A/N: The idea for this story was inspired by someone asking the question "Who are the parents behind our beloved Disney characters?" I answered that question in my own way for Aurora and, who knows, maybe I'll progress to other Disney characters. I've taken a few liberties with small details in the story, but I've tried my hardest to stay faithful to the original story as told by the Disney film.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters or ideas glorified by the Walt Disney Company. I merely borrowed them for the entertainment and amusement of my audience.

SUMMARY: A series of letters written by Queen Leah to her daughter, Aurora.

GENRE: Drama

RATING: G

DATE: September 26, 2010

::~*~::

My Beloved Child,

I don't believe that words can ever describe the joy I felt when I learned I was with child-with you. Your father and I waited for many years for such a blessed event and soon we long feared that it would never come. We had prayed fervently and, at long last, our prayers were answered. I remember the day well...

I had been feeling very ill for a few weeks. Stefan worried constantly for my health, but the illness came and went at random intervals, and every time he sought to call for a doctor, the illness would leave me for a while. It was quite strange, but, as I had never been with child before, I had no idea of what I was experiencing. It was only at the insistence of one of my ladies-in-waiting (a dear, dear friend to me) that a doctor was finally called. My friend confided to me later that she knew exactly what I was experiencing, but did not wish to get my hopes up if she was wrong. After all, we had been desirous of this for so long, she did not want to raise our spirits unnecessarily.

The doctor came and examined me in my bedchamber, with your father pacing anxiously outside the door. You should have seen him! After examining me and asking me a few questions, he said the words that Stefan and I had longed to hear - I was finally with child! In several months, the laughs and cries of a tiny baby would echo through the stone corridors of our castle. We were overjoyed with that announcement. We wasted no time in proclaiming the joyful news to the kingdom.

The three good fairies came at once to congratulate us on the happy occasion. They are such kind women and I will be delighted when you make their acquaintance when you are older. They offered many gifts to us for the news, but we deflected them all. We were simply happy to have you on the way.

That day was one of the happiest of my life. The only other day that would even compare was the day I married your father. Now, several months have passed and you are soon to be welcomed into the world. I sit here writing this letter to you as I wait for the time when you insist on coming out. I can hear your father in the garden below. His dearest friend in the world, King Hubert, has come to keep him company during the long process ahead. He has even brought his wife and young son with him. Queen Audrina has been such a blessing to have here. She has done so much to make this as easy a time as possible. As I sit here writing, she is sitting in a nearby chair with some sewing to keep her occupied.

Dear child, I hope you arrive soon as the candle is waxing low and I do not have another on hand to replace it. Though, if I were to ask, I know many people would jump to accommodate me. It is just that the night is growing long and when the candle finally goes out, I shall simply retire to seek what rest I can.

The last member of the party, the young prince Phillip, is being cared for by one of your future nurses while his parents are presently occupied. He is only five but such a dear young boy. I should take this moment to inform you that if you are a daughter, your father and King Hubert have already planned the betrothal of Phillip to you. Arranged marriages are not all bad. Your father and I love each other very much. Of course, our parents sought to bring us together many times while we were growing up, so we did not marry as complete strangers. Perhaps, we shall do the same for you two.

Your father and I have talked many times, often long into the night, simply about names for you. We could not agree on a name if you are to be a boy. We each admire the names of our respective fathers. My father's name was Michael and his was James. I believe it is because our fathers held such important and beloved positions in our individual lives. My hope is that you develop such a relationship with your own father. If you are a girl, we have decided on Rose. It is such a beautiful name, taken from such a beautiful flower. Rose was also the name of my younger sister, but she died shortly after her birth. Stefan and I decided that it would be an honor to her memory to gift you with her name. I suppose we will simply have to await your arrival before we discover whether you are to be a Michael, a James, or a Rose.

I can barely write for laughing. You just started moving with such ferocity that I thought for sure the time had come. But, then you quieted down and I return to writing. It cannot be too long now.

Oh, child! I have such high hopes for your future. You are sure to be admired by all in the kingdom, as they have been desiring an heir as much as your parents have. Plans are already being undertaken for your christening ceremony. It is sure to be a grand affair, with many coming to see you. Word came yesterday that the three good fairies are excited to see you and will be in attendance with special gifts for you. A part of me feels poorly that we did not include Maleficent in the invitations, but your father would not hear of it. She is a fairy like the others, but she is surrounded by an appearance of darkness and I fear that many of her actions are in no way good. It is probably for the best that she is not attending.

Have I told you of all the activities your father hopes to share with you as you grow? In addition to receiving the education required of one of your rank, he hopes to teach you archery, gardening, the governance of the kingdom, horseback riding, chess, swordplay and a myriad of other amusements. Your life will be dreadfully busy with these activities, but I hope you enjoy them all and the time that your father desires to spend with you. As monarch of a thriving kingdom, he will not always be around to enjoy your smiles and laughter, but he will do as best he can.

I fear that you have bided your time quite comfortably, but now you much desire to meet our acquaintance. I close this letter with hopes of your safe arrival and healthy countenance.

With much love,
From your mother,
Leah