Guess what???? I passed my Math regents with a 66! Yay, this was a
while ago but I just wanted to offer it as an excuse because for the past
few months all I've been doing is inhaling math. I love all my reviewers
and I know I said this chapter would be my last but...it dragged on and the
next chapter might be the end. I'm definitely finishing this story though.
Chapter 6
Lillian looked into the small cracked mirror with satisfaction. She was in her room, already dressed for the ball. Her thick brown hair was twisted into an elegant knot at the nape of her neck, with just a few carefully curled tendrils framing her flushed cheeks. Her excitement made her eyes glow green and pinkened her cheeks.
A light knock sounded at the bedroom door. "Lillian, dear? May I come in?" Martha asked in a soft voice.
"You may mother." Lillian said formally, she was trying to be as lady- like as possible as practice for the ball.
"You look beautiful darling!" She clapped her small, callused hand over her mouth. "The prince will fall all over himself to reach you!"
"Thank you, you look lovely too." Lillian bestowed the compliment as if it was a great honor for her to be so kind.
"Well, I just wanted to tell you that little Mary is waiting for you in the carriage with George." Martha herself was wearing a high-necked navy blue dress and looked slightly uncomfortable to be so dressed up in constricting garments.
"Let's go then mother dear." Lillian brushed past her mother and, swaying her hips gracefully, walked out the front door and into the waiting carriage.
Martha followed her pretty daughter with a roll of her brown eyes. Lilly was always putting on airs.
The carriage held: George; his parents, Mary, Granny, Lillian and Martha. With a slightly subdued atmosphere (all were thinking of the life changing night ahead of them) the carriage started, the three brown horses trotted at a brisk pace in the chill night air.
~*+*~
Parses smirked as girl after girl pursued him and asked foolish questions, all thinking that they would be the chosen one. He disposed of them all with a quick feel and a promise to "see" them later.
Each girl was a wealthy aristocrat who had arrived at the building early, due to the fact that they all lived in enormous homes near by. Also, each girl wore their hair in bun on top of their heads with far too much powder distorting their features.
Saundra had walked right past him without so much of a glance, but he knew that she had seen him and was simply being ill tempered and unforgiving.
"Hello Parses, my son, how are you fairing at this glorious event?" Arabella stood in front of him, socializing with a large group of middle- aged women.
All of the women smiled at him with heavily colored lips. "Hello Prince Parses." They spoke as one.
He inclined his head at the group of overdressed buffoons. "Hello, you all look ravishing," each woman blushed at his words. Parses was not foolish enough to insult them, he knew when to be kind and when he wouldn't get away with something. He nodded at his mother. "In answer to your question mother; I'm fairing quite well, you have done an exceptional job with the decorations and the exquisite food."
The ballroom did look wonderful. The white marble floor had been polished until it shone. Every candle on the chandelier was lit and glowing. The long gleaming wooden table was heaped with dishes of foreign and familiar foods of all kinds. The people were all dressed in their best and were socializing in groups all over the room. And last but not least, the band was playing Mozart much to the delight of the dancing couples.
"Do not linger with us my son, you should be dancing or speaking with the young women." Arabella shot a meaningful look at him and Parses was all too happy to escape.
After several moments though, he had to stop again due to the fact that the king, his father, was standing in front of him. "Good evening dear father." Parses bowed low. He rarely saw his busy father so when he did, his manners were at their best.
"You needn't bow Parses." His father was tall and slim, with graying dark hair and wrinkles beginning around his eyes. "This is Parses." He gestured at his son for the benefit of the people surrounding him.
"Yes your majesty, good evening." They all murmured politely.
"Evening." Parses said, growing slightly bored.
"You may be off son, I'm certain that many women are waiting to fill your dance card." He granted his son permission to leave with a wave of his hand and then turned to speak with an attractive middle-aged woman.
Parses strode away, having caught sight of a pretty blond woman in a beautiful dress that was dancing with one of his brothers. "Cinderella?" he put a hand on her shoulder and she turned to flash a dazzling smile at him.
"Go away Par." Edward said.
"Hush." The ever-kind Cinderella hissed at her husband. She turned and took Parses hand to dance, leaving her handsome husband dejected and alone (until a swarm of gold-digging aristocrats descended upon him). "It's so great to see you!" Parses said warmly. "You look more beautiful than ever before."
