Chloe and Belle giggled boisterously as they made their way back to the
ballroom. The music still played as vigorously as ever, and the buzz of
drunken chatter filled the air. Servants dressed in white togas scurried
about carrying large trays of fine wine and delectable desserts, all
prepared by Queen Marlena herself.
" Belle," Chloe stuffed a chocolate gnome tart in her mouth, licking all five of her fingers," Do you really think that what the mirror said was true?"
Belle polished off the last of her crumbs," Chloe, you heard what my mother said. The mirror always speaks in riddles and you really can't take its word seriously, it would be like believing the word of a giant," Giants were the most deceiving creatures in all the lands, speaking with a silky tongue and coaxing charm. One minute with them and you would be convinced that no evil could slip from their lips; they would have your utmost trust and devotion.
Chloe nodded in agreement, sipping from an obese golden wine goblet," I guess your right, but what about what it said about a love blossoming?"
" It said 'a' love will bloom, maybe it's a different love. Maybe it will be between Prince Shawn and I," Belle said dreamingly.
" Oh, you're being forced too?" Chloe asked knowingly.
Belle shook her head fiercely," Oh no, I really love Shawn. I want to marry him one day," Belle's fair skin flushed of bright rouge," He kissed me once,"
" Really?" Chloe gaped, her blue eyes widening in intrigue. She had never kissed a prince, or a boy for that matter. And her yearning curiosity showed brightly while listening to princess Belle's sugar coated words.
" Yeah when we were nine, he rescued me from the lake. I fell in while trying to catch a water nymph, you know how slippery they can be," she paused as all the great bards did before a shocking revelation," and he rescued me. Then I kissed him," Belle quipped cheerfully, her cubby cheeks still flushing profoundly.
Chloe squealed," Wow, a real kiss. What was it like?"
Belle smirked playfully," Well, it's kind of hard to describe. But it's the best thing ever,"
" Even better then Strawberry Ice-cream?"
Both girls snorted in infectious laughter," Yes Chloe, even better then strawberry ice-cream,"
" Chloe dear, sorry to interrupt, but your performance is coming up," Nancy eyed at gnome tart in Chloe's hand," Stop stuffing your mouth; you are a princess not a boar. Now come on everyone is waiting," Queen Nancy schooled. Sometimes it seemed as if her daughter was not fit to be a princess. With her atrocious manners, and fierce temper she was more of a commoner.
Chloe turned to Belle affirmatively, releasing the chocolate tart from her hands," Sorry Belle, I have to go," she said softly.
" Don't be silly Chloe! Mother told me that you were blessed by a siren when you're a baby, I would never miss your performance!" Belle exclaimed. To be blessed by a siren was a blessing worthy of the most praise. Sirens were beautiful mystical creatures with the ability to sing their prey (mostly young sailors) into doing their bid. To be blessed by one gave the receiver impeccable beauty and a hypnotizing voice.
Chloe smiled," Thanks Belle,"
Nancy rolled her eyes tapping her foot impatiently," All right enough you two. Princess Isabelle your parents are waiting for you on the throne threshold," Nancy said feigningly sweet.
Belle curtsied to the Queen and hugged Chloe encouragingly before dashing off to rendezvous with her parents.
Nancy scowled disapprovingly," I must inform Queen Marlena that Princess Belle is in desperate need of princess etiquette. Why, she's almost as aloof as you are,"
Chloe sneered at her mother bitterly," Do shut-up mother" she spat.
Queen Nancy looked aghast, but brushed it of quickly as Queen Marlena and King John approached," Oh pardon us, Chloe is just training her voice,"
Queen Marlena and King John gave a royal smile," Wouldn't it be best if she were to practice with Brady? They are doing a duet after all,"
Chloe bit the insides of her cheeks suppressing the words that longed to escape. Instead she smiled politely awaiting the doom of her mothers call.
" Why of course, why how could I have been so stupid," Nancy giggled lightly," Chloe dear why don't you go and practice your scales with Prince Brady while we adults partake in our meaningless chatter," Nancy pushed Chloe towards Brady's direction and gestured her to walk on.
Chloe couldn't decide what was worse, being forced to sing with Prince Brady or to be pushed and pulled by her ever so agitating mother. She grumbled silently not paying any attention to the crowds of people infront her.
" Why must I always be forced into doing things that I don't want to do! I'm so tired of being pushed-"
BAM
Chloe couldn't recollect what had just happened, as her eyes groggily came into focus with her surroundings. She was back in her chambers, clutching tightly to her red satin sheets. Chloe could feel her head propped up upon fluffy cloth woven pillows and a cold compress sending shills down her spine.
" Oh my dear!" Nancy came running in like a busy body squirrel, crying tears into her silk handkerchief," You took such a fall, I was so worried about you," she wailed loudly.
