The sun ran through the window and danced on the sea of red, orange, and yellow curtains and drapes. The air inside of the massive castle was stale, dry, but smelled like the sweetest puffiest puff pastries. In the highest tower upon the tallest spire, existed a wonderful angel. A darling girl with skin as soft and pale as the glow of the moon, eyes that stretched into the deepest forests filled with lush green trees, tiny brownish-red dots peppered her tender, soft, hand crafted face across the bridge of a small, but perky nose. Her facial beauty was evenly matched by her perfect hourglass figure, but nothing compared to the golden orange hair spilling onto the floor. The way the sun bounces off of each follicle makes her hair appear as if fire crowned her head with a beautiful soft glow. Outside of her bed sat a simple maid and butler diligently and patiently waiting for their charge to wake up.
Susan "Hopefully she wakes up soon. The kingdom is in turmoil and all she does is sleep."
Kline "Her illness is getting worse. The kingdom is the least of her worries."
Susan "She isn't physically impared and I don't know how long we can just sit around and wait for the land to go to ruin."
Kline "It's not like she can control it. I suggest you watch your next words carefully because I will report you to the queen."
Susan "Ugh! Go ahead! Most of the staff was let go anyway and the only reason we have a job is because we had this illness before. She needs to stop being frail and help out around here and if you're too scared to say it I will."
Kline "Susan! I can't with you! Day in and day out all you do is complain. Just shut up already and do your job for once. At this point the princess in her state does more in one hour than you have in the past year and a half."
Susan "BECAUSE IN THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF I HAVE BEEN WATCHING OVER THIS BRAT! Us, the noble guards, reduced to meger service staff. TUH I used to lead armies into battle and now I sit and watch. There are hundreds of things I could be doing other than standing around waiting for her to wake up!"
Angillina "I'm not stopping you."
Susan "M'lady, such a joyous day it is indeed."
Angillina "Go on, if you feel like my care is a burden then you are more than welcome to leave. It's not like I wanted you around me anyway."
Susan "So you heard our conversation? M'lady, It's not what you think. I'm just stressed out. Please reconsider."
Angillina "You walked into the room with my food, ate it, and told my father you fed me. you would take suitors to my chambers, they took you to MY bed while I was there. So please tell me what I should reconsider? That I didn't witness these things or your blatant disrespect?"
Susan "That's not possible, Kline was with me the whole time."
Angillina "Was he now? Kline? Anything to say?"
Kline "Your majesty, I have nothing but the utmost respect for you. I would never and I mean NEVER would disrespect your majesty in such a manner she is lying!"
Angillina "I know. I watched her first hand. Susan, you are dismissed until further notice actually you are fired. Leave and do something better with your time, please and thank you."
Susan quietly stood up, bowed once, and left without saying a single word draped in a gown of dishonor and disgrace as she stepped throughout the castle. Kline dawned a small but noticeable sly grin to the dismay of Angillina.
Angillina "So close...Kline, you can leave too. I don't want you around either."
Kline "But your majesty I haven't done anything but serve you."
Angillina "Kline...you and I know what you did...No need to make excuses. Make sure to tell my father exactly why you are being dismissed too."
Kline "I don't know what you are talking about."
Angillina "What is my name kline?"
Kline "Princess Angillina Vizzkarra of the royal family."
Angillina "So why did you feel the need to call me Susan?"
Kline "I have never made such a mis…"
Angillina "Susan...Oh...yea...SUSAN...you like that...yea...yea...oh so soft. I wish I could have you for real… does any of that ring a bell Kline? Or should I continue? A thief and a liar, Kline I once had the utmost respect for you but now I can barely look at you...please leave."
