The Banister

This chapter was originally written on Feb. 24.

AN: Thank you all so much for the reviews! All 84 of them! You are all truly amazing people and I love you all! Special thank you to Amber, aka Un4getable; you are a truly inspiring reviewer! Thank you for helping me reach my goal. Sorry that this was a long and anticipated chapter, I recently became addicted to this amazing thing called Pottermore! LETS GO RAVENCLAWS! If you are a member friend me, my username is FireboltHeart14774.

Moving on...

I noticed some of you were disappointed that Kuki and Wally didn't kiss last chapter, (trust me I was too, but sharing a similar experience with Kuki, I wouldn't be able either if it was Darren Criss, Tom Felton, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, or Chord Overtreet (well...maybe...but this is a very different circumstance) instead of Wally for me...sigh.) but it really wasn't the right time. Kuki is still really hurting because of what Ace did, and she can't even tell anyone! That whole stinking curse thing certainly complicated things doesn't it?

Disclaimer: I own neither Ella Enchanted nor KND.

Now I found a poem that seemed to fit this story wonderfully, I would like to share it with you now:

In this world full of hurt and pain,

I need someone who would help me through the rain.

To comfort me when Im sad,

Doing everything just to make me glad.

In this world I need a Brave Knight,

Who would never give up any fight.

A knight who would dry away my tears,

Telling me to overcome my fears.

A knight who loves me for who I am inside,

With him there's nothing more I need to hide.

A person who will still be standing strong,

Even though everything has gone wrong.

I need someone who is willing to give me more,

Someone I can call my Knight In Shining Armor.

-Anonymous

Wasn't that a good poem? It may make half sense now, but by the end of the story, it will make MUCH more sense.

Words: 4,823

Previously on Kuki Enchanted

Panic. A punishing grip. A wet, bruising mouth moving hungrily, possessively over mine. My own lips responding of their own accord as my stomach churned. Pressed against a thick, solid body far too intimately, a terrifying hardness digging into my stomach.

"Wait," I gasped, jerking my head back and hitting it against the wall behind me. I winced, and Wally's hands fell away from where they had cradled my face.

"Kuki," Wally said in alarm, "what's wrong?"

I fought to keep from shuddering as the memories slowly started to ebb away. I did not want to hurt Wally, so I managed to keep my tears at bay. I sucked in a deep breath and opened my eyes.

Wally looked distraught; his expression was heavy with pain and remorse. "Kuki, I am so sorry! I never should have presumed –"

I shook my head slowly. "You didn't presume anything, Wally. You asked me, and…and you stopped when I told you to. It's the furthest thing from presumption." I wanted to sob in frustration and disappointment in myself.

"Why – I mean, I do not need a reason, but, if you want, will you tell me…" Wally trailed off, rubbing the back of his neck and looking uncomfortable and guilty.

I longed to tell him everything – at this point, I felt as though I could confide anything in him – but Father's order, designed to protect me, and Ace's command, designed to silence me, kept me from telling Wally about both the kiss and the curse. Looking at his pained expression, I knew I had to give him a reason.

I could not tell him the truth, but I could tell him a truth.

"Wally, I feel as though you and I have become great friends. And I wouldn't want to put our friendship at risk by doing this. It's not that I don't want to kiss you, but I don't want to risk what he what we have now." As soon as I said the words, I knew they were true. I knew how I felt about Wally, but our friendship was the most important thing to me. I did not want to toss it away because of the racing of our hormones. I knew I would surely end up heartbroken in the end.

Moreover, I was sure that something was wrong with me, more wrong than ever before, because of what Ace had done. I had been so terrified, so repulsed, but at the time, I had assured myself that someone like Wally would be nothing like Ace. Now this had happened, and I had been thrown into the past as soon as Wally came close, flooded with horrid memories and unable to act on my own desires. Surely, I would be a disappointment to Wally if that was my reaction to his touch.

Wally was frowning. "Kuki, please –" He tried, but I cut him off

"The music has stopped," I babbled nervously, hoping to prevent him from accidentally issuing an order for me to kiss him. I hugged my chest. "I think the celebrations are coming to a close. We should go back."

I risked a glance at him. His eyes were kind, but there was something else there. Something I did not understand. Something that I could not put a name to. He stood up from where he was kneeling and brushed off his trousers. I looked up at him as he offered a hand.

