Chapter Text
In a castle secluded in the forest, there were servants running around trying to get the castle ready for the party. It was the princess’s birthday and it was a large celebration. A blue haired woman in a rather fancy dress was shouting commands right and left.
“That sign is crooked. Tilt it up left. A little more. A little more. Perfect.” She nodded her head before pulling her watch out of her pocket. “I have better hurry. Time is ticking away.”
She pulled her dress up and started walking away as fast she could. Suddenly, she was stopped by someone grabbing her by her waist and pulling her into a hug.
“Oh Lady Olivia, your eyes are like the stars at night. You shine so brightly.” A white haired woman in armor held onto Olivia tightly.
“Yunan sweetheart, I love you very much but I am on a very tight schedule. I must get this party ready for the princess.”
“Olivia darling, John has got this covered.” Olivia sighed. She pinched the bridge between her nose. “You know how much that man and his wife care for Sasha. They wouldn’t let anything go amiss.”
“Very true. But….I am the princess’s royal retainer. I must uphold my duty to her and that’s also including helping John out.”
Yunan just smirked before twisting Olivia in her arms, dipped her wife before kissing her on the lips.
“That’s just a little good luck kiss.”
In the other part of the castle, a man with short, wild blue hair ran into the kitchen. He looked around the room before focusing on the chef.
“Hey Stumpy, how is dinner coming along?”
“Aye John, should be ready to serve in a few minutes.”
“Good. It’s almost time for the party and I know Olivia will flip if the food isn’t plated on time.” John sighed. “I’ll leave you be, Stumpy.”
John walked out of the kitchen and made his way to the throne room where they had everything set up for the princess’s birthday party. He looked around the room. He could see servants running around and getting the last remaining touches on the decorations. He looked over to see a bright red haired woman focusing on pouring tea into the cups as a little girl with the same red hair ran back and forth with more cups in hand for her to pour. He looked over to see the orchestra setting up in the back. Everything seemed to be going according to Olivia’s long winded plan. He rolled his eyes affectionately.
He looked over to see a fluffy black haired woman sneaking up behind another girl, with long black hair that was currently fashioned in a braid, as she concentrated on a painting. When the girl sneaking caught his glance, she held up her finger to her lips. The moment the brush left the painting, the girl attacked. She wrapped her arms around her waist and planted a wet kiss on the other girl’s cheek. The captured girl giggled in response.
“Marcy Wu!” Marcy smirked as she planted kisses on the other girl’s cheek. “You are a pain in the ass.”
“I’m only a pain for you, Lillian Amery. My beautiful Lily.”
“Whatever am I going to do with you?” Lily dabbed the paintbrush she was holding, into some paint and marked Marcy’s cheek with a big splotchy red mark.
“Love me?”
“I already do.”
Lily just leaned back and kissed Marcy’s lips. Marcy kept kissing Lily before she was suddenly smacked by a feather duster in her face. She started coughing.
“Get back to work Marcy.” Another black haired woman, who looked very much like an older Marcy, came up beside them. Her orange eyes glared holes into Marcy.
“Sorry mom.”
“You can kiss your girl later. Lily has a painting she needs to finish before the paint dries out and before the princess arrives. You know Olivia would be bent out of shape if she caught you.”
“True. She is wound up like a clock.”
“Yes. Now go make sure those candles are lit. I am going to check up on her highness and Mother Olm.”
Marcy quickly sped off to finish up the work around the castle. Lily turned to the older woman.
“Darcy, you really think Sasha is up for this? That poor girl is a shell of her former self.”
“I know and I agree with you. But, it is Princess Sasha’s thirteenth birthday. It is a big deal and maybe, just maybe, we could get a glimmer of the old Sasha.” Darcy sighed.
She cared deeply for Sasha. So much that she viewed the princess as her own. It didn’t help that she and her husband, John, had basically raised Princess Sasha her whole life. She wanted this to be perfect. Just for her girl.
Higher up in the castle, there sat a blonde girl staring at her reflection in the mirror. A much older woman with dark skin and white hair was combing the blonde’s hair. Two dogs, a black one and a white one, sat by their master.
“Do I really have to go down there, Mother Olm?” The girl asked.
“Yes. Because you are the guest of honor. Really can’t have the princess’s thirteenth birthday party without the princess, now can we.”
“But I really don’t want to celebrate it.”
