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fairytalethebook · 7 years

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Chapter Two: The Impossible Princess of Luna.

Founded by the descendants of seven prominent families, the country of Electerra had officially existed for over six hundred years. Prior to their unification the world had been very loosely governed with everyone mostly taking care of themselves. When the families joined together, each representative was given an equal share of the power and for many years they all lived and traveled together across the country building palaces and capital cities in each kingdom. Whenever they finished with one they would move to the next until each family had an official homeland and kingdom to watch over as they saw fit. The leaders would periodically meet to discuss matters impacting the whole country. This delicate balance of power between the seven rulers ensured that they never needed an official King or Queen.

Luna was the fourth kingdom to be developed and was, by far, the most unique. The Royals of the time hadn’t originally wanted to colonize a part of the country completely without sunlight for all but three days of the year. However, when they realized the bioluminescent plant and animal life, as well as the waters of Luna had medicinal properties they decided it would be the perfect place to base their science and medical organizations. This gave Luna the odd distinction of being one of the most technologically advanced kingdoms, while also being the most sparsely populated.

Contrary to most of the other palaces, which towered over their surrounding lands, the Palace of Luna was laid out much lower to the ground, and had been constructed using very pale stone to contrast with the constant darkness. Beautifully intricate mosaics made of glass, tile, gems and precious metals depicted both legends and historical events from Electerra’s past. Instead of being very tall and grand, the palace was a sprawling structure which took up acres of the Royal grounds. Everything was designed with rounded shapes in mind. Balconies jutted off all sides of the palace, seemingly at random; onion-domed roofs covered the tops of nearly every room of the palace, even the landscaping was designed in such a way that the entire palace resembled nothing more than an elaborate building made of clouds, floating on a glimmering night sky.

The usually dormant Kingdom of Luna was exploding with life. The first day of the three day annual Midsummer Festival celebrating the summer solstice and the start of a new season was at hand. The festival was held in the Northernmost kingdom of Luna because, on the opening night of the festival, and the night of the ball, the sun would rise above the horizon for several hours. Being in the middle of summer, this had always been the most popular Ball and people traveled from all seven kingdoms to attend. The Ball was comprised of three tiers. First, the entire Kingdom of Luna awoke to an abundance of drinking, dancing, and exotic foods and performers from all corners of the world. People lined the streets all the way up to the palace gates to watch as the Royals arrived in their carriages and cars. A second, slightly more formal party was held in the courtyard of the castle. The photographers and reporters gathered here along the red carpet in hopes of gathering the latest news and gossip from people of note. The red carpet led to the third and final tier: The Ball itself held in the grand ballroom. A luscious gold and marble rotunda with an enormous balcony overlooking the crowds of attendees always kept the royals on display.

Inside the ballroom, servants frantically tried to finish all of the last minute details. Chancellor Bianca Heart, a striking and imposing woman oversaw every movement made. She was tall and fashionable with long blonde hair always coiffed in an elaborate and uptight style to add half a foot to her height. As always, she had an earpiece-cum-microphone stuck to one of her ears. Tonight’s was gold to match her dress; an ornate, gold tailored gown covered with large sequins resembling a dragon’s scales. The role of Chancellor had once been a ceremonial one, but after a tragic accident killed all the Royal’s parents, Bianca had found herself in the peculiar position of having all the power and control in the kingdom. She was hardly a mean woman, but after years of running the country and cleaning up the Royal children’s messes, she was finding it more difficult to be light hearted.

Only a few hours remained until the first dance and the ballroom was still not ready. Bianca was busy barking out orders through a megaphone when a nervous hush fell over everyone. A half dressed Princess Selene, the most famous woman in the world and the only Royal born female walked in.

“No! It’s wrong, it’s all wrong.” She said shaking her head.

“Good Lord, who let her in here?” Bianca hissed to herself.

Selene stormed down the ornate marble staircase and out into the ballroom and started snatching things out of the attendants hands as they passed by.

Almost immediately, Prince August, also half dressed, dashed in and scanned the room for Selene. Irritated, Bianca approached him “August! You had ONE job!” “Sorry, I must have fallen asleep.” “You fell asleep?” Bianca asked, incredulously. “Have you ever spent the day with her? She can be exhausting.” “Just go get her and take her back upstairs.” Bianca demanded, looking back over to where Selene was pushing her way through various workers and attendants before finally setting her sights, and anger, on the centerpieces.

