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harleiquina · 2 years

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The Lady of the Well

Some time ago, I got so angry at Disney remaking their movies (with a lot less heart than the originals) that I started to write my own versions.

So far I’ve just finished my Cinderella, but there are many others to come.

Keep in mind that English isn’t my native language and I tried to translate it as best as I could.

-I hope you are not trying to steal anything- said an authoritarian but warm and playful voice that echoed through all the gallery.

-No. ¡No! Of course not- the young girl rushed to answer nerviously since she hadn't noticed that the men in uniform was joking. -I... never... I didn't even touched anything- she was trying to find his eyes to make her case stronger but the mirrored mask prevented her from finding his gaze. Feeling observed without knowing exactly from where made the intimidation worse.

-Don't be afraid. I didn't mean it- she sighed loudly with relief -Still, it is odd that you are here and not in the Great Hall. Don't you want to enjoy the ball?-

-It's just... -she contained herself -I don't belong there-

-However, here you are. That implies that you were invited-

-You could say that. But if I have to be honest: I sneaked in with a big family that didn't noticed my presence-

The man laughed -If you wanted to be in the ball so badly, why are you wasting the night in the art gallery?-

-I just wanted to see the Palace and this was my only chance-

-I can give you an invitation, in case anybody asks-

-An invitation arrived home. It's just that I didn't came with them-

-Them?- he noticed a certain absence in the young girl's voice.

-My stepmother and her daughters-

Once again there was a fraction of bitterness on the way she spoke and that made him realize that something wasn't right. So he asked to confirm if his suspicions were true -Your family?-

-I guess- the girl noticed that she was letting her true feelings show so she tried to brush off the whole situation. She got closer to the next painting on the wall, the one that caught her attention more than the others -Those flowers are beautiful, do you know their name?-

-I'm sorry, no-

-It doesn't matter. Maybe some beauties should remain unnamed-

He smiled.

-Sir- one of the guards called, he was wearing the man's exact same outfit -Do you need us?-

-No, General. Thank you-

-Are you sure?- he wanted to check after examining the girl before him.

-I'm sure. You may all go- once the sentence ended other twenty men left their positions from all over the hall

- So many guards?- the guest was surprised after seeing them walk down the hallway.

-It's a palace. There is a guard every six feet or so- he answered amused. Many past events paraded in his mind and in all of them the excess of men was more than justified.

-Are you their captain?

-I guess- he smiled -What's your name?

-My name?

-There is nobody else here, right?-

-No- she was genuinely surprised and ashamed for the whole situation -I am not used to be called by my name-

-Then... how do people call you?-

-It depends on who's speaking. Kids call me "the lady of the well" because I always help them when they need to retreive water in buckets that are bigger than them. And I also hold them in my arms when they want to toss a coin to ask for a wish-

-Sounds nice. Alas there is no well here, so I cannot call you like that- both laughed.

-Those who were our servants still call me "little miss" "child" or "missy" when I find them in the market. It doesn't matter how hard I try I cannot convince them that I'm not 4 years old anymore- her voice now was filled with warmth and joy.

-I don't know you enough to call you like that. But now I'm curious about the servants that no longer work for you. Are they very old?

-Not that much- she started pacing between the statues at the center of the room. She just realized the mess she got herself into by mentioning that but it was too late. She took a deep breath and fought the tears that started swelling in her eyes at the memory of her last nickname -Cinderella, that's the name my stepmother and her daughters use to call me. I'm always covered in cinder from the fire they make me keep always alive... so I can cook for them, prepare their baths and carry around tje house in winter to keep the whole house warm -a single tear escaped from her eyes all the way down her cheek but she caught it before it could hit the floor -I even have to do it in Summer, because those are the Lady's orders-

-What about the servants?