"Always charming, you dear boy." Cinderella smiled at him with her big blue eyes sparkling. "Queen Arabella tells me that you refuse to choose a wife or even associate with the women she brings over for you to meet." Rather then scolding, her clear sweet voice was playful and almost teasing. "I can't wait to see who you end up with. Arabella's worried you'll end up with one of the peasant women here."
"Maybe I will." He smirked at her and she laughed.
"I must get back to my husband now, that girl just kissed his cheek!" Cinderella frowned and hurried over to her spouse (who appeared to be enjoying himself).
Parses scowled as she left, he had enjoyed being with a friend who was not struggling to win his hand in marriage. He surveyed the room of pale faced, pale dressed girls and was about to give up the dance idea and just go back to his room before he saw a flash of red.
A girl was standing next to the wall with several other older women. She had glossy brown hair, she was to far away to see her eye color but he did see her brilliant red dress, and that was enough, he strode purposefully through the room until he stood only several feet away. She had hazel eyes, slightly tanned skin, a trim figure and..was staring straight at him with a smirk that looked very familiar.
~*~
When they had first entered the room George had taken Mary's hand and had danced her around the ballroom, leaving Lillian standing near the wall with her mother. After all the exuberant (perhaps too exuberant) dancing, Mary was gasping for breath. She followed George reluctantly as he led her over to the long table that was piled high with food and drink.
Several of the women who were clustered around the table gossiping stopped guiltily when they saw George and Mary coming, but one eager looking young girl continued speaking unaware.
"..And then Lillian told me that Jeremy punched George right in the face and knocked him down! I didn't really believe her at first because you know how she lies but have you seen George? He's dancing with that pretty little blond girl so that must mean Sara Muffet and Jeremy Shoe eloped. I don't know why that girl's dancing with him though; she could do so much better- what's wrong? What are you looking at?" She froze, coming to a sudden realization and turned around slowly. "Hello George. How are you faring?" Her voice came out a squeak and she gave him a false smile.
"I'm faring quite well-" His voice came out coldly, "-you ugly little wench." His brown eyes had narrowed into slits and his teeth were clenched. "That-that-lowly peasant! Lillian is going to die!"
The group of girls gasped and took a step back; the plain dark haired girl who'd been talking pushed through and hid behind them.
"George." Mary tried to restrain him and placate him.
"Get away!" George pushed her away. "You traitor! I bet you told everyone too! Both of you are gonna get it!" Spittle flew from his mouth in his rage. "What happened to our little agreement? That if I allowed you to ride in the carriage you wouldn't tell everyone about my break up with that witch!" He was now hissing so as not to gather any more people's attention.
Mary took a step back. "I didn't tell anyone anything. I honored my word."
"I should have known it would be all Lillian and her big mouth!" George turned to go find Lillian.
"No! Don't bother Lillian! It was all me."
George just smirked. "Yeah right. I know it was Lillian." His face hardened. "And I'm gonna kill her!" He spun on his heel and pushed through the crowd that had circled around them.
Mary started to follow him, knocking into people as she tried. Suddenly she ran into a tall hard body. "Excuse me." She started to keep going but the man spoke.
"You're Lillian's friend, are you not? I've seen you walking with her to her grandmother's house. I'm Hansel." His voice was deep and kind.
Mary turned to look at him. He wore fashionable rich material clothing. "I need to find Lillian because George is mad at her and he is a force to be reckoned with!"
"I'll assist you in your search." He took her arm and they began to look.
+ ~*~ +
Little known to Hansel and Mary, Lillian was in little need of help.
Parses had just began to walk towards the smirking girl in the red dress when a plump dark haired boy got in front of him and grabbed the girl's arm (her creamy pale soft looking arm).
"How dare you! You promised not to tell anyone! Bitch is what you are! You're gonna be a lowly barmaid when you get older, just wait!" The man was leaning in far to close for the girl's comfort and he was hissing cruel things to her.
'How callous to treat a woman like that.' Parses conveniently forgetting Linilissa, Elspeth, Saundra, his mother, and numerous other women he'd "accidentally" mistreated. He strode toward the sequestered pair and grabbed the pudgy man's arm.
"Get off -!" George stopped in midsentence, gasping as he realized whom he was talking to.
"You insolent fool, do you know who I am? I am the prince and I'm disgusted with your treatment towards this beautiful woman." Parses nodded at Lillian then returned his attention to the cowering George.
