the other commoners dressed up and dancing with the other royal guests.
"Of course I know what I'm doing, father." He speaks in a hushed voice; Blue eyes drift towards the King, sitting in his throne who nods at each of the guests as they enter. C.J. keeps scanning the room, hoping to catch just a glimpse of red somewhere, anywhere , in the ballroom.
His heart was racing at the thought of actually seeing the mysterious chameleon again. He had never felt so strongly connected to anyone in such a short amount of time. The chameleon had such a kind air about him, and with some sarcasm to boot. He was very intelligent and beautiful, despite the ragged clothes he wore. Those ruby red scales reflected in the speckled sunlight that peeked through the trees around them. His entrancing purple eyes could melt him with just one look. So solemn and wise…
He could feel himself blush just thinking about the reptile, even with how brief their interaction had been. Everyone goes silent as the announcer steps up to the middle of the dancefloor, silencing the patrons.
"The time has come for our Prince to choose a partner for the first dance! Let our ball officially commence!"
Everyone claps and cheers, but internally C.J. is dreading the dance. With his father watching, and the prospect of marriage in his brain, ("For the good of the kingdom," his father had said.) it made his heart all the heavier. The chameleon was a commoner, not someone his father would approve of. His father wanted him to marry into royalty, but some common person that wouldn't give their kingdom any advantages or land or assets. His brain was telling him what he should do.
His heart was telling him something entirely different. His heart was telling him that the boy he met in the forest was the one he wanted to truly be with. Not all of these… phonies trying to impress him.
As soon as C.J. descends the stairs leading from the throne area to the ballroom, everything stops. The music, the talking, the laughter. Everything is silent as all heads turn to look towards the entrance. C.J.'s head slowly turns to the same direction everyone's head is and his blue eyes widen. His breath catches in his throat.
There, stands the mysterious chameleon at the very top of the grand double staircase. A stark white suit with silver shoulder tassels and cords drape the length of his torso. His hands covered in white gloves. A gentle, shy smile is on his face, purple eyes alight with wonder and moving about from face to face.
C.J.'s legs walk towards him as if on command, a bright smile on his face as the crowd parts like the sea. His heart was pulling him towards the center of the ballroom where the chameleon was heading towards.
Flick gasped as he saw C.J. walking down the center towards him. A royal blue suit with golden shoulder tassels and cords were fitting the beaver's body. His brain was reeling as his body slowly and gracefully moved down the staircase. He's the prince! I can't believe it… My God…
Ever closer they came together until finally the two were staring face to face, purple eyes meeting blue, smiles mimicked on both their faces. Flick couldn't help but let out a breath he had been holding.
C.J.'s blue eyes were shimmering with happiness, "It's really you."
"Just so." Flick breathes out, his soft voice making the prince smile. He had a beautiful voice…
"Your highness, if I may…That is, it would give me the greatest pleasure, if you would do me the honor, of letting me lead you through this. The first…" C.J.'s words trail off, his soul drowning as he stares into the chameleon's mesmerizing eyes.
"...Dance?" Flick finishes for him, his eyes focusing solely on the beaver.
C.J. laughs breathlessly, his exuberant nature breaking through amidst his decorum, "...Yes, dance…"
Flick smiles and laughs with him, nodding. It takes a moment for either of them to move, their smiles softening. C.J. bravely inches closer, his left hand coming to wrap around the chameleon's waist. Flick inhales softly, the mere touch electrifying his heart. The music starts as C.J. extends out his right hand for the chameleon to take.
Once he accepts, they start to slowly sway as C.J. takes the lead, spinning Flick around. The chameleon's nerves briefly jolt when he notices everyone else staring at them .
"They're all looking at you…"
The beaver only smiles widely, "Believe me, it's you who they're looking at."
Flick can't help but smile back as they gain more confidence. All at once, C.J. forgets everything, the audience, his father, his responsibilities. All that he can see is the chameleon. The beaver sweeps and twirls Flick around the floor, leaving him nearly breathless as they finish. The audience claps and cheers as the two come to a close, both bowing to the other. It's then that all of the other patrons bring their partners to dance on the floor along with the prince and his mystery guest.
The chameleon finds himself laughing and having a wonderful time as he and C.J. dance for what feels like forever. Eventually C.J. stops and holds his hand, "Follow me."
The chameleon nods as C.J. takes them away from the ballroom and down a winding set of corridors. Eventually they make it to a private room just before the palace gardens, the beaver shutting the heavy doors behind him.
"So you're the prince?"
Flick can't help to exclaim as they're finally left alone. His hands fly up to his face in disbelief, his giggles expelling from his lips, "Oh my gosh…"
The beaver smiles guilty, "I mean I am 'a' prince. There's many across the world, I just happen to be one…"
"So your name isn't actually C.J., then?" Flick smirks.
C.J. scratches the back of his head, "Oh no, it is. It's short for another name that my father calls me when he's in a good mood."
Flick laughs, his disbelief still coming off in waves, "But, you aren't actually an apprentice?"
C.J. grins, hearing his airy laughter. What a beautiful sound…
"I am an apprentice! An apprentice monarch. Still learning the trade."
Flick giggles, his smile affixed in place, overwhelmed, "Oh my gosh…"
"I never would have believed you were actually a prince this entire time, either." C.J. laughs, Flick's giggling subsiding. He can never know the truth…
C.J. continues, "Please forgive me. I thought you might treat me differently if you knew. I mistook you for a good honest farm boy. Now I see you didn’t want to cause any alarm."
"Little chance of that now…" Flick follows the beaver towards the French doors leading outside.
C.J. turns to him, taking his hands in Flick's. The chameleon blushes faintly, the moonlight streaming in through the window panes make the Prince all the more dashing. "No more secrets?"
