Cruel Beauty

Cruella I

The ride home is quiet and she doesn't speak, you respect her silence and sit beside her. After a few moments you grab her hand, she doesn't look but she squeezes back. Victoria insists she should have had more than one dog, if she had maybe Hera would be alive. You must care for the pups, three of them. The largest has heart markings on her eyes just like her mother, she's terribly unruly but you have time. Things aren't the same after that day the Baroness is emotionally locked she gives nothing to anyone. Unless you count her wicked temper. Over the years the turnover in staff is wild, only you and John remain loyal no matter how rude she is. You sense there is a bit more going on that she is lonely and afraid to let anyone in. By now she is in her early forties. This week's elaborate ball is 1700 Versaille-themed. Everyone is dressed in corsets and powdered wigs. When you see her you nearly have a heart attack her bodice is so low cut if someone happened to step on her gown...all would be revealed.

Genghis and her siblings are fully grown they roam the elaborate party whilst models parade the runway. The baroness enters on a swing that lowers her down. Her figure is smaller than ever, her wig is higher than everyone else's. She thanks her guests for coming and then reveals a fabulous cake stacked at least six feet high. They fawn over her. You watch from the sidelines, she designed you a gown too, not as elaborate and you couldn't bear wearing a cage under your skirt. It's black with blue silk around the bodice. 'It's going perfectly.' she is smiling for once as she swipes a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. You wonder if part of that smile is a champagne buzz you haven't seen her this happy in years. 'Sales are up as well Baroness, you are in the top three percentile of the industry. Everyone who is anyone is wearing House of Baroness. The Baroness basks in your words closing her eyes she takes a moment. 'It's all going so well. Forgive me, I must mingle.' You nod she catches your wrist. 'Perhaps...you would come by my room later? I'll need help getting undressed.' she flutters her eyelashes and leaves. You tremble, damn she is in a good mood, did she mean? Don't be stupid yn, she didn't mean that!

A woman bumps into you apologising, looking down you frown she doesn't look like she belongs here at all, yet she looks vaguely....familiar. 'Who are you?' you demand raising your mask from your eyes. 'Forgive me, I did not see you.' she tries to leave but you grab her wrist. 'I asked you a question.' you stare at the woman. 'It's an invitation only.' The woman gulps. 'Please yn, I'm looking for John.' she knows your name? John approaches you both grabbing the woman by the arm. 'I'll take it from here.' he takes her away from you. You watch them suspiciously but are distracted by a group of nearby women. 'I can't believe her.' 'Who?' 'Have you seen what she is wearing?' 'The Baroness? Yes, talk about mutton dressed as lamb. She is far too old to be so overexposed.' 'It's not classy I don't know who she is trying to fool.' 'Since Wilhelm died she's become entirely too sure of herself. So arrogant. Obviously trying to attract a man with how she dresses.' 'What man would put up with her? She needs a husband to humble her and teach her obedience. She was well-behaved when Wilhelm had her on a leash.' The noble women laugh and the anger you feel is unholy, before you say anything you feel eyes on you. Turning you see the Baroness behind you, she heard everything.

Victoria's face has fallen she looks like someone just poured cold water all over her joy. 'Baroness.' you begin and you want to comfort her to tell her she is beautiful. 'Oh Baroness.' the group heard you and turned seeing their host. 'Oh hello dear we were all just saying how exquisite you look. I could never pull off that look. So bold.' a woman chuckles. Before anyone can say another word John approaches the Baroness looking as white as a ghost. 'I' need a word, it's urgent.' he whispers. Frankly, Victoria is grateful to have the escape. 'Forgive me, ladies, I am needed elsewhere.' John leads her away, and you turn back to the women. 'And who are you?' one woman asks. 'She's just the help.' Another laughs and they all swan away together.