“Chin up Sasha.” Mother Olm gently tilted Sasha’s hand towards her. “I know this is hard. You lost your father. But we are right here for you all. You have a family.”
Sasha sneered before ripping her face away from Mother Olm. She rapidly stood up and walked to the balcony. Her two dogs followed her outside. The door to the bedroom opened and Darcy stepped in. She stood beside Mother Olm.
“Let me guess, she is upset.” Darcy whispered.
“You are correct, dear child. And it was something I said.”
“What did you say?”
“I said that she has a family. That’s what made her upset. Oh I wish her father didn’t drill into her head that she is better than everyone else just because she is a royal.”
“With a father like hers, why am I not surprised. I’ll try to see if I can talk to her.”
Darcy walked over to Sasha.
“Sasha?”
“Father always said that’s not how you address a royal.” Sasha mocked his words.
“And you know I could honestly care less about what your late father’s words are. I…just came out here to see you.” Darcy placed her hand on Sasha’s back. Sasha flinched away, forcing Darcy to move her hand back. “Sasha, please. We all care so much about you. To John and I, you are our princess and our daughter.”
“You already have a daughter. And she ain’t me. What does it matter? I’m in control of the kingdom. Not surprisingly that father would decide to kick the bucket right when I need some help.”
“And what are we? Chopped liver? Sasha, we will help with everything. That’s what we are here for.”
“I’m the princess. I don’t need help from people who aren’t royals.” Darcy sighed in defeat. She made a swear at the deceased king for how he mistreated their daughter. She couldn’t blame her mother because she had passed not too long after Sasha was born. “I’m only as good as my royal blood. Anyone else is below me.”
“Sasha, you and I both know you don’t think that.”
“But father always said.”
“And your father was a bloody idiot for how he treated you. Damn asshole didn’t even notice you until you started doing something right in his eyes.”
“I just……need to show my worth and if I do that by showing who is the boss then so be.”
“Sasha.”
There was a clap of thunder. Darcy looked up to see rain come pouring out of the sky and lightning flashing across the night sky.
“Darcy, please just leave me be. I’ll be down for the party though. You all worked so hard for it. It’s the least I can do.”
“Okay, your highness. We will see you soon.” Darcy stopped at the door. “We love you.”
Darcy stepped out of the room. She could hear a loud scream and something smashing against the wall. Darcy flinched at the noise. That was something else that Darcy hated that Sasha had picked up from her father. She just hoped that maybe this party helped bring out the old Sasha and show that she was still loved.
The party was in full swing and everyone looked to be having a great time. There was dancing as the orchestra played in the background. The servants had pulled out all the stops to make this a memorable occasion. The guest of honor sat on the only chair in the room and she almost looked bored out of her mind. But Darcy could see the smallest twinge of a smile on Sasha’s face. It was something. Felicia handed a tray of tea and commanded her daughter to take it to Sasha.
“Sasha.” Sasha looked down at the girl. “Mom says you need some tea to perk yourself up. Here.” She lifted the tray up to Sasha. Sasha grabbed the cup.
“Thanks Ivy.” Sasha just stared at the cup as she swirled it around with her finger. Ivy had taken the other cup.
“Want to see a trick?” Sasha looked over. Ivy put the cup to her lips before puffing her cheeks out and blowing into it. It bubbled. Sasha let out a small snort, putting the cup to her lips to hide her smile. Ivy smiled back at her. “Made you smile.”
“Ivy!”
“Uh oh.” Ivy ran back to her mother’s side as Felicia scolded her. She didn’t scold her too harshly as she had seen the princess smile herself.
Darcy smiled at seeing Sasha smiling. It was something. John came up beside her and wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close.
“I think I saw a smile.” He whispered as he kissed her cheek.
“I did too. It’s a good sign.”
Olivia stepped forward and cleared her throat. Marcy signaled the orchestra to stop their playing. Everyone focused on the retainer.
“Thank you everyone for showing up. It is with deepest pride that we all celebrate our princess’s thirtieth birthday.” Everyone clapped in celebration of their princess. “Now, we have a couple of gifts for you.”
Lily came forward with the painting she had been working on earlier. She unveiled it in front of Sasha. It was a painting of Sasha with her two most loyal companions beside her, her dogs. Lily bowed.
“Your highness, I do hope you enjoy the gift. I think it shows a side of you that many don’t get to see. Especially your kindness with your animals.”
