Authors note: As I promised...an extra long chapter, just for you guys!!
::evil grin:: oh, and expect Zaine to be in this chapter, I've kept him
away from you guys long enough....
::another evil grin:: muhahahahahahah... ::caugh:: ::caugh:: ahem. Okay,
enough of my dorkiness, with out further ado.....
Chapter 17
Misty squinted her eyes open, cursing at the sunlight. She held one hand above her head, and placed the other gently against her stomach. She cried out in pain, and looked gently down to her stomach.
The deep gash she had touched was sewn up, delicately with tiny, neat stitches.
The stitches may have been the neatest stitches Misty had ever seen, but that did not keep the pain from surging through her body, slicing her, and making her realize she could not move.
Misty cried out in pain again, for she had tried to stand up, but she quickly squatted back down, a tear falling from her face. She was delaying, and the more she delayed, the farther away she was from Zaine.
She lifted her arms, ready to perform 'big magic' to simply make the pain go away, when she heard a crash in the back of the cave.
Misty jerked sideways, terrified that the dragon had not left. She grabbed the blanket that had oddly been wrapped around her when she woke up and covered herself up. (She was not wearing her dress it had disappeared; she was only wearing a thin, white silk dress that was so thin Misty started to shiver in fear, and in coldness.)
She squinted, and tried to see in the darkness. Misty sighed, relieved when she saw a human figure step out of the back of the cave.
She closed her eyes, and clutched her head, then sat up.
Then she gasped when she realized who was standing in front of her, leaning on the sword she had stabbed into the dragon's hand.
"Now that was a tuff fight you got yourself into there." Queen Ella stated, smiling as she twirled the sword with her hands. She quietly laid the sword down, and picked up to bowls, then sat down next to Misty.
"Soup, eat." Ella said, dipping a silver spoon into the bowl and began eating.
Misty just sat, and starred, her mouth open. She didn't move for quiet a few minutes.
"Wow, you can hold the curse back much longer than I could when I was your age." Ella said, her face amused, but the lines around her eyes stated that she was slightly confused.
"I don't have the curse anymore." Misty said, pulling her head down as she rubbed her hands on her head, and starred at the floor.
"What-- but I thought--
"If you'll excuse my rudeness your highness, but it's a very long story." Misty said, now rubbing her head, she had a terrible headache.
"Well then, we shall discuss it tomorrow. You look like you could use a nights rest anyways."
Misty nodded, the watched as Queen Ella got up and walked back towards the back of the cave, heading towards the darkness.
Misty slid as far as she could to the edge of the cage, and laid down. She starred up at the stars, wondering how she ever thought someone like her could win Zaine back. She sighed, and fell asleep, still looking up at the stars.
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Misty jumped onto Majesty, holding tightly onto the reigns. She looked to her right, and smiled at Queen Ella, who looked amazing, full of courage, and strength.
Queen Ella looked ahead, hard at thought.
"Misty, you realize, I was on my way to find you to talk to you about Zaine."
Misty turned her head so that she was looking forward, the wind piercing her skin like knives.
"He has not talked to me or his father for quite some time now. We have not heard from him, so we decided to look for you, presumably thinking he would be with you." Queen Ella turned towards Misty, her eyes pleading with hope.
Misty turned towards Ella, a tear falling down her cheek. It sparkled in the dreariness of the day, but was quickly swept away by the wind.
"He is betrothed." Misty said, still not looking at Ella.
"Betrothed? To who? Why wouldn't he have told us?" Queen Ella asked, the lines around her eyes more visible now than ever.
"He hasn't spoken to you of his plans, because his is not betrothed to by choice. My stepsister, Sophie Anthony, princess of Athrogon, is to be married to him." Misty said, slowing her horse down to a simple trot.
"What do you mean, not by choice?" Ella said, pushing her hair out of her face, as she too slowed her horse down.
Misty starred down at the ground, her eyes wide, and her deep brown hair blowing around her face.
"My step-mother did something to him. It is like he's dead, or rather a just body with no soul. I tried to talk to him, tried to convince him other wise, but it was like he didn't know who I was. I could see in his eyes though, his eyes were pleading for help. Something is desperately wrong, and that's why, I was traveling back to my castle to save him. To stop the wedding." Misty looked at Queen Ella, her eyes too now brimming with hope.
Queen Ella did not say anything for a few moments; she rather looked ahead, her face brimming with thought.
