I had always been admired, I have known this since birth, I had a beauty unknown to any other creature in the entirety of Florina. My hair was as shiny as a diamond, and as blue as the sky on a perfect day, my flawless waves that would soon flow down to my waist, gave the illusion of ripples in a flowing stream. My eyes were an inhuman shade of grey that would trap you inside if you looked for too long. whilst my nose was pointed to perfection, But like every person I had my flaws. I grew up in the castle in the capital of the kingdom Florina, my parents were the rulers of the kingdom. As their only daughter they spoiled me, with gifts and as many dresses to make a common child pass out. This caused me to take many things for granted, and grow up to be quite a brat. Of course that didn't matter in my first life, for I did not know the brutalness of the world around me. Though I wish I did. Well there's nothing I can do about it now, all I can do is think back.

“Scarlet!” yelled prince Kyle, the prince from the neighboring kingdom Christine, and Scarlet's soon to be husband.

“I'm coming” replied Scarlet as she walked to the throne-room of Christine palace with grace in every step as though she was walking on air. She stepped into the throne-room wondering what was going on

“Oh there you are Scarlet” said prince Kyle voice booming

“I'm sure, you're wondering why I called you here”

“ I want to call off our engagement…”

“WHAT!”

“What you can't do this, we have been engaged since we were eight, I will not allow it, how could yo…”

But before she could continue she was cut off

“I know you must be quite confused but this is very much necessary”

“I'm also sure that you would want to know the reasoning behind this decision. well the thing is, your a horrible person who knows nothing of the world and has not an ounce of kindness in her heart”

What is he talking about, Scarlet thought, I am one of the greatest people on earth no one compares to me, what is going on, how could this happen.

“I would also like to inform you that I have found a new wife, one who may not have beauty like yours but she has a heart of gold”

“WELL IF SHE IS SO AMAZING THEN SHOW HER TO ME! UNLESS SHE'S FAKE!” scarlet screeched

“Very well then” prince Kyle said in a calm matter

“Guards, bring Serenity to me”

The guards walked out of the room, when they returned a girl followed behind them. Though she was not nearly as beautiful as Scarlett she had a strange aura to her, what could it have been? A smile. Her smile was so bright that it would light up a room, it made her look like a blazing fire lighting up a dark forest.

Although Scarlet did not show it on her face she was completely shocked.

Serenity walked up to the throne where prince kyle sat and planted herself next to him.

“As you can see my wife is very much real”

“Now as we have been speaking the maids have packed up your things for you”

“LILITH come here!”

The head maid Lilith came running into the room holding three very heavy and expensive bags.

“Now your kingdom is not far away, in fact its right next to Christine so you will be sent back home on foot”

“Oh and Lilith”

Lilith pulled a letter out of her pocket and handed it to Scarlet.
“This letter is for your parents telling them everything that we have discussed these past minutes”

Scarlet simply stood there for a minute processing everything that had just happened, that's when something came over her, complete and utter rage. She lunged at the prince with the intention to scratch out his eyes. He didn't flinch, not even one bit. Luckily before she could harm anyone the guards caught her.

“You dare try to harm the prince of Christine”

“Not only could you have hurt the soon to be king but it also looks like you had what seems to be a weapon hidden in your pockets”

Scarlett knew that she had tried to hurt the prince but what did he mean by weapon. That's when she saw it the letter opener she had placed in her pocket earlier had fallen on the floor.

“With this evidence I would say that you had attempted murder, am I wrong”

“Of course you're wrong!” she screamed so loud that you could hear her throughout the entire palace

“Why would I attempt to kill you!”

“That I do not know the answer to, but not only is there a weapon, but also many witnesses in this room whom have seen your evil doing. Now if I were to tell anyone in the kingdom that someone tried to assassinate their soon to be king, what would they say the punishment should be?”

“Death perhaps”

“No! i'm the princess of Florina you cannot kill me i'm royalty!”

“How does that make a difference its still attempted murder ”

“I told you I did not try to kill you, and that so called weapon is a letter opener, I was opening a letter from my parents, I may have tried to blind you but I did not attempt murder in any way”

Suddenly she clasped her hands over her mouth

Everyone was staring at her,she felt as if over a million eyes were looking into her head.

“Very well you may not have tried to kill me but there is proof you you tried to blind your ruler and for that you will be punished tomorrow at lunchtime you will be executed in front of the whole kingdom for what you have done”

And with that the guards brought her to the dungeon and locked her up. That night she had a terrible sleep on the cold concrete floor. In the morning the sun woke her up, shining though a tiny window close to the roof not nearly big enough to fit even someone's head out of it. She sat on the floor curled up in a corner. Her expensive dress was covered in dust on the left side. She stayed put for four hours just thinking, not about anything in particular, just thinking till the guards arrived.

They dragged her up and pulled her out of the cell out of the palace into the streets and to the execution center in the middle of the town. A guillotine sat there waiting for her. The guards shoved her down and locked her head in place so she wouldn't escape.

“Any last words”

She looked at everyone in the crowd, out of all the many commoners not one wore a fancy dress like hers or had expensive books or toys, she looked at the floor, the pale grey cobblestone floor.

“You will regret this!”

SHINK!

Her head fell to the ground, she looked at the world one last time, parents covering children's eyes, people walking back to stalls and houses, and those who just stood there she closed her eyes expecting the worst but all she saw was pitch black.

'Black pitch black, then falling, falling into the deep dark, deep dark nothingness.

