The Cursed Princess Club fanfic: The Secret of The Plaid Family

CH.5

(Next chapter is here! This first part is loosely based off of Frederick's and Gwen's conversation in the library at episode 49. I had to tweak this part just a smidgen, so I wouldn't be relying on the original dialogue too much since Frederick's motivations and emotional state are vastly different from the original episode. So I just included the major important parts of the conversation that reveal more about Frederick's mental state. I had to do a lot of research with this chapter so it could feel authentic, which mainly involved reading back to earlier chapters and skimming the reddit pool. I just really wanted both parties injustices to feel genuine, which I hope I did. Enjoy!)

Ch.5

"Gwen? What are you doing here? I thought you couldn't come." Frederick asked.

The youngest Pastel Princess smiled as she replied. "Dad was able to come back from his expedition early. So we were able to come in time for the party." Frederick nodded in understanding as he took in Gwen's formal attire. Her thin brown hair was tied up in a loose yet elegant bun; Her unbound curls hung in front of her oval face, framing it perfectly. The look was completed by a beautiful flowing green plaid ball gown that matched the tone of her whitish-green skin. Her long white gloves gave her the look of the most regal of queens; For a brief moment, she reminded him of an old picture book he once read before that depicted the image of a Faery queen. "How did you know I was here?" he asked. "Lance said that you might be in the library. And I thought I drop by and say hello."

"Oh then you can come in.....If you want to."

Gwen looked a little surprise as she said. "Ok...."

The two teens sat in silence for a minute that stretched into two. Ughh, this is so awkward. Just talk to her, dummy. If one more minute of quiet goes by I'm going to choke myself. "Your...dressed a little differently today."

Gwen looked away flustered as she replied, "Uh, It was suggested that we dress in plaid for the occasion. I know it looks a little weird.."

"No.... it looks nice."

Gwen blushed. "Oh, thank you.... Anyway thanks for lending me this book. I was really captivated by the story with the angel of mercy and the serpent. Its been a while since I read a fairy tale that was so engaging."

" I'm glad you liked it. It used to be my most favorite book when I was a kid. I...lost it during that time, so it was really surprising to see it again."

" I had no idea! What was it like to read it again." Frederick frowned as he replied "Honestly..... I don't really enjoy it much now as I did back then."

"Really? Why not?"

"Its just..... When..... I just feel irritated when I read about how the villagers start adoring the man when before they didn't even know he existed. Their love for the man is fake, they don't really love him, they just love that they found someone they could use." Gwen felt herself jump as his sharp tone cut the air around them; She's never heard him speak like this. "Yeah. I guess I didn't see that the first time I read it..... Anyway, why are you in here when everyone's out there."

"I'm not really a fan of big parties like this. They make me uncomfortable."

"Oh, then why don't you just stick with your family? They would probably love to hang out with you- "

"Yeah right...They're always surrounded by tons of adoring people, and I'm completely ignored the entire time. Those parties always make me feel the worst about myself."

When Frederick saw Gwen's shocked expression, he mentally slapped himself. "Why did I just blurt all of that out right now!?" When Gwen spoke, her voice came out gentle. "Um,... I've met so many amazing princesses at my extracurricular study. And they've taught me a lot.... Including what to do when I'm not feeling very good abut myself. They told me that we all need to practice being kind to ourselves every day and to listen to the kindness of the people who care about you."