"I'm afraid Misty that you cannot do this by yourself. If your stepmother is that powerful, powerful enough to take over someone's thoughts, someone's mind, and then you must not do this by yourself. We must however, win Zaine back." Queen Ella turned towards Misty and tried to smile.
"What do you suggest?" Misty said, now looking at the road ahead. Snow lightly started to fall, but the sun shown as brightly as ever. Misty was facing an empty field, covered in dead, light brown straw, which swayed lightly in the wind.
Queen Ella thought for a moment.
Then, she suddenly lifted her head, and smiled, a brilliant smile.
"We will hold a ball." Queen Ella said, her eyes now sparkling.
"Excuse me?" Misty said, confused.
"Yes! It's the perfect idea. A masked ball, in honor of Zaine and Sophie's wedding." Queen Ella's smiled widened, but Misty remained confused.
"Why, would we celebrate their wedding?" Misty said, her voice quivering from the coldness.
"Do you not see Misty? We will hold a masked ball, in which you will attend! You will go, and I will find some way to create a diversion, during that time, you will steal Zaine away, and find someway to break through to him! It's perfect!" Ella spoke, rather proud of herself.
"I don't know if I can do that." Misty said, wondering, whether or not she could really accomplish that. But somewhere deep, down inside her, she was excided, excided for herself, and excided at the thought of another adventure.
"Oh no Misty! I am sure, that there is a way you can do this! And I will take you back to our castle in Kyrrie. And there we will prepare for the ball, working out all of the details, it's wonderful." Queen Ella spoke warmly, despite the cold.
Misty smiled; it really was the perfect idea.
A few hours into their journey, Misty realized something.
"Queen Ella, how did you defeat the dragon? It was rather large, and umm, fiery, and umm...dangerous." Misty asked, quietly, cursing herself for letting her curiosity get the better of her.
"Oh it was quiet simple Misty, dragons aren't that hard to defeat." Queen Ella smiled, not revealing her secret.
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For the next few weeks, Misty waited, and wondered around Queen Ella's castle. She eventually gathered up the courage to face Sophie, and her stepmother. She basically spent her days exploring each room, occasionally reading a book here and there, and she even helped with preparations for the ball. She wrote the invitations out, and picked the decorations.
She quiet enjoyed herself, and was thankful for some time of quietness, and peace.
One day, while Misty was in the castle's rather large library, she came across Zaine's pink book. She did not know how it came to be there, and wondered why it was on this table.
She quickly settled into a comfortable chair, and opened the book. There was of course, nothing of Zaine or his whereabouts, simply a picture of him sitting in a chair in her home, with his head in his hands. Misty traced the outline of his body with her fingers, and smiled a weak smile. She turned the page, rather slowly, and came across a story she had never heard of before. Beauty and the Beast, was it's title, and Misty was amazed at how beautiful the page was. She was intrigued at the roman style letters, and gasped at how lovely the roses were that outlined the page. But what amazed her most was a picture of two people. One looked remotely just like her, which to Misty was amazing, but the other was a horrifying beast. Its face was scrunched up, and it did not look at all human. It was covered in hair, and had horns at the top of its head. Its lips were tightly pressed together, and it looked as if it would never smile. Misty looked passed the picture, and began reading the words, which wove a web in Misty's imagination, and were so lightly told, that Misty found herself getting lost in the story...
Once upon a time, in a far-away land, a young prince lived in a shining castle. Although he had everything his heart desired, the prince was spoiled, selfish, and unkind. But then, one winter's night an old beggar woman came to the castle and offered him a single rose in return for shelter from the bitter cold. Repulsed by her haggard appearance, the prince sneered at the gift, and turned the old woman away, but she warned him not to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within. And when he dismissed her again, the old woman's ugliness melted away to reveal a beautiful enchantress. The prince tried to apologize, but it was too late, for she had seen that there was no love in his heart, and as punishment, she transformed him into a hideous beast, and placed a powerful spell on the castle, and all who lived there. Ashamed of his monstrous for, the beast concealed himself inside his castle, with a magic mirror his only window to the outside world. The rose she had offered was a truly enchanted rose, which would bloom until his twenty-first year. If he could learn to love another, and earn her love in return by the time the last petal fell, then the spell would be broken. If not, he would be doomed to remain a beast for all time. As the years passed, he fell into despair, and lost all hope. After all, who could learn to love a beast? .....