FWSH

Scarlett sat up

Was that all a dream, yes? Yes it must have been, she thought, or at least I think it was.

She got up and walked towards her full length mirror still rubbing her eyes, she moved her hands away from her face only to see the person standing in front of her. She collapsed to the floor while clasping her hands around her month, afraid she would scream. What, no this cannot be! she thought, but I, I swore I was 19 just the other day. The person standing in front of her was in fact her, but in the form of a nine year old girl.

OK I just need to calm down, maybe I just imagined I was ten years older than I am, what would any other possible explanation be.

Ding, dong, ding, dong. Ding, dong, ding, dong.

BONK, BONK, BONK, BONK, BONK, BONK, BONK, BONK!

The big clock at the town’s center went off.
Oh my its already eight o'clock, I must be late for breakfast.

“Agatha!” she called

“Yes mistress, im coming right now” Agatha her maid hollered.

There was a hint of fear in her voice, afraid she would be punished if she came too slowly.

“There you are Agahta, hurry up and dress me, I must not be any later than I am.”

“yes , right away mistress”

Agatha walked towards her enormous wardrobe.

“What dress would you like today Mistress, a red one, a green one, purple perhaps?”

“I would like the light blue dress, the one with the gold trim and the pearls”

“Yes right away mistress” Agatha hurried to grab the blue dress off its hanger, when she walked out from the wardrobe she had the most gorgeous dress you could ever imagine, in fact it was the princesses favorite.

It was a light blue dress with a golden lace trim, blue lace puff sleeves, many frills at the front and pearls adorned everywhere. Scarlett had already put on her hoop skirt and corset.

“Mistress would you please put your arms up for me” Agatha asked still trembling

Scarlet placed her hands in the air and closed her eyes as Agatha placed the expensive dress over the princesses head. Agatha then reached toward the dressing table and opened a drawer filled with big ribbons, She looked though the many different colors then picked a shimmering blue one and tied it in a bow around the princess waist, Another ribbon was tied in her hair to keep it out of her face.

Princess Scarlett walked towards the mirror, nodded then turned to look at Agatha

“I suppose it shall do” she said

Agatha sighed out of relief in a quiet manner so the princess wouldn't notice.

“Now get my room ready for my lessons while i'm gone, I expect it to be perfect when I return”

Although Scarlet was spoiled she was not dumb she would be tutored in English, math, ballroom dancing and basic etiquette from Monday to Friday, while on weekends she would ride her horse Artemis and lounge around in her room.

Scarlett walked out of the room gracefully, but when she was sure no one was looking she rushed towards the dining hall. The door to the hall was closed so the family could talk without anyone listening in on them.

Scarlet knocked 3 times,

Knock knock knock.

“Its me Scarlet”

And with that she let herself in, the family was seated around the table, her father and mother at the end and her 3 brothers on the sides. Scarlet walked over to an empty seat next to her mother and placed herself down.

She noticed her mother wore a new dress, although she did not say it, she thought she thought it complemented her eyes quite well. The dress was a pastel pink gown made of silk with frilly lace on the sleeves. She kept a pink lace clip with flamingo feathers in her dark blue hair that swept down to her feet. Scarlet had always admired her mothers beauty, in fact sometimes looking at her mother felt like looking in a mirror to the future as Scarlet took after her mother in looks.

“Your late” said her father emotionless

“I suppose I am”

Scarlet made sure she used proper manners whenever in front of important people such as royals.

“Just make sure it doesn't happen again” her father king carl said while cutting a piece of bread

Princess Scarlet put some baked potatoes, boiled carrots and orange slices on her plate as well as a slice of buttered bread.

“Father you seem to be dressed up today is there a special occasion” asked her older brother prince Fillip

King Carl was unusually wearing a black suit that day with his silver hair combed back.

“Why yes Filip, today i'm meeting with king Calcifer to talk about your sisters arranged marriage with prince Kyle”

Scarlet felt as if this had happened before but she couldn't remember when.

“In fact I should be leaving at any moment now.”

“Oh mother is that a new dress, it’s lovely” blurted out prince Allen, who was the youngest of the royal family

“I'm glad you noticed Allen, I got the seamstress to make it for me special for today since I am going to Christine with your father, i'm going to have tea with queen Lia. Oh that reminds me, Scarlet dear I know this is sudden but will you come with us, it is important you get to know your future husband you know.”

“I would love to mother, but unfortunately I have my lessons today and I mustn't…”

“Oh that doesn't matter dear its only one day”

“Well if you insist, then I suppose I will have to”

“Oh I'm just so excited!"

Knock, knock

The guards opened the door

“Sorry to interrupt, but the carriage is ready”

“We will come right away” said king Carl standing up from the table

Everyone seated jolted up . The three princes, Fillip, Apollo and Allen went to the courtyard to practice their sword skills while King Carl, Queen Mackenzie and Princess Scarlet headed to the Carriage to Christine.

“Oh I just can't wait to meet queen Lia” Queen Mackenzie exclaimed

“We're going to have so much fun! We can talk about our lives in the palace and our favorite dances and…”

Queen Mackenzie continuously talked like this the whole ride, which bored Scarlet to death.

When they finally arrived after what felt like days (due to a certain someone) Scarlet scurried out of a carriage followed by her mother and father. There were 3 guards waiting for them at the entrance of Christine palace. Scarlet and her mother curtsied and then were led to a small tea room, sitting at a little table was queen Lia and prince Kyle.