Kline slowly stood up from his chair, walked over to Angillina, and grabbed her wrist, pinning her to the bed. Fear, anger, panic all started to swell within Angillina's body as she was violently pinned down. Thanks to her quick wit and a bit of help from Simon, Angillina kicked Kline in his groin, nearly instantly knocking him to the side. Angillina got up to run out of the room but fell to the ground, her legs numb from being in bed for months on end. She clawed her way to the door just reaching the handle just as Kline grabs her ankle, dragging her practically limp body to the center of the room mounting her again. Angillina let out a loud shriek sending her mother and father rushing into the room. The king upon seeing his daughter in such an unsightly position, went into a blind destructive rage tearing up the room until he was on top of Kline pummeling him into the ground. The queen rushed off to her daughter's teary side, comforting her as best as she could while Angillina balled her eyes out.
King "Banished I say, you are banished! Kline, you were my friend…"
Kline "Your majesty it's not what you think I swear!"
King "I don't know what to think. I just know you are done here. GET OUT AND DON'T COME BACK PERVERT!"
Kline ran out of the room from the sheer embarrassment and disgrace he received from the king. After Kline left, Angillina stopped crying, whipped her tears away, and enjoyed the warm embrace of her parents. The room fell silent but not dead, the love the parents shared for Angillina could be felt miles outside of the kingdom.
King "Angillina darling, are you okay? You aren't hurt are you?"
Angillina "No father, I'm okay...Just startled."
Queen "Well no need to fuss about this now. You are out of bed, this is a call for celebration."
King "Oh really with what money."
Queen "NOT NOW!"
King "Whatever…"
The king huffed and puffed mumbles under his breath as he left to calm down. The queen disgruntled by her husband's behavior, ran after him, leaving Angillina alone with her thoughts, but this was nothing new to Angillina. At this point the only one she could rely on is Simon to help her through such difficult times.
Simon "What's the matter? You seem down today."
Angillina "I just fired the last two servants in the house...My parents are arguing still...It has to be my fault somehow and I don't know what to do."
Simon "Let's start with the truth. It's not your fault and it will never be."
Angillina "Thank you Simon."
Simon "Now why don't we sit in front of your mirror and doll yourself up? You've been in bed forever!"
Angillina "You know that's a good idea. I probably look a mess."
Simon "Just a bit, but don't worry, we'll fix you right on up!"
A kiss from the sun bounced off the hand polished silver surrounding the mirror into the corner of Angillina's eye, enticing her to turn her head and see her beautiful reflection, to come and see the wonderful sight everyone else could see. Angillina rubbed the finest lotion money could buy on her pale wrinkly skin. Each pass over, her arms and legs revitalized almost instantly into her usual antique brass color. Little chocolate chips dotted her face from rosy cheek to rosy cheek. Angillina stared deep into the forest that was hidden in her eyes, a beautiful and lush green reflected back to her, bringing a smile faintly like one she once wore in the past. Angillina and Simon struggled to brush out the knots of matted hair, but she pressed on through the pain, with each and every stroke freeing hair after hair until it was completely free and bouncy like it used to be. The dusty dandruff fell to the floor in a small pile that Simon swept up and placed in the trash.
Simon "Look at yourself gorgeous."
Angillina "Thank you this looks amazing. It's like time went back three years."
Simon "All that's left is for you to pick out a dress."
Queen "Angillina! Come here please."
Angillina hurried to pick an outfit and rushed to her mothers call. When she arrived Angillina's jaw dropped as she stammered over each word she tried to get out. Much to the worry of the guest, Angilllina kept the look of a star struck expression on her face.
Angillina "I-i-it's y-y-you! Ms.Adalevene!"
Adalevene "Oh yes deer, here I am the ADALEVENE MONTRIARE!"
Angillina "It is, it is, it is-s you! It's really you! Pleasure to meet you dutchess Adalevene montriare. My name is princess Angillina Vizzcarra, the sole heir to this estate. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Adalevene "Likewise young one. Be a dear and get some tea started please?"
Angillina ran off into the kitchen with the nervous giddiness that only a child's laughter could perfectly convey, Leaving the adults to talk. About what exactly was a conversation for Angillina and Simon to decide in the kitchen. As the teapot screeched the sound of a train whistle Simon directed Angillina to putting together a royal platter of dozens of kinds of snacks, expensive cheeses and world class crackers, there was even a small portion of the sweetest fruits money could buy in their kingdom.
