Once upon a time, there lived a great King who ruled over a great land. He took the throne at a young age causing many people to be nervous from his reckless ambition. However to their surprise he proved to be an exceptional and competent leader. Though many people thought it was unwise, he led his armies in a grand crusade against a terrible enemy. As his reign went on, his leadership brought his people out of a long period of strife. But, like most Kings, he grew lonely. So, he set out on a quest to find her. And find her he did.

She was a maiden of simple means and tastes but still dreamed of better things. The people of the kingdom agreed she was kind and sweet to all those around her. Her loveliness was great but could be surpassed if one searched far enough. But the good King saw her as the most beautiful as their temperaments meshed together perfectly. The soon-to-be-bride had many talents in spinning and embroidery. But her greatest talent was her singing. When the young maiden sang even a simple tune, all the birds in the trees stopped their caroling to listen. Rumor had it that after hearing her beautiful dulcet tones, the birds would try to mimic her ballads.

The young pair was married with the utmost speed and the whole kingdom rejoiced with them. The streets were filled with people dancing and praising the King and his new Queen. The land prospered for many years under their rule. The two barely spent any time apart, spending the days picnicking in the royal gardens and attending fanciful balls each night. The King and Queen were kind and charitable to all their subjects, rich and poor, old and young. The Queen especially cared for the younger population and desperately wished to raise a child of her own.

Unfortunately, the years passed, the King and Queen grew older and the wish of the fair Queen was not granted. Desperate, she went to her beloved in his study one night.

"Darling, you know that I am very pleased to be with you. Yet I am unhappy."

"What is it that troubles you, my love? Please tell me and I will do my best to assist you." the sagacious King asked his wife.

"I love you, my King. But I wish to share that love with another. I wish to have a child," she told him.

The great King sighed and pushed away the latest proclamation that had appeared on his desk. He as well wanted to raise a child and had become increasingly frustrated with their lack of success. "That is my wish as well."

"I do not understand why we have been so unlucky in this endeavor. Do you blame me?" the kindhearted Queen questioned, lowering her eyes.

He came around his desk and kneeled in front of her. The King caught her chin and brought her eyes to meet his. "Only if you blame me in return. We share the responsibility in this."

"What should we do?" The King sadly shook his head. "We could go to her…"

He continued to shake his head. "No." The Queen looked at her husband curiously. He tried to explain. "I have heard…varied stories. I cannot say if we can trust her."

"Please. We must try. I feel desperate," the Queen begged her King.

The King considered their options. He did not relish the idea of going to the unpredictable Witch but his wife was correct. They were out of options if they wished to have a child of their own. "May I propose," he offered, "that we continue on our own for one month. Give me time to learn about her. If we do not conceive by then, we will go to her."

The Queen nodded after a moment, satisfied.


Hey guys, I'm back! Just a little info about this: The idea for this appeared, literally, out of no where resulting in an all-nighter of typing up 16 pages for an intro. I've been reading a lot of Grimm fairy tales and I tried to model it after them. I'm not really sure if I want to continue with this yet, but I thought I'd put it out there to see what people thought of it. I know this part is short and nothing much has happened yet but the rest is coming so please keep an open mind and let me know what you think! As always, thanks for reading!