“Oh welcome mackenzie” said queen lia just as exited as queen mackenzie was

“Well hello there Lia, its so nice to finally meet you” replied queen mackenzie

“Come now wont you” queen lia gestured to the two seats opposite of her

So both Scarlett and her mother sat down, one with the biggest smile ever and the other with an awful sowl.

Scarlett scanned the table, it seemed to have a platter full of desserts and fancy looking food such as: vanilla and strawberry cupcakes, egg sandwiches, a platter of 3 different cookies (chocolate chip, afghans and almond), macarons and apple slices. Queen Mackenzie and queen lia were talking so fast it felt like spy code to scarlett. While the two queens were speaking prince Kyle was playing with his fingers clearly bored.

“Hi! I'm Kyle” prince Kyle said very suddenly and unexpectedly

Scarlet looked at him in disgust before speaking

“Hello, I'm Princess Scarlet of Flo…”

“Yea yea, come with me”

And with that before she even knew it Kyle had took her hand and pulled her out of the door down the stairs though the kitchen and out into the courtyard. It wasn't very big but it had many trees around.

“Do you like climbing trees”

“No, as a princess I must not do anything that could put me in danger such as climb…”

“Your no fun”

Prince Kyle began to climb a big oak tree, Scarlet thought he looked like a squirrel climbing up that tree, and not only that she also thought he was quite rude interrupting her mid sentence.

Scarlet spent the rest of the day sitting on the grass memorizing princess etiquette her teacher had taught her while Kyle climbed trees and ran around. When she finally got home she called for her maid Agatha to run her a bath and get her nightgown before she went to bed. The next day she got back to her lessons that went on till Friday, then in the weekend she rode Artemis and sat in her room, this was her routine for 10 more years. By the time she had turned 19 it would be just a week till she was married off. on her 19th birthday she received many gifts such as jewelry made from silver and adorned with diamond's, pearl's and such, new silk dresses, and fancy letter writing tools. Two days after her birthday she was sent to the palace of Christine accompanied by Agatha who carried all of the luggage. Scarlet was given a temporary room at the palace to stay before the wedding this is were she spent most of her time for the remaining days.

Time skip 3 day's, two days until the wedding.

Scarlet was looking though her letters most of witch were from her parents when she heard someone call her.

"Scarlet!" yelled prince Kyle

"I'm coming!" replied Scarlet

she was about to slip her letter opener into her pocket when she felt a cold breeze flow though her, not just like the shivers like a wave of ice water pushing her she dropped the knife shaped tool.

"Oh great!"

"Agatha put that on the table for me" and with that she walked out of the door and into the throne-room.

"Oh there you are Scarlet, I'm sure your wondering why I called you here" a beat "I want to call off our engagement"

Wait what, Scarlet thought, what did he just say and why do I feel like I have heard that before, that's when it hit her maybe that dream she had when she was just a child wasn't just a dream.

“I know you must be quite confused but this is very necessary. I'm also sure that you would want to know the reasoning behind my decision, well the thing is, you're a horrible person who knows nothing of the world and has not an ounce of kindness in her heart. I would also like to inform you that I have found a new wife, one who might not have beauty like yours but has a heart of gold.”

He waved at the guards to go collect his new wife. Scarlet was silent hoping nothing would happen to her like before. In a few minutes time the guards appeared again with Serenity who had that same smile on her face, that beautiful awful smile. She then proceeded to walk up to the throne next to prince Kyle.

“Now as we have been speaking the maids have packed everything up for you”

“Lilith! Come here!”

Just like last time Lilith came running in with three bags

“Now your kingdom is not far away, in fact its right next to Christine so you will be sent back home on foot”

“Oh and Lilith”

She pulled that very same letter out of her pocket and handed it to Scarlet.

“This letter is for your parents telling them everything that we have discussed these past minutes”

Scarlett placed the letter in her dress pocket although she would never give it to her parents.

Kyle then waved a hand to Lilith who tried to give Scarlet her bags, but Scarlett refused to lay a finger on them. She then walked out of the palace, and into the streets, she had to ask many people the way home as she was always driven by horse and carriage.

After some time she finally arrived back at Florina palace, guards were surrounding the palace, she walked past them unfazed till she reached the door

Knock! Knock! Knock!

The door opened

“Scarlet we have been waiting for you”

King Carl was at the door with Queen Makenzie slightly further away, she could tell her mother was mad but despite that there was a hint of guilt on her face.

“We know all about what happened” a beat “and you are no longer allowed at the palace, we will give you ten minutes and when those ten minutes have ended if you're not out of our sight, well I think you understand what will happen.”

Scarlet was confused as she had not given them the letter yet how could they have known, but unless she wanted to die again she would have to leave the palace, so she walked away.

Once she was far away from the palace she sat on a bench and took the letter out of her pocket, she turned it over in her hands inspecting the sides, when she saw it her name written on the envelope Scarlet. She ripped it open without hesitation and inside as expected there was a letter and this is what it read:

Dear Scarlet

I knew you would never give any letter written by anyone other than yourself to your parents so I made sure to send them a letter in advance. Now I know what your thinking, why did I give you a this letter if I already sent one to your parents, well although you would never do anything like this to help anyone ever, if you can make a living by by yourself in the next six months, and I can see you have become a better person next time I visit you will not be executed. However if I do find that you have not changed, or can't make a living by yourself in the time given you shall be brought to death by my sword.

Yours sincerely Kyle

Ps: I will need a letter back within the next five months containing your occupation and your address

“WHAT!”