“It’s lovely. You captured Lysil and Angwin look well. You are a master at your craft. Thank you Lily.” Lily bowed.
Soon, everyone that had something to give to the princess gave their gifts. Darcy could see the small smile on Sasha’s face. It was bringing her out of her shell more. Darcy looked around at everyone. They all seemed to be having a good time. Felicia and Ivy were passing tea out. Marcy and Lily were huddled in a corner talking and kissing. Even Olivia was relaxing in the arms of her wife, Yunan.
“Well dear, this party was a great idea.” Mother Olm came up beside her.
“Yes it was. It seems Sasha is enjoying it.”
Everyone turned their heads at the sounds of several knocks echoing through the room. Sasha got up from her chair, alerting Lysil and Angwin to her movement. Angwin, the black dog, got up and followed Sasha. Sasha held her hand out and stopped him.
“Who could it be at this hour?” Someone asked.
“And especially in this weather.”
Sasha opened the door and saw an old beggar in the doorway. She was bent over with a cane in her old boney hands. Sasha stared at her.
“Your majesty, I came to ask a favor. Please. It is cold and rainy. All I ask is some shelter till the storm passes. Just for the night. All I have is a single rose in exchange for some shelter.”
Sasha just stared. She opened her mouth to say yes. That she would offer some shelter but she stopped. Her father’s words echoed in the back of her head.
“They are nothing more. They are lowlifes. They are beneath you and me. Never forget that Sasha.”
“Get out of my sight.” Sasha finally said. Darcy was taken back by Sasha’s harsh words. “We have no place for an old hag like you and some pitiful rose. Now get out of my sight.”
“Do not be deceived by appearances, my young princess. For beauty is found within. This rose can offer you so much more. I think it would be an acceptable payment for shelter.”
Sasha just sneered, a look she inherited from her father. She kept repeating his words in her head.
“They are nothing. You are everything. You are above everyone. You are of royal blood.”
“I don’t want a rose. Get out of my sight, old hag.”
Sasha turned around and started to walk away from the old hag. A bright light filled the room and blinded everyone. Sasha raised her arms to cover her eyes from the light. When she looked up, her eyes widened.
Instead of an old woman, there was a beautiful woman with bouncy blonde hair and a green gown. There was a crown on her head and a wand in hand. Sasha dropped to her knees because she knew who this was. A sorceress and Sasha had upset her.
“I’ve seen the inside of your heart, Sasha Waybright. A princess who has ugliness in her heart. A once bright heart turned stone cold from the influence of your father despite the love you had around you. Appearances are not to be deceived and I will show that. I place a curse upon your house.”
“No. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry to insult you. I didn’t know. I’m sorry.” Sasha begged.
“Your apology is as empty as your heart. Your curse will turn your outside appearance to match your inner heart. A beast befitting your heart.”
“No!” Darcy shouted. She almost ran to Sasha’s side but John grabbed her arm.
The enchantress raised her wand and hit Sasha. Sasha gasped before screaming. Her body changed, blonde hair growing out and morphing Sasha. Soon, instead of a human girl, stood a beast. When she turned, the servants gasped.
She looked like a lion with bright yellow fur, two horns sticking out of her head and two canine teeth sticking out of her mouth.
“No. Sasha!”
Sasha stared at her massive paws. She patted her body in surprise. She looked at the servants. Darcy escaped John’s grasp. She ran to her side and gently touched her. Sasha panicked and smacked Darcy in the side. She was launched to the side and skidded against the floor. Marcy ran to help her mom up. Lily just put her hands over her mouth. Felicia forced Ivy behind her. Yunan stood in front of Olivia and drew her sword.
“The only way to break the curse is to allow yourself to love another and earn their love in return before your twenty-third birthday and before the last petal falls from this single rose. It will serve as a reminder of your deeds.”
Sasha ran away from her horrible figure and for what she had done. The enchantress then turned her attention to the servants.
“You all will serve the curse as well. She will need to figure this out on her own.”
The servants screamed when someone turned into a chair next to them. John ran to both Darcy and Marcy and held them in his arms. Lily ran over and Marcy hugged her. They too soon transformed.
Alone in her room and unaware of the curse taking hold of her servants, Sasha roared in frustration, anger and most of all, sadness.
For who could love a beast.
“And they say the castle is guarded by a massive beast with claws that would rip you in two if they caught you on their grounds.” A young woman with long brown, curly hair and dark skin accentuated the appearance of the beast by raising her arms high and making her hands appear as claws.
