Here is the finalized Chapter 10! Write a review and let me know what you think!

-Martyred Muse

Chapter 10

The day of Briar Beauty's funeral was a very dark day. Clouds rolled in as if they had a life of their own, drizzling down on those that attended in the Sleeping Beauty Kingdom. Headmaster Grimm excused the students and faculty for a week following the two deaths of students within just a matter of days. Everyone seemed lost and puzzled, unsure how such a thriving and promising princess such as Briar could die. People tried to accept that it was bound to happen sooner or later with her adrenaline seeking actions, but there were also people in Ever After that whispered of a darker possibility.

It was never made public that Briar's lifeless hands clutched curly golden hair.

Apple White made a speech about how everyone should remember the wonderful things that Briar did for everyone, how she helped those in Ever After High selflessly and created legendary parties so that everyone could have a great time. She was able to look past a person's story and see them as individuals on a journey. Briar would be greatly missed.

As Apple gave her speech on Briar, Duchess and Sparrow flanked the back of the crowd. Silently, they looked over the large group of mourning people and tried to see if anyone acted strange. Daring was loyally beside Lizzie Hearts, now that he had severed anything to do with Apple. Lizzie was the only person that did not wear the traditional black, and instead wore a bright red gown and her brightest crown of rubies. She appeared to be rather annoyed at Daring's presence and turned her back to him, probably upset that Daring ruined her elaborate plan to poison Apple. It seemed her pawn in the game of kingdoms had let her down by attacking her main target.

Sparrow watched Daring, never losing sight of him and following every action. He prayed that the imposter would slip up just once, and then he would send an arrow he made with Little Don's name carved into it straight through his heart. Sadly, Daring remained completely poised and played his part as the charismatic prince, even winking at a few girls and causing them to faint. Sparrow shook his head, amazed at how Daring could change without a conscience. No one seemed to notice where his hand was wrapped in bandage, where Sparrow put an arrow through his hand and stopped him from attacking Apple. He worked the special arrow in his hand, thinking of his friend that Daring burned alive. Not long, and he would slip up. Just once is all it would take….

Duchess glanced over at Sparrow as he twirled the wooden shaft of the arrow in his fingers. Sparrow looked over at Duchess and smiled reassuringly. Her stomach leapt at his gesture, and she looked away, feeling her face becoming hot. Apple finished the speech and stepped down, joining Briar's family and hugging them. The service was over and they lowered the casket into the ground. A few people began to sob over the sight, but Duchess caught a glance of golden light that caught her attention.

Blondie Lockes walked through the crowd and stood by the casket, watching as the body of Briar was lowered into the ground. Duchess tapped Sparrow. "Look, Blondie."

Sparrow and Duchess watched as Lizzie walked to Blondie and put her hand on her back. Lizzie led her away from the hole and to Daring who greeted her with his blinding smile. Sparrow and Duchess looked at each other, confused. Then the idea dawned on her. Her heart leaped in her chest, making her words shake as they escaped from her mouth.

"Golden hair…."

"You finally caught on" a women's melodious voice rang from behind them. They turned to see Raven, dressed all in black. How long had she been standing there?

Sparrow looked confused. "Caught on to what? Golden Hair? What does that mean?"

Raven pointed at Blondie. Finally, it made sense. "The hair that Briar had in her hand, it was golden. How many others are in on this? How many others are covering up behind all of this?" His breath sounded ragged and aged.

Raven sighed. "I'm not sure. But I overheard Blondie talking to her roommate, Cupid, about the possibility of a new story opening. I think she was talking about Briar."

Duchess shook her head. "Her body was barely cold and she was already talking about a new Happily Ever After for herself. She always wanted to be a true Royal. I never thought she would do something like this…."

Raven lowered her voice, watching the mourners pass by and leave the service. "We have to keep our eyes open. Who knows how many more Lizzie has convinced to join her. Until then, I will continue to stay by Apple and protect her. If anything else comes up, call me on my Mirror Phone."

Raven walked away and joined Apple as she tried to console Briar's mother, who wept in between naps.

Sparrow and Duchess watched Blondie as she conversed with Lizzie and Daring. "Traitor…." Sparrow whispered. Duchess nodded her head, but stayed silent. Sparrow looked over at Duchess and watched her, the mist from the storm enhancing her beautiful traits. He swallowed, then said the words that had been on his mind for a long time.

"Duchess, may I walk you to your room? There is something that I have wanted to say to you."

Duchess's heart leaped again, fluttering about like a butterfly. "Um, …sure. I would like that."

Sparrow took her and walked away from the funeral. It was true that they needed to catch Lizzie before she successfully took over Ever After, but tonight would be about them. And only them.

Lizzie watched intently as they left, holding hands.