“Are those peonies?” She shrieked. “I hate peonies!” she insisted, as she started pulling flowers out of the displays. August came rushing up behind her. “No, you don’t, you love peonies,” He said taking the flowers out of her hand and setting them down. “Well, I hate those peonies,” Selene’s voice whined. “No, you don’t.” August sighed, carefully sliding the peonies back into the arrangements, one by one. “You hate hydrangeas and carnations.” Even from across the room, Bianca could tell by August’s tone this was a conversation they’d had many times before.

“Well, yeah, carnations are cheap and tacky,” Selene scoffed, offended by the mere mention of carnations in her presence. “Wait, are there carnations? So help me god if there are carnations in here.” She fumed looking about for any evidence of the garbage tissue-paper flower. “There aren’t carnations, there aren’t daisies, and there aren’t roses. Now…” “Ugh, roses.” Selene cut him off. “Could you be any more obvious? Like, ‘Oh, I like roses, I’m so sweet and innocent, and pretty.’” Selene prattled on, mocking the imaginary girl she just picked a fight with in her head. “Here,” he said, taking her by the arm and gently leading her back toward the foyer and, hopefully, her bedroom. “No. I can’t.” She said quite literally putting her foot down. “There’s too much to do here, and clearly I can’t trust ANYBODY to do their JOB properly!” She screamed, nearly causing a nearby panicky gay assistant to drop the tray of pastries he carried. “Bianca has everything under control!” August insisted forcefully, taking her by the arms. “They’re all doing their jobs,” he motioned to the attendants all around them, “Now it’s time for you to go do yours. Go upstairs and get dressed.”

Suddenly they heard a roar from the crowd outside. Trumpets played the fanfare of the Kingdom of Saffron and Selene excitedly ran towards the foyer. “Cinderella’s here!” She exclaimed, rushing towards the foyer, “I have to go meet her, she has my dresses!” Bianca glared at August. He sighed in frustration. He already knew he needed to get Selene away from the preparations. Bianca’s continued harping was not helping him remain calm in the face of Selene’s misplaced anxiety.

“I’ll go greet them, you go upstairs and finish getting ready. I’ll send Cinderella right up with your dresses,” he said as he passed her off to a handmaiden. “Do not let her leave the bedroom until it’s time for us to walk the Red Carpet,” he whispered under his breath. The handmaiden nodded, escorting Selene back up the stairs to her bedroom.

Once Selene was safely out of sight he turned and sprinted towards the grand staircase to welcome Cinderella and Prince Dane of the Kingdom of Saffron. He was glad his first batch of reinforcements had finally arrived as he’d already been trying to keep Selene distracted from the party preparations all day. At this rate he wasn’t going to be able to enjoy the festivities he’d been looking forward to for months.

“No matter how many times I do that, it is still overwhelming,” Dane said in greeting as August approached to formally welcome the couple. “I don’t know, I mostly find it exciting,” Cinderella countered. Although Cinderella had been the first Princess to marry into the group, she still found the red carpets and events as exhilarating as the first time she’d done it. “Well, you haven’t done it nearly as many times as we have,” Dane responded, “I keep waiting for them to get bored with us.” “Bored!?” August laughed, flipping his sandy blonde hair back, “What on earth would they get bored with? It’s the biggest party of the year!”

Dane rolled his eyes at the arrogance of his old friend. It would be far more off putting if August actually felt this way. But August was essentially an excited puppy, always ready for whatever fun lay ahead and never thinking past the next thrilling adventure.

Cinderella and Dane were considered the two most likable royals. Cinderella was pretty, though a little plain and waify. There was nothing particularly striking or noteworthy about her physical appearance. Her true beauty came from her easy temperament, genuine kindness, and unsinkable sense of optimism that bordered on naiveté. Dane was tall and thin, verging on lanky, with a long neck, light brown curly hair, and warm brown eyes. Multiple piercings adorned his ears and nose. A childhood accident had left scars on his neck, down his left side and partially crippled his left arm. To maintain some mobility he wore an elaborate silver brace on one shoulder with straps and rigging that extended down his arm to his hand and then to each finger. Though the brace was helpful, it had limitations. In his youth Dane had been a promising painter and while he still painted occasionally in his free time, his full skill had never returned after the accident.

“Speaking of beautiful,” August said taking Cinderella’s hand and kissing it. “You’re looking particularly lovely tonight.”

She was wearing a fitted strapless white gold gown that flared out at the knees. Her jewelry was simple yet elegant, and it mirrored Dane’s brace. Platinum cuffs at her wrists and elbows connected to her simple platinum necklace with delicate chains that traveled up her arms. Her signature tulle stole was pinned to her bodice and wrapped around her body like a diaphanous cocoon. Her naturally mousy brown hair had been given champagne highlights and cut into a choppy a-line bob, at Selene’s suggestion.

