"Many, many moons ago, humans and monsters lived in peace."
Belle listened to the old woman as her makeup was being done, staring ahead into nothingness in morbid concentration.
"The monsters changed with the first blood moon. They grew ravenous, and hungry, and they were driven to devour human flesh... lest they foam at the mouths and die." the old woman continued the story, dipping her finger in a ruby-colored substance, before painting Belle's lips with it.
"The monsters were far more powerful than the humans. One monster has enough strength to make our wonderful city disappear, forever." she then painted segmenting lines of red across Belle's face with a frown.
"With time, the monsters grew less hungry. They noticed the city's humans dwindling in numbers, like a candle with a dying flame. The monsters selected the ones with the most control over themselves to make a deal with the human king."
The old woman then dappled the red lines with a glittering gold paste. The stuff felt like hot wax on her, but she didn't dare try to take it off.
"Peace had been made, and will last forever. For an agreement had been made that with every blood moon, the city will send the monsters an offering: a young bride, untainted, and ripe for harvest."
Belle closed her eyes as the woman began to spread dark colors for shadows.
"The monsters have been happy with previous offerings, as a bride has the most desired flavor that they seek. This right of passage has been passed between most families in our city, as a test of devotion and loyalty to Sol." the woman stepped back to admire her work. "To show that we trust him to protect us during the day, and ensure that our safety overnight is an extension of his kindness. This right-- this honor-- has now fallen onto you, my dear."
Belle knew the white dress felt heavier than it actually was, but given the story that she was being told-- had been told hundreds of times since childhood-- it still felt like a horrible weight on her shoulders. "You will be protecting our great city, and honoring Sol with your sacrifice. Try to smile, for death does not know of its warmth."
"I don't want to die." Belle whimpered.
"No one is ever ready for the ceremony, dear." the woman sympathized with her, "My own daughter was taken from me forty years ago, and it still breaks me to this day. Her screams..."
The city's bridedresser trailed off, as if remembering whom she was talking to. "No one is ever ready." she settled for, turning away from Belle to adjust a mirror for her to see, "But I always make sure that the brides feel beautiful before she walks down the aisle."
Belle stared at her reflection in the mirror, seeing the makeup painting the traditional symbols on her face. She looked like a startled doe, eyes wide with fear, and heavily touched with dread. "Try not to think about it, young lady." she was reassured by the old woman, "You'll be honoring yourself and your family tonight."
"I know." Belle said, bowing her head slightly.
The woman smiled, patted Belle's shoulder, and left.
When she returned, she carried with her Belle's headdress. It was unique to her, as all the brides lose theirs when being devoured in front of the people. It looked like a sun crown with a veil, with hanging tassels of gold that weaved in and out of each other. It was breathtaking, both from the awe it stirred within her, and the fear it got out of her.
"Bow your head, darling." the bridedresser said, a sad smile still on her face.
Belle kneeled and bowed, giving the shorter woman enough leeway to place the headdress on her. It was heavy, and uncomfortable, but undeniably, she thought it was beautiful. After all, only royalty could have the luxury of wearing something that was clearly so expensive. "A bride must always look her best." her mother had said once, when she was a child, "We spend all of this money on you, to make sure that you will always be our beautiful little girl."