“How could he, is this even allowed, hasn't he done enough”

She looked up from the letter only to find there was a strange man in front of her

“AH!”

He jolted back

“Oh sorry mam I did not mean to scare you, it’s just I was wondering if you were lost and might need some help.”

He looked to be around 20, he wore tattered clothes with grass stains around his ankles, his messy brown hair had golden hay tangled in it, and he had the biggest grin like something great had just happened.

“Why would you think that?” Scarlet asked

“Well judging from your clothes your not from around here, you must be from quite a wealthy family.”

“Oh right, well if you have to know I have just been kicked out, I don't suppose you know a place I could stay do you.”

“You could stay at my house im sure mother won’t mind, it wont be free though”

“Well then that's out of the question, unfortunately my wallet is empty.”

“Why would that be a problem”

“You said I would have to pay you”

“No I didn't, I just said it wouldn't be free, if you help around the house im sure you could stay”

“Really well I would be happy to help then!”

“Come follow me”

He put his hand out it was covered in dirt and grime, Scarlet hesitated but chose to take it in the end

“Oh my names Keith by the way, whats yours”

“Scarlet”

He stopped and moved his hand away from hers

“Huh, why”

“Its a long story”

“Oh alright then”

They continued to walk the path till they reached a cottage, it wasn't particularly small but it was not big either. Surrounding it was a wooden fence and a large field filled with fruit trees, there was a patch with potatoes growing too.

Keith walked towards the door Scarlet following behind

Knock, Knock, Knock

“Its me”

“The potatoes have come out great this year so I'm going to make potato pie”

“Oh that’s great mother, but, well I have brought someone over”

“Oh is this one of your friends from that farming club of your’s”

She placed down the potato and peeler, PLONK, then turned to face them

“OH” although she tried to hide it there was a shocked expression on her face

“SCARLET”

She knelt down

“Im so sorry for not introducing myself earlier miss, im Helina”

“Oh, uh, mam you do not need to kneel”

“But you are a princess and soon to be queen are you not”

“Well not anymore”

“Oh dear what happened”

“Well its, its a long story”

“She was wondering if she could help around the house and in return have a place to stay” Keith joined in

“Well it wouldn't hurt would it, we have a spare room since your older brother moved out she can stay there”

“Now dear let me get you out of those clothes, don’t want to get them dirty do we”

“O-oh all right”

Scarlet followed Helina into another room, it was small and had cobwebs in the corners. a writing sat desk on the back wall, there was also a cupboard built into the wall that Helina was now rummaging through.

“Ah, here you go” she held out a folded dress “you can put this on, im going back to the kitchen come get me once your done.”

She walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Clomp, clomp clomp

After adjusting the dress so it would not itch her so much, she took a spin, watching the fabric fly up slightly then falling back to drape around her legs.

Scarlet took a breath knowing quite well she looked like an average commoner, she then waltzed gracefully out of the room and back into the kitchen where Helina and Keith had just finished peeling the potatoes.

“Ah Scarlet come here the potatoes have almost finished boiling but we will need help to these them”

Scarlet walked over to her hosts

“Keith get the chopping boards for us will you”

Keith walked over slightly to the side to reach a cupboard, he scanned though everything pointing out his finger till he found it, he took out two wooden chopping boards and placed them in front of the ladies. He then walked over to a pot on the stove where the potatoes were boiling and moved them to a bowl

“Well im going to outside now, have to check the fruit trees”

And with that he left.

“Alright, first you can wash your hands over there” she pointed towards a small basin with a bar of soap next to it, as well as a hand towel. Once she was done washing up she walked back over to Helina.

“Now dear, do you know how to cut”

“Well, I-uh, they never thought me back at the palace” she looked down at her hands

“Tsk, I guessed so, well suppose I will just have to teach you then, alright let me get the knives.” she opened a drawer and pulled out two knives, then placed one next to her and one near Scarlet.

“First pick a potato out of the bowl in front and place it on the board.”

Scarlet picked a potato out of the wooden bowl sitting on the benchtop and placed it on her chopping board.

“Next pick up your knife”

“Ok, know watch and follow what I do do”

Helina held one end of the potato then started cutting slices starting from the other end, scarlet tried to follow but could not match the speed nor precision of her hostess. Once they had finished chopping they placed the pieces in a crust Helina had made before Scarlet had arrived, they topped it with some grated cheese then put it in the oven to cook.

“Alright now that that's in the oven, shall show you where you shall be staying”

The two walked to a small room, it was small but livable. The walls and floor matched the rest of the house, there was a small bed in the middle with a brass frame and deep blue sheets. Next to the bed was a small set of draws with a chamberstick atop it. There was a little door next to the entrance leading to a small closet, on the other side of the room was a window showing the farmland, there were no curtains as they would have to wake when the sun came out anyway. Underneath the window was a small table with a shiny black sewing machine on it.

Scarlet was not exactly happy that this was where she was staying but at least she was not on the streets.

“This used to be Keith's older brother's room before he moved, we have been using it for storage for the past three years, although there is not much to store.”

“I thought that room where the dress you gave me was for storage, is it not.”

“Oh that, that's the study we can read a few books and write letters there. There were dresses in the cupboard because I wanted to save them for my daughter Ruby, she is actually turning seven soon. I wanted to have them for when she is older, they were mine when I was younger believe it or not.”

“You have a daughter, how come I have not seen her yet.”

