When the coach entered the Black Forest, Charlotte peeked her head out the window to get a look at the new atmosphere she would be living in. However she did not like what she saw.

It was day time still but the sun's light barely made it through the thick leaves that blocked the sky above. Dark tree trunks, shadows, overhanging limbs across the path and from certain angles they almost appeared as monsters to the girl. Clumps of bushes and black trails snaking through the undergrowth, making way for briars and thorns. She could hear the wind practically screaming as it bucked hard against the trees and she felt her heart leap each time she caught the howl of a wolf.

"What a terrible place." Charlotte thought while clutching her doll. "How could anyone possibly live here?"

Vagatha on the other hand, showed no signs of fear. Not even when she heard the cry of the wolves. She looked very accustomed to her surroundings. Of course that was not surprising given that Vagatha had been born in this forest and lived there for six years. What Charlotte considered terrible, her stepsister considered home.

At long last the coach stopped in front of a humble cottage which greatly contrasted with the ominous woods that surround it. The cottage door was blue, the walls were white, the windows red, and it had a thatched roof. There was green grass growing from the ground, a well built from stone, and in front of the cottage was a garden wherein stood two rose-trees, one of which bore white roses and the other red roses. The roses were truly a remarkable thing to behold. The white roses seemed to resemble pearls while the red roses almost mirrored rubies. Charlotte couldn't even imagine flowers more lovely.

A woman came out from the cottage. An old woman who was dressed very different from those that Charlotte was used to seeing. Her head was covered by a scarf and her grey hair had been tied up, her dress was an eye catching mix of orange, yellow, and red while a shawl covered her shoulders. Around her neck she wore a chain the bore a gold coin and behind her glasses were eyes that matched the color of her coin.

A huge smile spread on to Vagatha's face and she bolted from the coach, straight into the arms of the old woman who despite her age had enough strength to lift the girl up and spin her around. Laughter filled the air and Charlotte was awestruck by the sight. It was the very first time she had ever seen Vagatha truly happy.

"Oh Granny." She said "I missed you so."

"And I you my little rosebud." She planted several kisses on her granddaughter's cheeks and nose. "I was afraid that I would never see you again."

"Look Granny, I have a puppy. His name is Raphael. Can I keep him? Please?"

"Well as long as he doesn't dig up my roses I don't see the harm."

"Thank you Granny."

She then released her hold on Vagatha and turned to the coachman.

"Where is my daughter?" She asked him. "I was told that she would be accompanying the children."

"I'm afraid that her majesty was far too busy to make the trip."

"I see." Expected disappointment appeared in the woman's eyes.

"Don't worry Granny." Vagatha said. "Mother promised that she would visit us tomorrow and everyday afterword."

The disappointment in her eyes grew when she heard this. But she smiled for the sake of her grandchild.

"Now then where is the other one?"

The coachman proceeded to escort Charlotte from the coach. She approached Vagatha's grandmother slowly, making her shy feelings perfectly clear. The old woman bent down to address her better yet she kept her distance knowing how uncomfortable this most likely was for her.

"You must be Charlotte." She spoke kindly. "My name is Dolores. I'm Vagatha's grandmother, it's very nice to meet you."

"It's...It's nice to meet you too." Charlotte said.

"Madame." The coachman said. "I will bring the girls belongings into the house if you don't mind."

"Thank you sir. In the meantime, I'm sure you girls must be hungry by now so I'll get started on dinner while you two get settled in."

Vagatha would be staying in her old bedroom while Charlotte would be sleeping in the one that previously belonged to Vagatha's parents. It was a very simple bedroom. Not big or elegant like the one the princess had been used to but comfortable and it provided everything she would need. A bed and a place to store her clothes. Eli made himself at home right away by curling up on the window of the room. Charlotte just sat herself down on the bed and cradled her doll.

Dinner was to be stew made from herbs she grew in the window sil and the meat of a duck she killed the day before. It was hot and smelled delicious but Charlotte couldn't bring herself to swallow a spoonful. She couldn't even bring herself to go into the kitchen. She didn't mean to be rude she just didn't feel like eating. She still had yet to fully accept what had happened. She had left her home and her beloved nurse whom she couldn't even say goodbye to. She had left everything she ever knew from the time she was born. How could she adjust to that?

"She's still sitting in her room." Vagatha complained at the table.

"Did you tell her supper was ready?" Dolores asked.

"Yes and she still won't come. Probably thinks she's too good for our food."

"Now Vagatha I wouldn't say that."

"I'm sure of it and to tell you the truth Granny, I don't like her very much."

"How can you not like her when you don't even know her?"

"I do know her. I know that she's a spoiled little princess who's gotten everything she's ever wanted and has never had anything bad happen to her."

"Oh so now I see what this is really about. You're jealous aren't you?"

"Not I'm not."

"Yes you are. Don't try to fool me girl. I've fed you, diapered you, and soothed your tantrums more than either one of your parents. I know you better than anyone. You are jealous of Charlotte."

"Why would I be jealous of her? I hated that castle and I hated those fancy clothes and big parties."

"I don't suspect it was her luxuries you envy. I'm almost certain that you envy that she has never known grief as you did when your poor father was taken from us."

Vagatha wouldn't admit it but Dolores was right. It was strange to her how that woman always knew what was truly in her granddaughter's heart and mind. She knew Vagatha like a book that she had read ten times over, memorizing every detail of the child as one would the words of their favorite novel.

"You know sometimes you can be just like your mother." Dolores said. "Impatient, presumptuous, and prone to jealousy. But these are dangerous traits. Traits that lead to trouble and I hope that in time you can learn to rise above them. A good start would be trying to at least be civil with Charlotte, maybe even empathize with her."

"Empathize? We have nothing in common."

"Oh no? Let me ask you something dear. How did you feel the day you left here to move into the castle?"

"Well I was sad. Angry even. I didn't want to leave here. I didn't want to leave you. This is my home and you're my family."

"Mmm-hmm. Now you're back here with me but so is Charlotte but the thing is she has never lived here and she doesn't know me. Her father is away at war, her servants who helped him raise her are far away, she's had to leave behind the only home and family she's ever known to live in a strange place among strangers."

Vagatha suddenly became quiet as she felt remorse slowly enter her heart.

"You're still a child Vagatha so naturally you struggle with being considerate all the time but I know you have the goodness to do it. Be patient and compassionate with her. Try to be her friend. If your father was here he'd tell you the same and you know it."

She did know it. Her father had always been a very kind and giving man. He's was the only man Vagatha loved and probably would ever love. Not only loved but honored and respected deeply. He would be very disappointed if he saw her behave harshly toward another. Very disappointed indeed.

"Alright Granny." She conceded. "I'll try to be nice."

"Good." Dolores said. "Now finish up your stew and after that I want you to wash your bowl, then your face, and prepare for bed. I'll be up in a moment to give you your medicine."

"Oh Granny not the medicine!" She whined.

"Yes the medicine. You need it so you're taking it."

"But it's putrid."

"Perhaps but it's also made from herbs guaranteed to strengthen your immunity and during a time like this that's important."

"But I'm healthy as a horse."

"We're taking no chances and there will be no whining about it, is that clear young lady?"

"Yes Granny." She huffed.