This will be a multi-chapter fic based on the life of Princess Aurora (from the Once Upon a Time series.) Starting with her parents story, and continuing on to her own adventures. It seemed to me that OUAT went with the fairy tale version of Sleeping Beauty, where Briar Rose was the original sleeping beauty and her daughter Aurora was placed under the same spell later on in her lifetime. So, using that spark of inspiration, I decided to write out the story of how I think Aurora came to be in the position that shes in. This will be a Philora fic (Phillip and Aurora have been my OTP since I was seven, some ships you just can't sink.) Although I'll be using some of the names provided by Disney (can't mess with the classics) most of this story is based on OUAT. So without further ado, my disclaimer. I don't own nor profit from the use of any of these characters.
Please note that the story is now being Beta'd by dares-to-dream, and all chapters have been edited.
"I'm telling you Stefan, this is a terrible idea!"
Prince Stefan couldn't help but roll his eyes at his friend's warnings. Their company had been traveling for far too long to turn back now. Behind them the soldiers murmured to each other, joking amongst themselves while their horses shifted in irritation at being kept waiting. A few leaned forward in their saddles, taking the opportunity to rest while the princes discussed the current mission.
The sun beat at their backs tempered by the fresh mountain air, below them the forest stretched out. It possessed an enclosed presence, too many trees pressing in together. Stefan never did relish close spaces like that. He preferred room to move about freely, and air that didn't feel so choked. The forest always made him feel anxious. His knee bounced erratically in nervous anticipation of an unknown amount of time spent among the towering trees.
"Nonsense Hubert, it'll be a grand adventure, just like in the stories." He replied, clapping a friendly hand on the other mans shoulder.
"Yes, except those were just stories, and we are no longer children. Traveling for days just to explore a mysteriously abandoned castle? It seems a bit juvenile, even for us." Hubert responded. He spared a quick glance at the crumbling stone walls looming in the distance. "And besides, there must be a reason it was abandoned in the first place."
"Which is exactly what I'm going to find out!" Stefan grinned before turning his attention to the castle ruins. "There must be a reason it's out here. The legends surrounding this place aren't very old. No one can tell me when this castle was built or who it belonged to, yet it looks as if it has been here since before the Troll Wars. There's no history behind it, only silly superstitions. It's as if the castle just appeared out of thin air, and no one bothered to find out why!"
Prince Hubert had to give an exasperated sigh at the other man's theatrics. Truth be told, this castle had been driving his friend mad for weeks, urging him forward at every step until only the ruins and its mysteries filled Stefan's mind. And like always, Hubert was left to follow behind, hoping to keep his distracted friend out of trouble. A tiring task to be sure.
"I don't see why you even bother," Hubert began, fiddling with the pommel of his sword. "I've heard the tales too you know, and travelers are never permitted near the castle. The closer they get, the farther the ruins retreat. What makes you think that we'll have better luck?"
Stefan could only grimace. His friend had a point, there was no indication that whatever magic was surrounding the castle was going to allow him access. And yet there was something about this place that kept him captivated, as if someone were reaching out to him. Frequently his mind would cloud over, a voice which he could almost hear beckoned him. In these moments his muscles would tense, filled with the need to run, go after that presence. Lately he'd woken up halfway out of the castle, and on rare nights he'd even be in the stables, reaching for his horse's tack and not even dressed himself.
In his dreams he saw the ruins, heard the soundless voice calling out to him over and over again. He had no proof that he would be allowed inside, yet he could not explain this consuming desire to his friend.
"I don't know Hubert, I guess I just wanted one last adventure before I'm forced to settle into my role as king." He gave a sly smile to his companion. " And one last hurrah before your married life begins." Hubert blushed in response to this comment. He barely knew his bride-to-be. Met her at royal functions and the like but they hadn't had the opportunity to become truly acquainted. He hoped that with marriage they would become closer, maybe even fall in love. High hopes for an arranged marriage but he was rather enthusiastic about the whole situation, a blank slate and no reason they shouldn't be friends at least.
"I had no qualms with marrying and continuing the line. You're the one who treats it as if a snake were waiting to lunge at you." The two men shared a laugh before returning to their waiting company.
"Well what can I say? The domestic life just isn't for me." Stefan shrugged sheepishly, receiving an eye roll in response.
"So you think, and yet I still don't believe that. But alas we waste the day. Let us attempt to breach your cursed castle. The sooner we finish, the sooner we can return home." Hubert replied jovially, climbing into his horse's saddle. Stefan followed behind, thoughts firmly fixated on the castle and what might be dwelling inside.
There was a saying in the lands, which stated that a mans destiny was wound around his heart, and would lead him to where he needed to go. Stefan liked to believe that he, and only he, was in charge of his own destiny. Yet, as he trailed along behind his friend he couldn't shake the feeling that an unseen force had gripped his heart, and Stefan was no longer sure he was in charge of his actions anymore.