"I-I'm well-well I'm so-sorry for offending y-you, your majesty." He stuttered. "It's just that thi-this girl here-" He jerked his head toward Lillian, "was spreading rumors about me, rumors she-well, she swore she wouldn't tell."
There little scene was beginning to gather the attention of some passing nobles and Lillian began to get irritated, she did not want to be gawked at. Plus, she was disgusted with the way George held the prince's attention rather then her. "Ahem." She made a ladylike sound from her throat and the prince glanced at her.
"One moment madam, I'm not quite certain this buffoon has learned his lesson." Parses shook him for good measure.
"Well, you're drawing unwanted attention from some extremely unattractive persons so I suggest you allow me to teach him a lesson." Lillian smiled gently at the prince then, closing her small creamy hand into a rock-hard fist, punched George in the stomach. All this was done quietly and efficiently.
Parses stared at her with amazement and dawning delight. "You're not one of them, are you?"
"You're damn right she's not!" George wheezed, but Parses let go of him and in that moment, clutching his stomach, George toppled to the floor.
"Would you care to dance?" Lillian smiled at the prince invitingly and offered her arm.
Parses grinned, screw what everyone else thought; he had fallen in love. He took her offered arm.
*~*
Mary stopped in her tracks, watching the scene unfolding near her. George getting lectured by the prince then getting punched by the irrepressible Lillian. It ended with Lillian and the prince dancing, smiling at each other in a way that was more of a smirk than a grin but it was the happiest Mary had ever seen her friend.
"Lillian appears to be fine." Hansel said uncertainly. He shifted his weight from foot to foot, unsure of what to do now that he was no longer needed.
Mary finally looked closely at him, seeing his handsome square cut features and blond hair. He was tall and well filled out beneath his tailored clothes. She blushed in embarrassment from staring at him. "I-um- well thank you for your help. If you'll forgive me, um-I, not that it matters, but I thought, Lillian told me you were a woodcutter. So-I-well I thought you were poor." Horrified at herself for bringing up such an awkward topic, Mary looked away, staring at the well-dressed couples dancing and the beautiful chandelier lighting up the room.
Hansel laughed. "I was poor, quite poor, but Gretchen and I got lost in the woods one day due to our cruel stepmother's poor directions." He frowned. "While lost we found a house made entirely of candy."
Mary stared at him in disbelief, her sparkling blue eyes wide. "That's why you were missing? I had heard gossip going around town and Lillian told me some things..a house of candy though?"
"Well, yes. We ate some of the house and then a woman came out who later turned out to be a witch, which is a long story, but it resulted in me almost getting eaten and Gretel pushing the evil woman into the oven." He frowned at the memory. "We found a chest of treasure -more then we'll be able to spend in a lifetime- and then we found our way home from a trail of breadcrumbs."
Mary absorbed this information doubtfully. "Are you serious? Now you're wealthy and -well, what happened to the house of candy?"
"I assure you all of this really happened." He glanced around, making certain no one was in earshot. "I believe that the witch was Snow White's stepmother. It makes sense, she disappeared into the woods the day Snow White was saved by the prince." He paused speculatively. "Don't you think it's odd that there is so many evil stepmothers? It seems as if there'd be one kind stepmother occasionally."
Mary smiled at him. "I love Mozart, I'm so glad their playing it right now."
"Ah yes me too-" He stopped suddenly and smiled ruefully, displaying two rows of perfectly white teeth. "Perhaps I should ask you to dance instead of talking?"
"Is that an invitation? Because if it is, I would love to."
~*+*~
After the last dance of the night Parses took Lillian's hand and escorted her to his mother (who was smelling rather foul) and father to introduce his fiancé. They walked up to the raised platform where the thrones were situated and where the king and queen were sitting.
"You've picked someone!" Arabella fairly shrieked. She rose from her red velvet jewel encrusted throne. "Thank God!" she grabbed Lillian's empty hand and shook it gently. "I was frightened my dear son wouldn't pick anyone tonight, I'm thrilled you were chosen."
The king cleared his throat loudly. "You have chosen her Parses?" the plump man had remained in his seat, seeing no need to rise.
"Yes." Parses declared without any doubt.
"Well then! Attention! Attention guests!" The king shouted.
Hundreds of faces turned toward the platform, most knowing the reason for the announcement. The available young women who had been vying for Parses attention either scowled or began to cry. The young men looked happy that so many women were available to them now and the adults sighed with regret that their daughters wouldn't be married into royalty.
