Hello again everyone. Thank you all for reading my story. Because chapter three is kinda short and boring, I figured I'd post it now to get it over with.

Stubble 96: Thank you! I always try to make good characters, be they good or evil.

MistyQueen: I'm glad you liked the beginning! I always try to start with a little bit of story, instead of starting with backgrounds. I think it's more interesting.

Lollipop5: :O I'm on a favourite's list? Thank you so much! You make me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. I hope the story keeps up with your expectations.

I'll see you all next update.

-Lulai

Chapter Two: Curses

"Announcing King Cornelius Fer Drewery the Fifth, King of all Protantia," Lia heard the announcer boom from the top of the steps, "along with his daughters, Princess Clarissa Fer Drewery and Princess Annalia Fer Drewery." At this announcement, Lia swept into the grand ballroom, and began proceeding down the side stairs. She met with her sister at the middle, where the two stairwells joined and kept going onto the dance floor.

"You look absolutely wonderful," Lia said truthfully. No matter how much her sister annoyed her, Claire always did look beautiful. Her golden hair was swept back from her face with a lovely barrette of emerald incrusted gold. Her deep forest green dress offset her blue eyes brilliantly.

"As do you, sister," Claire responded. Lia was taken aback by the look of jealousy and... hatred? in her eyes. But then it was gone, and Claire was smiling once more. Lia felt a little uneasy, but continued on with her sister, their arms interlinked.

"Tonight you will meet Prince Frederick," Lia said to her sister, hoping to at least look a little like a normal family.

"Oh, yes," Claire responded with a faraway look in her eyes. "My Freddy will come and sweep me off my feet, and we will be married by Monday."

"Of course," Lia muttered.

At the bottom of the stairs, the sisters left each other and intermingled within the guests. Lia was having the time of her life, dancing with many dukes, and barons, and other nobles of the court. She even approached a shy young man, who hadn't danced all evening for a rousing country dance. After thanking her quietly, the young man faded back into the woodwork. Lia shrugged and went to get herself a glass of punch.

"Announcing Prince Frederick Fer Gorntal, Prince of Karridon," the herald boomed. Lia, still holding her punch in one hand, raised her vision to the top of the stairs. There stood a handsome young man with vibrant ebony locks cut in a slightly longer than fashionable style. Lia looked at him curiously. He was handsome, but she didn't feel faint, even as he descended the stairs. She shrugged and turned her attention back to the plate of fruit that a servant held in front of her.

"Excuse me," a deep voice purred seductively behind her. Lia turned, the strawberry still half bitten in her mouth. She quickly chewed and swallowed.

"Yes?" she responded coolly.

"I knew from your letters that you were an extraordinarily beautiful woman, but I did not expect my fiancée to be a genuine Faery Queen," Prince Fredrick said.

"Wait –"she tried to respond, but was interrupted by Fredrick.

"You have no idea about how long I have been wanting to do this to you, Claire bear," he said, and before she could protest again, had dipped her down so quickly that she dropped the half a strawberry she was still holding, his mouth posed to kiss her.

"Hold on a second," she said, throwing her hand in front of his mouth. His eyes widened incredulously. She pushed his face back from hers and stood up straight. "Your highness, before you go along and kiss me, you should realize that I'm not your fiancée."

"You're not Princess Clarissa?" he asked skeptically.

"No," Lia responded. "I'm Princess Annalia. Your 'Claire bear' is standing right over there." She pointed to her sister, red faced and fuming. That doesn't suit her complexion at all, Lia thought with a wry grin.

Prince Frederick made his way over to Clarissa, who was still dreadfully angry. Lia picked up her half a strawberry mournfully, but gave it to another servant to dispose of. She pretended not to listen as she mulled over her fruit, but she still kept one ear and eye on the couple. She could not hear exactly what they were saying, but Claire's countenance became softer as Fredrick obviously flattered her. Finally, she smiled and placed her hand in his and they went out onto the floor to dance.

Lia sighed in relief. It would have been torture for her if her sister hadn't forgiven Fredrick. Her thoughts were interrupted by another man wishing to dance. She agreed readily.

After many more dances with different men, including one more with the shy man, Lia excused herself once again. She felt flushed and stepped out onto the balcony to get a breath of fresh air. The moonlight bathed the gardens in a mysterious glow and Lia was once again entranced by the beauty of nature. Smiling, she stepped down onto the cobblestone walkway and slowly walked through the various flowers until she reached the stone bench. She sat down and closed her eyes.

"Princess?" a deep voice sounded in front of her. She'd recognize that purr anywhere. She opened her eyes to see Fredrick standing there, looking down on her.

"Yes?" she asked shortly. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with my sister?"

"Well, the truth is, although I came for you sister, I have found myself unable to keep my mind off you." Lia was absolutely speechless. Fredrick mistakenly took this for an invitation. He stepped closer to her, so that she couldn't escape around him. "Your fiery hair and silver eyes have entranced me; I am going to your father tomorrow to see if I may have my engagement changed to you."

"What?" she squeaked. She cleared her throat. "But I don't want to marry you," she said, stronger. "And you want to marry my sister. I think, your highness, that you have had a little too much to drink." She tried to push her way past him, but he stopped her.

"Please, Lia, my love, will you marry me? I have brought you a flower to show my true feelings for you." Out of his coat pocket, he pulled out a slightly crumpled red rose.

Lia was appalled. She snatched the rose out of his hands. "You cut one of my roses without permission?" she hissed. "And look what you've done to it. It's all broken."

Fredrick looked taken aback. "I –"

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"

Lia looked over to see her sister standing there, her hands clenched at her sides, her face mottled red.

"Claire bear –"Fredrick tried, but Claire ignored him. She pushed him aside and pushed her finger into Lia's face.

"This is all YOUR fault!" she yelled. "First, you steal my admirers then you try to steal my fiancé!"

"I didn't try to steal –"Lia tried to defend herself, but her sister was beyond angry.

"LIES!" Claire screamed. "Everyone has always liked you better, thought that you were prettier. But NO MORE! I will end that right NOW!" She began to chant in a strange language. Lia was struck breathless, and her knees went all weak.

"HA!" Claire gloated. "Now we will see who thinks you're beautiful." Fredrick recoiled from Lia in horror.

Lia whirled around to look at herself in the fountain. The face of an old woman stared back at her. She instinctively put her hands to her face and was aghast to see that the old woman did the same. Her sister laughed cruelly behind her.

"Here," she said cuttingly, throwing the crumpled rose at her. Lia picked it up dazedly.

"You can try to break my curse, if you can, but you only have until the rose wilts. Then you will be an old woman forever. Think of it," Claire said with a smirk, "as your youth wilting away."

Lia turned and ran, but Claire's cutting laughter followed her.