Misty read the story, turning each page with just as much enthusiasm as the last. She read, until she reached the end. She was quite happy with the ending, loving the part where Belle kisses the beast, and stars begin to fall around them. The beast, instead of dying a truly sad death, turns back into a handsome prince, smiling at the stars.
Misty jumped, and turned around for someone had just tapped her on the shoulder. She smiled, and greeted Queen Ella.
"Sorry to startle you Misty, but I just wanted to say that everything is ready. The ball is going to be held tomorrow. I'm truly excited yet I'm worried about seeing Zaine at the same time. I don't know if I rightfully want to see him. Once I see him, I'll actually have to believe what you said about him being a body with no soul." Queen Ella looked down at the ground, and tried to smile. Misty grabbed the Queen's hands, and held onto them tightly.
"Don't worry your highness. I realize now, what I have to do. And by all means I'm going to do it."
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The next morning, Misty awoke early, for she wanted to watch the sun rise. She got out of bed, and put on one of her regular dresses, and stepped outside, brimming with happiness.
She reached the castle garden and sat on a rock, hold her knees tightly as she watched the sky turn a bright orange.
A few minutes later Misty turned around, for she had heard a voice.
"Misty? Misty dear, what are you doing? We've got places to go, and things to do! Come on now, we must get you ready!" Queen Ella said, patting Misty's shoulder as they both walked back towards the castle.
::
"It's beautiful!" Misty squeaked, as she held back tears.
"Oh, I knew you would like it!" Queen Ella said, pointing to a dress she had laid out for Misty.
It was a very bright white, and reminded Misty of the moon. The sleeves were very long, and they trailed to the floor. Diamonds of all sorts sparkled on the dress, weaved into a delicate pattern. Misty slipped on the dress, and turned to face towards Queen Ella.
"Oh my Misty. I do believe we have a winner." Ella smiled, as she covered her mouth.
Misty stepped in front of the mirror, and held her hair up. She looked good, she looked really good. Misty smiled and turned back towards Ella.
"Thank you so much." Misty said, hugging Queen Ella tightly.
"Your welcome dear, now enough of that. You still need some shoes, and I think I have just the right thing." Ella said, backing out of the room.
Ella came back, and Misty covered her mouth when she saw what she carried in her hands.
In the Queens hands, we two, tiny glass shoes that sparkled, and had to be the most beautiful think Misty had ever seen.
Misty shook her head.
"I couldn't! I would most certainly break them." Misty said, pushing them away.
"Nonsense, I am almost certain they will fit you." Queen Ella said as she laid them on the floor for Misty to put on.
Misty slipped her other, dirty, old shoes off, and tucked her tiny feet into the shoes. They did fit, and they made Misty walk, as if she were floating. Her dress covered them up though, and left a train in the back of her.
Minutes later, Misty had her hair in a very messy bun on the top of her head. Parts of it were braided, others weren't, but all of it was tucked away from her face. A few dark curls fell from the bun, all to give Misty a natural look. Misty felt beautiful, and took a deep breath when she stepped into the carriage with King Charmont and Queen Ella. She smiled wearily at them, not realizing what would greet her when she stepped out of the carriage.
::
What seemed like hours later, Misty jumped, and took another deep breath at the halt of the carriage.
She stepped outside, and greeted the night sky, looking up at the stars for comfort. Misty turned, and hugged Queen Ella.
"Good luck, we're counting on you!" Queen Ella said, smiling and winking at Misty.
Misty tried her best to return her smile with a confident one. She sighed, and picked up her dress. She turned to walk away, but was stopped by Ella.
"Misty, don't worry. We have complete faith in you." Ella said, handing her a white mask that was edged with diamonds.
Misty smiled, truthfully this time, and put the mask on. She picked up her dress once again, and turned to walk inside the castle that was chosen to hold the ball.
"Hey, those are your shoes!" King Charmont pointed to Misty's feet, and put on a confused face.
"I know dear, just smile and walk away." Queen Ella said, ushering her husband through the double doors, and disappearing within the ball.
Misty laughed, and started walking towards the steps.
When she opened the doors, she told her self not to forget to breathe. She looked around, and smiled at the beautiful decorations.
Queen Ella must have gotten all the Fairy-pixies she knew, because aligned at the tops of the walls were sparkling lights, glowing. Drapes hung from the ceiling, aligned to create a pattern. Refreshments were on the far side of the room, and in the middle of the floor there were people dancing. Dresses twirled, and faces looked truly happy. The secret evil of her stepmother and stepfather Misty knew all to well was carefully hidden.