“Aw come on Anne, we are too old for that story.” A young boy with orange hair and pale skin rolled his eyes at his sister.
“Yeah Anne. We need something with more horror and blood.” A much younger girl, with the same orange hair and pale skin, said.
“Mom would kill me if she heard me telling you the tale of the beast at the Waybright castle.”
“Do you really think the beast exists?” The boy asked.
“Nah Sprig, I don’t. It’s just a tale moms tell their children to make them go to bed. There is no beast. The princess just doesn’t like visitors.”
“How long have you known the tale?” The girl asked.
“Well,” Anne thought for a moment. The tale wasn’t that old. Only nine years old to be exact. Anne remembers when she was only twelve when the castle was shut off from the outside world and no one allowed in or out. The tales of the beast didn’t really start until a year after that due to some stupid, brave souls trying to get in. It was there that the rumors started. One kid had come to school ranting about a lion like beast that they had seen and a walking suit of armor. The other kid was shouting about a talking candelabra. Many just considered them crazy and their parents sent them away from home. “It really isn’t that old of a tale. It mostly started because two dumb idiots decided that they needed to sneak in and they most likely saw something out of the corner of their eye that made them think there was a beast.”
“But what about the suit of armor that walks around, with no one inside? Or the talking clock or candelabra?” Sprig asked.
“They are parts of their imagination. There is no such thing as a giant beast and a talking candelabra.”
“Anne! Sprig! Polly!” Anne heard a woman’s voice call out.
“Coming mom.”
Anne raced down the stairs of their little cottage home and greeted her mother and father. She quickly pecked their cheeks in greeting before scooping up the family cat, Domino, and kissed her furry face as well.
“Anne, do you mind going to town and picking up a loaf of bread from the Flour’s shop for us?” Her mother, Oum, asked.
“Can’t you go? I promised Hop Pop that I would help Sylvia around the farm while he is gone.”
“Sorry Anne but your father and I are needed at the restaurant. Sprig and Polly can help him out.”
“Fine. I’ll go. What kind of bread do you want me to pick up?”
“Oh. Get his new sourdough bread. I heard it is delicious.” Her father, Bee, said.
“Alright, sourdough bread. Anything else?”
“Mind picking up some cheese and some tea.”
“No problem.” Anne giggled when her mom kissed her cheek goodbye.
She was quickly out the door and on her way to the village. The Boonchuy-Plantar farm just sat on the outskirts of town. It was close enough to walk but far away to have some privacy and most of the land for their farm. She carried her basket in hand as she walked.
It was the same as another day. Mr Flour was shouting about the bread he had made for the day. Someone was shouting about how expensive eggs were. Anne shook her head as she got some stares from the other villagers. Many considered Anne Boonchuy to be an odd child. She wasn’t like the other children. She liked playing in the dirt and loved helping her family out on the farm. She wasn’t one for tea parties or playing with dolls. Because of that, Anne didn’t have many friends around her age. Many of the girls chose to avoid her and called her weird. Many were also jealous of Anne being pursued by the two most eligible bachelors in the village. Anne would much rather everyone mind their own business when it came to her decisions in life.
Anne went around the town at her own pace. She could feel the stares of the town on her as she walked through. She entered the door to a shop. The smell of cheese invaded her nose as soon as she opened the door. She could see an older woman behind the counter, packaging up some cheeses. A little black dog perked his head and ran over to Anne. Anne stroked his head.
“Hi Archie. Hey Mrs Croaker!” Anne called out.
“Well hello Anne dear. What brings you around?”
“Just looking to purchase some cheese for the family. Especially something that could go with Mr Flour’s new sourdough.”
“Then I have just the cheese for you and your family.” Sadie turned around and started getting a wheel of cheese ready for Anne. Anne set her basket down on the counter and picked Archie up into her arms. His tail wagged as he licked her face. “So, what brings you around?”
“Just doing some errands around town while my parents ran the restaurant.”
“You Boonchuys are always busy. Why, you take after your dear grandfather.”
“Yeah, old Hop Pop works hard to get where he is today.”
“Old Hopediah always put you first. Anyways, here’s the cheese for you dear. Tell Hopediah I said hello.”
“I will. Thank you Sadie.” Anne set Archie down and bowed her head towards Sadie.