"If you are sure you're ready," he said, eyebrows raised, smiling slightly. I breathed a sigh of relief and took his hand.

We went back to the main hall and walked to look out the high, arching windows at the front of the old castle. Horse-drawn carriages were taking guests away. I narrowed my gaze, searching through the crowd until I spotted Nigel. He and Elizabeth were engaged in hurried conversation and sending furtive glances across the lawn. I followed the direction of their looks and saw Mother and Sir Monty staring at each other with disturbingly besotted expressions. Henrietta stood with them, clasping her hands to her chest and positively glowing.

"That faerie has not left yet," I informed Wally in an annoying tone as I pointed in their direction, "she is standing with my mother."

Wally glanced at the disgruntled expression on my face. "Perhaps she means to monitor the effects of her gift."

"Would she? Do you think so?" I asked. Knowing what I knew of Henrietta, she would think that no gift of hers needed to be monitored. In her eyes, all of her gifts were wonderful. I longed for the day when she would have a dose of her own medicine. Live life as a skunk and an obedient child and see how wonderful her gifts truly were.

"I don't know." Wally said, looking at my face. "I can make her leave, if you like," he offered, "she would not want to make an enemy of a prince."

I raised an eyebrow. "DON'T!" I shouted in alarm at his offer. A prince would trouble Henrietta not a whit, and a skunk prince would trouble her even less. I saw his raised eyebrows and calmed myself and spoke calmly. "Hopefully, her stay will not extend to much further. Let's just watch and wait for her to take her leave." I said, returning my attention back to the guests that were exiting the castle and congratulating Mother and Sir Montgomery as they left.

As I stared down at the departing guests, Wally moved a little closer to me. I felt the warm weight of his hand settle on my shoulder.

"Kuki, about what happened earlier…" He started, trailing off in midsentence.

I knew he could feel my body tensing, my shoulders hunching. Please do not accidentally order me to kiss you, I begged in my thoughts, I do not want such a thing with you to be anything like it was with Ace.

"Are you well? I hope you are not upset or…I do not know, apprehensive. Because naught has changed between you and I."

I felt the tension drain from me and I turned my head to look at him. We both knew something had changed, but that didn't mean our friendship needed to be compromised. I gave him a little smile, meeting his kind eyes.

"I'm fine." I leaned forward a little, and Wally understood, opening his arms so that I could embrace him. I buried my face in the crook of his neck as his arms wound around me. To my surprise, I felt myself sag against him slightly. The trials of the wedding, my time as a willing puppet, Mother drugging me and almost marrying me off to that truly horrid man, the fresh memories of Ace's actions…it all had me feeling so very tired. It felt wonderful to hold Wally and be held in his arms, feeling the sturdiness of his chest, the firmness of his broad, long-fingered hand stretched wide between my shoulder blades, his other arm wrapped around my waist, tugging me closer. I blushed, fisting my hands in the rich material of his jacket, and then pulled away.

"And thank you, Wally. For being so understanding."

He frowned and we turned our attention back to the gathering. After several more guests had departed, Henrietta kissed Mother and Sir Monty on the forehead. The she raised her arms and lifted her head to the twilight sky. For a terrifying moment I thought that she has spotted me.

But no, Henrietta just smiled her dazzling white smile and began to rise up into the air, emitting a sparkling, silvery glow. She hovered above the gawking wedding guests whose carriages were still in the drive, and I spotted Kami glaring up at the foolish faerie. She looked mad enough to spit.

"I've never seen anything like this," Wally whispered in awe, his eyes transfixed on the beautiful picture Henrietta had created.

"That would be because most faeries aren't so arrogant and stupid as to make such an ostentatious display," I snapped, watching as Henrietta smiled down at her audience, and then disappeared, leaving behind the faintest traces of glitter and glowing silver light.

"Well, she's finally gone," I said, sighing with relief. I suddenly heard footsteps behind us and spun around in the fading light. Wally turned as well, and we found ourselves facing two figures approaching us cautiously. It was Jackson and Evangeline, coming back from their tryst. Evangeline's eyes were wide and alarmed, but Jackson just gave me a dopey smile.

"Hi, Kuki!" He chirped, moving to adjust the collar of his rumpled shirt.