-There is none. Just me...- she dried her tears again, this time with a handkerchief he offered her -...Marielle-

-Marielle?- he was surprised -Then I believe that some beauties should be named- the attempt to make her feel better seemed to work

-Don't you have something better to do than taking care of a stranger's feelings?-

-Honestly? No. I do not like parties and this kind even less-

-What kind?-

-The ones to find a girlfriend for the prince- je sat down in a couch nearby and asked her to join him -That's why we are all dressed the same: women just try to expose themselves, or their daughters, to him. The night won't be long enough if he had to dance with all of them-

-So none of you say who is the prince, you hear them, get to know them and then give a report of who is the most adequate, right?-

-Exactly-

-I can't imagine how tedious it might be to deal with that-

-We take turns, another good reason to have so many guards nearby- she laughed -Of course, whoever tries to get any kind of advantage for themselves is removed. Usually will end up guarding the stables or the park-

-Still, it might be tough on them. Who says that a soldier can't fall in love with one of the girls?

-In that case they should say the truth-

-Has it happened already?

-The night is still young-

-If it's not a bother to you... may I ask you a question?- he nodded -Why a ball? I thought that the prince is meant to marry another kingdom's princess to strenghten commercial relationships, increase the lands and such-

-You are very smart, Marielle- she couldn't help blushing after hearing her name -Yes, that would be the most sensible and traditional way, so to speak. But, believe it or not, prince Jean has been rejected by many kingdoms both close and far away-

-Rejected?

-Yes, you'll see: the prince is blind- he said while removing his mask so she could see his clouded eyes -That's why the other kings don't want to take a chance on having grandkids with the same weakness- there was no reaction from the girl -Please don't pity me. I've had enough of that up until now. Speak to me, it is still me-

-It's just... I don't understand. You are the prince?- she stood up and started to nerviously pace.

-Yes-

-Don't lie to me-

-I know that I said that some soldiers might take advantage but I did so thinking I've already earned your trust... that I could speak freely with you-

-But... what are you doing here? The ball is in the other wing!-

-Have you noticed that there's a slight inbalance in your walking? As if one of the legs was a few milimeters shorter than the other-

-I broke a leg when I was thirteen. It didn't heal well-

-You used to climb trees?

-No-

-A horseback riding accident then?

-No-

-Maybe you were running around the hallways in your home?

-I will answer only if you give me a good reason why you are wasting your time with me instead of enjoying your party-

-I am not wasting my time, but go ahead-

-I didn't clean the main dinning room window well enough and my stepmother punished me for that- she could feel the indignation on his silence so se rushed to add -She never did it again. She realized that I couldn't do much with a broken bone-

-You were a child-

-Which means that it happened a long time ago and it's not worth remembering it-

-Did she continued to hit you? Does she do it now?-

-That is not important. I already answered your question. Now answer mine-

His frustration became evident however he always kept his word. In first place, I'm exhausted of hearing "I am the perfect woman to become queen because..." and, in second place, General Batiste, the man that spoke to me a while ago, told me that there was a girl in a rather peculiar dress walking around the hallways. He didn't know if she was lost or if she had something else in mind. In other words, you spiked my curiosity- Marielle sat down again -Why your dress caught the good General's attention?-

-Probably because it's old... it was my mother's so it is probably way over twenty years old-

-A heirloom?-

-It's all I've got left of her. My stepmother got rid of everything else- she stopped so he couldn't notice her voice cracking -It was in a forgotten chest on the attic, that's why moths got it. I took some scraps of an old dress of mine, one made of silk and pink tulle that I used as a child, with that I made flowers to patch up the holes- she left one of the flowers that hanged from her sleeve on his hand so he could feel them -I used beads from my stepsisters' many broken necklaces to make the center of the flowers-

-I admire your skill and I am certain that you look beautiful. Even so I cannot stop feeling pity over your situation, you should not live like that-

-If I do not pity you for your blindness, you shouldn't pity me either-

-That's fair. However I would like to help you-

-Nobody can-

-I can have them arrested-

-Or you could marry one of my stepsisters and take all of them away from here-

-I thought we were friends, now you want me to suffer?- he laughed.

-They would never hurt you-

-And why they do hurt you?