She left the cheese shop. She decided to head home. Maybe Hop Pop was home already from his trip.
Several geese flew above the village in their formation. A loud gunshot rang out and one of the geese fell from the sky. Anne looked up and rolled her eyes. She looked over to see a man in the middle of the street and twirled his musket. He had fluffy black hair with a black mustache and goatee and bright green eyes. A little boy, probably no older than Sprig, was running around, trying to catch the falling goose. He stopped in one spot and opened the bag wide. The goose flopped to the ground beside him. He grabbed the goose and threw it in the bag.
“Amazing shot, Tritonio. You didn’t miss the shot.”
“Of course, Jojo. Tritonio Espada never misses.” Tritonio turned his head and smiled at Anne. He made his way over to her. He grabbed her hand and kissed the back of her hand. “Hello, my dear butterfly. You look as radiant as ever today.”
Anne rolled her eyes at Tritonio’s words. She pulled her hand away. Tritonio waved his hand and Jojo ran up with the goose in the bag. Tritonio grabbed the bag and grabbed the basket from Anne’s hand.
“I got you dinner for you and your family for tonight.”
“Thanks but we already got dinner taken care of.” Anne pushed the goose away. She would much rather be away from Tritonio. The man was nice but he drove her nuts with his desperate attempts to woo her. She was not into him or any other men, honestly.
“Come now, my beautiful anti-social butterfly. I adore you. I will prove myself to you. All I ask for in return is for your hand in marriage.”
“Such a cute little attempt there, Tritonio.” Anne turned her head to see a man in the back, who was clapping. He walked out of the shadows. Anne paled in fear. He was tall with dark red hair and blood red eyes. He had a long scar that ran along the bridge of his nose. It apparently came from a hunting accident. He walked over to Anne. He grabbed Anne by the waist and pulled her into his side. “But you are a little late on providing dinner for Anne and her family. I already had an elk that I had killed delivered straight to their house. And I used a bow and arrow. Not that,” The man pushed the musket that was pointed right at him with his finger. “Loud, obnoxious thing.”
“I appreciate the food Sam, but we are good.” Anne tried to push away from Sam but he was stronger. “I don't need you two competing for my affection. I am perfectly content with where I am in life. I have a family.”
“Oh don’t be like that Anne. I can easily provide for you. I could be an excellent husband to you and I know you will make a most wonderful wife and an excellent mother. All you have to do is say you’ll marry me.” Sam leaned down to kiss Anne’s lips. Anne threw her hand up and covered his mouth with her palm. Anne noticed that she had a crowd surrounding them. Sam seemed to always attract his followers. Anne noticed the three girls who crushed hard on Sam but failed to ever get him to notice one of them. She could hear the whispers.
“Anne is getting hit on again. She is so stupid to turn down two eligible men.”
“Man, that girl is so lucky. She doesn’t realize it. She can pick either one but no, she has to play hard to get.”
“Can’t believe she is trying to turn down Sam. She would be the happiest girl in the whole village if she married him.”
“That Anne is weird. She could almost end up like One-Eyed Wally.”
“Haha. Crazy farm girl.”
“I think I’m good being single and I would be a terrible mother.” Anne tried to ignore the hurtful words, but it was hard.
“I am the one who will be asking for Anne’s hand in marriage and be her husband and father to her future children. At least I’m a bit more charismatic and better looking than you.”
“Neither one of you is going to be my husband!” Anne pushed at Sam’s chest to try and push him away. “Even if you two were the last men in the village, I wouldn’t marry either one of you.”
“HEY!” Anne turned her head to see a redheaded woman with pigtails walking over to her. People separated to allow her through. Sam finally let Anne go and stepped away. Even Tritonio stepped away from the angry red head. “What did I say about bothering poor Anne into a marriage with the two of you?”
“Not to bother Anne with a marriage proposal.” Both men said.
“Exactly. And what do I find you two doing with my best friend!?” The red head ripped the basket out of Tritonio’s hands.
“Asking for Anne's hand in marriage.” They both slinked away.
“Exactly. Both of you get the hell out of my sight before I thump you both in your so-called pretty faces.”
Both Sam and Tritonio hightailed out of there and away from the wrath of the red head.
“And that goes for all of you as well!”
Everyone scattered. Anne turned to her and just hugged her. She hugged Anne back.
“Thank you Maggie.”