Just then, a handsome young boy held out his hand and asked Misty to dance.
Misty smiled, and nodded, breathing quickly as she and her partner stepped towards the dance floor.
Misty danced for hours, each with one smiling partner after the next.
Finally, Misty decided that her feet hurt, and headed towards the refreshments.
Suddenly everything went silent, and Misty turned around.
Misty saw that Queen Ella was in a rather large group, and was speaking. Misty moved closer, and tried to hear.
"My dear friends! Welcome, to the masked ball in celebration of my son, Prince Zaine, and Princess Sophie of Athrogon."
Cheers were herd from the audience, and it took quite a few minutes for everyone to become silent again.
"This is a toast, to them in their marriage. May they be in forever peace... and may nothing ever come between their marriage."
"Oh my god." Misty whispered underneath her breath.
This was the stalling Queen Ella had talked about. This was the time where she was supposed to get Zaine. Misty breathed deeply; she could tell Ella was trying to drag out her speech, as many people were becoming bored.
Misty hurriedly tried spotting Zaine, and found him, swirling the contents of his drink around, standing near a bush. He did not look interested in the conversation, and he starred, coldly at the floor.
Misty sat her drink down, and almost ran towards Zaine, hurriedly trying not to trip on her dress.
Everything was silent, she did not hear Ella speaking, and she did not notice people turning their heads, facing her. She moved in slow motion, and tried desperately to get throw the crowd. She was almost there, and she reached out for Zaine, almost crying out in frustration.
Then she turned around, for someone had torn off her sleeve.
She had not noticed, until she heard the utterly distracting sound of her dress ripping.
She turned around and faced none other than Sophie, holding the sleeve of her dress, fuming, absolutely livid.
Misty looked around and gulped, for everyone was now looking at her, and Queen Ella had stopped talking, and was now looking directly at Misty, a look of worry in her eyes. Misty's stepfather and stepmother sat where they were, confusion drawn out on their faces. Misty turned towards Sophie, trembling; Zaine was inches away, yet she could not get to him.
"YOU!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?" Sophie said, pointing at Misty, her hand trembling as well.
Misty lifted her hand over her heart.
"Me mademoiselle? I do not know of what you speak of." Misty said, speaking in a heavy French accent.
"DO NOT TOY WITH ME MISTY. I WILL NOT HAVE YOU RUIN THIS." Sophie threw the sleeve onto the floor, spit, and then stepped on it. She reached towards Misty and ripped her mask off.
Everyone in the audience gasped, seeing for the first time, a girl now a young woman, who they thought dead ever since seventeen years ago.
Zain jumped out from the audience, between Misty and Sophie.
"Misty?" His eyes were still cloudy, but his face held fear, frustration and confusion.
Misty's stepfather stood up, and Misty's stepmother moved her hand...whispering words...her eyes as angry as Misty had ever seen them.....
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authors note:
hehe...evil me...leaving you a cliffy at a time like this. I sowie (not really). Just kidding!
I REALLY HOPE YOU LIKE THIS CHAPTER...BECAUSE IT TOOK ME AGES TO WRITE.
Well, between that, personal problems, the internet being down, me being sick....which I am right now ::rubs tummy:: ouchies!!, I guess you could say it took me ages to write.
So, I had a lot of fun writing this chapter..i had butterflies in my tummy the whole time....I'm soooo excited about this story for some reason!!
I was soo stressed today, because I have to have music to listen too, if I'm going to write. AND THE STUPID COMPUTER WOULDN'T LET ME LISTEN TO ANYTHING!! All I had were two enya songs (not that there's anything wrong with Enya, but there is such a thing as too much Enya) so anyways I ended up listening to the Titanic soundtrack. It worked really well! I got all the emotion out, and I got butterflies, like I told you, and I felt like I was really there, watching Misty. Which is amazing if you ask me.
Just thought I would mention that.
Anywhoo, I really loved this chapter...so....tell me if you loved it in a REVIEW!! I know that button is pleading to be picked on....don't make it cry by not reviewing...that's just mean.
Disclaimer: The Beauty and the Beast is not mine...I did not write it...same goes for Ella Enchanted...(dur) though I wish I wrote both,cuz that would mean now I would be rich!! But sadly im not ::tear::
Anyways...I will update soon, cuz I can't wait to finish up this story! And thanks to everyone who has reviewed!!!!!