“We weren’t speaking of anything beautiful at all, you big flirt!” Cinderella teased. “How do you like the hair?” She asked primping her new shorter do. “It’s not too short?” “Not at all. Although you’d look beautiful with any style.” August responded with a smile and a kiss on the cheek. Although their relationship had always been platonic, they were often very flirtatious with each other. August flirted with virtually every person he came in contact with, but Cinderella was generally more reserved.

“Well, if you’re finished shamelessly flirting with me in front of my husband, I have dresses for Selene. How is she tonight?” August laughed, “How do you think she is?” “Yep, that sounds about right,” Cinderella said. “Is she upstairs?” “Yes, I have her barricaded in her room to keep her from harassing the staff.”

Cinderella adjusted her hair and dress as if preparing for battle. “Alright boys, you behave yourselves in my absence.” she said ascending the staircase.

August and Dane stood politely for a minute until Cinderella was safely upstairs.

“Drink?” August propositioned. “Absolutely,” Dane responded before August even finished.

Upstairs, Selene obsessively brushed her long honey blonde hair and admired her reflection in the menagerie of mirrors that dotted and lined her vanity. She had each mirror positioned in such a way that she could see every angle of herself by a mere shift or pivot. A large television blared red carpet coverage in the background, but other than that one technological addition, her childhood bedroom remained a youthful time capsule dedicated to charting, and indulging every whim of the very special and, once thought, impossible princess.

Being the first and only royal born female to survive past infancy awarded Selene a great deal of cachet. From the moment of her birth, she had never been placed into any situation capable of compromising her health. Over time, this incrementally included even the slightest inconvenience or discomfort.

Selene continued brushing her hair and gazed around the room taking in all the trappings of her childhood. Everything was decorated in pastel pinks, blues, and purples like the rest of the palace. Although large for a child’s room, the bedroom and all the furnishings, were nowhere near as grand and opulent as her bedroom in Onyx. Her attention turned to her vast collection of beautiful porcelain dolls. Selene had asked for a doll once in her childhood and was subsequently presented with an exquisite doll sculpted and dressed to look just like her. Unfortunately, she’d never been able to play with it or any of the dozens of other dolls that followed since they might have broken and cut her. Now, they all sat, just as they had for her entire childhood, pristinely in the corner.

Her gaze continued to move around the room and her brushing slowed as she caught sight of an old music box. Once her most prized possession, it was given to her by her mother on her ninth birthday, shortly before the accident. Though she hadn’t opened it in years, she could still hear it’s song. Almost entranced, she put down her brush, walked over to the box covered in a faint layer of dust, and opened it. Slowly, the plinky twinkles began and a little figure of a beautiful blonde woman holding a child began to twirl around. Tears welled in Selene’s eyes.

“Knock, Knock!” Cinderella’s cheerful voice called out as she came in the room wheeling a cart stacked with her various trunks and caboodles.

Selene snapped the box shut and put it back. Quickly she wiped a tear from her eye as she spun around to greet Cinderella with a fabricated smile.

“You ok?” The ever astute Cinderella asked, intentionally filling her voice with casualness so as not to further trigger Selene.

“Yeah,” Selene said sniffling. “Dust.” She offered up, sliding her finger along the shelf and shrugging. “I mean, I’m only here once a year, you’d think the staff could muster up a little more gumption.” She flipped her hair over her shoulder.

Cinderella scanned the room and noticed the perfume mockups on the table next to her vanity.

“Ooh,” Cinderella gushed, “Are these for Selebrity?”

“No,” Selene said, “They couldn’t be for Selebrity, I’m launching Selebrity tonight. Those are for Surface.”

“Oh,” Cinderella said looking at the boards with images of a scantily clad Selene caressing her face and laying in a shallow pool of water. Bold, stylized letters reading “Surface: Scratch the surface” splashed across the images. She didn’t remember Selene talking about Surface, but considering Selene was on her eleventh perfume, it was not hard to get them confused. Cinderella flipped through the designs until she came to another one, called Clique with a picture of Selene, Penelope, and Rapunzel in a group, pretending to gossip. She was surprised because Selene barely knew Penelope, the newest Princess.

“I don’t think you told me about this one,” Cinderella said, showing Selene the mockup for Clique.

“Oh, that,” Selene scoffed, “that’s nothing. I invited Penelope for her welcome brunch and Rapunzel came too, we just had a little fun.”