"Hello, Jackson," I smiled at her before smirking in Evangeline's direction, "did you have a nice time at the wedding, Lady Evangeline?"

Evangeline had recovered from her initial shock and a mask of sneering indifference settled on her features. She ignored my question. "Your Highness," she greeted Wally with a purr, sweeping into a curtsy. Jackson too, greeted Wally with an excellent bow.

"Lady and Gentleman," Wally returned the greeting with a bow and a grin. Jackson blushed at being addressed so formally and smoothed the shirt of his servant's uniform. I glanced fondly at Wally; how like him to treat every subject, no matter what their station, with honor.

Evangeline's eyes were glittering and they darted back and forth between Wally and I.

"Would you like help with your hair, Evangeline? It seems to be in quite the disarray," I said innocently, hoping to distract her from whatever was going on in that clever mind of hers. She glared hard at me but her face softened indulgently as she nodded and I went over and fixed her scarlet hair back into its proper array.

"You have missed quite a lot since your absence from Gallagher's." Evangeline stated as I combed her fingers with a comb that I had in my bag.

"Really? What fascinating lessons and juicy gossip have I been away from?" I asked her.

"Well, Naomi has gotten married to a man in her home village by the name of Alexander." Evangeline stated.

"Really?" I asked, "Wasn't she dating George?" I asked her.

"Yes, and shortly after they broke up for her to be married he began to date my cousin, Claudia." She stated. I remember Claudia vaguely. She had flowing scarlet hair and crystal blue eyes.

"Wow." I said, "So, Evangeline-"I said but she cut me off.

"You can call me Eva if you please, I've never liked the name Evangeline much." She amended giving me a soft smile as I braided her hair. I gave her an equal smile.

"So Eva, what had happened when I left Gallagher's?" I asked her. I was very curious as to the events that had happened.

"Madam Gallagher had informed the school that you were expelled. She stated that you had failed all of your classes and the Gallagher's could not take such a disappointment in their halls. Though we all knew that was the exact opposite of what happened. We all knew you were one of the smartest students at Gallagher's. Your correction of History Mistress that day was proof enough." She said. "Rumours spread like wildfire. Some say that Harvard had gotten you pregnant so you left. Others say that Madam Gallagher locked you in the basement. One roumour spread that you had run away to live in Ayortha, saying you were know married to a wealthy lord that had his estate and fortune there." She said and we both chuckled. "Only when Jaceon got a letter from his father that included you then did we all know the truth. It stated how your mother had a failed attempt of marrying you off to someone. When Madam Gallaher learned that we knew of the truth she was quite embarrassed." She said. I felt a strange desire to tell Eva that that someone was her uncle who both her and Elizabeth hoped would die soon so as to inherit his 'fortune' the fortune being that he had very little.

"That is true, she tried to marry me to your uncle." I decided to tell her.

Her face snapped to face mine, "Did she truly?" She asked.

I nodded my head, "I am telling you this because my mother did not find him suitable. He has little to nothing left. When he dies, you and Elizabeth will only inherit a burden. I suggest, if it is possible, to release your rights to his estate." I said. Her viper eyes studied me closely, examining me for what seemed like hours.

She finally spoke, "Thank you for the admonition, Kuki." She said as I made the last twist in her braid.

"You're welcome, Eva." I said to her.

"Jackson." I said when I had finished, He and Wally had taken our preoccupation to converse on topics of which I had no desire to follow. "Would you please escort Lady Evangeline back to the party? I believe she and Lady Elizabeth's carriage will be leaving soon, and I am sure she would like the chance to say good-bye before she leaves. You know," I said, my eyes sliding to meet Evangeline's in understanding, "to the other party guests."

Evangeline looked startled at my unspoken acknowledgement and acceptance of whatever it was that she and Jackson were doing, and for the first time, a genuine smile graced her lips as she looked at Wally and I. "Kuki, Prince Wally," she said, dipping into a curtsey. Jackson pulled on her hand and waved at us, and the two ran down the steps.

"He seems like he is a good friend." Wally said and I nodded my head in agreement. Wally smiled, looking down at the steps where they had just disappeared. "I'm glad. I cannot imagine adjusting to a new family will be easy, especially – I'm glad you have people who care for you here."

"Thank you," I said, grasping his hand between mine for a moment, "that is very sweet."