"My son has finally chosen a bride! He has chosen-" The king motioned to his son and Parses whispered her name, "Lillian!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, both forced and genuine. Martha fainted dead away and Mary grinned so hard her face hurt. Schoolmaster Kenneth made a disgusted sound that was lost amongst the clapping and cheers. Saundra began to walk towards the platform stealthily, barely noticed. Elspeth did the same; not realizing a noblewoman had the same idea in mind.
"You may all return to your homes, our messenger will soon be sending out the wedding invitations!"
Nearly everyone began to move toward the doors, only Martha, Mary, Hansel, Saundra and Elspeth remained, all moving toward the group of royals on the platform.
After speaking with the well mannered attractive girl her son had chose, Arabella noticed Elspeth who was walking up the stairs having gotten there first.
"What do you want? The leftover food is over there, you may go fetch it and put it in the kitchen."
Elspeth only glared at her, she turned to the prince who only stared at her unrecognizably. "I can't sleep, I can't eat, my fiancé has broken off our engagement and now I am forced to watch you woo another woman." Her voice went on, tightly controlled and deathly cold. "I can not go on like this. I can not!" Her voice rose to a shrill shriek. I am not able to turn off my emotions! I shall kill myself unless you wed me."
"That's preposterous!" Arabella screamed, aggravated beyond belief that an ignorant servant girl would approach her son. "Go clean something, tomorrow you shall be dismissed!"
Martha, Mary and Hansel stopped in front of the stairs and waited respectfully until they were given direction. Saundra paid them no heed, merely getting angrier as she heard Elspeth's tale of woe, all a result of Parses fickle nature! The story brought a smirk to her face for she had a fool proof plan to get Parses, it would be sufficient punishment for him and they wouldn't realize the lie until it was too late.
"What is it Sally-I mean, Saundra?" Arabella's patience had reached its limit.
Saundra looked at her sadly, her lower lip trembling and tears threatening to spill out of her pale green eyes. "I'm pregnant as a result of your son. I apologize profusely because he is so happy now, having chosen a wife, but I can not admit to the world that I am pregnant, it would lead me to a life of shame."
Elspeth turned to stare for a moment before her eyes rolled back into her head and she collapsed to the ground.
"What is the meaning of this!" the king roared.
Lillian glared at Parses in shock. "Why you-you slut! Man whore!"
"Might I remind you who I am?!" Parses turned his wrath on Saundra. "How dare you tell such an outrageous lie! Who do you think you are? You harlot!"
"Oh stop it Parses! Just stop it! Don't you realize that I know? I know about your escapades! But I never realized...I never thought you would seduce a noblewoman." Suddenly exhausted, the queen slumped into her throne. "This changes everything."
"I'm so sorry Parses! But I couldn't do it! I couldn't subject me and our child to such a hideous lifestyle, not even for your happiness." Saundra began to cry, huge tears rolling down her pale, well-sculpted cheeks. "Forgive me."
"Oh no." Mary whispered.
"All of you get out!" The king had finally stood from his throne and was pointing at the little group. "And get that stupid little servant out too!" He jabbed a fat finger towards Elspeth.
Hansel picked up the girl and Mary and Martha followed him outside into the chilly night air.
"When did you conceive the child?" The queen asked.
"Well, it was when I first met Parses, when you had me over for tea." Saundra sobbed out the words.
"Don't you see that she lies?! She was invited barely a week or two ago! She couldn't possibly know whether or not she's pregnant!"
"Didn't I tell you to shut up?!" Arabella screamed; she had lost all faith in her youngest child. This incident had been the last straw. She glanced over at the expectant Lillian. "I'm sorry child but Parses needs to follow his duties. I will not allow a noblewoman bearing the royal heir be shunted away simply for love."
"I never screwed that wench! NEVER!"
Arabella slapped the prince sharply across his face. "You will assume your duties and the invitations will go out in precisely three days."
"You are the prince's fiancé." The king said to Saundra, whose tears were finally clearing up. "You may inform your family. Go now." He turned to Lillian. "You are to go and never attempt contact with our son again. If you ever tell anyone about Saundra conceiving a child out of wedlock then I will have you beheaded or hung. Go!"