-I don't know, I stopped asking myself about it a long time ago. I guess I'm an easy target-

-You just have to ask and I can make my guards drag them to the dungeons-

-No, please, no. They will hate me more if I do it-

-They will never come out. You would be safe-

-My father wouldn't approve-

-Oh, he lives with you? And lets them treat you like that?

-No, he died about 17 years ago. But if he chose to marry my stepmother, there had to be a good reason why-

-Well, for what it's worth... if it wasn't for your situation, we would've never met-

-That's true-

-Who was your father? Because if you all still live in the same house there might be a chance that he was a friend or aquaitance of mine-

-Yes, my father worked as an administrator for the King. George Reinauld-

-I can't say that I know the name, as a child I had nothing to do on my father's bussiness. However I can tell you that I know every inch of this palace thanks to the many hits and falls I had during my childhood. That's why I always have so many guards around me, my mother never where could I ever need inmmediate assistance-

The clock started to announce midnight just like the bells on the closest cathedral.

-Oh, no- Marielle worried -It's late-

-What are you talking about?-

-The ball ends at midnight, I wasn't expecting to stay for long. I won't be able to arrive before them- explained halfway to the exit.

-Wait, please-

-I can't-

-Yes you can, stop- he was next to her and held her arm -Batiste! -the man and a companion appeared almost magically, ready to receive orders -Make one of our coaches take her home and ask for the ball to be extended. Would an hour be enough?-

-Yes, yes it'll be enough. Thank you!- the young girl kissed his cheek and started to run following the soldier guiding her.

-Don't look at me like that and do as I said- he ordered again while hiding a smile from his General's complicit gaze.

Everybody in the Great Hall rejoiced after finding out that the very Prince asked for the party to continue. The ladies thought that they still had a chance to get him because if he did found someone then there was no need to go on with the ball; the men just focused on the food and wine still left to enjoy. Little they knew that the prince never joined them again for the rest of the night.

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-Good morning, son- the King said when he saw him in the garden -I see that you've had a good time. You are still using yesterday's clothes. Is that why you asked for the party to continue?-

-Honestly, father, I barely was in the ball-

-You are joking, right? You know fair well why we did it and why it was necessary for you to be there-

-I know, I know. But you would've not lasted that long in my shoes either-

-It couldn't be that bad to dance with so many beautiful young girls-

-Most of them couldn't stop talking about their virtues and others thought that I was a soldier and tried to bribe me so I could pinpoint the real prince. And lets not mention a few missteps I gave transforming them into drunk sailors. I even think that I might've learned new curse words thanks to them- the King couldn't hold his laughter -However, I wasn't alone either. All the time I was away I spent it with one of the guests that was snooping on the Art Gallery. We talked. She is very nice. I told her who I am, the reason for the ball and, aside from a brief moment of incredulity, she didn't even blink-

-Well, maybe the ball wasn't such a bad idea. And who is this misterious girl?-

-Marielle- he felt his heart lighting up by saying her name -Marielle Reinauld, daughter of George Reinauld- he added in a serious tone to try and hide his happiness.

-George Reinauld, sounds familiar, ah, yes! Now I remember him. A good man, honest and smart. Such a pity that he died-

-What do you know about his wife?

-I didn't have the chance to meet her, she died when he started to work for me-

-I mean his second wife-

-All I know is that your mom didn't liked her. I cannot say much, I never met her-

-Marielle told me about the mistreatments she got from her. She's basically a servant since she was twelve-

-Why? That family has enough money to live a comfortable life for at least three more generations-

-I do not know. But I'm worried. I need to know that she's fine-

-We'll send someone to her house-

-Yes... but no. First I need someone to make sure that she's fine. She told me that she came to the ball hiding from her stepmother, if all the sudden someone from the palace shows up at her door, she'll know-

-What does it matter if the girl marries you? She'll be safe in the palace-

-If she accepts me-

-Why wouldn't she?-

-The fact that we had a conversation doesn't mean she will-

-But it is a good start-

-Father, please... I just want to be sure that she is fine-

-Fine. I'll send someone to observe the house-

It was late in the evening when the messenger came back with his report. He didn't see anybody resembling a maid, just the mother and her two daughters would come and go from the rooms he could see through the windows.