“Oh, I didn’t know you’d had Penelope’s brunch already." Cinderella said shuffling the mockup boards. The welcome brunches were a tradition Selene started when Cinderella married Dane. Since then, Cinderella had been involved in each subsequent welcome brunch for all the other princesses.

“Yes, well you were busy with Odette that day, and it was past time we welcomed Penelope officially,” Selene shrugged. She got up and took the boards from Cinderella and placed them back, face-down on the desk.

Cinderella was a little put out she hadn’t been at the brunch for Penelope, but she remembered the day in question and she had indeed been busy with Odette. She also knew Selene hadn’t meant anything hurtful by excluding her, it was simply Selene’s way sometimes. She was not very good at considering what may or may not hurt other people’s feelings. Cinderella had learned a long time ago to pick her battles when it came to Selene and this was one moment she knew it was better to let things slide

“Well, I’m glad you had the foresight to welcome her before the Midsummer Ball, anyway. It would have been awkward for Penelope’s official debut to occur before you could properly welcome her. Did you give her her gift?”

“No, it wasn’t ready. I have it now, though, and I’m planning to give it to her at dinner,” Selene waved to her bedside table where a black velvet box sat with a silver ribbon tied around it.

Another tradition they’d started together was giving each Princess an elaborate piece of jewelry on their entrance into Royal society, which they were encouraged to wear to the official balls. Each piece was commissioned specially by Selene to reflect the princess in question. Cinderella had been given a delicate platinum brooch in the shape of a spider, which she was using this evening to pin her stole to her dress. Snow had been presented with the hair comb. Odette was given a large, silver filigree bangle in the shape of a swan feather, and Rapunzel had received a colorful jeweled macaw pendant.

Cinderella walked over to the box and opened it to see an exquisite diamond skull belt buckle with moth wings on each side.

“Oh my, that certainly is perfect for Penelope. And it’s lovely work,” she complimented.

“Yes, I know. So!” Selene spun around enthusiastically in a whirlwind of hair “What do you have for me?!”

“Oh. Right!” Cinderella snapped back to the matter at hand. “Well, per your request, I have three dress options.” Cinderella said parading back over to her cart full of trunks and dress bags. “But this is the one I think you’re going to go for.” She said pulling out a dress.

The dress was typical Selene, bright, bold, and flashy. A melon pink, strapless satin sheath was covered with a deep purple velvet overlay. The thick, soft fabric was gathered and cinched on the left side and gathered into the obligatory bustle in the back. A long sleeve on the right side was embroidered with gold trim around the cuff and neckline. Topping off the ensemble, an eye-catching lime green embroidered lace sash slung over the opposing shoulder and draped dramatically down, ending well below the hip. The sash, as well as the rest of the dress was covered in live fuchsias, Selene’s favorite flower.

“I LOVE it!” Selene said, jumping up, running over to Cinderella, grabbing the dress, and twirling around with it, before her mirror.

Cinderella laughed, “I knew you would. So thats why I didn’t even bother to make the other two.” She said unloading her things from the cart.

Selene glared at her.

“Oh come on.” Cinderella said, “I’ve been styling you for years, you should really learn to trust me. I know what I’m doing.”

Selene wanted to be more angry at Cinderella’s deliberate disobedience, but ultimately, in a rare display of restraint, she decided she loved the dress Cinderella made and nothing else mattered.

Cinderella often had this calming effect on Selene. Usually, Selene would take every opportunity she could get to make the tiniest hill into the biggest mountain. But more often than not with Cinderella, she simply let things go. Secretly, she knew deep down she needed Cinderella, although she would never admit it; and certainly not to anyone outside the two of them. They had a very close friendship, one the others sometimes found odd because they appeared to be polar opposites. However, their friendship actually made an enormous amount of sense at its core. Selene was fabulous, bold, loud, and demanded everyone’s attention. Cinderella, on the other hand, was quiet, shy, insecure, and more than willing to let Selene have the spotlight. Cinderella had also been the first girl to marry into the group of Royals. Once Selene determined Cinderella was not a threat, the two princes quickly formed a strong bond.

A voice erupted from Selene’s television. “We’re getting word that Princess Rapunzel and Prince Conrad of Valencia are on their way up the road,” the voice on the TV said. Cinderella turned her attention to see what was going on. It was renowned reporter and gossip monger Ursula Majors and her panel of underlings commentating on the red carpet.

As a largely fashion based society, Electerra’s airwaves were dominated by coverage of the Royals and whichever Royal event was happening at any given time. Occasionally there would be an actual news story or headline, but for the most part, the news was dictated by who wore what and where it was worn. Or who was seen doing what with who and what they had been wearing at the time. Why rarely factored into the mix.