"NO!" Parses grabbed her arm, for once feeling repentant and sorry he'd ever done wrong. "Please believe me Lillian, I need you to believe me."
Lillian shook off his restraining hand and ran, possibly out of his life forever.
Chapter 6
Lillian looked into the small cracked mirror with satisfaction. She was in her room, already dressed for the ball. Her thick brown hair was twisted into an elegant knot at the nape of her neck, with just a few carefully curled tendrils framing her flushed cheeks. Her excitement made her eyes glow green and pinkened her cheeks.
A light knock sounded at the bedroom door. "Lillian, dear? May I come in?" Martha asked in a soft voice.
"You may mother." Lillian said formally, she was trying to be as lady- like as possible as practice for the ball.
"You look beautiful darling!" She clapped her small, callused hand over her mouth. "The prince will fall all over himself to reach you!"
"Thank you, you look lovely too." Lillian bestowed the compliment as if it was a great honor for her to be so kind.
"Well, I just wanted to tell you that little Mary is waiting for you in the carriage with George." Martha herself was wearing a high-necked navy blue dress and looked slightly uncomfortable to be so dressed up in constricting garments.
"Let's go then mother dear." Lillian brushed past her mother and, swaying her hips gracefully, walked out the front door and into the waiting carriage.
Martha followed her pretty daughter with a roll of her brown eyes. Lilly was always putting on airs.
The carriage held: George; his parents, Mary, Granny, Lillian and Martha. With a slightly subdued atmosphere (all were thinking of the life changing night ahead of them) the carriage started, the three brown horses trotted at a brisk pace in the chill night air.
~*+*~
Parses smirked as girl after girl pursued him and asked foolish questions, all thinking that they would be the chosen one. He disposed of them all with a quick feel and a promise to "see" them later.
Each girl was a wealthy aristocrat who had arrived at the building early, due to the fact that they all lived in enormous homes near by. Also, each girl wore their hair in bun on top of their heads with far too much powder distorting their features.
Saundra had walked right past him without so much of a glance, but he knew that she had seen him and was simply being ill tempered and unforgiving.
"Hello Parses, my son, how are you fairing at this glorious event?" Arabella stood in front of him, socializing with a large group of middle- aged women.
All of the women smiled at him with heavily colored lips. "Hello Prince Parses." They spoke as one.
He inclined his head at the group of overdressed buffoons. "Hello, you all look ravishing," each woman blushed at his words. Parses was not foolish enough to insult them, he knew when to be kind and when he wouldn't get away with something. He nodded at his mother. "In answer to your question mother; I'm fairing quite well, you have done an exceptional job with the decorations and the exquisite food."
The ballroom did look wonderful. The white marble floor had been polished until it shone. Every candle on the chandelier was lit and glowing. The long gleaming wooden table was heaped with dishes of foreign and familiar foods of all kinds. The people were all dressed in their best and were socializing in groups all over the room. And last but not least, the band was playing Mozart much to the delight of the dancing couples.
"Do not linger with us my son, you should be dancing or speaking with the young women." Arabella shot a meaningful look at him and Parses was all too happy to escape.
After several moments though, he had to stop again due to the fact that the king, his father, was standing in front of him. "Good evening dear father." Parses bowed low. He rarely saw his busy father so when he did, his manners were at their best.
"You needn't bow Parses." His father was tall and slim, with graying dark hair and wrinkles beginning around his eyes. "This is Parses." He gestured at his son for the benefit of the people surrounding him.
"Yes your majesty, good evening." They all murmured politely.
"Evening." Parses said, growing slightly bored.
"You may be off son, I'm certain that many women are waiting to fill your dance card." He granted his son permission to leave with a wave of his hand and then turned to speak with an attractive middle-aged woman.
Parses strode away, having caught sight of a pretty blond woman in a beautiful dress that was dancing with one of his brothers. "Cinderella?" he put a hand on her shoulder and she turned to flash a dazzling smile at him.
"Go away Par." Edward said.
"Hush." The ever-kind Cinderella hissed at her husband. She turned and took Parses hand to dance, leaving her handsome husband dejected and alone (until a swarm of gold-digging aristocrats descended upon him). "It's so great to see you!" Parses said warmly. "You look more beautiful than ever before."
"Always charming, you dear boy." Cinderella smiled at him with her big blue eyes sparkling. "Queen Arabella tells me that you refuse to choose a wife or even associate with the women she brings over for you to meet." Rather then scolding, her clear sweet voice was playful and almost teasing. "I can't wait to see who you end up with. Arabella's worried you'll end up with one of the peasant women here."