Without second thoughts, the prince called his General and asked him to gather a few men to go to Reinauld's house.

Once there, the Lady of the house thought that good news were coming but after seeing the soldiers getting into her home to search the rooms her face changed completely. Her yells stopped once the King and his son walked through the door.

-Your Majesties!- the well dressed and old woman celebrated them with fake cheer -To what do I owe the honor of your visit?

-We have been told about a girl missing from your house- answered General Batiste, hiding from any sight the prince behind him.

-A girl? Missing? Nonsense! I live with my daughters here, nobody else. They are not here because they left to visit a friend, countess Montreaux. These girls, bless them, they want to keep on talking about the wonderful ball-

-How many daughters do you have?- asked Jean coldly with his face fix in the window that showed the street.

-Two: Fleur y Claire-

-And what about Marielle?-

-I'm sorry?- despite her surprise, it was rather clear that she knew of whom he was talking about-

-Your stepdaughter, Marielle-

-Mar... ah, yes... she left with her father, when he left us-

-George Reinauld worked for me. At the time od his death I sent my condolences and a medallion as a token of appreciation after so many years of service to his country- the King seemed offended after the woman's lame attempt to get rid of the situation.

-Fine, I was lying... I should've take her to a convent, poor thing, her mind wasn't quite right. She's the family's greatest shame-

-She seemed fine last night- the prince provoked her .

-Last night?- a slight biterness took over the woman's voice.

-She went to the ball- silence -we talked. Don't worry, she didn't dare to say much about you... but her story didn't need many words to be understood-

-As I said, she had issues-

-Had?- he turned towards the woman for the very first time but before he could walk to her one of the soldiers called Batiste from the kitchen. The General helped him get down the stairs that would lead them to him.

At the moment he crossed the door he could tell that Marielle spent most of her time in there. The whole place smelled like her, or viceversa, with a faint smell of oregano and other spices mixed with the scent of flour and salt.

-What did you find, soldier?-

-The fire died many hours ago but it would seem that something was burned before- Batiste reached to get the piece of burnt cloth the soldier was giving him

-This looks like a silk flower- said the General so everybody could listen.

-You burned her dress?- even though he knew the kind of person she was, he couldn't help but feel a stab on his heart for witnessing such heinous act.

-She deserved it, for disobeying-

-You keep on talking in past time- a shadow appeared in his thoughts -Where is she?- he tried to sound harsh and menacing but his coice cracked before he could finish his question.

-Where she belongs-

The prince couldn't breathe anymore and he was shaking enough that his friend and General guided him by the shoulders outside, to the backyard where there was a chicken coup and an orchard.

-Batiste, please, make your men search every inch of this property. Inside and out. We must find her-

-Yes, sir- he retired to communicate his orders to his men.

-Son, are you alright?- the King's voice came from behind and he felt his hand on his shoulder.

-What can you see from here? How is the house and it's surroundings?

-Well, it's a beautiful house... pity it didn't have the propper maintenance. It has three stories aside from the attic and the basement with the kitchen. Stone facade, big windows, balconies... is almost as big as our summer house in the beach, do you remember it?- there was no answer, so he continued with his description -I can see that some of the roof tiles fell off and there's a hole getting bigger and bigger in the attic. There are even doves coming out of it!- he saw his son still lost in his thoughts -The orchard is really nice, the pumpkins are about to be harvested. There are tomato plants and chard... I think... yes, those are onions. Its a very good job, madmoiselle Marielle has a very good green hand-

-What else?- asked Jean.

-There's a chicken coup, I can count three chickens and a rooster. They are pecking the floor looking for food-

-Probably she had to feed them in the morning- added the Prince with biterness -I hear voices afar, is there anybody else aside from the soldiers?-

-There are some kids playing on a hill, they are near a well. I hope they don't try to climb it, they might fall-

-The well- remembered Jean -She helps kids to get water from it and to toss coins when asking wishes-

Batiste came out of the house.