Hope you liked it!!
Loveyalots,
::Firepixie0071::
Chapter 17
Misty squinted her eyes open, cursing at the sunlight. She held one hand above her head, and placed the other gently against her stomach. She cried out in pain, and looked gently down to her stomach.
The deep gash she had touched was sewn up, delicately with tiny, neat stitches.
The stitches may have been the neatest stitches Misty had ever seen, but that did not keep the pain from surging through her body, slicing her, and making her realize she could not move.
Misty cried out in pain again, for she had tried to stand up, but she quickly squatted back down, a tear falling from her face. She was delaying, and the more she delayed, the farther away she was from Zaine.
She lifted her arms, ready to perform 'big magic' to simply make the pain go away, when she heard a crash in the back of the cave.
Misty jerked sideways, terrified that the dragon had not left. She grabbed the blanket that had oddly been wrapped around her when she woke up and covered herself up. (She was not wearing her dress it had disappeared; she was only wearing a thin, white silk dress that was so thin Misty started to shiver in fear, and in coldness.)
She squinted, and tried to see in the darkness. Misty sighed, relieved when she saw a human figure step out of the back of the cave.
She closed her eyes, and clutched her head, then sat up.
Then she gasped when she realized who was standing in front of her, leaning on the sword she had stabbed into the dragon's hand.
"Now that was a tuff fight you got yourself into there." Queen Ella stated, smiling as she twirled the sword with her hands. She quietly laid the sword down, and picked up to bowls, then sat down next to Misty.
"Soup, eat." Ella said, dipping a silver spoon into the bowl and began eating.
Misty just sat, and starred, her mouth open. She didn't move for quiet a few minutes.
"Wow, you can hold the curse back much longer than I could when I was your age." Ella said, her face amused, but the lines around her eyes stated that she was slightly confused.
"I don't have the curse anymore." Misty said, pulling her head down as she rubbed her hands on her head, and starred at the floor.
"What-- but I thought--
"If you'll excuse my rudeness your highness, but it's a very long story." Misty said, now rubbing her head, she had a terrible headache.
"Well then, we shall discuss it tomorrow. You look like you could use a nights rest anyways."
Misty nodded, the watched as Queen Ella got up and walked back towards the back of the cave, heading towards the darkness.
Misty slid as far as she could to the edge of the cage, and laid down. She starred up at the stars, wondering how she ever thought someone like her could win Zaine back. She sighed, and fell asleep, still looking up at the stars.
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Misty jumped onto Majesty, holding tightly onto the reigns. She looked to her right, and smiled at Queen Ella, who looked amazing, full of courage, and strength.
Queen Ella looked ahead, hard at thought.
"Misty, you realize, I was on my way to find you to talk to you about Zaine."
Misty turned her head so that she was looking forward, the wind piercing her skin like knives.
"He has not talked to me or his father for quite some time now. We have not heard from him, so we decided to look for you, presumably thinking he would be with you." Queen Ella turned towards Misty, her eyes pleading with hope.
Misty turned towards Ella, a tear falling down her cheek. It sparkled in the dreariness of the day, but was quickly swept away by the wind.
"He is betrothed." Misty said, still not looking at Ella.
"Betrothed? To who? Why wouldn't he have told us?" Queen Ella asked, the lines around her eyes more visible now than ever.
"He hasn't spoken to you of his plans, because his is not betrothed to by choice. My stepsister, Sophie Anthony, princess of Athrogon, is to be married to him." Misty said, slowing her horse down to a simple trot.
"What do you mean, not by choice?" Ella said, pushing her hair out of her face, as she too slowed her horse down.
Misty starred down at the ground, her eyes wide, and her deep brown hair blowing around her face.
"My step-mother did something to him. It is like he's dead, or rather a just body with no soul. I tried to talk to him, tried to convince him other wise, but it was like he didn't know who I was. I could see in his eyes though, his eyes were pleading for help. Something is desperately wrong, and that's why, I was traveling back to my castle to save him. To stop the wedding." Misty looked at Queen Ella, her eyes too now brimming with hope.
Queen Ella did not say anything for a few moments; she rather looked ahead, her face brimming with thought.
"I'm afraid Misty that you cannot do this by yourself. If your stepmother is that powerful, powerful enough to take over someone's thoughts, someone's mind, and then you must not do this by yourself. We must however, win Zaine back." Queen Ella turned towards Misty and tried to smile.