"Maybe I will." He smirked at her and she laughed.
"I must get back to my husband now, that girl just kissed his cheek!" Cinderella frowned and hurried over to her spouse (who appeared to be enjoying himself).
Parses scowled as she left, he had enjoyed being with a friend who was not struggling to win his hand in marriage. He surveyed the room of pale faced, pale dressed girls and was about to give up the dance idea and just go back to his room before he saw a flash of red.
A girl was standing next to the wall with several other older women. She had glossy brown hair, she was to far away to see her eye color but he did see her brilliant red dress, and that was enough, he strode purposefully through the room until he stood only several feet away. She had hazel eyes, slightly tanned skin, a trim figure and..was staring straight at him with a smirk that looked very familiar.
~*~
When they had first entered the room George had taken Mary's hand and had danced her around the ballroom, leaving Lillian standing near the wall with her mother. After all the exuberant (perhaps too exuberant) dancing, Mary was gasping for breath. She followed George reluctantly as he led her over to the long table that was piled high with food and drink.
Several of the women who were clustered around the table gossiping stopped guiltily when they saw George and Mary coming, but one eager looking young girl continued speaking unaware.
"..And then Lillian told me that Jeremy punched George right in the face and knocked him down! I didn't really believe her at first because you know how she lies but have you seen George? He's dancing with that pretty little blond girl so that must mean Sara Muffet and Jeremy Shoe eloped. I don't know why that girl's dancing with him though; she could do so much better- what's wrong? What are you looking at?" She froze, coming to a sudden realization and turned around slowly. "Hello George. How are you faring?" Her voice came out a squeak and she gave him a false smile.
"I'm faring quite well-" His voice came out coldly, "-you ugly little wench." His brown eyes had narrowed into slits and his teeth were clenched. "That-that-lowly peasant! Lillian is going to die!"
The group of girls gasped and took a step back; the plain dark haired girl who'd been talking pushed through and hid behind them.
"George." Mary tried to restrain him and placate him.
"Get away!" George pushed her away. "You traitor! I bet you told everyone too! Both of you are gonna get it!" Spittle flew from his mouth in his rage. "What happened to our little agreement? That if I allowed you to ride in the carriage you wouldn't tell everyone about my break up with that witch!" He was now hissing so as not to gather any more people's attention.
Mary took a step back. "I didn't tell anyone anything. I honored my word."
"I should have known it would be all Lillian and her big mouth!" George turned to go find Lillian.
"No! Don't bother Lillian! It was all me."
George just smirked. "Yeah right. I know it was Lillian." His face hardened. "And I'm gonna kill her!" He spun on his heel and pushed through the crowd that had circled around them.
Mary started to follow him, knocking into people as she tried. Suddenly she ran into a tall hard body. "Excuse me." She started to keep going but the man spoke.
"You're Lillian's friend, are you not? I've seen you walking with her to her grandmother's house. I'm Hansel." His voice was deep and kind.
Mary turned to look at him. He wore fashionable rich material clothing. "I need to find Lillian because George is mad at her and he is a force to be reckoned with!"
"I'll assist you in your search." He took her arm and they began to look.
+ ~*~ +
Little known to Hansel and Mary, Lillian was in little need of help.
Parses had just began to walk towards the smirking girl in the red dress when a plump dark haired boy got in front of him and grabbed the girl's arm (her creamy pale soft looking arm).
"How dare you! You promised not to tell anyone! Bitch is what you are! You're gonna be a lowly barmaid when you get older, just wait!" The man was leaning in far to close for the girl's comfort and he was hissing cruel things to her.
'How callous to treat a woman like that.' Parses conveniently forgetting Linilissa, Elspeth, Saundra, his mother, and numerous other women he'd "accidentally" mistreated. He strode toward the sequestered pair and grabbed the pudgy man's arm.
"Get off -!" George stopped in midsentence, gasping as he realized whom he was talking to.
"You insolent fool, do you know who I am? I am the prince and I'm disgusted with your treatment towards this beautiful woman." Parses nodded at Lillian then returned his attention to the cowering George.
"I-I'm well-well I'm so-sorry for offending y-you, your majesty." He stuttered. "It's just that thi-this girl here-" He jerked his head toward Lillian, "was spreading rumors about me, rumors she-well, she swore she wouldn't tell."
