The Cursed Princess Club fanfic: The Secret of The Plaid Family

Ch. 18

The french doors swing open causing candles to flicker as damp winds soak their edges. Curtis holds open the door as the group rushes into the halls greeted by the curious chatter of the other princesses. Curtis slams the doors behind them as the team shook and wrung the rain from their clothes, and Calpernia called out to the members to meet in the drawing room. The chatter increased as they followed her and Curtis into the main hall. Amongst them, Syrah was looking around for Gwen concerning gnawing at the pit of her stomach. The cursed liar had caught a glimpse of the young girl when they were dashing through the woods, and she was taken aback by the flash of wrath she saw on the sweet girl's face. So, her eyes skimmed the sea of princess trying to find Gwen. Then her eyes caught a head of washed-out greenish hair approaching Curtis. When they were all in the drawing room, Calpernia stood in front of the crowd, butler at her side. The talking continues until she raises a hand.

"Ok, everyone. Quiet down. Quiet down, listen up. We have some very important news. Earlier today, I was informed that there were some strange creatures close to our club. I investigated and.... it's Prince Whitney."

Gasps and hushed whispers filled the room.

"That's not all. I'm sure that you've all heard stories of the skinless monster. How he killed a prince and took his place for years before slaughtering fifty people at King Leland's second son's birthday party. And how he's the reason for the existence of the Cryptid Control unit. Well, surprise, surprise, he's my ex's new pet and also Gwen's ex-fiancé."

A shrill shout breaks through the sea of fevered whispers.

"Hey! that's a lie! Frederick didn't hurt anyone at that party! I was there!"

Eyes were all on Gwen, who stomped up to the woman. Calpernia sighed heavily setting her gaze on the indignant girl.

"I saw everything! Frederick transformed at the party, but he didn't do anything. He was in shock like everyone else! Then the king ordered the guards to throw him in the dungeon. No one was killed! That's just a lie King Leland said to get more supporters for his campaign!"

The CPC president sighs; a tired annoyance crossed her face until she shook it into insincere gentleness.

"Gwen. Even if he was lying, it still doesn't mean that Frederick isn't dangerous. We don't know anything about him but the little we do know paints him in a very unfavorable light. He even told us himself that he's been drinking blood."

"I know but.... I don't think- No, I know he's not what you think. When I talked to Frederick in the library, I was alone with him. If he were a monster that was biding his time waiting to hurt someone, he would have done it. And when we were talking.... It just felt like I was talking to a frustrated and sad kid. Not a killer.... I mean I was shocked by the fact that he's actually some kind of vampire but.... I'm sure that he's not the type to hurt someone."

A scoff bursts through Calpernia's lips as her eyes blaze with frustration.

"ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!?"

Gwen flinches at her tone and Curtis stared at her appalled of the crass language his charged uttered.

"Calpernia! What have I told about innapropri-" He starts only to be interrupted her giving him the gesture for silence.

"HOW CAN YOU BE SO NAIVE!? AT FIRST I THOUGHT YOU WERE BEING NICE TO HIM OUT OF COMMON COURTESY, BUT THIS.... YOU'RE JUST BEING AN ABSOLUTE IDIOT,"

Syrah approaches from the crowd. "Prez, what are you-"

"THAT FREAK HURT YOU! HE DESTROYED YOUR SELF ESTEEM TO THE POINT YOU CAN'T EVEN LOOK AT YOUR OWN REFLECTION ANYMORE! HE'S THE CAUSE OF ALL OF YOUR PROBLEMS!! AND WHEN WE SEE HIM AGAIN, HE BRINGS OUR LITERAL DOOM UP TO OUR DOORSTEP AND EVEN STOPS ME FROM GETTING RID OF THAT MONSTER FOR GOOD! YET YOU STILL WANT HIM HERE!? WHY, GWEN!? WHY!? I NEED TO UNDERSTAND!!"