Simon "That's It...Perfect."
Angillina "Do you think she will like this?"
Simon "Of course! Why wouldn't she? Who doesn't like cheese and crackers?"
Angillina "Well...Our kingdom has been in quite the financial deficit since my illness has progressed."
Simon "Well you aren't bed ridden by your illness anymore so lets focus on that another time. I'm sure God has something great for your future."
Angillina "If you say so...Foods ready."
Simon "Good...Now get your mind right, walk out there and make a good impression."
Angillina with the grace and elegance of a hundred princesses as she stepped carefully with a tray filled with the expensive foods and drinks. Each step she took matched her heart beat. *bah-dum-bah-dum**bah-dum-bah-dum* Her steps echoed along until she was face to face with Adalevene. After setting the tray down Angillina swiftly returned with fancy fine china plates and cups. Pouring herself a cup of tea, Adalevene started to speak of her travels, and things she liked about the kingdom when the queen interrupted her story to ask.
Queen "So why exactly are you here?"
Adalevene "Oh yes, my bad I was enjoying myself far too much in your palace. I wish to throw the most wonderful gala here! Certainly your kingdom could use the money."
Queen "Yes, we could...However I do have some concerns about what exactly are you planning to do here."
Adalevene "Well you see, right now I'm on a recruitment mission. I would like to find the best, brightest and most talented young ladies from all across the lands to enter my world class school!"
Queen "World class school you say?"
Adalevene "Oh yes the school has social elites from all across the country."
Queen "It sounds like a lot of money...We can't even afford help staff anymore."
Adalevene "I know, as per your conversation with my contractor it would be free. A full scholarship to attend. Surely graduating from my academy would bring your home some notoriety, not to mention I'm also paying you to host a ball here."
Angillina "Oh mommy say yes. Please, please, please!!!"
Queen "Oh alright. I guess It's fine if it's for Angillina."
Adalevene "Great! And so we are clear. You also mean to have the ball here correct?"
Queen "Why not? So long as the ball is honored to my daughter. I surely don't mind a ball."
Adalevene "Money and glory! My contractor is the best for sending me to you."
A single snap from Adalevene's slender fingers barked a command and like a pack of vicious wolves, her servants rushed in with decorations. Bright, beautiful red and yellow magnolias sat atop of pure royal blue satin cloth with the finest gold woven into it's trim. Once the decorations were in place a woman dressed in a beautiful red dress knelt before the princess to present a small box. Angillina's curiosity dragged her hands to slowly open the box revealing a beautiful silver dress.
Adalevene "For the princess...I thought you would like something a bit more elegant and adult."
Angillina "This is absolutely wonderful! I wish to wear it right away!"
Adalevene "Excellent! Let's go do your makeup! Oh young one, we will have you looking like a porcelain doll."
The queen allowed her hesitation to take over her body, raising her hand and preparing to say something but stopped as Angillina grabbed Adalevene by the hand and ran off to her room. Once inside Angillina let Adalevene go to stand in the center of the room for a few seconds before proudly bowing to her guest. Adalevene noticed the pure delicate parts of angillina as she took a bow. Adalevene raised Angillina's face up to hers, taking the first steps into a mystical forest where fairies of all colors flew around. The ferns and fauna glowing a soft rainbow of colored lights leading her further down into the deepest parts of angillina's personality. Adalevene's heart started to race as she ran through the forest laughing along with the red and yellow fluorescent cheetahs, jumping along with the neon wolves, and singing with the birds whose feathers glitter with the shine of precious metals. Following the animals to a clearing Adalevene saw her...The princess sitting in the moonlight, her hair a flame that scorched the ground around her but didn't burn her whatsoever. The princess turned to her visitor with the warmest and the most innocently pure smile as if to call Adalevene to the center to sit with her. Adalevene drew closer to the center. Angillina's calm hand softly gripping hers sending Adalevene's heart into so much of a frenzy she suddenly hugged Angillina, not losing her grip even though the hair burned her flesh to ash. The flames seeped deep into Adalevene's boiling skin, Hearing the call of the silver and golden songbirds but the beautifly soft song the princess sang, stuck out the most even as Adalevene screamed from the agony of having her flesh being scorched to a crisp. With her last breath, Adalevene was pulled by her back into the sky. From the clouds she saw her body burning on a stake but the most bizarre thing she saw was the princess crying while she danced and sang around the fire. Her soul was sent back into her body by the ritual Angillina performed. Quickly taking in a deep breath, Adalevene came to her senses after Angillina pushed out of her grip.
