Read it with open-mindedness and if it's not too much trouble, PLEASE review after each chap as each has its own focus. Er, but dun flame me too much, ne?
Standard disclaimers apply.
Impt Note: This is an AU fic with probable OOC (can't help it cuz dis fic is half fairy tale…dun sue me, ya!)
Sanzorella
By IvyRa
Chapter 1
Once upon a time, there lived a rich widow. The widow was able to live in luxuries due to the riches that her dead husband left her with. In actuality, the riches belonged to the dead husband's daughter from the first wife and that the widow was merely a caretaker until the girl reached 23 years of age. However, the greedy widow hid this fact from her stepdaughter. She hired a phony lawyer and made the stepdaughter believed that her father willed the wealth to his second wife. She then 'took pity' of her stepdaughter and allowed her to stay.
"Sanzorella…where's my breakfast?"
"Sanzorella….have you clean the chimney like I told you to?"
"Sanzorella….is the laundry done?"
It was the same thing day in day out, with the evil widow ordering poor Sanzorella around. The young woman was made a servant in her own house. Sanzorella never once complained, doing her bids as she was told. She cleaned the house, washed the clothes, cooked, mended and the list go on and on.
One day, Sanzorella was helping her evil stepmother with her corset. Sanzorella thought that her stepmother was thin enough and wondered why on earth she would still want to wear a corset. As she helped her stepmother, she chanced to look upon the mirror and saw the contrasting difference between them.
Her stepmother was a pretty woman, with long flowing crimson hair with matching ruby eyes. The shape of her eyes was unique and it was no wonder she had many suitors. But she only wanted Sanzorella's father (most probably because he was the richest man around). And her father was easily taken in by the red-haired beauty, who was in fact, only eighteen when she married him. As pretty as she was, she had the ugliest heart. She refused to bore him any children because she wanted his wealth to herself. Sanzorella was her main obstacle and when her husband died in an unfortunate hunting expedition a year later, she grabbed the chance. She became the richest and youngest widow ever.
Sanzorella was also very pretty. She had shoulder length golden blond tresses and a pair of sparkling droopy violet eyes. She rarely smiled, for she found that there was nothing worth smiling for. After all, she was despised by her own father and had to endure her stepmother, who could have been her younger sister. (Sanzorella was a year older than her stepmother).
"Sanzorella….you dare to daydream?"
Sanzorella jerked slightly. Her reverie was broken. "My apologies, stepmother Gojyo!" I'm gonna kill you someday!
Lady Gojyo turned around and looked at her stepdaughter. She was quite envious of that pretty face. "You are as slow as a monk! Hurry up with my corset then go do all those things you do everyday!" she nagged loudly.
"Hai…" I wish I had a gun! Then I'll make that mouth of her cave in!
Once done with Lady Gojyo's corset, Sanzorella went down to kitchen and started the fire. She would be cooking sweet and sour fish today. As she looked into the flaming red pit, she was reminded of Lady Gojyo. That woman had the nerve to make me do all the work! She thinks she's the rightful queen, eh? Chh…baka ona! One day, she's gonna pay big time. I'm gonna wait for the perfect opportunity!
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Sanzorella gathered her skirts and went to get the door. Outside was a man royally dressed. He was chiseled looking, with peculiar eyes. One was golden, the other a clear blue. In the driveway was a big, elegant white carriage with two footmen. They were obviously from the royal palace.
"Konnichiwa, miss! My name is Homura, official Proclaimer and Messenger from Chang-An Royal Palace." Homura paused, looking at Sanzorella. Even with soot and dirt on her face, her beauty was unmistakable. Clearing his throat, he continued, "I'm here on the order of his royal Majesty, King Kougaiji and her Highness, Queen Yaone. They are inviting every woman in this kingdom to their son's Bride-Searching ball dance. Please be in your best gowns and behavior. Sayonara!" Homura then gave a curt bow and strode off to the carriage.
Royalty! That is all they know what to do. Balls, balls and more balls! After closing the door, Sanzorella walked back to the kitchen. Suddenly, a metal chain with a crescent blade at its end shot out, blocking Sanzorella's way. Turning, Sanzorella saw Lady Gojyo standing at the foot of the staircase, a sneer on her face.
~ Continue ~