The Dark Fairy

Chapter Thirteen

The busy nature fairies helped the seasons turn as Cezanne and her rose-pink twin watched carefully over the blossoming princess.

She indeed grew up with grace and beauty, she was pleasant to be around and her voice sweetened the air as she sang the happy songs within her heart. Aurora was spoilt by her parents and her fairy godmother, she wanted for nothing, but was willing to share all she had with others.

Cezanne's eyes lit up whenever she saw her, she was never too far away. However, neither was Carabosse, for she took it upon herself to watch over the child just as much as the Rosebush Twins did. She hid in the shadows that stood unnoticed, in the corner of Aurora's vision.

A great sigh left the princess's chest one day as she gazed upon her favourite part of the vast castle garden - the white rose bush.

"Is there something the matter, Princess?" Cezanne's twinkling voice sounded on the breeze as she magically appeared by Aurora's side.

Aurora tucked a long wave of blonde hair behind her ear and let out another sigh.

"I'm okay, just a bit bored," she said in her pleasant voice. "There are no other children in the castle. I wish I could have somebody to play with."

"Your wish is my command, sweet Aurora," Cezanne said with a shining smile and a curtsy. "I'll take you to the town, where you can meet the other children."

"But, what about Mother and Father?" the princess asked warily.

"Don't worry, they'll be fine. They trust me to always look out for you."

"Okay!" Aurora jumped up and down and clapped her hands with excitement. "Let's go!"

Carabosse followed them both, leaping from shadow to shadow, across the garden, down the path and into the town - where Aurora sought to meet new friends.

There, in the centre of town, played a group of well-dressed children. Their laughter soared straight into Aurora's heart and made a smile appear on her pale face. Without any fear, she approached them.

"Hello, may I play with you?" she asked them politely.

The children stopped and scrutinised her for a second, then with bright smiles nodded their heads.

"My name is André, this is my little sister Marie and my cousin Emily," said the taller boy of the group.

"And I am Philippe" piped up the smaller boy.

"I'm Aurora," Aurora said brightly.

"As in Princess Aurora?" Marie asked with her eyes pulled wide with wonder. Aurora nodded her head after quickly glancing over her shoulder towards Cezanne, who gave her the go ahead.

"Wow! It's such an honour to meet you!" André said with a bow, the others then rushed to follow suit with their bows and curtsies, making Aurora's already rosy cheeks burn a brighter red.

Carabosse silently scoffed as she watched them all with prying eyes.

"Please, there's no need for all of that!" Aurora said with her pleasant smile. "Let's play!"

"Such unwarranted fakery," Carabosse sneered from the shadows, as the town square was taken over by the children's joyous laughter. They ran around happily together, playing tag.

Aurora seemed to fit in with them perfectly. Her pink, floral dress matched the style of the other girls' dresses and soon the many colours they displayed began to blend together.

"Let's play hide and seek!" André suggested, whilst straightening out the sleeves of his clean white shirt. "I'll count first!" He covered his eyes with his hands and turned around. "One, two, three..."