There were a few reporters of prominence in the kingdoms, but none compared to Ursula; the host of “MAJOR News: with Ursula Majors”. Though no one knew her exact age, Ursula’s commanding presence had been a fixture in the kingdoms for nearly three decades. She was taller than most men, a fact she took pride in, voluptuous with dark skin the texture of satin, and warm golden brown eyes. She wore color exceptionally well and often favored dark bold colors like sapphire, burgundy, and violet. She had an impressive head of hair which was always either styled in an elaborate bouffant or an enormous mane of curls closely resembling a lion.

On this night she had her hair dyed a vibrant red and styled in a variation on her normal bouffant: very tall and swept to the back of her head with a few long tendrils escaping to cascade down the sides of her face. She was elegantly outfitted in a midnight blue satin gown with a mermaid silhouette. The dress was covered in diamonds, strategically placed to look like constellations in the night sky.

Cinderella noticed Ursula and her co-anchors were decamped in a tent at the edge of the red carpet set up as a makeshift replica of her permanent studio in The Valley. The interior walls of the tent were covered with screens showing a rotating collection of the best Midsummer gowns of the past. Although the image being broadcast looked calm and collected, Cinderella knew there were at least a dozen cameras, monitors and panicky assistants, specifically Ursula’s main assistant Leo, hovering just out of frame in the time honored dance of organized chaos keeping the production functioning on a daily basis.

As was often the case at the biggest events of the year Ursula was joined by two other commentators offering opinions on the chosen outfits of all the important attendees, especially the Royals. They would also discuss any noteworthy updates and provide color commentary on what the Royals had been up to since the last celebration.

A picture of a young Conrad in his prime was put on the screen before cutting to Ursula and her commentators in their tent discussing his recent retirement as an athlete. The screen changed to a photo of Conrad and Rapunzel laughing together at their recent Valencia Food and Wine Festival.

“As you can see, he has started looking a little worse for wear lately. Some say he should have retired years ago. What do you all think?” Ursula asked.

“Well,” began the first commentator, in a conspiratorial tone, “from what I’ve heard, it was more of a forcible retirement than a voluntary one.”

“Yes,” interrupted the second, “I’ve heard that as well. After his extremely rough season last year and his latest knee injury, it’s honestly surprising this hasn’t already happened. He’s the very definition of an over the hill athlete.”

“So true,” echoed Ursula, “And when you add in recent rumors of philandering, reclusiveness and his alleged drinking problem, along with his well known anger issues, I’m afraid we really are looking at a ticking time bomb.”

Ignorant of the color commentary happening at their expense, Rapunzel and Conrad sat awkwardly in the back of their town car. The two hadn’t been on good terms lately, for many reasons, but they weren’t exactly ready to face their issues, either. Rapunzel nervously petted her impossibly long tangerine hair she had subconsciously positioned in between Conrad and herself.

He finally spoke to her for the first time in hours.“What’s wrong?”

His incredibly deep voice cut through her like a sword.

“What? No. Nothing. Nothing’s wrong,” She stammered, “Why?”

“You seem distant,” He said.

“I’m right here,” She said feigning a smile “Right where I always am.”

“Here,” Conrad said, handing her his flask “For your nerves.”

“No,” She said shaking her head.

“Sure?” Conrad gestured again with the flask.

“I’ll be fine,” She said looking out the window at the masses of people lining the streets.

“Alright,” he grunted, downing what was left as the town car lurched to a halt. “It’s showtime” he said with a wink.

Conrad exited the car and trotted around to open Rapunzel’s door for her. Rapunzel shuddered for a moment but managed to expel all negative thoughts and emotions; the red carpet was no place for such feelings. She recognized the I’m portynce of appearing happy and excited for the public. Extending her exquisitely bejeweled foot and taking Conrad’s hand, she unfurled out of the car in a sumptuous mass of hair and fabric. Her gown’s skirt was multiple layers of different silks, chiffons, and crepe, in shades of red, orange, maroon, and deep magenta. It had a lot of body and swayed back and forth when she walked. It was a daring two piece with a lavish bikini-like top with detached flowing sleeves cascading to the ground. Her macaw pendant rested in the center of the top. Her red hair, glazed with tangerine highlights, was pulled up and back in a mound and tied with ribbons. The rest of it, and there was a lot, fell to the ground in perfumed ringlets. Various lilies and citrus peels decorated her hair and framed her face. Her eyes were big and bright and her cheeks glittered. She was luscious in every sense of the word.