Adalevene "My...my apologies...I don't know what came over me."
Angillina "You too huh? That happens a lot…"
Adalevene "What happens?"
Angillina "My eye's...People get like that when they look into my eyes."
Adalevene "Dear...I understand if you're scared, but I promise I will never hurt you. You can trust me with anything."
Angillina "Really? I can tell you anything? What if you're lying?"
Adalevene "Hmm...how about this. If you can keep a secret then I will keep yours? When I tell you or show you a secret you can't say anything at all...to anyone. Okay?"
Angillina "Okay."
Adalevene "Go on, I asked you first."
Angillina "Well...It's like when people look into my eyes they get lost inside of my head. So I guide them to me. My professor told me it's just hypnotism although he was always a skeptic."
Adalevene "Well don't I have a secret for you. I'm actually a witch."
Angillina "A WITCH! GOD WIL-"
Afraid someone will come, Adalevene swiftly covered angillina's mouth with her hand.
Adalevene "Shhhh you said you would keep a secret."
Angillina "They will burn us at the stake if they knew I was consorting with you."
Adalevene "Sweety they would've burned you at the stake a long time ago."
Angillina "What! Me never...Mommy told me It's not good to get Involved with that."
Adalevene "Sure, I do understand that...but I have another secret."
Angillina "No, I'm not. How would you know anyway. You are just some crazy old lady."
Adalevene "No, I'm not. I am a witch too remember? You burned me, so you must be innocent still."
Angillina "No, I was touched while I was sick...Don't tell father please."
Adalevene "Don't worry, It will be our secret. Besides you shouldn't be too concerned. I assure you, you are untouched and clean."
Tears fell as the weight was lifted off of Angillina's chest. Although she stayed strong throughout the months remaining quiet night after night from her perceived pain. The princess wiped the tears off her face and calmed down, but just as reality set back in, Angillina couldn't stop her body from pacing back and forth.
Angillina "So you are saying that WE are witches and I'm pure? How? I thought witches had to sell their souls?"
Adalevene "Yes, that is somewhat true. We don't sell our souls… rather we draw power from them and the process that allows that may or may not drain our soul entirely."
Angillina "I don't want to lose my soul! I can't…"
Adalevene "And if you come to my academy you won't. Angillina, you are the most powerful witch I have run across. The power of your soul almost matches mine, and I don't know if you guessed but your problem with people is coming from your magic."
Angillina "I'm causing it? How!?"
Adalevene "Your soul calls to people, and once they get to you they are overwhelmed with a great deal of power. What do you say? If I help you control this then will you come join the academy?"
Angillina "Yes...so long as you actually can help me."
Adalevene "Excellent, It's about time for the party and we haven't even done your makeup."
The girls spent the next half hour giggling and laughing, Adalevene even taught the princess some basic magic spells. Everything was gearing up to be great at the party but the deliciously sweet words of the witch didn't sit quite right with the princess. Angillina knew the world she was charging head first into wasn't quite as simple as Adalevene made it out to seem it was, but that didn't matter, nothing did at this point really, least of all to a hopeful Angillina who still chased a dream. A dream that the princess thought was impossible now right in front of her staring her down and peering into her deepest parts. Angillina wondered to herself just what was in store for her future but she knew in her heart, whether it be death at the stake or a life in a coven of witches, she would be fine so long as she had Simon watching over her.