Moving her head, as Chloe discovered, found to be a more painful task then anticipated. Biting back unwanted tears of pain she sat up and looked confusingly at her mother," What happened?"
Nancy's look of concern grew into a look of aversion," You were pushed, fell right on your head you did! By a Kiriakis no less,"
Chloe had heard in previous discussions of the Kiriakis clan. Her mother described them as ruthless, spineless, and down right despicable. Surprisingly her mother's words were firmly backed by evidence. The Kiriakis clan split much blood during battle, and even more when power was at stake. Willing to give up anything and anyone for their selfish needs, morality was not a word in their vocabulary.
" Excuse me," a snotty tune filled the room as her mother's eyes raged of fire," My son wishes to apologize to the princess,"
An attractive brunette stepped towards the bed, her black silk dress flowing behind her. By the look on her mother's face Chloe recognized her as mistress Katharine, also known as Kate, The Bitch of Kiriakis. Her golden earrings dangled as she bowed to the princess, pushing forth what seemed as her son.
" May I present my son, Prince Phillip," Kate seethed, her eyes gleaming like that of a venomous snake.
Prince Phillip was a clean-cut handsome boy, with the charm of his mother, and the ingenious mind of his father King Victor. But despite his innocent demeanor, everyone knew that the dark Kiriakis spirit lurked deep inside, waiting to be released.
" What may I ask are you doing here Kate?" Nancy growled," You weren't on the guest list, I checked it myself,"
Kate laughed airily," Now Nancy, don't get all…upset. After all it's just a party, and look, the princess is perfectly fine,"
Nancy looked ready to knock the smug look off Kate's gaunt face," No harm! You ruined the party, not to mention the duet that was planned!"
Kate looked patronizingly shocked," Really? A duet, wow, I would've really liked to see that. Too bad, I guess we can always reschedule. I mean it's not like you have anything to do these days Nancy, why at your age I'm surprised-"
" Why you tramp!"
King John ran in blocking Kate from the enraged Queen. Chloe couldn't believe that the woman who lectured her a thousand times on royal behavior was ready to engage in an all out brawl.
" I am shocked! Two of the most dignified Queens in all the land, acting like drunken commoners!" King John said flabbergasted.
"But John," Kate cooed seductively," I meant no harm, why my son only wanted to apologize to princess Chloe." She looked slyly at Nancy," I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers,"
"Wait one minute!" Nancy shouted, waving her pointer finger," You weren't even invited in the first place!"
John nodded," Nancy's right Kate, you weren't on the guest list,"
" Ha! Weasel your way out of this one you little-"
King John turned to Nancy," Ladies. Let's take this outside. Princess Chloe is trying to recover. I don't think her head can take all the shouting,"
Chloe smiled appreciatively at King John as he lead the two Queens out of the chamber. Chloe heaved a sigh of relief; all that shouting had her head throbbing in acute pain.
" I'm really sorry," Prince Phillip squeaked, puberty had not yet taken it's toll," I didn't meant to,"
Chloe nodded slowly," It's quite all right. I'm a clumsy one, it was probably my fault," she smiled as they both giggled.
" I knew you couldn't go one night without getting hurt," Prince Brady had entered the room along with Princess Belle who walked over to Chloe and gave her a hug.
" Oh Chloe, I was so worried. Mother told me that you had hit your head, I was afraid that you were dead," Belle gasped through tears.
" Belle you make sound as if she hasn't fallen before, we all know how clumsy she is," Brady grunted with crossed arms.
Chloe rolled her eyes, she was in agony and that was all he had to say to her? Though on the other hand his arrogance never ceased to surprise her," Why did you even come? I mean if all you came to do is insult me,"
Brady bit his lip," For your information Mother sent us to check on you," he said nonchalantly.
" Whatever. I want my rest," Chloe turned to Phillip," It was nice to meet you Prince Phillip,"
Brady scowled as Prince Phillip went out the door to meet his mother," It figures that the 'children' are bonding together," Brady said in a haughty sort of tone.
" Why don't you leave!" Chloe shouted, causing her head to pound even harder. It was like an opera, this time in her head. Brady didn't even have to be the one to have pushed her to hurt her.
Brady looked perplexed, and almost, ALMOST hurt," Fine, no sense in staying. Looks like your still your affable self," he walked to the door, not even bothering to say good night," Belle are you coming?" he growled.
Belle sighed, not understanding the jerk her brother was being," I'll be right out." Belle looked at Brady as he slammed the door, mumbling something under his breath.
Chloe rubbed her head, the pain was excruciating, and Brady had no less made it a hundred times worse.