Conrad was built like an ox and was first of the princes in many distinctions: the oldest, the tallest, the biggest, the strongest. Along with those accolades, he was also first in arrogance and temper. These unwelcome traits increasingly surfaced recently with his unceremonious retirement, subsequent weight gain, and bout of depression he refused to acknowledge in any way, shape, or form. He was still very handsome though, masculine in every way, from brow to nose, jaw to chin, and though heavier now than in his heyday, he retained much of his definition and shape. His most prominent features were his rarely covered broad chest and arms and his long sable hair he wore proudly like a mane. Masculine as he was, he was not above the subtle elements of flamboyance one would expect from royalty: some dark eyeliner, jeweled rings, and thick metal and leather cuffs. Conrad’s signature fashion statement was the series of embellished championship belts he wore to all occasions, an ostentatious visual reminder of his place in the world.

Conrad offered his hand to Rapunzel as they began their ascent up the staircase to the red carpet, but she either didn’t see it or chose to ignore it. Instead she gathered up her skirt with both hands. When they reached the extended landing they were met with a barrage of cheers and applause from the spectators gathered outside of the palace gates. It was all very overwhelming. Though she had done it nearly a dozen times, Rapunzel still felt nervous. Flashbulbs exploded left and right and the air was thick and still. Rapunzel felt faint. A familiar feeling started to rush over her. She was about to have a panic attack. Refusing to succumb to the attack, but unsure of what to do, she zeroed in on three young fans pressed up against the fence to her left. Next thing she knew she was on her way over to them.

“Baby, what are you doing?” Conrad asked concerned as she approached the mob.

“I’ll be right back, I promise,” She said faintly.

The three children appeared to be related, two slightly older, a boy and a girl, and a younger girl with a pet parakeet on her shoulder, who couldn’t have been older than ten.

“Who’s your friend?” she asked, extending her finger to rub the birds neck.

“Her name’s Rapunzel,” The girl said shyly.

“It is?” Rapunzel said pretending to be surprised “Why that’s my name!”

“I know,” the girl laughed, “I named her after you.”

“I see. Well, aren’t you concerned bringing her out here with all these people?”

“No.” The little girl said confidently “She’s very well trained, and besides, I wanted you to meet her, I know you like birds.”

“I do like birds. In fact, for most of my life, birds were my only friends.”

“Because of the tower?” The girl’s older, teenage sister asked.

“Well, yes.” Rapunzel replied, taken slightly aback “Because of the tower.”

Everyone knew about the tower. When Conrad famously found and rescued her from her tower on the edges of the forest of Inconcessus, the story traveled quickly throughout the Kingdom. But it was rarely spoken of so casually.

“They cared for me.” Rapunzel said, a sweet nostalgic smile crept across her face. “They brought me food and flowers, and they kept me company.”

“They probably felt sad for you.” The little girl said, “Because you were in a cage.”

Rapunzel considered her, “Why yes, I suppose I was.”

“Well at least you’re not anymore.” The boy said.

“No.” Rapunzel smiled tightly, glancing back at Conrad, “Not anymore.”

The crowd roared.

“Another car must have just arrived.” Rapunzel said, “Well it was nice meeting you.”

“Wait!” The older girl said, “Can we take a picture with you? You’re our favorite. You’re so pretty, I hope one day I can be half as pretty as you.”

Rapunzel laughed, blushing. “Of course. And here…” she said taking two lilies out of her hair and positioning them behind each of the girls ears, “Now you are.” The girls beamed. “Although, I don’t have anything for you.” She said thoughtfully, looking the boy over.

“Could I, maybe, have a kiss?” He asked boldly.

“A kiss?” Rapunzel said surprised by the moxie of the kid.

“I mean, on the cheek. That is, if it’s ok? I just can’t imagine… If I could tell the guys at school, it would… wow.” He stammered, suddenly flustered. His sister elbowed him in the side.

Rapunzel laughed and leaned in to gave him a chaste, albeit playful, kiss on the lips.

The crowd erupted in cheers and whoops. Startled, Rapunzel looked around and realized the cameras had zoomed in on them. They were being broadcast on the monitors and screens set up all around the red carpet. Slightly embarrassed, Rapunzel laughed and said, “Well, looks like you won’t even need to brag to your friends.”

Conrad came up behind Rapunzel and grabbed her under the arm. “It’s time to go.”

“Oh,” she said. “But wait, I told these kids I’d take a picture with them.”

Conrad looked at the kids and smiled insincerely, “I’m sorry kids, but we have to get going,” he said as he took her up the stairs.

Cinderella made final alterations to Selene’s dress while Selene became increasingly annoyed with the spectacle she was creating on the red carpet.