There little scene was beginning to gather the attention of some passing nobles and Lillian began to get irritated, she did not want to be gawked at. Plus, she was disgusted with the way George held the prince's attention rather then her. "Ahem." She made a ladylike sound from her throat and the prince glanced at her.
"One moment madam, I'm not quite certain this buffoon has learned his lesson." Parses shook him for good measure.
"Well, you're drawing unwanted attention from some extremely unattractive persons so I suggest you allow me to teach him a lesson." Lillian smiled gently at the prince then, closing her small creamy hand into a rock-hard fist, punched George in the stomach. All this was done quietly and efficiently.
Parses stared at her with amazement and dawning delight. "You're not one of them, are you?"
"You're damn right she's not!" George wheezed, but Parses let go of him and in that moment, clutching his stomach, George toppled to the floor.
"Would you care to dance?" Lillian smiled at the prince invitingly and offered her arm.
Parses grinned, screw what everyone else thought; he had fallen in love. He took her offered arm.
*~*
Mary stopped in her tracks, watching the scene unfolding near her. George getting lectured by the prince then getting punched by the irrepressible Lillian. It ended with Lillian and the prince dancing, smiling at each other in a way that was more of a smirk than a grin but it was the happiest Mary had ever seen her friend.
"Lillian appears to be fine." Hansel said uncertainly. He shifted his weight from foot to foot, unsure of what to do now that he was no longer needed.
Mary finally looked closely at him, seeing his handsome square cut features and blond hair. He was tall and well filled out beneath his tailored clothes. She blushed in embarrassment from staring at him. "I-um- well thank you for your help. If you'll forgive me, um-I, not that it matters, but I thought, Lillian told me you were a woodcutter. So-I-well I thought you were poor." Horrified at herself for bringing up such an awkward topic, Mary looked away, staring at the well-dressed couples dancing and the beautiful chandelier lighting up the room.
Hansel laughed. "I was poor, quite poor, but Gretchen and I got lost in the woods one day due to our cruel stepmother's poor directions." He frowned. "While lost we found a house made entirely of candy."
Mary stared at him in disbelief, her sparkling blue eyes wide. "That's why you were missing? I had heard gossip going around town and Lillian told me some things..a house of candy though?"
"Well, yes. We ate some of the house and then a woman came out who later turned out to be a witch, which is a long story, but it resulted in me almost getting eaten and Gretel pushing the evil woman into the oven." He frowned at the memory. "We found a chest of treasure -more then we'll be able to spend in a lifetime- and then we found our way home from a trail of breadcrumbs."
Mary absorbed this information doubtfully. "Are you serious? Now you're wealthy and -well, what happened to the house of candy?"
"I assure you all of this really happened." He glanced around, making certain no one was in earshot. "I believe that the witch was Snow White's stepmother. It makes sense, she disappeared into the woods the day Snow White was saved by the prince." He paused speculatively. "Don't you think it's odd that there is so many evil stepmothers? It seems as if there'd be one kind stepmother occasionally."
Mary smiled at him. "I love Mozart, I'm so glad their playing it right now."
"Ah yes me too-" He stopped suddenly and smiled ruefully, displaying two rows of perfectly white teeth. "Perhaps I should ask you to dance instead of talking?"
"Is that an invitation? Because if it is, I would love to."
~*+*~
After the last dance of the night Parses took Lillian's hand and escorted her to his mother (who was smelling rather foul) and father to introduce his fiancé. They walked up to the raised platform where the thrones were situated and where the king and queen were sitting.
"You've picked someone!" Arabella fairly shrieked. She rose from her red velvet jewel encrusted throne. "Thank God!" she grabbed Lillian's empty hand and shook it gently. "I was frightened my dear son wouldn't pick anyone tonight, I'm thrilled you were chosen."
The king cleared his throat loudly. "You have chosen her Parses?" the plump man had remained in his seat, seeing no need to rise.
"Yes." Parses declared without any doubt.
"Well then! Attention! Attention guests!" The king shouted.
Hundreds of faces turned toward the platform, most knowing the reason for the announcement. The available young women who had been vying for Parses attention either scowled or began to cry. The young men looked happy that so many women were available to them now and the adults sighed with regret that their daughters wouldn't be married into royalty.