-We searched everywhere, there is not a trace. I'm sorry-

-General, lets go to that hill, to the well- his heart started pounding he was certain they would find her there. Batiste checked the orders with the king, he nodded.

The men were carrying torches, the night already arrived and regardless how much they tried to illuminate the well, they couldn't see anything.

A young soldier asked his friends to hold him while he tried to get as far as he could inside the well to try and see anything. But he wasn't counting his ticklish nature and his friends touch made him toss the torch to the water. He shrieked when, before the fire was extinguished, he was able to see a face in the water and what seemed to be a white dress floating.

Without confirming their orders, the soldiers started to dig with whatever they had available at the time. The neighbours got closer and offered their help and tools. With the effort of 50 people, they were able to dig to the bottom of the well. The water started to rise and it made it near impossible to keep on digging, but the thought of miss Reynauld captive in it helped them fight off the elements and the tiredness.

Todos conocían a Marielle, la niña que siempre tenía una sonrisa en los labios a pesar de tener una vida dura junto a su madrastra. Aquella que ayudaba a quienes lo necesitaban y se preocupaba por cada uno como si fuera de la familia.

A couple of women delivered bebrages to the workers and every now and then bursted in tears worried for the fate of the girl they loved so much.

-Do you know her?- asked the prince when he felt them near him.

-Since her birth, Your Highness. She was such a good child- answered one wiping her tears with hee sleeve.

-She was like a daughter to us. She even carried provisions in her sleigh for us during a winter we fell sick. She was a little girl, she was 10! Y she took care of us without any kind of binding obligation to us... a couple of peasants way below her- added the second one.

-And when her stepmother started to mistreat her we wanted to help her... but the Lady threatened us with jail. We were very scared, Your Highness... we should've done something... look where we are now!- the first woman reproached herself.

Every story the prince heard pierced his soul, but a victory scream from one of the men brought some hope back into him.

Everybody approached his location and rushed to help him rescue the girl from the water. Carefully, three of them took her out to were the King was standing next to his son. The early morning lights allowed them to see the young girl unconscious, pale, soaking wet and with some bruises on her face and arms.

Many soldiers improvised a bed with their capes on the grass so she could rest. The town's doctor was also there and jumped into action to try and find her vitals.

-They are too weak, but they are still there- everybody sighed in relief as a carriage got closee to them.

-Ladies- Jean called the women that spoke wirt him earlier -We will take her to the palace. Could you watch over her?-

-Of course, Your Highness! We'll do it with pleasure, the poor child needs love an care. We will give it to her- answered the first one while Marielle was being carried to the carriage. The doctor also climbed in it followed by the two women.

-Batiste- he called his General -Lets go back to the house. Father, go back to the palace and make sure that the doctor has everything he needs-

-I'll call the royal doctors as well, I assure you son that everything will be alright-

-I hope so- he said his goodbyes before his friend helped him to return to the Reinauld's family house.

-Your Majesty!- the screeching voices of the Lady's daughters pierced his ears -Such a pleasure to see you here!- both spoke at the same time and that was even more annoying.

-Has your mother told you the reason for my visit?-

-Yes- all courtesy was gone and their voices were now poisonous.

-I must inform you that we have found your stepsister, miss Marielle Reinauld- nothing but silence -She was in the bottom of the well abpve the hill-

-As I said, Your Highness, her mind wasn't in great shape. She probably fell or threw herself chasing a toad... she always got those nasty creatures to torment my girls, wasn't that so?- the homeowner intervened looking for her daughters approval.

-She is still alive-

-What? I mean... it is good news but I'm less than excited to see her again after everything that happened.

-Don't worry, you won't. Batiste, arrest the lady for attempted murder-

-As you say, Your Highness-

-Don't you dare to touch me! I did nothing.... it was them, they threw her down the well like a broken plate-

-Mom!- Claire got offended.

-We only threw her because you told us to!- added Fleur.

-Fine, take the three of them- Jean ordered without thinking it twice.

