The Smart and the Pretty, Part II

(Ok, when we last left Smart, she was snivelling in the kitchen because Pretty tore a chunk out of her at the Royal Ball.)

So, Pretty had won again.

Or had she?

Soon, one by one, the guests made their way to where Smart was feeling a *little* sorry for herself, and they began to offer Smart understanding and sympathy, but also, they mentioned that they were apalled at how Pretty was behaving. Princess Pretty was NOT the hit of her Royal Ball, her behaviour was NOT at all pretty, and she was acting decidedly, UNprincess-like.

And then, Smart's beloved, Sir Cuddly, showed up from the end of a long shift at the the town crier's bell-making factory. Suddenly, Princess Smart had friends. She wasn't so tired. Energized by the unexpected support, Smart sucked it up and marched back in there, head held high.

When it came time for Pretty to open the gifts, she reeled in shock at the beautiful hand-made stationary that Smart had created...the songs that Smart had composed to entertain Pretty's guests...the painting that she had walked all the way to a far off land to attain. She realized that she had accused the one person who had tried the hardest to make things wonderful, of trying to "ruin" everything. She had torn up and spit out for all to see, the person who had cared the most.

And Pretty felt pretty ugly.

At the end of the Royal Ball, as the guests were leaving, Pretty pulled Smart aside for a heartfelt thank you, metioning that she had been truly touched by Smart's efforts and thoughtful gifts.

Smart nodded graciously, realizing that this was as close to an apology that she could ever hope to receive. Smart left the Royal Ball tired, but happy.

And began plotting her revenge.

~The End~