Helina chuckled

“She is still at school, although she should be coming home soon. Anyway, since you don’t have any clothes on hand I will lend you my old ones, you can hang them up in the closet over there.”

She pointed towards the closet as she left the room.

While Helina collected her old clothes Scarlet walked over to the wardrobe and peaked inside. It was pretty much just a cupboard with a wooden rod and one shelf Scarlet thought. There were some wooden hangers sitting on the wooden bar and a basket filling up the area where the shelf sat.

When Helina returned she was carrying her old folded dresses and nightgown as well as Scarlet’s dress.

“Here you can hang these up. I'm going to wait for the pie to finish baking in the kitchen.”

Once scarlet had done as she was told she walked out to the kitchen, Helina was holding something in her hands, it was some fabric and a needle and string.

“What are you doing?”

“Hmm, I'm sewing, I need something to put my coins inside so I'm making a drawstring bag to use as a purse.”

“Could you teach me?”

Scarlet was quite interested for once in her life

“Mother, mother, I'm home!”

“Oh I have to go scarlet, we can finish tomorrow.”

Helina walked out of the room.

“I'm coming!”

Scarlet followed her to the entrance not making a sound, she watched Helina greet Ruby.

“I'm so glad your home, I'm making potato pie for dinner.”

She knelt down and hugged her daughter and for some reason scarlet felt strange seeing it. It was like there was a rock sinking in the pit of her stomach, perhaps it was jealousy, no it could not be that. She realised that she had no memories of her parents treating her like that. Sure they spoiled her with gifts but they never went out of their way to see her, they never hugged her, she did not even have memories of them touching her, or playing with her. Ever since she was a child she simply lived in the palace and did her lessons, she was lonely as a child, that was until she met her horse, Artemis. On her sixth birthday her parents gave her the horse. It was only a baby but it was well trained, she spent all her free time with that horse, suppose it was like a friend to her, someone who could bring her joy. Only now that joy was out of reach, he would be living in the palace of Christine, far far away from his owner.

“Huh mother, whos that?”

Ruby pointed at Scarlet and Helina turned to face her

“Oh thats Scarlet she will be staying with us for a while. Scarlet come over here won’t you.”

Scarlet walked over to them

“Hello, I'm Scarlet.”

She curtsied in the beautiful way she always did, although wearing that dress she looked even more grateful than usual. Ruby’s jaw dropped for a moment then she spoke

“Hello miss im Ruby are you my new big sister”

Her eyes were big and hopeful

“No”

Scarlet and ruby cleaned their hands then returned back at the table, Helina was taking the pie out of the oven and Keith had just come back to the house, he had brought 1 big basket of fruit with him from the trees outside.

“Keith dinner is ready go wash up , quickly now.”

When they had all sat down Helina served out four pie pieces for them all. Scarlet although discussed at the thought of eating it picked up a fork and started to eat, to her surprise it actually tasted really good.

“Oh my, this is the best thing I have ever tasted.”

They all laughed, apart from Scarlet who was confused, what did they find funny?.

“I guess I will have to try to make it more often then.”

Once they had finished and cleaned their dishes, (scarlet struggled quite a bit with that task) they went to their separate rooms and got to sleep.

The bed Scarlet slept on was certainly not as comfy as her old one at the palace, but at least it was not the dungeon floor again.

Many weeks passed, Scarlet grew accustomed to her new life and although she was still rude at times she was very different compared to when she first arrived. She was kinder now, she appreciated things a lot more and on the way found she had a love for sewing. She often spent hours in her room practicing her skills, once all her house chores were done of course. It had already been 3 months since she left the palace, she knew she would have to move out very soon but she had no money, what could she do. She would sit in bed at night just thinking about what she could do, until one day it came to her.

She had been practicing sewing for a while and could actually sew dresses now. If she could find a way to sell those dresses, maybe she could buy a shop and her very own machine, Only thing was how could she sell them?

The next day at breakfast she told everyone about her situation and the dresses, she asked if they knew anyway she could get them to sell.

“Well dear you could walk around with your dresses and ask if anyone would like to buy them, make sure you carry that bag you made when I first taught you to sew, you can use that to cary money from sales and give out any change.”

“Yes that could work but wont my hand be full of dresses how do I hand them to people, or give out change?”

“I could help you with that. I'm off the farm tomorrow, I can carry the dresses for you while you try to get sales.” Keith said head in his porridge

“Really, you would do that!” Scarlet jumped from her chair

“Its not like I have anything better to do really.”

“Oh thank you Keith, really thank you.” She finished her porridge, cleaned off her plate, then rushed to her room.

“I'm going to price these, I will be back soon to help you with the wash day Helina!”

And she did just that.

The next day her and Keith set off to town, they walked around all day trying to get sales, in the end they sold three dresses. As they were walking home Keith spotted a park bench with a tree behind it he ran towards it.

“Hey KEITH! Wait for me will you! It's not easy to run in heels!”

When she had catched up to him he had placed the remaining dresses on the park bench but was out of site, the only thing she could see was the big tree.

“UP HERE!”

Scarlet looked around then she saw it a figure sitting up in the tree.

“What are you doing up there!”

“Its fun! Come on climb up!”

“What if I fall!”

“Stand on the bench then hold onto the branch and pull yourself up!”

“Im don’t think I can do that in these shoes”

“Then take them off!”

“Huh wha…”

“Come on Scarlet hurry up!”

She untied the lace ribbon and slid the shoes off. Grabbing onto the branch she swung herself up, at first she failed, but after a few tries she got it. Her and Keith sat on the branch together, Keith swinging his legs and Scarlet hanging on to the trunk like it was the only thing keeping her alive.