Belle smiled secretively at Chloe and spoke in a soft whisper," Chloe don't tell Brady I told you this but, mother didn't send us to check on you. Brady insisted that we go and check on you,"
Chloe laughed loudly," Right Belle, and Pigs can fly,"
" Belle," Chloe stuffed a chocolate gnome tart in her mouth, licking all five of her fingers," Do you really think that what the mirror said was true?"
Belle polished off the last of her crumbs," Chloe, you heard what my mother said. The mirror always speaks in riddles and you really can't take its word seriously, it would be like believing the word of a giant," Giants were the most deceiving creatures in all the lands, speaking with a silky tongue and coaxing charm. One minute with them and you would be convinced that no evil could slip from their lips; they would have your utmost trust and devotion.
Chloe nodded in agreement, sipping from an obese golden wine goblet," I guess your right, but what about what it said about a love blossoming?"
" It said 'a' love will bloom, maybe it's a different love. Maybe it will be between Prince Shawn and I," Belle said dreamingly.
" Oh, you're being forced too?" Chloe asked knowingly.
Belle shook her head fiercely," Oh no, I really love Shawn. I want to marry him one day," Belle's fair skin flushed of bright rouge," He kissed me once,"
" Really?" Chloe gaped, her blue eyes widening in intrigue. She had never kissed a prince, or a boy for that matter. And her yearning curiosity showed brightly while listening to princess Belle's sugar coated words.
" Yeah when we were nine, he rescued me from the lake. I fell in while trying to catch a water nymph, you know how slippery they can be," she paused as all the great bards did before a shocking revelation," and he rescued me. Then I kissed him," Belle quipped cheerfully, her cubby cheeks still flushing profoundly.
Chloe squealed," Wow, a real kiss. What was it like?"
Belle smirked playfully," Well, it's kind of hard to describe. But it's the best thing ever,"
" Even better then Strawberry Ice-cream?"
Both girls snorted in infectious laughter," Yes Chloe, even better then strawberry ice-cream,"
" Chloe dear, sorry to interrupt, but your performance is coming up," Nancy eyed at gnome tart in Chloe's hand," Stop stuffing your mouth; you are a princess not a boar. Now come on everyone is waiting," Queen Nancy schooled. Sometimes it seemed as if her daughter was not fit to be a princess. With her atrocious manners, and fierce temper she was more of a commoner.
Chloe turned to Belle affirmatively, releasing the chocolate tart from her hands," Sorry Belle, I have to go," she said softly.
" Don't be silly Chloe! Mother told me that you were blessed by a siren when you're a baby, I would never miss your performance!" Belle exclaimed. To be blessed by a siren was a blessing worthy of the most praise. Sirens were beautiful mystical creatures with the ability to sing their prey (mostly young sailors) into doing their bid. To be blessed by one gave the receiver impeccable beauty and a hypnotizing voice.
Chloe smiled," Thanks Belle,"
Nancy rolled her eyes tapping her foot impatiently," All right enough you two. Princess Isabelle your parents are waiting for you on the throne threshold," Nancy said feigningly sweet.
Belle curtsied to the Queen and hugged Chloe encouragingly before dashing off to rendezvous with her parents.
Nancy scowled disapprovingly," I must inform Queen Marlena that Princess Belle is in desperate need of princess etiquette. Why, she's almost as aloof as you are,"
Chloe sneered at her mother bitterly," Do shut-up mother" she spat.
Queen Nancy looked aghast, but brushed it of quickly as Queen Marlena and King John approached," Oh pardon us, Chloe is just training her voice,"
Queen Marlena and King John gave a royal smile," Wouldn't it be best if she were to practice with Brady? They are doing a duet after all,"
Chloe bit the insides of her cheeks suppressing the words that longed to escape. Instead she smiled politely awaiting the doom of her mothers call.
" Why of course, why how could I have been so stupid," Nancy giggled lightly," Chloe dear why don't you go and practice your scales with Prince Brady while we adults partake in our meaningless chatter," Nancy pushed Chloe towards Brady's direction and gestured her to walk on.
Chloe couldn't decide what was worse, being forced to sing with Prince Brady or to be pushed and pulled by her ever so agitating mother. She grumbled silently not paying any attention to the crowds of people infront her.
" Why must I always be forced into doing things that I don't want to do! I'm so tired of being pushed-"
BAM
Chloe couldn't recollect what had just happened, as her eyes groggily came into focus with her surroundings. She was back in her chambers, clutching tightly to her red satin sheets. Chloe could feel her head propped up upon fluffy cloth woven pillows and a cold compress sending shills down her spine.
" Oh my dear!" Nancy came running in like a busy body squirrel, crying tears into her silk handkerchief," You took such a fall, I was so worried about you," she wailed loudly.
Moving her head, as Chloe discovered, found to be a more painful task then anticipated. Biting back unwanted tears of pain she sat up and looked confusingly at her mother," What happened?"