“Anytime Annie. Anytime. Here.” Maggie handed Anne back her basket. “I can’t believe it. It’s been three years and those two still haven’t gotten the hint? You think it would have sunk into their pea sized brains that you aren’t interested.”
“You think but they clearly haven’t gotten the hint yet.” Anne sighed. She could see the villagers were attempting to act normal but so many were side-eyeing Anne.
Anne hated being the talk around the town fountain. While she was the oddball for liking to work on the farm and get herself dirty when she planted seeds, she was also viewed by everyone in town as the most beautiful woman. And Anne hated that title. Looks weren’t everything. Anne wanted someone to love her for her. Not just her beauty. And she also didn’t like men in general.
Everyday, they asked for her hand in marriage and everyday, she turned them down.
“Eh, don’t worry about it Annie. I’ll keep them away with the threat of my fist messing their faces up.” Maggie pulled Anne into her arms. “Soon, you’ll find the woman of your dreams who sweeps you off your feet and carries you away from them and this village.”
“I hope that’s sooner or later. Or maybe I can be the town spinster. That ain’t too bad of a title.”
“Oh don’t be like that Annie. You’ll find someone. I know it. I mean, who couldn’t love you.” Maggie pinched Anne’s cheeks. Anne giggled at that before jokingly trying to escape her friend’s grasp.
“Come on Mags, stop that.” Anne laughed.
“I’m serious. Who wouldn’t love you. Hell, if I wasn’t as straight as an arrow, I’d throw my hat into the ring and marry you.”
“But we know you are boy crazy. I’m surprised though that you aren’t like the others in terms of falling for Sam and Tritonio.”
“I mean, Tritonio is kind of cute but Sam, nah. There is something in his eyes that I don’t like. It unnerves me and I don’t like him one bit.” Anne agreed with Maggie. It’s why she didn’t like Sam and honestly, she feared him. There was something almost inhuman in those blood red eyes. “Now, come on. Let’s get you home. I’ll walk you home.”
“Thanks Mags.”
“You know I would fight tooth and nail for you.”
The girls walked arm in arm together back to the farm. Anne sighed in relief when she saw her grandfather riding back on the family horse, Bessie.
“Hop Pop!” Anne shouted. The older gentleman turned his head and smiled. Anne raced to her grandfather. “Welcome home, Hop Pop.”
“Hello Anne. Hello Maggie.” He leapt down and hugged her. She felt relief at hugging her grandfather.
“Hey Hop Pop.” Maggie nodded her head.
“How was the trip?” Anne was bouncing on the soles of her feet to hear what her Hop Pop had to say.
“It was boring as always.” Anne’s mood deflated.
“Really? I thought it would have been exciting. I mean, you got to see the castle and deliver to them our vegetables and fruits. Did you maybe see the princess?”
“Yes, it was boring. But the castle was closed to the public as always. I just walked to the front gates, unloaded the food into the nearby cart and was commanded to walk away by the knight.”
“Wally says that the knight that checks people isn’t really a knight. Apparently, it's a walking suit of armor.” Maggie moved her body like a clunky suit of armor. Anne giggled at her friend.
“Oh Maggie, don’t tell me you believe old One-Eyed Wally’s story?” Hop Pop said, shaking his head.
“Nah. Everyone knows old Wally is a little cuckoo. I mean, the guy believes in a giant ape-like creature that walks the woods.”
“I thought the beast was a lion?” Anne asked.
“Nah, the ape is another story. Now the lion beast of the castle is a fascinating one. Rumors say that the beast is the one running our kingdom, puppeteering as the princess. Rumor is that the beast is the one who killed the queen and king. They think that they also killed the princess, hence why we haven’t seen her in years.”
“Everyone knows the queen died when the princess was only a year old. The king…well, the king died just about nine years ago. That’s why the castle is shut. The princess went into grief over the death of her father.”
“Hop Pop, you really think the princess would keep the castle shut for nine long years? I know everyone works through grief differently but that’s still a long time.”
“Yes. You are right Anne. But everyone works through grief differently. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t miss my old pappy but I know he is here,” Hop Pop pointed to his heart. “In my heart always. Now come along girls. Hop Pop is tired and maybe you can tell me all the good gossip you girls heard in town.”
“Alright Hop Pop.”
Anne and Maggie walked along with Hop Pop as they made their way back to the farm. Anne saw her two younger siblings feeding the chickens and roosters they had, while Anne noticed an older, dark skinned woman, with her white hair in a bun, bent over in the soil.
