Beauty, Brains and Brawn, and the Beast

Two (Iracebeth)

Twelve years ago. It was twelve years ago when that tragic incident befell upon us. It happened so fast. It was the darkness that no one can avoid. Death is a monster that lurks in the darkness. Or anywhere for that matter. Just waiting for you, watching your every move. Since then, we realized that there's no such thing as beasts or monsters in the dark.

Our grandmother came to take care of us since we cannot fend for ourselves yet. I was only seven, Mirana was five and Scarlet was only four. Grandma took us into her home because there was only a little left of our house after the fire. Authorities told us that the lamp Mother was carrying with her caused the fire.

I wanted to cry so hard after what happened but my sisters need me. Mirana and Scarlet cried. We missed them so much. But Scarlet learned afterwards that crying cannot bring our parents back. Mirana took it hard though. She was always the fragile one. She blamed herself.

We never got to see our old town. I grew up with the love for music and books. Baking became my passion also and I always bake for grandma and my sisters. Soon enough, I had my own bake house. Grandma passed away after a few months. Life was unfair but we learned how to cope.

It was a dull day and Scarlet was out in the woods, hunting for game to cook for supper.

Mirana stood in the front door, panting.

"What is it Mirana? Is something wrong?"

"The Prince!" She gasped.

"What about him?" I queried.

"The Prince is about the right age and the King is throwing a feast for everyone in his son's ball! It is time for the prince to choose his wife! I want to go Racie!" she exclaimed out of breath.

"What? And hope to be chosen as his wife?" I deadpanned. I know that my sister is beautiful but princesses will be coming from different kingdoms and she will not be the only beautiful girl in the ball.

"Mirana, you are beautiful. No doubt about that but we are not certain that the Prince will notice you. We are just commoners and it doesn't happen that way. Princesses will be coming and will be swooning over him. Ladies from the highest court to commoners just like us will also join the ball. We also don't have the money to buy for beautiful gowns and fancy jewelries. I'm sorry sister."

"But the ball would be ten days from now, I still have time to make my own gown."

"Great. Then you can come. I just hope that it wouldn't go over your head, Mirana."

"Yes Racie. I'll just dance in the ball and see the prince."

But days had passed and it's already the day of the ball. Mirana wasn't able to finish her gown in time. She cried in her room for feeling hopeless.

"Will you stop crying?!" Scarlet snarled. Scarlet is just being Scarlet but she just doesn't want to see her sister crying.

"I believe you have made the finest gown in the kingdom, this will do, you don't have to add anything anymore. Just sew the sleeves and it will be fine."

"No! It's not enough! And I can't finish it today! I need more time!" she sobbed.

I sighed.

Time passed and the sun is about to set. A carriage passed our small cottage, in it was Lady Margareth and her two evil daughters. They always liked mocking us, especially Mirana.

"Aren't you coming to the ball? Oh, you don't have any dress to wear." she said.

"You don't belong there either!" Dianna laughed and her sister echoed her laugh.