Flick smiles softly, but internally, he struggles. If only you knew…
"No more secrets."
The beaver smiles and squeezes his hand gently. The chameleon notices the big portrait of C.J. on the far wall and walks over to investigate. "Is this you?"
C.J. scoffs and rolls his eyes, "I hate myself in paintings, don't you?"
Flick giggles, "No one's ever painted my portrait before."
C.J. stops and looks at him, "No? Well… They should."
The chameleon looks to the floor and flushes, a shy smile gracing his lips. The beaver can only smile. How can anyone be so perfect…?
He extends a hand to the chameleon, which he accepts, the two walking outside towards the gardens.
---
"Won't they miss you at the ball?"
Flick asks, walking arm in arm with the prince as they stroll through the torch lit topiary gardens. C.J. smiles wryly at the thought of going back into his gilded cage, "Maybe, but let's not go back just yet."
They stroll in silence for a few moments, the chameleon noticing the beaver's demeanor grow dim, "What's wrong?"
C.J. dejectedly sighs and stops with Flick, "When I go back, they'll pair me off to a lady or lord of their choosing. I'm expected to marry for advantage."
The chameleon frowns at that, "Oh, well who's advantage?"
C.J. chuckles, "That's a good question."
Flick looks at him, his gaze steady and kind, "Surely everyone has a right to their own heart, don't they?"
C.J. looks away, "I have to weigh that against the king's wishes. He's a wise ruler and a loving father."
Flick rests a hand atop C.J.'s, the prince looking back to him, "If he is so wise, perhaps he will change his mind."
His soft voice makes the beaver hesitate for just a moment before he replies, his gaze fixated on their joined hands, "I fear… he hasn't much time to do so…"
The chameleon can only stare solemnly at C.J., his heart breaking for the poor beaver in front of him. Unfortunately, he's had his own fair share of grief.
"Poor C.J…"
---
"Where are we going?"
Flick is confused as the Prince leads the chameleon by the hand deeper into the hedge mazes.
Eventually the two stop at a large wooden door wrapped in vines built into one of the larger portions of the maze. C.J. looks back at him mischievously, "This is a place I've never shown anyone."
The chameleon is puzzled until the beaver opens the door. Flick gasps in amazement and the multitudes of colorful flowers in smaller hedges around the room. Butterflies of all kinds are fluttering their wings, some resting on petals and others flying at their leisure. A small pond is off towards the side, the shadows of fish swimming beneath the serene waters. In the center of it all, a massive oak tree stands proudly with a wooden swing attached to the lowest hanging branch.
"A secret garden…" He breathes out in wonder. As delicately as he can, he allows a butterfly to rest on his outstretched hand, the scene making C.J. smile fondly. The beaver gestures to the swing as Flick makes his way over to the worn cord holding the plank of wood. "Please."
The chameleon shakes his head politely, "Oh, I shouldn't."
C.J. raises an eyebrow playfully, "You should."
"I shouldn't." Flick smiles at his insistence.
C.J. smirks, "You should."
"I will."
C.J. grins as Flick sits down, making his way behind the chameleon. He gives the chameleon a few gentle pushes, smiling at how cute Flick sounds when he giggles. A soft clink is heard as one of the chameleon's shoes falls off onto the soft grass.
Flick gasps and the prince helps him stop the swing, before walking over and kneeling down to retrieve it. C.J. delicately picks up the frosted glass shoe, marvelling its beauty before looking up at Flick in awe, "It's made of glass."
The chameleon merely shrugs, "And why not?"
C.J. lets out a breathless chuckles, "May I?"
Flick blushes, "Thank you."
The chameleon scoots the swing closer to the beaver, C.J. holding Flick's ankle daintily and slipping the shoe back onto his foot.
C.J. looks back up at Flick, his ocean blue eyes gazing into his violet ones so intensely it makes the chameleon's heart race. The Prince has never looked more attractive, knelt in front of Flick, looking at him as if he were the most gorgeous siren in the world.
He isn't expecting C.J. to pull the swing closer, the chameleon's breath hitching as they inch closer together. The beaver's heart is hammering in his chest, as if struggling to free itself from his ribcage to get closer to the chameleon. In the moment, damn whatever his father tells him. He's in love with this mysterious stranger, desperate to know anything more about him.
Flick wants so badly to stay in this moment forever. Frozen in time in this paradise where there aren't any stepmothers, or kings, or titles. Just him and C.J. together, in their own little world. The chameleon can feel his eyes lower as the beaver gets ever closer to him.
"Won't you tell me who you really are?"
C.J. sounds so desperate and it breaks the chameleon's heart. He couldn't afford to tell him… Could he?
"If I do… I'm afraid everything might be different…"
"I don't understand. Can you at least tell me your name…?"
C.J.'s voice is a whisper, his lips delicately brushing the chameleon's and tilting his head. Flick's eyes close and he speaks, brain hazy from just how close C.J. is to kissing him…
"My name is-"
BING BING BING
The clock! He'd completely forgotten! His eyes shoot open and he pulls away from C.J. reluctantly. "I-I have to go!"
"W-wait, where are you going?"
"I have to leave! It's hard to explain!"
C.J. turns to see Flick open the door before spinning back around, a bright smile on his face, "You’ve been awfully nice. Thank you for a wonderful evening, I’ve loved it! Every second!"
And off the chameleon runs.
C.J.'s left to stare at the swing where Flick once sat, a determined expression setting onto his face before getting up and running after the chameleon. His mind had been made up long before, but now he was certain. He wouldn't let that chameleon get away from him. His heart certainly wouldn't allow it.