“Why am I doing this”

“It's fun, you don't need to hold on to the trunk by the way, You're not going to fall.”

“How would you know that?”

“I haven't fallen yet have I, so why would you.”

Scarlet slowly let go of the trunk, but the terrified look on her face never left.

“See its not that bad. Hahaha!”

“What so funny?”

“Sorry you just look so scared its funny, here ill help you get down.”

He jumped off the branch, it gave Scarlet quite a shock and she quickly went back to hugging the tree trunk.

“Jump down!”

“Huh! ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND!”

He chuckled

“Im here so you wont get hurt alright!”

Scarlet took a deep breath then let go of the trunk and jumped.

“AHH!”

She landed on her feet but immediately lost her balance afterwards and fell to the grassy floor.

“See its fine come lets go back home.”

He walked towards the bench to collect the dresses.

“HAHAHA! Ok ill wait.”

He picked up her shoes and through them to her

“CATCH!”

Scarlet flinched but caught them still, she put them on and Keith sat next to her holding the dresses.

“I think I can walk now.”

Keith jumped up

For the next two weeks she spent most of her time sewing and selling her dresses. By some point she had enough to buy a space in the market square. She was eccentric, she worked hard day and night creating magnificent dresses for party’s, housework, or just everyday outings.

She was gaining a lot of popularity in the streets, and soon everyone wanted to buy a dress from her. The prince never visited even though it had been a year so Scarlet now had proof that he was bluffing. Not only did she have a great life on the streets but she lived a great life at home. Actually, she and Keith had started dating, after spending so much time together they realised they had feelings for each other. Scarlet confessed first then Keith admitted how he felt after. Helina and Ruby were really happy for them, Ruby was especially happy that Scarlet would be her older sister now.

The two would often go to the park bench where they first met and have lunch together. They planned that once they got married they would buy a shop with a small garden in the back to grow potatoes. That is what would have happened.

One day Scarlet was selling dresses in town when she closed the stall for just 20 minutes to get a lunch break. She walked to the bench where her and Keith usually sat. She was not far away but before she could reach their meeting place, she felt something pierce through her back and into her heart. She fell to the floor, in tremendous pain, her heart stung not just from getting stabbed but also because she knew she would not get to see Keith in her last moments. A deep red liquid seeped out of her that she could not stop, with the last drop of strength she had she turned around to see her killer. It was another seamstress, holding sewing scissors with the same red concoction that was pouring out of scarlet back dripping off the blades. It turned out she used to be quite popular with the people till scarlet came, she had no way to stop scarlet’s fame from rising apart from this one thing. She was a very self absorbed person she needed fame and wealth and with scarlet in the picture that just could not happen.

“T-tell Keith to wait for me.”

Those were her last words after that she was hoisted back to the awful sea of black.

Darkness surrounded her once more, she could feel herself floating no wait it was more like drifting. The pitch black emptiness made her feel hopeless. She did not try to escape, her fate had been chosen already and she understood that, so she just let herself drift away. After some time she realised her eyes were closed. How did I not notice that before, she thought. Slowly she opened her eyes only to find it was not black or empty in fact there was colour everywhere, it reminded her of water paint swirling around her. Apart from all the colors she could see clocks everywhere, old clocks, new clocks, broken clocks, cute clocks, strange clocks. There was a black clock with the face of a cat and a tail that caught her eye, she swam over to it to get a better look. Its eyes and tail were moving from side to side on beat with the ticking, Tick, Tick, Tick. She moved her hand to the glass face, her pale fingers circling the numbers written, all of a sudden the ticking sounds stopped, it was completely silent for just a second, then, BURRR!

All the hands started to spin backwards.

BURRRRRR! Scarlet was pushed back by something that felt like a gust of wind, after a short time she saw a door, it was gold and was engraved with many different wildflowers.

Whatever was pushing her continued to move towards the closed door, Scarlet could see it getting closer and she knew she was going to get hit. She closed her eyes tightly, but she felt fine, nothing hit her, she opened her eyes only to find the door had opened and she was being pushed through it. The breeze stopped, it was quiet, the clocks seemed to have stopped again, it felt peaceful so Scarlet just stood where she was. BANG! The door slammed shut, Scarlet turned her head around but suddenly WOOSH! The floor under her disappeared completely

“AHHHHHHH!” she squealed

She turned her head to look where she was falling, she could see a bright light but nothing else so she turned her head back to normal, and continued to fall. She was about to hit the floor which shined gold beneath her, WOOSH Scarlet sat up.

She was back in her room again she turned her head to look around the room then down at her hands witch where small and pale.

Am I back at the palace, she thought, why am I here again?

She got out of bed and walked towards her mirror to take a look at herself.

“Im not bleeding anymore.”

She placed herself on the floor crosslegged, and just sat silently for a moment thinking. I suppose since I'm back I might as well live my life to the fullest, I know my dresses were popular in my last life but that was mostly because they were cheap, maybe I should practise my sewing a little more. I'll ask if I can get a tutor, maybe then I can improve my skills.

Ding dong ding dong, ding dong ding dong

BONK, BONK, BONK, BONK, BONK, BONK, BONK, BONK!

The clock in the town centre went off.

