Once upon a time there was a princess, and everyone believed she was the fairest in the land. When she would parade through the city she would hear them all whisper, and even her brother would admire her, saying to himself, "My sister is so lovely, even I wish to be as handsome as she is beautiful."
Then one day a gypsy band wagon came into town, bringing with them many fine things from far kingdoms. The town set up a fair to welcome their guests, and even the royal family attended.
But as the princess strolled the booth of jewels, fine cloths, and exotic beasts, she did not hear whispers of her beauty. When she looked about to see what had captured attentions so, she found that even her brother was entranced by a gypsy dancing upon the stage. The gypsy's hair shone as black as night, and her eyes were the color of the very earth itself. Her long hair flowed gracefully in the wind, matched only by the veils coming off her dress. When she finished, she bowed with a small shy smile and retreated to the wagon.
The princess looked at her brother and saw a smile one his face she had never seen before, and then looked to others who had gone about their business. They were still smiling as well, not with excitement and awe, but with wonder and content. They seemed to have stars in their eyes. That was when the princess decided that the young gypsy witch had cast a spell on her people.
So, she had the gypsy thrown in the dungeon. There, things were not pleasant for the girl. Every day she prayed to the mother goddess give her strength, and every night she prayed to the father god grant her peace. And with the men there that fought her, she grew strong and gained weaponry. And with that strength the men ceased to fight, granting her peace. And with that peace, she could hear fighting outside the door each day, giving her hope.
After thirty days and thirty nights, she was released at last by the prince, who appeared in the doorway with sweat and bruises. His sister stood behind him, wild with envy. But the gypsy was no longer the girl she once was. A scar marred her face from ear to chin, her hair was matted and tangled, her eyes like those of a wild beast. Yes, she too had become wild and ferocious. But still, the prince recognized the ragged gypsy and made his way to her, then held her close.
"She is a witch!" the princess called down. "Do not let her fool you; she has you under her spell! Look at her! She is ragged and scarred, and looks like a wolf of the forest!"
"I am not spelled, sister!" the prince yelled back. "Look closely at what you've done! You've given her the beauty of the wild! She is now ten times more beautiful than when you captured her!"
Hearing the prince say this, the gypsy found strength that she too could speak her heart. "I am a witch, but I have spelled no one," she said, her voice as soft as she had once been. "It is you who has cast the spell; with so much hate and anger in your heart, you have taken away your own beauty. Look upon yourself! See why your people despise and distrust you so!"
With a look of terror the princess fled from the dungeon and to her chambers where her mirror sat. And she glared into it, angry at the gypsy's words. Lo and behold, was the ugliest thing she'd ever seen! The face in the mirror was twisted and sneering, looking hard and corrupt. In shock, the princess fled to her bed away from the mirror. With a deep breath, she approached the mirror once more, gazing upon it. This time the face there was terrified, but looking in wonder. This time, it was soft and pale, as beautiful as she ever was. But this no longer mattered. She now understood the gypsy's words. However, she was frightened to face her, and she remained in her room for days hence.
The gypsy married the prince,
and was now a part of the family. Eventually, the princess found courage to
face her new sister and begged her forgiveness. When it was granted, she then
asked to be taught how to dance. The gypsy smiled and agreed, and showed her
the best dances. When the gypsy's family was again in town, another fair was
held. They both danced in stage, hand in hand, arm in arm. And the two, shining
together like night and day, were the most beautiful women in the land.