The soldiers tried to be polite with them showing them the way but the women refused to follow them, so they had to grab and drag them against their will. Their indignation was silenced by the yelling of their neighbours, still covered in mud, that went to the house to see the pathetic scene.

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Many weeks passed until Marielle was able to get up from the comfortable bed with silk sheets. Her good neighbours Carlotta and Vivianne helped her to eat, dress and wash herself the whole time. She didn't liked to be pampered with so much devotion, but she also knew that she couldn't do any of that alone.

Now it was a wonderful spring morning and she wanted to walk around the garden before goinf back home.

She found the kings having breakfast in a gazebo. After many pleas, she joined them.

-I am so glad that you are alright- started the Queen -Do you have everything you need? What about the dresses? Should we fix them in anyway?- she observed that Marielle had folded the cuffs since they were too long.

-No, Your Highness. It's not worth it. I have mine at home. I'm not planning on keeping any of these, they are just a loan-

-My girl! There's no need to return anything, these are gifts- said the King.

-I don't want you to think that I'm taking advantege of you. You did enough for me-

-And we would do it again- reassured the Queen -After hearing your neighbours' testimonies and your stepfamily's nonsense, I can't stop thinking that I should've followed my instincts that time and take you away from that house as soon as your father died. I always knew that that woman wasn't good news, but he was in love... I guess-

-Lets not speak more about the past, especially now that we know there are brighter days ahead. What are your plans, Marielle, now that you're free?- the king asked.

-I never made plans-

-And what would you like to do? Now you're not just the Lady and homeowner of the Reinauld House, you also possess your father's fortune.

-I have to do something for those who rescued me, both soldiers and civilians... but I do not know yet what it could be-

-That's a good start and we will support you in anything you might need- smiled the Queen while lovingly tapping her arm.

-There is no need, as I said, I don't want to take advantage of your generosity-

-You'll be the first one- laughed the King -Now I see why you caused such a good impression in Jean-

Marielle blushed, and that wasn't a secret for the other two.

-Have you talked to him? I think he's at the fountain. He enjoys the sound of water moving and the birds that sing over there.

-The Prince visited me many times and showed me the other pieces of art in the palace. He says he enjoys how I describe them- she smiled to herself -I hope I was a good friend to him-

-Why do you speak as if you are about to leave?- asked the Queen.

-Well, the doctirs told me that I am fully recovered. I must return home. I'm sure there's a lot to clean- she added laughing.

-Well, that's a shame... you know what I mean. All of us enjoy your company and it's sad to see you go away-

-I completely understand, don't worry. I know that you'll never wish any kind of evil upon me- smiled Marielle.

-Have you told Jean already?- asked the King.

-Well, the Prince knows how I think... but no, I haven't told him yet-

-You should, as we told you, he's at the fountain-

- Now?

-It is better to rip the bandage quickly- his comment was shut off by a hard stomp from his wife.

-If I may, Your Highnesses- Marielle stood up hiding her desire to laugh at the Queen's reaction.

As she was told, the prince was sitting in the grass under a tree's shadow, with his eyes closed focused on all the sounds around him. His face, just like everything near him, transmitted peace and warmth.

-Marielle- he called her softly while opening his eyes.

-I'll never be able to surprise you- she chuckled while helping him to stand up.

-You are a surprised by yoursel- he presented his arm to invite her to walk with him. She accepted.

-Why didn't you had breakfast with your parents?-

-I've been awake for hours. I had breakfast a lot earlier-

-Oh, did you have a rough night?-

-You could say that. Every day that goes by is a day closer to the day you'll leave- Marielle felt a strong pinch on her stomach -I know that you will... there is nothing to stop you-

-I'll visit you often, if you ask me to-

-You musn't base your actions in what I want but in what you want. I've enjoyed the hours that we spent together but if this were, in anyway, a duty or an obligation you set yourself as a payment for helping your escape, I do not pretend to let you continue with them-

-I would never think in that way. In any casa it's me who's embarrassed. I shared the darkest moments of my life with a complete stranger and because of that I dragged you with me. My apologies, Your Highness, if you've felt in the obligation to assit me in any way-