“Oh my im going to be late again”

Scarlet scurried towards her wardrobe to grab a dress only to find herself in shock, she knew she had a lot of dresses but she never knew she had this many. She didn't really go in her wardrobe in her past life, she was usually shown her new dresses that were then placed in the closet by her maid, as well as that Agatha usually got dresses from the wardrobe for Scarlet to wear.

Scarlet walked over to a mannequin to where her old favorite dress was placed, she took it off the stand and placed it on. Once she had done that she ran out of the closet and towards her vanity to quickly brush her hair and tie it up. Her hair brush was made of silver and had little birds curved into the shimmering metal. She opened the top draw and grabbed out a ribbon that matched her dress colour then used it to tie her hair into a ponytail.

BANG!

Agatha opened the door

“I'm sorry for interrupting you mistress but you must get up, everyone is waiting for you and..”

She looked over to the dresser where Scarlet sat tying her hair up, she was shook.

“Oh uh im sorry for interrupting but you really must come miss”

“oh and Agantha sit down and rest will you”

“Oh uh y-yes?”

Scarlet closed the door behind her and rushed towards the dining room where everyone was sitting

Knock, Knock, Knock

“Its me, Scarlet”

She opened the door and waltzed towards her seat on the table, the room looked the exact same as last time she had come.

“Your late” said her father the same way he did last time

“Oh, i suppose i am”

She placed some potatoes on her plate

“Father i was wondering could you get me sewing tutor”

“Why ever would you need to sew”

“Well it may come in handy if a seamstress ever tries to make me pay extra for a dress”

“When is that ever going to happen”

“Im not sure actually, but there is a strong possibility that it could happen in the future, maybe it's happened in past”

“Dont you have enough lessons already”

“I barely have any, and they're all quite easy to be frank”

“I suppose i could make a deal, i will give you a chance to do your tests early if you pass them then i will allow you a tutor.”

“Thank you father.”

She picked up a potato with her fork

“Mother, I see you have a new dress today.”

“Oh yes the seamstress made it special for today”

Mackenzie went back to her tea

“Were going to Christine today to meet king Calcifer, you should come too Scarlet. It would be good if you met Kyle.” King Carl added

“Oh I would love to but I wanted to go to the library with Agatha today so unfortunately I ca…”

“That wasn't a request! Agatha will be there, you will be fine.”

Scarlet was disappointed but what could she do she was only a mere child she would just have to wait till another day. The fork in witch she had stabbed a potato on moved towards her mouth before she took a bite from the veggie, Munch.

Knock, Knock, Knock

Three guards had opened the door

“Sir the Carriage is ready”

“Where coming now”

Everyone jolted up from their seat and went their separate ways.

On the ride there Queen Makenzie once again would not stop talking, for some odd reason Scarlet found it somewhat more tolerable than previous times. Maybe it was because Agatha was there?

When they arrived the same three guards awaited them at the entrance. Scarlet and her mother curtsied then were led to the tea room, while her father went with king Calcifer.

When they entered queen Lia and prince Kyle were waiting for them

“Oh welcome mackenzie” queen Lia was just as exited as the last time they met

“Well hello there Lia, its so nice to finally meet you”

“Come now wont you” queen lia gestured to the two seats opposite of her

They both sat down, the queens were talking, Kyle was fiddling with his fingers, and scarlet just sat waiting for Kyle to speak.

“Hi im Kyle”

“Hello i’m Scarlet”

“Come with me”

He stood up and put out his had, Scarlet took it and was led outside the doors at quite a fast speed while Agatha followed behind.

They entered the courtyard still surrounded by many tall trees.

“Do you like climbing trees?”

“Well, im not really supposed to be climbing trees”

“You're no fun!”

Kyle ran towards a big oak tree and started to climb, Scarlet still thought he looked like a squirrel.

“He looks like a squirrel doesn't he”

Agatha couldn't help but laugh at Scarlet's comment

“Yes well I suppose he does”

She ran off towards the biggest tree she could see and began to climb to the highest branch leaving Agatha in shock. Agatha ran towards the tree, she was worried the princess might fall but Scarlet was fine. She was sitting atop the highest branch, legs swinging up and down.

“Who's no fun!” Scarlet yelled down to the prince

Kyle looked around to see where the voice was coming from, when he finally saw Scarlet sitting on the tree his jaw dropped.

“You said you cant climb!”

“NO! I said I shouldn't climb trees! Big difference!”

She began to climb down till when she was close enough to the grassy floor she hopped down.

Agatha still had Scarlet's blue heels in hand

“Agatha can I have my shoes back please”

Agatha passed Scarlet's shoes back to the princess, while Scarlet placed the heels back on, prince Kyle scurried down the tree.

Back in her past life she and Keith used to climb trees all the time. She felt sad reflecting on it but there was nothing she could do to stop that tragedy.

Kyle rushed towards her.

“How did you do that!.

Scarlet laughed softly

“Wouldn't you want to know.” She smiled back at him

“Come on Agatha lets go back to mother.”

Scarlet and Agatha started walking back to the door where they had come from.

“Hey wait for me!” Prince Kyle yelled behind them.

When they all returned to the tea room queen Mackenzie and queen Lia were dancing, like slow dancing, everyone else just stared at them utterly confused.

“Oh Scarlet dear, there you are, where did you go off to?” Mackenzie asked her daughter, stopping what she was doing.

“We were in the courtyard, what about you?”

“Me and Lia were practicing our dancing skills for the next ball coming up, she has formally invited me. Isn't it exciting!”

They all went to sit at the table apart from Agatha who stood next to Scarlet. Scarlet handed Agatha a little cake with pink icing in between layers and berries on top, Agatha was confused.