"What do you suggest?" Misty said, now looking at the road ahead. Snow lightly started to fall, but the sun shown as brightly as ever. Misty was facing an empty field, covered in dead, light brown straw, which swayed lightly in the wind.
Queen Ella thought for a moment.
Then, she suddenly lifted her head, and smiled, a brilliant smile.
"We will hold a ball." Queen Ella said, her eyes now sparkling.
"Excuse me?" Misty said, confused.
"Yes! It's the perfect idea. A masked ball, in honor of Zaine and Sophie's wedding." Queen Ella's smiled widened, but Misty remained confused.
"Why, would we celebrate their wedding?" Misty said, her voice quivering from the coldness.
"Do you not see Misty? We will hold a masked ball, in which you will attend! You will go, and I will find some way to create a diversion, during that time, you will steal Zaine away, and find someway to break through to him! It's perfect!" Ella spoke, rather proud of herself.
"I don't know if I can do that." Misty said, wondering, whether or not she could really accomplish that. But somewhere deep, down inside her, she was excided, excided for herself, and excided at the thought of another adventure.
"Oh no Misty! I am sure, that there is a way you can do this! And I will take you back to our castle in Kyrrie. And there we will prepare for the ball, working out all of the details, it's wonderful." Queen Ella spoke warmly, despite the cold.
Misty smiled; it really was the perfect idea.
A few hours into their journey, Misty realized something.
"Queen Ella, how did you defeat the dragon? It was rather large, and umm, fiery, and umm...dangerous." Misty asked, quietly, cursing herself for letting her curiosity get the better of her.
"Oh it was quiet simple Misty, dragons aren't that hard to defeat." Queen Ella smiled, not revealing her secret.
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For the next few weeks, Misty waited, and wondered around Queen Ella's castle. She eventually gathered up the courage to face Sophie, and her stepmother. She basically spent her days exploring each room, occasionally reading a book here and there, and she even helped with preparations for the ball. She wrote the invitations out, and picked the decorations.
She quiet enjoyed herself, and was thankful for some time of quietness, and peace.
One day, while Misty was in the castle's rather large library, she came across Zaine's pink book. She did not know how it came to be there, and wondered why it was on this table.
She quickly settled into a comfortable chair, and opened the book. There was of course, nothing of Zaine or his whereabouts, simply a picture of him sitting in a chair in her home, with his head in his hands. Misty traced the outline of his body with her fingers, and smiled a weak smile. She turned the page, rather slowly, and came across a story she had never heard of before. Beauty and the Beast, was it's title, and Misty was amazed at how beautiful the page was. She was intrigued at the roman style letters, and gasped at how lovely the roses were that outlined the page. But what amazed her most was a picture of two people. One looked remotely just like her, which to Misty was amazing, but the other was a horrifying beast. Its face was scrunched up, and it did not look at all human. It was covered in hair, and had horns at the top of its head. Its lips were tightly pressed together, and it looked as if it would never smile. Misty looked passed the picture, and began reading the words, which wove a web in Misty's imagination, and were so lightly told, that Misty found herself getting lost in the story...
Once upon a time, in a far-away land, a young prince lived in a shining castle. Although he had everything his heart desired, the prince was spoiled, selfish, and unkind. But then, one winter's night an old beggar woman came to the castle and offered him a single rose in return for shelter from the bitter cold. Repulsed by her haggard appearance, the prince sneered at the gift, and turned the old woman away, but she warned him not to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within. And when he dismissed her again, the old woman's ugliness melted away to reveal a beautiful enchantress. The prince tried to apologize, but it was too late, for she had seen that there was no love in his heart, and as punishment, she transformed him into a hideous beast, and placed a powerful spell on the castle, and all who lived there. Ashamed of his monstrous for, the beast concealed himself inside his castle, with a magic mirror his only window to the outside world. The rose she had offered was a truly enchanted rose, which would bloom until his twenty-first year. If he could learn to love another, and earn her love in return by the time the last petal fell, then the spell would be broken. If not, he would be doomed to remain a beast for all time. As the years passed, he fell into despair, and lost all hope. After all, who could learn to love a beast? .....
Misty read the story, turning each page with just as much enthusiasm as the last. She read, until she reached the end. She was quite happy with the ending, loving the part where Belle kisses the beast, and stars begin to fall around them. The beast, instead of dying a truly sad death, turns back into a handsome prince, smiling at the stars.
