Hansel and Gretel: First Impressions

Chapter 6: Gretel

Once they'd taken me to the Royal infirmary, Kiki attempted to explain her unannounced guests to the Prince. "They were left out by their grandfather, and they met Candor," At this point in our story, Prince Benji gasped. He knew the threat the Candy Witch posed to anyone who was to cross him; as his father had been cursed by him. "Luckily, though, Gretel here was able to fend him off, but it seems she is not so strong against, um, gorgeous-icity ." She giggled. He nodded thoughtfully, looking at my unconscious body. Hansel laughed. "If that's what it was, she would've fainted when she was born!" He said, pointing to himself. Kiki faked a laugh, then turned back to her patient. "I know a spell to wake her up, but I'm not exactly sure what sorts she'd be in-" "Do it!" Prince Benji demanded. Then, he brushed his palms down his shirt and cleared his throat. "I mean, please perform whatever magic it is that must be done to wake the girl. We can't have her just lying around without knowing the purpose of her being in my presence." He sputtered, trying to sound official. The Good Witch nodded and clapped her hands together; making a spark of pink dust explode from them. She rubbed her palms together and then moved her hands around above my face. The Royal Witch then said some words that no one understood, and poof! I was awake immediately, sitting up and rubbing the back of my neck, which had apparently acquired pain when I hit the ground.I yawned and stretched, then looked around at the three people surrounding my bed. "What... what happened?" I asked, confused as to how I had gotten to where I was. "You fainted at the sight of your true love!" Hansel said, fluttering his eyelashes sarcastically and giggling. "Say anything else about my supposed 'true love' and you'll regret ever opening your mouth!" I snapped, getting out of the bed.

I crumpled to the floor, gasping. "Oh! I'm sorry, it must be the after affects of the spell... You weren't ready to be woken yet..." Kiki apologized, reaching her hand out to me to pull myself up. "No, allow me," Prince Benji reached down and picked me up off of the floor as if I weighed no more than a feather. I blushed, nodding my thanks to the Prince and dusting off my dress."Now, may I inquire, to what do I owe the pleasure of the twins in my castle?" Benji asked, the look of confusion returning to his face. "They came to watch the betrothal!" Kiki informed the Prince, smiling her cheery smile. I stepped back from the small crowd. "Wait, you haven't been married yet?" I asked, still confused as to how long I'd been out. 'Maybe I could still have a chance!' I thought hopefully. "No, I have not met my choices yet. They are awaiting us in the Great Hall, as I have asked them to. But I do not wish to keep them waiting any longer, so we must get moving." I nodded, being as strong as I could. How could I hope to steal him before he meets the beautiful women that are surely awaiting us in the Hall?!

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We arrived in the Great Hall at the perfect time; Supper. The Prince suggested to the cooks that they make their finest 10-course feast in celebration of the betrothal. As the women of all ages, shapes, and sizes sat around the table, I noticed they were all dressed in long, pink dresses that showed-off a large amount of cleavage. I giggled, holding my tongue to mention anything until the last possible moment.As we waited for Prince Benji to return from the kitchen, the women chatted among themselves. No doubt gossiping about the Kingdom. I thought of bringing up my stories of adventure and bravery, but I decided against it. How could I compete with these women? Their beauty and girly nature astounded me; I'd never met such high-class women in my life! But I knew I'd hated them before, and this encounter just forced myself to judge them even further.

I didn't know what I would do! I turned to Hansel to ask for advice, but my brother was giggling and flirting with the Good Witch. Thus, I was left alone to wallow by myself near the head of the great table. I had no experience with royalty whatsoever! How was I to even speak with the Prince?!At that point, I had reached my finality. I HAD to speak with my friends; and fast. Before the Prince came back and noticed us missing from the table! So, I followed my instincts and grabbed the hands of Kiki and Hansel. I rushed out of the room and back through the closest door I saw. We were in an empty hallway, and paintings of great kings hung on the walls. At the farthest end of the room hung an extremely large portrait of King Randy with Prince Benji behind him; both looking very regal and handsome in their royal dress. I regarded the simplicity of Benji's robes; smiling at the thought of how proud his mother must be of her son.Hansel shook free of my grip. "What was that for?!" He said, the shrillness of his anger apparent in his voice. "They'll be expecting us back-" Kiki agreed, turning to the door. "No! Wait!" I objected, grabbing their arms and pulling them to the couch under a picture of King Reginald the Third. "I need advice..." I stuttered, nervous to be looking so weak. "Oh! Well why didn't you say so, Gretel!" Hansel laughed, suddenly ready to help. Kiki nodded, folding her hands across her lap. "With what, may I ask?" "It's about Benji... I can't let him marry any of those dreadful women!" I shouted, then covered my mouth, hoping I hadn't been heard. Just then, the door burst open. I shoved Hansel and Kiki behind the couch, and I jumped in behind them; covering their mouths. Whoever it was, I couldn't let them see us!I peered over the beautiful upholstery on the couch and saw a brunette pacing the floor in front of the paintings. She seemed distressed. Sweat poured down her face as she ran her fingers through her short hair. She seemed uncomfortable in the high heels and dress, frustrated with the fancy attire.

I laughed at her distress, and tripped over the couch, exposing us all.