The Frog and The Beast

The Princess Chapter 2

Next Saturday, Cana, Sorano, and I ventured downtown for the grand opening of the latest beauty store, The Enchantress's Emporium. As the daughter and top model for the designer behind Heartfilia Chic, it was only natural for me to attend every event and establishment related to beauty and fashion.

As we approached The Enchantress's Emporium, I could feel the electric buzz of excitement in the air. The store was adorned with elegant decorations, and a crowd had already gathered outside, eager to be among the first to experience its offerings. The vibrant colors and enticing scents wafting from within made my heart race with anticipation.

"Look at that line!" Sorano exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. "This place must be incredible!"

"Or they just have really good marketing," Cana quipped, nudging her playfully. But I could tell she was just as curious as we were.

At the front of the store, smiling and waving at the flashing cameras, stood the owner, Anastasia Inoue. My father had mentioned her name. She appeared to be in her thirties, with long, flowing black hair and a figure that commanded attention. Towering above the crowd in her high-heeled boots, she was impossible to miss. Every guy in the vicinity turned to stare at her, and more than a few women did, too.

"Wow, she looks like she just stepped out of a fashion magazine," Sorano whispered.

"Yeah," I agreed. "But doesn't she look kind of familiar? I feel like I've seen her around school before."

"I don't know," Cana said. "Maybe she has a daughter in our grade or something."

As we finally made our way to the entrance, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. This was my first official outing as Fiore's Princess, and I wanted to make a good impression.

But just before I could step inside, a girl sprinting past bumped into me. I managed to keep my balance, but she fell, scattering a box full of clothes that probably belonged to Goodwill.

"Oh my God! I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, quickly gathering her belongings. "I'm so stupid! I was just trying to get home before it got crowded."

I recognized her from school—Juvia Lockser, who attended Fairy Tail Academy on a scholarship. My father had called it a charity case. I had never really talked to her or acknowledged her. Sorano said it was because she was just a nobody.

"What, don't you look where you're going, you freak?!" Sorano snapped at her.

Juvia looked up, her blue hair falling over her face as she scrambled to collect the scattered clothes. Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson, and I could see the embarrassment etched across her features.

"I'm really sorry," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to—"

"Whatever," Sorano cut her off, rolling her eyes. "Just watch where you're going next time."

I felt a pang of guilt as I watched Juvia's shoulders slump. Sorano's words were harsh, and I knew they would sting.

"Hey, it's okay," I said, stepping forward to help her gather the clothes. "It was an accident. No harm done." I offered her a reassuring smile, hoping to ease her embarrassment.

Juvia looked up at me, her big, watery eyes wide with surprise. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice trembling slightly. "I just... I stopped to look for a minute and got caught up in the excitement."

"Why bother looking? You obviously can't afford anything here," Sorano said.

Juvia narrowed her eyes at Sorano but remained silent. She picked up her fallen beanie hat and started tucking her hair into it. I always wondered why she did that; she had nice hair, though it could use some proper styling.