Nancy's look of concern grew into a look of aversion," You were pushed, fell right on your head you did! By a Kiriakis no less,"
Chloe had heard in previous discussions of the Kiriakis clan. Her mother described them as ruthless, spineless, and down right despicable. Surprisingly her mother's words were firmly backed by evidence. The Kiriakis clan split much blood during battle, and even more when power was at stake. Willing to give up anything and anyone for their selfish needs, morality was not a word in their vocabulary.
" Excuse me," a snotty tune filled the room as her mother's eyes raged of fire," My son wishes to apologize to the princess,"
An attractive brunette stepped towards the bed, her black silk dress flowing behind her. By the look on her mother's face Chloe recognized her as mistress Katharine, also known as Kate, The Bitch of Kiriakis. Her golden earrings dangled as she bowed to the princess, pushing forth what seemed as her son.
" May I present my son, Prince Phillip," Kate seethed, her eyes gleaming like that of a venomous snake.
Prince Phillip was a clean-cut handsome boy, with the charm of his mother, and the ingenious mind of his father King Victor. But despite his innocent demeanor, everyone knew that the dark Kiriakis spirit lurked deep inside, waiting to be released.
" What may I ask are you doing here Kate?" Nancy growled," You weren't on the guest list, I checked it myself,"
Kate laughed airily," Now Nancy, don't get all…upset. After all it's just a party, and look, the princess is perfectly fine,"
Nancy looked ready to knock the smug look off Kate's gaunt face," No harm! You ruined the party, not to mention the duet that was planned!"
Kate looked patronizingly shocked," Really? A duet, wow, I would've really liked to see that. Too bad, I guess we can always reschedule. I mean it's not like you have anything to do these days Nancy, why at your age I'm surprised-"
" Why you tramp!"
King John ran in blocking Kate from the enraged Queen. Chloe couldn't believe that the woman who lectured her a thousand times on royal behavior was ready to engage in an all out brawl.
" I am shocked! Two of the most dignified Queens in all the land, acting like drunken commoners!" King John said flabbergasted.
"But John," Kate cooed seductively," I meant no harm, why my son only wanted to apologize to princess Chloe." She looked slyly at Nancy," I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers,"
"Wait one minute!" Nancy shouted, waving her pointer finger," You weren't even invited in the first place!"
John nodded," Nancy's right Kate, you weren't on the guest list,"
" Ha! Weasel your way out of this one you little-"
King John turned to Nancy," Ladies. Let's take this outside. Princess Chloe is trying to recover. I don't think her head can take all the shouting,"
Chloe smiled appreciatively at King John as he lead the two Queens out of the chamber. Chloe heaved a sigh of relief; all that shouting had her head throbbing in acute pain.
" I'm really sorry," Prince Phillip squeaked, puberty had not yet taken it's toll," I didn't meant to,"
Chloe nodded slowly," It's quite all right. I'm a clumsy one, it was probably my fault," she smiled as they both giggled.
" I knew you couldn't go one night without getting hurt," Prince Brady had entered the room along with Princess Belle who walked over to Chloe and gave her a hug.
" Oh Chloe, I was so worried. Mother told me that you had hit your head, I was afraid that you were dead," Belle gasped through tears.
" Belle you make sound as if she hasn't fallen before, we all know how clumsy she is," Brady grunted with crossed arms.
Chloe rolled her eyes, she was in agony and that was all he had to say to her? Though on the other hand his arrogance never ceased to surprise her," Why did you even come? I mean if all you came to do is insult me,"
Brady bit his lip," For your information Mother sent us to check on you," he said nonchalantly.
" Whatever. I want my rest," Chloe turned to Phillip," It was nice to meet you Prince Phillip,"
Brady scowled as Prince Phillip went out the door to meet his mother," It figures that the 'children' are bonding together," Brady said in a haughty sort of tone.
" Why don't you leave!" Chloe shouted, causing her head to pound even harder. It was like an opera, this time in her head. Brady didn't even have to be the one to have pushed her to hurt her.
Brady looked perplexed, and almost, ALMOST hurt," Fine, no sense in staying. Looks like your still your affable self," he walked to the door, not even bothering to say good night," Belle are you coming?" he growled.
Belle sighed, not understanding the jerk her brother was being," I'll be right out." Belle looked at Brady as he slammed the door, mumbling something under his breath.
Chloe rubbed her head, the pain was excruciating, and Brady had no less made it a hundred times worse.
Belle smiled secretively at Chloe and spoke in a soft whisper," Chloe don't tell Brady I told you this but, mother didn't send us to check on you. Brady insisted that we go and check on you,"
Chloe laughed loudly," Right Belle, and Pigs can fly,"