Misty jumped, and turned around for someone had just tapped her on the shoulder. She smiled, and greeted Queen Ella.
"Sorry to startle you Misty, but I just wanted to say that everything is ready. The ball is going to be held tomorrow. I'm truly excited yet I'm worried about seeing Zaine at the same time. I don't know if I rightfully want to see him. Once I see him, I'll actually have to believe what you said about him being a body with no soul." Queen Ella looked down at the ground, and tried to smile. Misty grabbed the Queen's hands, and held onto them tightly.
"Don't worry your highness. I realize now, what I have to do. And by all means I'm going to do it."
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The next morning, Misty awoke early, for she wanted to watch the sun rise. She got out of bed, and put on one of her regular dresses, and stepped outside, brimming with happiness.
She reached the castle garden and sat on a rock, hold her knees tightly as she watched the sky turn a bright orange.
A few minutes later Misty turned around, for she had heard a voice.
"Misty? Misty dear, what are you doing? We've got places to go, and things to do! Come on now, we must get you ready!" Queen Ella said, patting Misty's shoulder as they both walked back towards the castle.
::
"It's beautiful!" Misty squeaked, as she held back tears.
"Oh, I knew you would like it!" Queen Ella said, pointing to a dress she had laid out for Misty.
It was a very bright white, and reminded Misty of the moon. The sleeves were very long, and they trailed to the floor. Diamonds of all sorts sparkled on the dress, weaved into a delicate pattern. Misty slipped on the dress, and turned to face towards Queen Ella.
"Oh my Misty. I do believe we have a winner." Ella smiled, as she covered her mouth.
Misty stepped in front of the mirror, and held her hair up. She looked good, she looked really good. Misty smiled and turned back towards Ella.
"Thank you so much." Misty said, hugging Queen Ella tightly.
"Your welcome dear, now enough of that. You still need some shoes, and I think I have just the right thing." Ella said, backing out of the room.
Ella came back, and Misty covered her mouth when she saw what she carried in her hands.
In the Queens hands, we two, tiny glass shoes that sparkled, and had to be the most beautiful think Misty had ever seen.
Misty shook her head.
"I couldn't! I would most certainly break them." Misty said, pushing them away.
"Nonsense, I am almost certain they will fit you." Queen Ella said as she laid them on the floor for Misty to put on.
Misty slipped her other, dirty, old shoes off, and tucked her tiny feet into the shoes. They did fit, and they made Misty walk, as if she were floating. Her dress covered them up though, and left a train in the back of her.
Minutes later, Misty had her hair in a very messy bun on the top of her head. Parts of it were braided, others weren't, but all of it was tucked away from her face. A few dark curls fell from the bun, all to give Misty a natural look. Misty felt beautiful, and took a deep breath when she stepped into the carriage with King Charmont and Queen Ella. She smiled wearily at them, not realizing what would greet her when she stepped out of the carriage.
::
What seemed like hours later, Misty jumped, and took another deep breath at the halt of the carriage.
She stepped outside, and greeted the night sky, looking up at the stars for comfort. Misty turned, and hugged Queen Ella.
"Good luck, we're counting on you!" Queen Ella said, smiling and winking at Misty.
Misty tried her best to return her smile with a confident one. She sighed, and picked up her dress. She turned to walk away, but was stopped by Ella.
"Misty, don't worry. We have complete faith in you." Ella said, handing her a white mask that was edged with diamonds.
Misty smiled, truthfully this time, and put the mask on. She picked up her dress once again, and turned to walk inside the castle that was chosen to hold the ball.
"Hey, those are your shoes!" King Charmont pointed to Misty's feet, and put on a confused face.
"I know dear, just smile and walk away." Queen Ella said, ushering her husband through the double doors, and disappearing within the ball.
Misty laughed, and started walking towards the steps.
When she opened the doors, she told her self not to forget to breathe. She looked around, and smiled at the beautiful decorations.
Queen Ella must have gotten all the Fairy-pixies she knew, because aligned at the tops of the walls were sparkling lights, glowing. Drapes hung from the ceiling, aligned to create a pattern. Refreshments were on the far side of the room, and in the middle of the floor there were people dancing. Dresses twirled, and faces looked truly happy. The secret evil of her stepmother and stepfather Misty knew all to well was carefully hidden.
