i've forgotten how it feels

but then the masks fell and the villains were unmasked and she knew that the fight was over before she even knew it had begun. her feet took control, shoes clattering against the stone floor as she ran before approaching figures could apprehend her, all thoughts flown from her mind save to escape.

knowledge took hold of years exploring her home that she was able to quickly slip into a secret passageway and flee through the dimly-lit and vast tunnels to where she hoped she could remember was an exit outside the castle grounds.

she managed to locate the knot after what felt like hours in the endless underground, feeling the door give way and a sliver of light showing that it was indeed an exit. but there was barely time for her to sigh as she slipped out before she heard noises. her dress caught the heel of her shoe and she fell against the door; sliding down into a sitting position and trapped.

fear gripping tight, she couldn’t help but scream as the figure approached her. terror taking residence in her heart.

❛ please, i didn’t do anything. ❜ she whimpers, clawing at the ground as she tries to force herself to her feet. her heart’s pounding so loud in her head, she can barely hear her own voice let alone recognize anyone before her. ❛ please, don’t hurt me! ❜

“Oh,” Beth blushed, looking down at her feet, “Yeah, alright, flats sound good ta me if dere good fer you!” She glanced at Halima’s heels, “Oh blimey, those look like dey ‘urt real bad! Though I wouldn’t mind bein’ few extra inches taller. Papa calls me short stack!” She smiled, a little saddened by the memory, but soon carried on, “So flats are regular shoes then, huh? I think I’ll start wit’ dat.” 

She smiles. “They do hurt at first, and they can be hard to walk in. But I’m a princess, I wear them a lot. I can even run in them.” She says excitedly. “Oh I simply can’t wait to dress you up. I’m gonna make you look so gorgeous. Everyone’s gonna be throwing themselves at you.”

Beth took a breath, the whole experience still being a lot to take in, “If, uh, if ya insist…” she consented, trying hard not to let the fact that she was not familiar with shopping lingo be too obvious. “Well, uhh…I already have heels…” she replied slowly, looking down at her bare feet and gesturing towards the literal heel of her foot, “But I didn’t know ye could buy ‘em, or even replace ‘em fer dat matter. Why wouldja wanna replace yer ‘eel?” It was very difficult to keep the confusion off of her face, and she was not succeeding by any stretch of the imagination. 

Halima giggles. “No sweetheart, high heels. But that answer tells me everything I need to know .Flats it is.” She lifts up her dress and shows her her heels. “These are high heels. They’re comfortable once you get used to them. But I really think flats are the way to go for you.”

More than anything, Beth longed to protest further, but the girl’s urgency caused her to merely let herself be led to the shop. But as soon as they got there, she stood, frozen, gaping in awe, “Bloody brilliant…I’ve never seen dis many dresses before….ever! But really, Miss, ye don’t need ta spend yer money on lil’ ol’ me. It’s-it’s a waste.” 

She shakes her head. “It’s not a waste. We’ll get you a dress and all the accessories. Would you like heels or flats?” She smiles. “I’ll fix your hair too. I’ll make you look super cute I promise. Everyone’s going to be wanting to dance with you.”

Beth was about to open her mouth to insist that she was not “in need,” but then thought better of it and blinked, choosing instead to say, “Are ya sure? I mean, it sounds like an awful bother, an’ I don’t wanna burden ya…” She couldn’t help sneaking a glance at the other girl’s dress, a well concealed envious glint in her eyes, “You really don’t ‘ave to, y’know,” the Cockney stammered. 

“No sweetheart. I want you to come in and have a good time. I’ll buy you a dress for each night. Anything you want. I have the money and I don’t mind spending it. Come on then love, let’s hurry before we miss the party.” She takes her hand and leads her to a dress shop.

❝ But, mister guv’ner, sir, ya don’t understand. I go to dis school, I do, an’  come in dese ‘ere gates most every day, see- ❞

“ I’m sorry miss, but there is a strict dress code enforced, and I’m under strict instructions not to let anyone in who is,” he cleared his throat politely, looking pointedly at her soot-stained and dingy grey dress, “Under-dressed.”