“Ugh, seriously?” Selene sneered as she watched a replay of Rapunzel kissing the boy.

“What?” Cinderella asked, looking up from her work.

“We’re royalty, at least have some decorum,” Selene said, dousing herself liberally with her fifth perfume; Problématique.

“Alright, that’s enough red carpet for you,” Cinderella turned the television off. “You need to finish getting ready,” she said taking Selene to her dressing room. “And try to remember, Rapunzel is our friend, and we like our friends.”

“Ugh, stop with that.” Selene said rolling her eyes.

“If you keep rolling your eyes that way, you’re going to get vertigo.” Cinderella said.

Downstairs, August and Dane waited in the Green Room, each already with an empty glass in hand. Although they had grown up together, their friendship had never been effortless.

“So?” they both said in unison and then laughed.

They laughed.

“No, you go…” They both said again in unison.

Again they laughed.

The two never had much in common, and although they got along well, they often struggled to keep a conversation going when it was just the two of them. August was always so popular and athletic. Even as a child, he was climbing before he could walk. He was good at pretty much every sport, but he really had a penchant for water sports like swimming and surfing. He also liked boating, but that was more Orlando’s territory. Though not very tall, August was effortlessly built, a common trait for the Onyx bloodline. Dane on the other hand, lacked all these traits, but, he was taller than August. They did have one thing in common: whiskey.

“Here,” August said, unnecessarily hopping up and over the bar.

“Pfft, Ok,” Dane said chuckling, “You could’ve just gone around to…”

“The most direct route is always the best route,” August interrupted cheekily, juggling a couple of empty shakers.

“What’s this, what’s happening?” Dane asked bemused.

“I’m making us drinks,” he said, spilling whiskey all over the place. “I’ve been practicing my flair, I’ve gotten pretty good at it.” He said tossing a glass over his shoulder and catching it with the other hand.

“It just seems like there’s a more efficient way to go about it,” Dane said laughing.

“Where’s the fun in that?” August asked topping the drink off with a twist of lemon and sliding it across the bar to Dane, who lurched forward to catch it before it crashed to the floor.

They both cheers’d and took a drink, Dane more cautiously so. It wasn’t great.

“Oh crap, here, lemme do it again. I always forget the fire part,” August said, to an increasingly nervous Dane.

Rapunzel entered in a fluster.

“You okay?” August asked, furiously shaking his latest concoction.

“Yep.” She said, unconvincingly, scanning the room. Rapunzel tried to ignore a TV in the corner playing footage of Lochlyn and Penelope’s entrance on the red carpet.

“Alright, lets try this again, are you okay?” Dane asked standing up and pulling out a seat for her at the bar.

She laughed, and relaxed a bit. “It’s just, it can all be so overwhelming sometimes.” She said sitting down. “I think people forget that I’m new. Well, newish, But still.”

“Here, I got something for you. Man, I’m so excited for tonight. Its going to finally be like old times again! You have no idea how much I’ve missed us all together like this,” August said, enthusiastically sliding a drink down the bar. It whizzed right by Rapunzel, slid off the bar, and shattered on the ground.

“You were supposed to catch that.” Dane said dryly, tipping his glass at her. He took another drink, realized his mistake, and slowly spit it back into the glass. August was too preoccupied making Rapunzel’s drink to notice.

From the television on the wall they could hear the fanfare of The Valley of Thrones as Lochlyn and Penelope finally exited the car and ascended the carpet, waving at the crowds. They were followed, as always, by Lochlyn’s enormous wolf-hound Cerberus

“And here we have… No, it can’t be. It is.” Ursula’s voice purred from the TV screen. “Lochlyn and Penelope looking more sophisticated than usual.”

“Yes, I agree,” answered the first commentator, “It looks like Penelope wanted to make a good impression on her official debut as a Princess for the Midsummer Ball tonight. This is certainly the most ‘Royal’ we’ve seen her look so far. It appears she’s making a real effort, which is lovely to see.”

“Absolutely, and it looks like she’s bringing Lochlyn along for the ride, too. It’s been far too long since we’ve seen him looking so cleaned up,” Ursula agreed. “It even appears Cerberus has had a trip to the groomers.” She finished, laughing.

