Tale As Old As Time: Delphine's Story

Chapter 1: There's Always a Catch

          It was Monday afternoon, and Delphine was already charming a young lad from her mother's old village. " Oh, Your Majesty, you are the most beautiful maiden of the land!" Cried the boy, who was called Cal. "Why, thank you! You certainly know how to please a girl, don't you?" Delphine cooed. "Well, Princess..." He stuttered. The princess batted her eyes and twirled her hair, never taking her gaze off of him. "How about we take a stroll out in the garden?" She asked, a carefully measured hint of hopefulness creeping into her voice. Cal's head jerked up, and he quickly responded, "Whatever shall please you, Princess." As she clutched his trembling arm, she threw her head back and released a laugh so light and graceful that the boy smiled, despite his nervousness. "My goodness, Cal, I don't bite! There's no need to shake so much!" She said, still giggling. "My apologies, Your Highness." He spoke, grinning like a fool. They set off, arm in arm, chatting about the plants and animals that they spotted along the way. "One of the female deer in the forest had babies yesterday. Perhaps we'll see them." Delphine recalled. "Your Majesty, forgive my boldness, but you look marvelous." Cal said. Delphine smiled. Her skirt was made of the finest tulle, and the bodice had sparkles covering the smooth silk fabric. They ventured farther into the garden, laughing and talking.

           Delphine enjoyed Cal's glances at her waist and hair, and eventually they came upon the forest. Delphine immediately stopped and made to turn back. "What is the matter, Princess?" Cal asked her, looking bewildered. " I'm not fond of the forest..." She muttered, barely audible. "If that's the case, than we shall return to the castle, my lady." "Please, call me Delphine" Cal's eyes widened with shock, and then he turned to her, looking almost frightened. "Milady, I apologize,  but I cannot do such a thing!" He cried urgently. Delphine sighed. "My mother is the queen, yet she still is called Belle by her subjects.  Why should I, her daughter of lower rank, be called anything but Delphine?" She pondered. "I suppose... Delphine." He said cautiously. "Oh! We have returned to the castle." Delphine said disappointedly. They said goodbye and Cal strode off to the stables to fetch his horse. Suddenly, Delphine felt a hand on her shoulder. "Hello, mother." Delphine said, swiveling around. "That boy is rather handsome. He seems familiar." Belle said, gracefully tossing her hair. "Of course he does. He's from your little village." Delphine said, admiring her mothers ageless face. "Really? I haven't been there for a month." Belle said as she began braided her daughters hair with fresh bluebells. "Mother, what's being normal like?" Delphine asked. "Well, I wouldn't know. I was always considered strange in that town." Delphine looked surprised. She had always presumed her beautiful mother to be as normal a village girl as, well, a village  girl. "Don't be surprised, my darling. They said I was too bookish, yet every man in town thought I was gorgeous. Being as beautiful as you is dangerous, doll." Belle said, eyes misting. "Mother, I'm only a maiden, how do expect me to understand your philosophical monologue?" Delphine whined. Belle's tinkling laugh flooded the gardens. "My sweet, you will understand when you have seen enough of the kingdom as I have. Men are sometimes kind and witty, but others are hungry animals that would enjoy deflowering you, the crown princess. Take heed of my warning, love, and no harm shall come upon you."    

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            "I don't understand why I have to attend some stupid ball, mother." Delphine grumbled. This was a moment when the whiny teenager in her shone through. Not fair, she thought. All of her friends were playing in gardens or having parties, and she was stuck in the castle with a plethora of stuffy old men and women. Belle rolled her doll-like eyes and nodded at her serving maid, a plain-looking woman with blank eyes. The lady dipped her head in return and exited the blue room. "Honey, I don't think you know how important tonight is. Tonight is the night young men come from around the kingdom asking for your hand in marriage."  Delphine's eyes widened in shock and fear. "But- but I do t want to get married!" She shrieked. Her mother laughed and responded, "You don't think we're going to let anyone marry you, do you? That's preposterous!" Oh really, Delphine pondered. Tonight was going to be interesting...