To Love A Nutcracker

Chapter 2

Thirteen-year-old Charlotte Morningstar sat in her bedroom, completely absorbed in the mechanical theater her godfather had given her the previous year. It had swiftly become one of her cherished possessions, and she often spent hours weaving intricate stories to bring to life with her dolls.

"Once upon a time, in a magnificent castle, there lived a beautiful young lady, isolated from the world by a host of servants. Her parents had passed away, leaving her in the care of her aunt—a bitter, envious woman who resented her niece's beauty. The aunt was resolute in her determination to keep the girl hidden away, forbidding anyone from visiting her.

As Charlotte spun her tale, she deftly maneuvered two dolls on the stage: one resembling a crone, with a gnarled face and hunched back, and the other a radiant maiden, full of grace and charm.

"One fateful day, a dashing prince found himself lost in the depths of the woods and sought refuge in a nearby castle. After knocking on the door and receiving no response, he decided to scale the wall. As he landed gracefully on the other side, he caught sight of a girl dancing in the gardens, her movements captivating and ethereal. In that moment, he realized he had never encountered anyone so enchanting."

She made the maiden doll twirl gracefully, drawing the gentleman doll closer with each delicate movement.

"The prince was utterly captivated by her beauty and grace, yearning to learn more about her. He approached the old aunt, seeking her permission to court her niece. This only intensified the aunt's jealousy; she dismissed the prince with a sharp rebuke, ordering him to leave and never return. Yet, the prince found it impossible to stay away. Each day, he would sneak to the castle, hidden among the shadows, to watch the girl dance in the garden. As the days turned into weeks, his admiration blossomed into a deep and abiding love. Eventually, he could no longer keep his feelings a secret."

She positioned the dolls so they faced one another.

"My lady." She spoke for the gentleman doll. "I have watched you dance countless times, and my heart longs for you."

The lady doll shifted shyly.

"But I do not know you, good sir." She replied. "You should not be here; my aunt will be angered by your presence."

The gentleman doll took a step closer.

"I fear not the old witch. All I desire is to know you, and for you to know me. For if you come to know me, perhaps you will love me as I love you. Will you not grant me the pleasure of a dance?"

Charlotte turned the key in the theater, and the enchanting music filled the air. As she made the dolls dance together, she soon found herself swept away by the melody, performing pliés, relevés, and pirouettes around her room. Her love for ballet was undeniable. Ever since she first experienced Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty at the opera with her mother and godmother, she had dreamed of one day gracing that same stage, embodying the perfect elegance of the ballerinas she had admired that night.

"Charlotte, are you still not ready?" Her mother called from downstairs, urgency lacing her voice. "Please hurry, our guests will be here any minute!"

"Yes, Mother!" Charlotte replied, hastily arranging her hair and smoothing the fabric of her dress. The gown was a stunning blue silk, embellished with vibrant ribbons—an extravagant choice made by her mother and funded by her father. Both parents had insisted that the dress made her look so mature, like a proper young lady, and they were eager to showcase her at their annual Christmas party.

As affluent socialites, Dr. Lucifer Morningstar and his wife, Lilith, hosted lavish Christmas parties at their grand manor. Each gathering was a feast for the senses, featuring exquisite decorations, delectable cuisine, and the most coveted gifts. The highlight of the event was always their majestic fir tree, adorned with shimmering gold and silver apples. Sugar almonds, comfits, lemon drops, and a variety of confections hung from its branches like delicate blossoms. Tiny lights twinkled among the dark boughs, illuminating the tree's treasures like stars inviting guests to indulge in its delights.