Typically Lochlyn and Penelope didn’t give appearance a second thought. They usually dressed the way they would on any given day, which is to say, not great. Penelope was merely a glorified groupie of Lochlyn’s band when they’d gotten together. And even after they married, she’d continued to make little effort to be seen as elegant or sophisticated. But this time, they had both given it a go. Penelope’s too blonde, and obviously fake hair, had been combed and pulled back and to the side in an elaborate knot adorned with a diamond skull and grey and lavender roses. Her tattoos looked particularly vibrant and lush, Ursula wondered if Penelope’s makeup artist had gone over them again. Penelope wore a very sleek and sexy grey-lavender gown made of silks and satins. The bottom flowed beautifully to the ground in the back and hiked up above her knees in the front to show off her tall leather boots. The top of the dress was draped elegantly from each shoulder and was just sheer enough to show that, although she had indeed made an effort, in true Penelope fashion, she was not wearing a bra.

Lochlyn was also appropriately dressed for once, appropriately for Lochlyn at least. He wore his usual clunky leather boots covered in straps and buckles, leather pants with fashionable, but also functional knee pads, and a leather formal kilt which had tails in the back. Instead of a shirt he had a dark leather vest covered in sliver studs. His lower arms were covered with fingerless gauntlets to complete his look. His normally messy mohawk of hair had been cleaned up, pulled back into a loose tall braid down the center of his head, and fastened into a bun at the crown. The sleeker look was somewhat muted by the fact that his hair had been bleached and streaked with hot pink dye. He was also still wearing his normal amount of black eyeliner. But overall, like Penelope, the change was striking.

Fanfare from the kingdom of Midonia rang from outside as Cinderella helped Selene with her makeup.

“We need to hurry up, Ashley and Odette are here.”

“Yes, I know,” Selene dismissed. “I really want my eyes to POP!” she enthusiastically instructed Cinderella for the third time.

“Selene! Listen to me!” Cinderella snapped grabbing Selene under the chin. “I know! Not only have you told me four times.”

“Three times” Selene interrupted.

“Not only have you told me, three times, but, I know what you want. And you already have enough makeup on your eyes for four princesses.”

Selene relaxed again, not so much because of what Cinderella said, butmore because of the tone of her voice.

“Now I want to try something,” Cinderella said cautiously. “I have this lipstick I think would just completely bring-”

“NO!” Selene said. “Absolutely not, I don't like it.”

“You haven’t even seen it.”

“I don’t need to, I don’t like it, I don’t want to. You KNOW that!” She said.

“It’s not that bad!” Cinderella protested, “It’s all in your head.”

“I don’t care! This is supposed to be my night!” Selene shrieked as mascara soaked tears welled in her eyes. “and you’re ruining it!”

“Honey, I haven’t ruined anything,” Cinderella laughed consolingly, “You, however, are ruining your makeup.”

“I don’t care!” Selene pushed all the makeup away and started pacing about the room, “This is supposed to be MY night, it’s the launch of MY new perfume, at MY Ball, in MY kingdom! And YOU are ruining it.” She paused “I want you to leave,” she said as she stood tall and crossed her arms petulantly.

Selene was considered a very pretty girl. Everything about her was long and slim: her legs, her arms, her neck, and her waist. Even her hair was sleek and elegant. It was warm and golden, like thick silky honey and lifted at the roots, swept up and back, cascading over her head like a waterfall down her back until it crashed upon the proverbial rocks at the bottom in a mass of volume and curls.

Yes, Selene was very pretty indeed. Unfortunately, her personality so often got in the way. From birth she was always told she was a miracle and the constant reminders, quite obviously, had an adverse effect on her humility. Her obvious beauty was oftentimes eclipsed by her inconsistent temper and her notorious mean streak. If she felt she was being made fun of at all or if attention was being drawn to what she considered a flaw she often flew into a rage which could take hours to calm under poor circumstances. The stress of a Ball nearly guaranteed that tantrum would be one of epic proportions.

While everyone agreed Selene had a classically pretty face anyone would envy, Selene herself believed it was ruined by one very minor flaw. In the center of her face, and only when she parted her lips, a small gap between her two front teeth was noticeable. Most people would believe such a “flaw” gives a face character, but Selene believed it was a serious physical shortcoming and she did everything in her power to conceal it including minimizing attention to her lips at all costs.

If the past was a good example, it appeared Selene’s tantrum would be one for the record books. Cinderella knew the best cours of action was to get out of the way.

“Alright, I’ll leave.” She said, resigned. Typically, one would be more put off by the infantile display, but Cinderella took it in stride. She was accustomed to Selene’s ever changing moods and took comfort knowing Selene was mostly stressed out by the public event. Selene would likely calm down shortly once left alone.

#Fairytale #Fairytale the book #fairy tale #Chapter 2 #Sleeping Beauty #Fantasy #novel #Cinderella #Rapunzel

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