Just then, a handsome young boy held out his hand and asked Misty to dance.
Misty smiled, and nodded, breathing quickly as she and her partner stepped towards the dance floor.
Misty danced for hours, each with one smiling partner after the next.
Finally, Misty decided that her feet hurt, and headed towards the refreshments.
Suddenly everything went silent, and Misty turned around.
Misty saw that Queen Ella was in a rather large group, and was speaking. Misty moved closer, and tried to hear.
"My dear friends! Welcome, to the masked ball in celebration of my son, Prince Zaine, and Princess Sophie of Athrogon."
Cheers were herd from the audience, and it took quite a few minutes for everyone to become silent again.
"This is a toast, to them in their marriage. May they be in forever peace... and may nothing ever come between their marriage."
"Oh my god." Misty whispered underneath her breath.
This was the stalling Queen Ella had talked about. This was the time where she was supposed to get Zaine. Misty breathed deeply; she could tell Ella was trying to drag out her speech, as many people were becoming bored.
Misty hurriedly tried spotting Zaine, and found him, swirling the contents of his drink around, standing near a bush. He did not look interested in the conversation, and he starred, coldly at the floor.
Misty sat her drink down, and almost ran towards Zaine, hurriedly trying not to trip on her dress.
Everything was silent, she did not hear Ella speaking, and she did not notice people turning their heads, facing her. She moved in slow motion, and tried desperately to get throw the crowd. She was almost there, and she reached out for Zaine, almost crying out in frustration.
Then she turned around, for someone had torn off her sleeve.
She had not noticed, until she heard the utterly distracting sound of her dress ripping.
She turned around and faced none other than Sophie, holding the sleeve of her dress, fuming, absolutely livid.
Misty looked around and gulped, for everyone was now looking at her, and Queen Ella had stopped talking, and was now looking directly at Misty, a look of worry in her eyes. Misty's stepfather and stepmother sat where they were, confusion drawn out on their faces. Misty turned towards Sophie, trembling; Zaine was inches away, yet she could not get to him.
"YOU!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?" Sophie said, pointing at Misty, her hand trembling as well.
Misty lifted her hand over her heart.
"Me mademoiselle? I do not know of what you speak of." Misty said, speaking in a heavy French accent.
"DO NOT TOY WITH ME MISTY. I WILL NOT HAVE YOU RUIN THIS." Sophie threw the sleeve onto the floor, spit, and then stepped on it. She reached towards Misty and ripped her mask off.
Everyone in the audience gasped, seeing for the first time, a girl now a young woman, who they thought dead ever since seventeen years ago.
Zain jumped out from the audience, between Misty and Sophie.
"Misty?" His eyes were still cloudy, but his face held fear, frustration and confusion.
Misty's stepfather stood up, and Misty's stepmother moved her hand...whispering words...her eyes as angry as Misty had ever seen them.....
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authors note:
hehe...evil me...leaving you a cliffy at a time like this. I sowie (not really). Just kidding!
I REALLY HOPE YOU LIKE THIS CHAPTER...BECAUSE IT TOOK ME AGES TO WRITE.
Well, between that, personal problems, the internet being down, me being sick....which I am right now ::rubs tummy:: ouchies!!, I guess you could say it took me ages to write.
So, I had a lot of fun writing this chapter..i had butterflies in my tummy the whole time....I'm soooo excited about this story for some reason!!
I was soo stressed today, because I have to have music to listen too, if I'm going to write. AND THE STUPID COMPUTER WOULDN'T LET ME LISTEN TO ANYTHING!! All I had were two enya songs (not that there's anything wrong with Enya, but there is such a thing as too much Enya) so anyways I ended up listening to the Titanic soundtrack. It worked really well! I got all the emotion out, and I got butterflies, like I told you, and I felt like I was really there, watching Misty. Which is amazing if you ask me.
Just thought I would mention that.
Anywhoo, I really loved this chapter...so....tell me if you loved it in a REVIEW!! I know that button is pleading to be picked on....don't make it cry by not reviewing...that's just mean.
Disclaimer: The Beauty and the Beast is not mine...I did not write it...same goes for Ella Enchanted...(dur) though I wish I wrote both,cuz that would mean now I would be rich!! But sadly im not ::tear::
Anyways...I will update soon, cuz I can't wait to finish up this story! And thanks to everyone who has reviewed!!!!!
Hope you liked it!!
Loveyalots,
::Firepixie0071::