History of Fictitious: Volume Three

Chapter 4

I make sure all the candles are lit when I reach my room. I don't want the Beast to come near me in the dark while he's a spirit. In his human form, I can feel his presence and better defend myself. I realize I risk starting a fire, but that does not bother me as much as him creeping up on me.

While I prefer to sleep in complete darkness, the warm light comforts me greatly, and sleep takes me without trouble. My dream, however, is simply bizarre. I can only assume it is because of my current situation.

In the dream, I'm a girl of high status inside the Beast's castle, except it is free of damage and disuse. Around me are other girls, who all wear elaborate gowns and jewels while they whisper about the handsome king we will meet. As for me, I notice that I wear no such jewels. Instead, my suddenly long hair is pinned up with flowers, and my dress is the same pink color as the one I wore to dinner, but its skirt is thin and breathable. What stands out most is that I have no shoes on.

"What is happening?" I ask as I stare around the room, but no one answers.

Then I spot Jenessa and Mia coming over to me. Like the other girls, they wear exquisite ball gowns. They both carry fans and have white gloves encasing their fingers. Surely, they know what is happening.

"Jenessa, Mia, what is going on? Why are you in the castle? You must leave at once. It isn't safe here."

They laugh. Jenessa hits my nose with her fan. "Oh, little sister, I know we told you to dress homely so King Shane wouldn't notice you, but you took it a little over the top, don't you think?"

Trumpets blare, and the girls scramble into a neat line. I'm crammed next to Mia and another girl I don't know. A man at the top of the stairs announces the king's arrival.

"Fair ladies, I give you King Shane of Effa!"

Two big doors open, and my eyes widen as the Beast steps out. His eyes are just as inhuman as when I first saw them at dinner. He looks over all of us girls as he goes down the stairs. He starts on the other end of the line.

I grab Mia's arm and say, "Please, we need to leave! I know you both are easily fooled by looks and titles, but he isn't what he seems."

Mia hushes me, "Arabelle, I understand your concern, but you can't believe wild rumors. Just keep a low profile, and you won't have to worry about him bothering you."

Biting my bottom lip, I watch as he makes his way down the row of girls. I tell myself this is all a dream and isn't real. My sisters aren't here. It's just me. I'm alone. This isn't happening!

He gets to Jenessa and looks her over with his cold winter eyes. He says to his servant, "She can stay."

Jenessa smiles and thanks him. I stiffen with fear, and my eyes water. I wipe the tears away as he moves on to Mia.

I take her hand, pleading with her to run away from this man. She grips my hand tightly, forcing me to stay where I am so I don't run. Mia gives the Beast a pleasant smile as he says she can stay.

Then his eyes land on me. I stare at the stairs before me as I hear him laugh. He scans me from top to bottom, noticing I have no shoes on my feet. His laughter echoes throughout the entire foyer.

"You come before me, dressed like a girl from the forest. Are you some kind of fairy?" he asks me.

Mia steps in and says, "No, Your Majesty. She is our youngest sister and loves our flower garden. We told her to dress plainly since we, the eldest daughters, should be married off first. However, we thought she would at least wear a proper gown and shoes. We are sorry if her appearance has offended you!"