Author's Note:

Hello! I know I shouldn't be starting on another story, but I was inspired to write this one. This story will follow the plot of the movie Ever After. I'll try to mix the plot up to make it more unique. I will also do my hardest to finish this story!

On with the story!

Disclaimer: Characters are not mine.

Prologue: Shed not a single tear

Orihime Inoue desired for nothing much. For her, living with her beloved brother Sora was enough.

When their parents died because of an epidemic, Sora and Orihime were left with the status and title of their lands. Sora became the patriarch and the Baron of their humble estate. And for them, their quaint lifestyle was enough.

Sora loved her sister dearly, and was willing to provide her anything she ever desired. He taught her how to read and write. He brought her books about adventures, science, philosophy, and arts. He told her stories about the distant lands he travelled to. He wanted the best for his sister. Despite the riches that came their way, Orihime was content with the love her brother gave.

"You have a kind heart, Orihime. Nothing would make me happier than seeing you grow and become the gentlest lady in the whole of Karakura kingdom," he would say.

Both brother and sister lived happily in the years of their youth. On some days, Sora would leave the estate to attend to his duties as Baron and oversee the family business, leaving young Orihime alone. While Sora was away, Orihime would play outside the grounds and help around the estate. The servants grew to love the young girl, and, in turn, earned the trust of their master Sora.

Orihime was eight years old when her brother returned to their estate. But, he was not alone. Although Sora's love for her sister was incomparable, he wished the companionship that any other noble man sought. So, when he came back from his trip to the palace, he brought home a new wife and two stepdaughters. Lady Minako had two children from her previous marriage - Senna and Tatsuki, twin girls who were the same age as Orihime.

For little Orihime, it didn't matter if his beloved brother were to marry. After all, his happiness matters the most to her. When he brought back three new companions in their home, she was excited and happy to greet them.

One fateful morning, everything changed.

A fortnight after the arrival of their new family members, Sora was set to leave again to attend to a business in the countryside. Everyone in the household was lined outside the front door of their home, bidding their master a safe trip.

"Do you have to go, brother?"

"I'm afraid so, Orihime. It's best that I take care of this business rather than wait for another time," Sora said with a sorrowful smile. "Lady Minako will take care of you while I'm away."

Sora crouched down to Orihime's level and held her hand. He placed a pair of blue hibiscus hairpins on Orihime's little palm. "Think of me when you're wearing them."

Orihime took the pins and held them close to her heart, "I will, brother. I will." With a sad smile, she bid her beloved Sora goodbye.

Little did they know, that was the last they will see Sora Inoue.

It was three days after his departure that they received the news. The messenger arrived and told of the last moments of Sora. During their journey, the Baron has been inflicted with an illness. When they arrived at the next village, the doctors couldn't do anything.

Orihime's tiny heart broke into little pieces. The entire household grieved for the loss of their kind master.

Amid the grief and the confusion, Lady Minako took control of everything going on around the estate. It was also the start of Orihime's misery.

Short first chapter! This is the backstory for Orihime and her family. I hope you like it!