“Come on out you old stubborn turnip.” She yanked hard on the grassy stem and pulled a rather large white turnip out of the ground. She looked up and saw the three walking over to her. “Hoppy!”
“Hi Sylvia.” The two kissed each other. “Whoa boy. Look at the size of that turnip.”
“Damn HP, you could easily win that fair if you entered your produce in it.” Maggie whistled.
“You are right, Maggie. Why, this new soil we created is working better than I ever expected.”
“The fair is in three days. It’s not that far. We could saddle up Bessie and get you on the road tomorrow.” Anne said.
“Haha. The Plantar-Boonchuys are heading to the fair. We will be famous. Maybe even Princess Waybright will grant us an honorary title. Maybe we can be castle farmers. Anne, we are celebrating tonight. Get the good plates. Maggie, you are more than welcome to stay.”
“Appreciate the offer, Hop Pop but I do have to go home. Got to help mom with finishing a few dresses.”
“Understandable. Be careful on your way home.”
“Thanks Hop Pop.”
“We have an elk that was delivered to our home from Sam.” Sylvia mentioned. Anne just sighed as she had forgotten about Sam’s gift. Maggie patted her friend’s back.
“Sam? That boy. I swear. If I was a tad bit younger, I would give that boy a piece of my mind. He knows Anne is not interested.”
“He will never stop.”
Anne just relented to her fate. She hoped that maybe someday, she will find the one for her. A woman who loved Anne for her and someone Anne loved just as fiercely.
Dinner was pretty lively. All the talk was focused on Hop Pop riding out to the fair to enter their new Plantar soil. The hope was that they would win which would give them the prize money but also the recognition from the royal family. Maybe this was the year the princess would make her appearance.
After the death of her father, Sasha had sealed up the castle and forbid anyone from entering or leaving the castle. No one had seen the royal family in nine years. Anne did feel bad for the princess. She didn’t know how she would act if she lost any of her family members. Probably be just as depressed as the princess. Anne sympathized with the princess but she had also heard rumors that the princess was rather stuck up and vain. Definitely not someone Anne would like to marry. Anne wanted someone with a gentle heart and treated her well.
“Hop Pop, can I come with you?” Sprig asked.
“Sorry boy but no. It’s a little too dangerous of a trip to be taking you.”
“Oh come on, Hop Pop. I’m old enough. I’m eleven.”
“Nope. Still too dangerous. I would actually take Anne with me but she needs to be home watching you two and helping Slyvia around on the farm.”
“Aw come on Hop Pop.” Sprig whined.
Anne played with her food for a bit. Oum caught on to that.
“Anne, what’s wrong?” Oum put her hand on Anne’s wrist.
“Am I weird?” Anne finally asked the burning question she had wanted to know from her family.
“Yeah, you are.” Polly snickered. Anne shot her a glare.
“Polly!” Everyone shouted at Polly. Polly was still laughing.
“What makes you say that?” Oum asked.
“Well, it seems that the whole town thinks I am. Especially for turning down not only Tritonio but also Sam.”
“Honey, don’t think about what that town thinks.” Sylvia said. “They are so stuck in their ways that they will never change. You clearly don’t love those two. Don’t try and force yourself into a relationship with them to appease the town. You deserve to have happiness with the woman of your choice.”
Anne smiled at her grandma. She wiped a few tears away.
“Thank you. I love you all.”
The next morning, Anne helped her grandfather get set up to get ready for the fair. They packed up some of the produce that they plucked yesterday in crates and covered them up in the cart. Anne stroked Bessie’s black nose.
“You carry him safely to his destination. He means a lot to all of us.” She whispered. “And you be careful. You are family as well.”
Anne kissed her nose before sneaking a carrot out for Bessie to eat.
“Alright family. I’m leaving. I’ll be back in a week. And I’ll be home with the grand prize!”
The family cheered in celebration. They watched Hop Pop steer Bessie into the woods and on his way to the fair. Bee and Oum walked away to go into town and help in the tavern that they ran. Sylvia walked away to start work on the farm chores that needed to be done. Sprig and Polly reached out to take their sister’s hand into their own. Anne looked up to the sky and just stared. Sprig and Polly finally let go and ran to help their grandma.
“I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell. And for once it might be grand to have someone understand. I want so much more than they’ve got planned.”