• tab I hate this stupid family.
    tab I hate this stupid Kingdom.
    tab Maybe I even hate the world.
    tab I don't see any of these other snobs having to walk around in silver shoes. I repeat, silver shoes. Talk about a pain in the a**. And this bun? I have no idea how Mazzy got all my hair into this uptight bun, but she did. And the weight pulling my head backwards and the dozens of invisible pins stabbing into my skull were doing a number on my personality. Anyone who even glanced at my face did a double take and hustled their butts to the buffet table like the Devil was after them.
    tab And of course, there was Burt.
    tab Burt's my familiar. Did I mention I'm a witch? And does it even get me a spec of notice from my parents? No, it does not. But I love Burt. He's huge- three feet- and of indeterminable origin. He's absolutely gorgeous, with glittering white and pastel blue feathers that drip off of him like water. Everybody thinks Burt is a girl, which really ruffles his feathers. No pun intended.
    tab Burt and I feel under appreciated, which I assure you you would too, with a sister like Melody.
    tab Melody is sixteen, only one year younger than me. Where my hair is usually wild and white(stress can cause pre-mature aging, can't it?), Melody's is prim, proper, straight, and a golden blond. Her eyes are huge and green. All the men in the city say that the eyes of Melody Marron are the most beautiful eyes in all the world. Personally, I think they're a little too wide and innocent, perhaps hinting towards complete and utter stupidity. The lights are on, but nobody's home.
    tab The King and Queen- our parents- love Melody. With us being their only two children, I'm supposed to be handed off to a worthy prince to become Queen of our country. I bet you there will be a tragic accident someday soon- involving me, a knife, and a quick trip to the river- so that Melody can take my place as the "rightful" queen.
    tab Am I ranting? I feel like I'm ranting.. Who cares? Better to rant to myself, than to poor Burt. If he could, I bet he'd put a gun to his little birdy head.
    tab "Tanza! Tanza!"
    tab Oh, how I love the sound of Mother's bitter voice.
    tab "Come to the table. And, please, get rid of that bird!" I walked up to my mom, arms crossed over my chest. Mother had Melody's eyes, a generous amount of crows feet, and steely grey hair with a hint of the blond that it once was. She had a voice that could send a chill up your spine, and walked like she had a perpetual stick up her butt.
    tab I touched Burt's foot, and he flapped away to the other side of the dining hall.
    tab "Good. Now sit here next to your sister and try to look presentable!"
    tab Mother stroked Melody's hair lovingly before she walked towards the two thrones. Doesn't that just tickle at your heart?
    tab I sat next to Melody, feeling worthless. You'd think people would be impressed by the silver shoes, bedazzled dress, priceless feathered headdress, and the magic freakin' bird that follows me around. But no. Melody stole the spotlight with her simple yellow sundress and blank smile.
    tab Believe me, I don't want the spotlight. But I don't think my looks are bad enough to warrant looks of revulsion.
    tab Just goes to show that I am definitely not the favorite in the family.
    tab As Mother began her very pretty, rehearsed speech, Burt did a very ugly thing, plop in the middle of the banquet table.
    tab I couldn't help but grin. You have to give it to him; that bird has a sense of humor.