He smiled -Call me Jean, I've told you to do it before-

-I can't, it's disrespectful-

-I call you Marielle-

-I am a nobody-

-Don't say that- the prince noticed that his voice turned too solemn so he decided to switch the conversation tone -I have noticed something in the last couple of days: I've never danced with you-

-Maybe in the next ball-

-Or maybe now- he could feel Marielle's stranged look while he moved, still holding her hand, making her twirl to position her in the starting pose for a waltz. Jean carefully placed his hand on the center of her back while still holding her right hand. He felt foolish for a second but his worry disappeared once he felt Marielle's delicate touch on his left shoulder. She giggled and both started to dance in the grass. There, in each other's arms, they didn't needed music -There's no need for you to say anything, I know you'll be leaving tomorrow- he whispered in her ear.

-I'm sorry, I can't stay here any longer. I am recovered, I have no excuse to stay-

-I understand-

-Won't you ask me to stay?- there was a faint dissapointment tone in her voice.

-I would never be selfish enough to impose my wishes to yours- he could feel her beating heart with his fingertips and his own heart was hammering in his ears. They seemed to be synchronized and both got louder once they, unconsciously got even closer to each other -You are free- they stopped but didn't separate from the embrace.

-I no longer know what that means. It's been a long time-

-More reasons then to enjoy your freedom. You can do as you wish- a delicated kiss on his lips took him by surprise. He couldn't deny that he imagined this moment hundreds of times, but he never expected this reaction coming from her. Shyness turned into certainty and with it passion arrived. Jean didn't fight back the need to lose himself in her scent and and the warmth that came from Marielle's body. For the first time in so many years he forgot his blindness and the pain it caused him. Nothing else mattered, only that moment -Marielle- he whispered when everything was over -Don't hurt me like this-

-That's not my intention-

-You have a good heart, but pity and compassion can lead to even major cruelties if they are not measured-

-I love you- she held him tight and pressed her forehead to his -Jean, I love you-

-Still hurts seeing you escaping from an iron cage to get into a golden one-

-At least I'll have company-

-Quite a partner- he sighed -You deserve someone who can enjoy your smile, the blush on your cheeks and your eyes full of love-

-No- she caressed his face -You've asked me not to feel pity upon you, then why can you speak like this?-

-Because I want you to have a good life, even if it's not with me. Get out to the world, explore the cities, meet people. Do not waste a single more minute locked down in a house... or a palace-

-I'm not going anywhere unless you come with me-

-Marielle...- he begged.

-Jean, do you love me?- her voice was warm but there was still a shadow of uncertainty in it.

-Nobody in this world, in an individual or collective way, has loved any other person as much as I love you-

-Then, respect my decisions. I'll stay with you. Not out of compassion, not as appreciation for having saved me... but because you are a good man: you've trusted me when you didn't have to, any other person would've vanished me from the ball for snooping around where I shouldn't be. You took care of me and accompanied me without expecting anything in return. You've became the reason why I started to laugh again, you gave me hope: I never thought about the future before and now all I want is to be with you every day, every night, with children or without them, in the throne room or in a farm away from everything, I don't care as long as we are together. Please, don't ask me to be alone again-

-I'll never do that-

-So, do you accept me?

The only answer she got was a brief smile before a kiss that awoke in her chest the heat of a thousand suns. Jean held her tight and started to spin on himself. They laughed together and some tears were still running down. Their embrace was so strong that it was impossible determin where one ended and the other began. They were one. They were happy. They were everything they ever dreamt of.

#working #cinderella #retelling #fairytale #reimagined #aspiring author #my writing #writing #does this even count as a fairytale? it doesn't have fairies... or magic #beeing bored watching Disney's remakes might be good for the creative mind #will I ever finish my own Beauty and the Beast? only time will tell #tw physical abuse #tw physical violence #harleiquina's retellings #my art #english is not my native language and I translated everything on my phone while if there are any kind of mistakes that's why

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