Chapter One
A spindle? Really? Is that all they could come up with?
Well, there is not much to say for their imagination.
We all know the story of "Sleeping Beauty" right? She's born, pissed witch curses her, she grows up in forest with three old fairies, pricks finger on spindle (good grief), falls asleep, handsome Prince comes and saves the day, and they live happily ever after! Yay, the end.
Not.
Let's just say that word of mouth is not the best way to pass on stories, things tend to end up...completely and utterly wrong.
Well, let me introduce myself. My name is Artemis and I just happen to know the real story.
And it goes a little something like this:
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, where valiant Knights slayed dragons to rescue their true lady loves....
Kidding!
I wouldn't do that to you! Okay, so there are Knights and sadly, there are "ladies" (not really sure if I count myself as one) but I won't subject you to that "Once upon a time" crap.
Sorry, I'll start over.
(I'll have to tell this part in the third person. If you can't surmise why I don't really remember, then you are a waste of air and space.)
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So, it all began on a cool day in early Spring. The trees were beginning to bloom, the birds were chirping their merry tunes, and the Queen was lying back on her bed, vehemently cursing the man that had subjected her to this unbearable, excruciating pain.
In short, she was experiencing "the miracle of life." Some miracle.
After many laborious hours of grunting and cursing, the Queen finally gave birth to twin daughters.
They called the king in immediately and the two parents marveled over their newborn children. One was small, with light, wispy hair and large blue eyes. She didn't make much noise, but was content to sleep on her mother's chest.
The other was slightly larger, with copious amounts of dark, fine hair sprouting out the top of her head. She had a hearty cry and dark chocolate brown eyes.
They waited a few days before they named the girls officially, for fear they might become too attached should death whisk them away. But after five or so days, when the midwife approved, the Kind and Queen sat down in their large bedroom by the fire and named their daughters.
"I want to name this little one Aurora," the Queen said as the small blond one opened her small mouth and yawned gracefully. "She is going to be radiant, like the sunrise. I can feel it."
As the Queen nuzzled her rosy baby, the King held in his arms her darker twin sister.
"And this...this is Artemis," he said as he strode over to the window and held her up in the sunlight. "She will be strong, beautiful, and a huntress through and through."
"Darling, why don't you call in their brother. I'm sure he would love to meet his sisters," the Queen mused as she stroked Aurora's soft cheek and shot a disapproving look at her husband. (Over he dead body was I going to be anything but the perfect lady.)
"Of course," the King replied.
"Steward!" shouted the King. (He really did have a booming voice. From experience, I can tell you: you don't want to get him mad. He is the definition of earsplitting.)
"Yes your Majesty?" stuttered Lionel as he stuck his small, weaselly head in the room.
"Fetch my son. Tell him it is time to meet his sisters."
"Yes your Majesty," he said, thankful to be leaving. (Poor Lionel has always had a weak constitution. He just couldn't handle the power and authority that my father exuded.)
After a few minutes, there came a knock at the door and a blond boy of about four entered. He was handsome and strong, a fine child that both the King and Queen were immensely proud of.
"Marcus my boy! Come meet your new sisters!" boomed the king, holding little Artemis out.
"Sweetheart, come see Aurora first. You will love her, she is so sweet!" gushed the Queen. (If you can't tell already, my parents had obvious favorites.)
Marcus skipped towards his mother, holding Aurora, and skidded to a halt.
"Hello dear sister, I am pleased to make you acquaintance," he trolled, looking at the small, drooling thing with bored eyes. There were so many interesting things he could be doing outside right now. This stupid baby was keeping him from the mud and sticks.
The King's laugh shook the room and the Queen's trill resounded throughout the stone bedchamber.
"She doesn't talk yet darling. She's only a baby!" laughed the Queen.
"Oh, well...babies are boring. May I leave now?" sighed Marcus, risking a glance out the stained glass window.
The Queen tried to hide her disapproving frown, but with no use. The King saw it right away and felt the lull before the storm.
"Marcus! Come meet your other sister, Artemis!" he said, trying to ease the tension. (My mother truly has a revolting temper.)
Marcus scooted across the room and walked strait up to Artemis. Unlike the other one, this baby wasn't drooling and she didn't have that stupid grin on her face, thought Marcus.
Artemis looked him strait in the eye, held up her tiny hand, and planted it on his cheek.
She had a unnervingly focused stare for such a young child.
"I like this one!" declared Marcus!
Undoubtedly, the Queen was furious. He liked Artemis better than her precious Aurora! That did not bode well in her mind.
"Go now Marcus!" the Queen commanded curtly.
Befuddled, Marcus tore his gaze from Artemis and looked up at his father for support.
"You better do as she says," sighed the King. Though, when the Queen looked away, he winked at Marcus and flashed him a mischievous grin.
(I wasn't even a week old and sides had already been chosen. From now on it was my Father, Marcus, and I pitted against Mother and Aurora.)
After Marcus was dismissed, the girls were put down for a nap. Aurora drifted off to sleep while the Queen sang her quiet lullabies. Artemis was alone in her bassinet, with eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling.
Later that night, when the King and Queen were asleep, Marcus crept back into the room and stood by Artemis' bassinet.
He held up his candle and gazed at her small, clever face. He liked this one. They will be friends, he thought.
(And friends we will be.)
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