"My son has finally chosen a bride! He has chosen-" The king motioned to his son and Parses whispered her name, "Lillian!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, both forced and genuine. Martha fainted dead away and Mary grinned so hard her face hurt. Schoolmaster Kenneth made a disgusted sound that was lost amongst the clapping and cheers. Saundra began to walk towards the platform stealthily, barely noticed. Elspeth did the same; not realizing a noblewoman had the same idea in mind.
"You may all return to your homes, our messenger will soon be sending out the wedding invitations!"
Nearly everyone began to move toward the doors, only Martha, Mary, Hansel, Saundra and Elspeth remained, all moving toward the group of royals on the platform.
After speaking with the well mannered attractive girl her son had chose, Arabella noticed Elspeth who was walking up the stairs having gotten there first.
"What do you want? The leftover food is over there, you may go fetch it and put it in the kitchen."
Elspeth only glared at her, she turned to the prince who only stared at her unrecognizably. "I can't sleep, I can't eat, my fiancé has broken off our engagement and now I am forced to watch you woo another woman." Her voice went on, tightly controlled and deathly cold. "I can not go on like this. I can not!" Her voice rose to a shrill shriek. I am not able to turn off my emotions! I shall kill myself unless you wed me."
"That's preposterous!" Arabella screamed, aggravated beyond belief that an ignorant servant girl would approach her son. "Go clean something, tomorrow you shall be dismissed!"
Martha, Mary and Hansel stopped in front of the stairs and waited respectfully until they were given direction. Saundra paid them no heed, merely getting angrier as she heard Elspeth's tale of woe, all a result of Parses fickle nature! The story brought a smirk to her face for she had a fool proof plan to get Parses, it would be sufficient punishment for him and they wouldn't realize the lie until it was too late.
"What is it Sally-I mean, Saundra?" Arabella's patience had reached its limit.
Saundra looked at her sadly, her lower lip trembling and tears threatening to spill out of her pale green eyes. "I'm pregnant as a result of your son. I apologize profusely because he is so happy now, having chosen a wife, but I can not admit to the world that I am pregnant, it would lead me to a life of shame."
Elspeth turned to stare for a moment before her eyes rolled back into her head and she collapsed to the ground.
"What is the meaning of this!" the king roared.
Lillian glared at Parses in shock. "Why you-you slut! Man whore!"
"Might I remind you who I am?!" Parses turned his wrath on Saundra. "How dare you tell such an outrageous lie! Who do you think you are? You harlot!"
"Oh stop it Parses! Just stop it! Don't you realize that I know? I know about your escapades! But I never realized...I never thought you would seduce a noblewoman." Suddenly exhausted, the queen slumped into her throne. "This changes everything."
"I'm so sorry Parses! But I couldn't do it! I couldn't subject me and our child to such a hideous lifestyle, not even for your happiness." Saundra began to cry, huge tears rolling down her pale, well-sculpted cheeks. "Forgive me."
"Oh no." Mary whispered.
"All of you get out!" The king had finally stood from his throne and was pointing at the little group. "And get that stupid little servant out too!" He jabbed a fat finger towards Elspeth.
Hansel picked up the girl and Mary and Martha followed him outside into the chilly night air.
"When did you conceive the child?" The queen asked.
"Well, it was when I first met Parses, when you had me over for tea." Saundra sobbed out the words.
"Don't you see that she lies?! She was invited barely a week or two ago! She couldn't possibly know whether or not she's pregnant!"
"Didn't I tell you to shut up?!" Arabella screamed; she had lost all faith in her youngest child. This incident had been the last straw. She glanced over at the expectant Lillian. "I'm sorry child but Parses needs to follow his duties. I will not allow a noblewoman bearing the royal heir be shunted away simply for love."
"I never screwed that wench! NEVER!"
Arabella slapped the prince sharply across his face. "You will assume your duties and the invitations will go out in precisely three days."
"You are the prince's fiancé." The king said to Saundra, whose tears were finally clearing up. "You may inform your family. Go now." He turned to Lillian. "You are to go and never attempt contact with our son again. If you ever tell anyone about Saundra conceiving a child out of wedlock then I will have you beheaded or hung. Go!"
"NO!" Parses grabbed her arm, for once feeling repentant and sorry he'd ever done wrong. "Please believe me Lillian, I need you to believe me."
Lillian shook off his restraining hand and ran, possibly out of his life forever.