Wally's cheeks were red and he turned back to look out the window. "It seems as though the guests are certainly taking their time to leave. It may be a while until everyone has dispersed." He turned to me with an impish grin. "But you know, Kuki, everyone is outside. You needn't resist temptation any longer."

I swallowed nervously. "Temptation?" I asked.

He strode over to the top of the stairs, running his hand along the banister. "To slide!"

I raised an eyebrow doubtfully, but Wally was now bouncing on the balls of his feet, clearly taken with this idea. "How is this, Kuki? I'll slide to the bottom, and be there to catch you on your turn." He winked at me and moved to sit on the rail.

"Only if you promise to catch me when I am at the bottom." I told him.

"Don't worry, I would always catch you." He said, and he was off, sliding down the banister. Loud laughter rang out from him as he flew off and landed on the floor.

He turned towards me, "Come on Kuki! I promise to catch you!" he said as I mounted the banister.

The trip down the banister was certainly longer than the one at Sanban manor, but I kept my balance all the way, enjoying the freedom I felt as I picked up speed. As I neared the end of the staircase, I felt a twinge of pain, longing to see Father's smiling face and open arms, ready to catch me and keep me safe. I slid off the end with considerable speed and added a flourishing twirl to complete my landing.

As I slid off the end, he captured me in his arms and spun me in a circle, peals of laughter escaping my mouth.

"Again!" he exclaimed, his eyes full of mirth, "I can't wait till we try the banister at home!" His home? The royal palace? When would I find myself there to be sliding down the banisters? My mind had no time to think of possible explanations for Wally's hand had grasped mine and pulled me up the stairs. We climbed to the top and he jumped on the banister and slid down. I followed down after him and landed in his arms.

As he spun me around, I caught sight of a group of people watching us silently. There stood Mother, Sir Monty, Nigel, Ace, Elizabeth, and Eva. Wally completed his turn and then, spotting them, set me down gently. He bowed to the group effortlessly, but could not seem to contain his laughter. His ruined doublet was open and flapping ridiculously as he tried to greet them as a noble prince should.

"You…you have…" Another peal of laughter. I was glad Wally was proving to be such a distraction, as all eyes were on him and no one took notice of the valuable and beautiful shoes on my feet.

Sir Monty looked in rapture at the sight of the prince. Ace was scowling at me, Nigel wore his usual look of dull confusion, and Eva continued to glance back and forth between Wally and I, her eyes sparkling. Mother smirked but spoke to give Wally time to collect his wits. "You honour us with your presence, Your Highness." She said to him.

Wally cleared his throat and wiped at his eyes, his chest still trembling with suppressed chuckles. "Forgive me; I was not laughing at you. You have my best wishes for the happiness of your union…" Wally's eyes slid to meet mine and I pursed my lips in distaste. Wally burst into another bout of laughter. I could not help myself; I joined in. Eva and Elizabeth began to snicker, and even Mother was suppressing chuckles behind her hand. Nigel began to laugh as if he did not really understand what was funny, but Ace continued to shoot daggers at me, and Sir Monty looked affronted at the whole thing. I could not seem to care about how Ace might repay me for this, not when Wally's eyes sparkled so, and the comforting weight of his hand fell on my shoulder as he clutched his side in mirth.

After Wally had finally collected himself and had made a much more eloquent speech to honour Mother and Sir Monty's marriage, he had left us with a final bow, and Elizabeth and Eva had departed back to Gallagher's as well.

Mother's eyes glittered with ambition when the hall was empty with only my new family in attendance.

"It seems you've made another conquest of sorts, Kuki. A very powerful ally the future king of Frell would make for you."

"I highly doubt the prince would ever feel that way-"

I interrupted Ace. "I haven't made any conquests, Mother. Your mushrooms made the other one. Besides, Wal-the prince departs for a year in Ayorrtha soon."

"Darling," Sir Monty simpered, hurrying forward and caressing Mother's cheek, "must we remain in this decrepit, drafty old castle for much longer?"

Mother's face softened. "Of course not, my love. We shall go at once."

In the coach, I sat wedged between the bulk of Nigel and Ace, uncomfortably aware of the press of Ace's side against mine. I could smell the onion loaf on his breath and tried not to shudder. Sir Monty and Mother sat across from us.