“Hmm, miss, do you want me to feed you?”

Scarlet smiled and laughed softly

“No silly, it’s for you,” she lifted the plate closer to her maid “Here, take it.”

Agatha moved her hands hesitantly but eventually took the plate and ate it very slow and cautiously.

They all spent the rest of the day chatting till it was time to go back to Florina. When they arrived home Scarlet had a short bath and changed into her silken nightgown. She hopped in bed and called Agatha to her room, where she asked her questions about her life before serving as a maid.

“Miss you seems quite different today, are you alright?” Agatha finally got the courage to ask her

“Yes, I'm fine.” Scarlet looked down “I know I was rude to you before, sorry, but I've changed now.” She looked back to Agatha and smiled.

Soon after Agatha had left Scarlet fell fast asleep, when she woke she had her breakfast with the family then spent a few hours doing tests for her lessons. Although it took a few weeks she eventually got herself a sewing tutor and excelled in the subject. By the time she had turned into a 19 year old girl for the 3rd time she was a much better person. She and Agatha had grown rather close, so close they could even call themselves friends. All those years of practice had come in handy as she had learnt to make extravagant dresses, the type only the top seamstresses could make.

Unlike her past life, for her 19th birthday she had received mountains of fabrics and ribbon in which she had requested.

When it was time to be sent to the palace she made sure to help Agatha carry her luggage as it was faster and easier that way. She spent most of her days in her room sewing with Agatha. She spent most of her days at Christine palace in her room sewing, with Agatha at her side to keep her company.

By now it would be just three days until the wedding.

Scarlet had just finished sewing a new dress for Agatha.

“Im finished Agatha.” she stood up and turned towards her friend, the newly sewn dress draped over her arms. She pushed the dress closer to her.

“Here try it on, you can go behind my privacy curtain.”

“Thank you.” Agatha said as she took the dress and walked over to try it on.

Scarlet sat down and waited for her to finish when she heard a voice calling for her

“Scarlet!” it was prince Kyle’s voice

Scarlet went completely pale and still eyes bigger than usual.

What, w-why is he calling me, but I'm not selfish in this life,(a beat) am I. This cant be happening again why would he call off the engagement. Scarlet's mind was rushing

“Just give me a moment!” she called out

“Agatha are you almost ready?”

“Yes, just give me a second.”

She walked out from the curtain in her new dress, it was long and flowy in the shape of a bell flower, the green color matched her glistening eyes, and the frills on her short sleeves glistened with grace.

“Oh Agatha you look like a fairy.” she held her hands up to her face smiling “but something feels missing.” She looked around the room till she spotted it. She had made a flower crown a few days before, it was falling apart a little but it still held a glamorous look. She rushed over to where she had placed it on the little table next to her magnolia bookshelves, then brought it back to Agatha in order to place it on her head.

“There now you look like a true fairy.”

The yellow tulips dazzled in her silky brown hair that reached just below her shoulders.

Agatha slimed and twirled around happily.

“Oh the prince was calling me, why don’t you come too.”

Scarlet grabbed onto Agatha’s wrist gently, and pulled her along to the throne-room. When they reached the throne- room prince Kyle was sitting down on his newly made throne chair.

“Oh there you are Scarlet,” his eyes moved to look down at the two “oh I see you have brought Agatha.” Scarlet could hear his voice tremble a little.

‘I’m sure you're wondering why I called you here,” he took a deep breath “I want to call off our engagement.”

“I see, are my parents informed of this matter? I wouldn't want to worry them.”

“Yes we have sent letters over to the kingdom and they completely understand the situation.”

Scarlet and Agatha walked out of the room, through the front gates and outside where the carriage was. Standing at the door was Lilith, waiting for their presence before she could open the door. Scarlet walked in first followed by Agatha, The door closed behind them and Scarlet waved goodbye to Lilith before the carriage moved away from the palace.

Why is this happening again, thought Scarlet, Maybe Serenity really is just that great of a person. I still remember the first time I met her, that unusual pink hair flowing behind her.Her basic but still intricate clothes made up of a white button up blouse and flowy blue skirt with a tail and yellow trim. Thinking back on it, it must have been made of plain cheap cotton. And I could never forget that smile, the one that lit up the whole room. It was beautiful but still felt off, It felt ungenuine and sinister more than anything, why was that?

“Miss, are you alright?” asked Agatha

“Yes, I'm fine Agtha, thank you for asking though.” she smiled back at her friend, her only human friend in this life, the one she had never realised was always by her side, no matter what.

“Thank you Agatha, for always staying by my side.”

“Oh you don’t need to thank me miss, it’s my job.”

“But you, you were my first girl friend.” Slight tears formed in her eyes, they started to run down her cheeks, she tapped her face where one was falling, it was wet and warm on her fingertip.

What is this? my face is wet, She thought.

“Oh please dont cry miss.”

“Hmm cry, is that what this is called? This is the first time I've ever cried.”

“It’s just, didn't you cry as a baby?”

“I don't really remember, you don't usually remember stuff from when you were that young. Well this is a first from what I can remember.”

Agatha leaned in to give her a hug

“It’s such an honor to be your first girl friend Princess, I mean Scarlet, I want to thank you too.” She pulled herself away from Scarlet and smiled “and whenever you need me remember ill always be there for you no matter what.”

“I'll be there for you too, Agatha, Always.”

She put her hand out, Agatha took it and they shook on their promise.