"Now that we are wed," Sir Monty declared, sending a sickeningly sweet look Mother's way, "I feel it is no longer uncouth to ask. How rich are we, my beautiful bride?"

I raised my brow, wondering how Mother would respond. Would she delay the truth? Their marriage was binding (and, I suspected, Henrietta's spell of love even more permanent than that), so I did not see why it should matter now.

"We're just as rich as we were before, dear husband! Did you think that somehow a wedding would increase our fortune?" Mother teased affectionately. I had to admire her attempt at deflection, but it was to no avail. Evidently, Sir Monty was just as money-hungry as Mother. A perfect match.

"I don't know. I don't mean to be silly, darling, but I know how much I have…yet I know not how much we have. Won't you tell me, please?"

Mother sighed, apparently now ready to face the inevitable. "Sweetheart, you must be very brave," she said, taking his hand in hers, "I come to you a penniless woman. I have nothing to offer but myself and my love. I hope it will be enough."

Sir Monty cradled her face in his hands. "Of course you are enough," he cooed, but then his expression began to change to one of dawning realization. "Penniless? What do you mean, penniless? Is your wealth in property rather than coin? Or…or do you mean you are actually poor?"

"I am ruined. Kuki and I managed to salvage some clothes, and nothing else."

"Father!" Ace snarled, shifting so that his elbow dug into my side painfully. I gritted my teeth. "I warned you about this! A working woman will never be truly successful! What will we tell people? Already we have this freak –"

But his words were drowned out by Sir Monty loud, moaning wail. "Yoouuuuu neeeeeeeveeeeeeer looooved meeeee! Hooowww coooooould youuuuu? Yooouuuu liiiiiiieeeed tooooo meee, myyyyyy loooove!" Even in his anger and pain, he clung to Mother, cursed to love her for all of eternity. Mother held him close, devotion and supreme annoyance warring on her face.

Nigel was panicking. "Are we all poor now? Am I gonna starve? Will there be enough food?"

"We're not poor, idiot," Ace growled, shoving me off the seat and onto the floor of the carriage. I glared up at him. "Only the freak is. Just another thing about her to pity."

"And there's nothing about you that needs pitying?" I snapped. Ace's face paled. "

Ace had opened his mouth to retort or issue a command but Sir Monty stopped sobbing and lunged at me. He pawed at my dress with a sort of mad fever in his eyes. He ripped away the gold brooch fastened to my collar. As he peered at it closely, I took the opportunity to tuck the faerie-made shoes under my legs, out of sight from Sir Monty's greedy eyes.

"Is this real gold?" He bit it. "Empty your purse!" When I simply stared at him in disbelief, he shoved his hands in my purse himself, even as I tried to squirm away. "What do you have?"

Only the comb that I used to straighten out Eva's hair with and an old handkerchief that I had already used. "Silver-plated," Sir Monty declared, examining it closely. "I shall keep it! What else?" He flew at me again, but this time Mother stopped him, gripping his wrists.

"Monty, we have each other now. What else matters? Love is the most expensive of all treasures." Despite her newfound (and enforced) affections, I knew she was lying through her teeth. "Besides, once I begin to travel again and do some more trading, I will earn back all that we have lost, and much more. I will keep us all in the lifestyle in which we are habituated too."

Sir Monty would not be deterred. He raised a shaking hand and pointed his finger down at me as he returned to his seat. "I'll not have that pauper living as an equal in my household. She shall have to earn her keep!"

Mother's eyes narrowed dangerously, but her voice stayed honeyed. "My love, Kuki is my only child who I love dearly though sometimes I may not show it that much to her." She said, her eyes met mine and I felt a warm feeling spread in my chest. She turned her attention to back to Sir Monty. "I expect her to be treated with due respect. She shall not be a servant in our home. Do you comprehend what I'm saying, Monty?"

Sir Monty said nothing in reply, but the murderous expression on his face did not bode me well.

AN: Man, Monty would never be this cruel in the show! But that is the glory of an Alternative Universe, is it now? Man, I do seem to enjoy torturing poor Kuki, huh? Man, I've used 'man' a lot in the Authour Notes, eh?

Next chapter: Kuki learns her place at Uno Manor, but not before Wally pays a little visit. Kuki and Jackson have an important conversation, and Nigel is a thorn in Kuki's side. And what does Ace have in store for his new step-sister?