Dear readers, this story is inspired by my favorite childhood-movies, Princess Fantaghiro! I hope you enjoy it :) Leave a review or favorite/follow the story - depends on if I upload :)
ENJOY!
Love comes softly:
Chapter 1: Playing god
In a far away land two kingdoms - that could not be more different - were at war with each other. The war has lasted for so long that no one could remember anymore what the reason was for their fighting. Nonetheless, no one was willing to make peace with the other kingdom. Hate for the other kingdom was filling the hearts of the people, they were consumed by the rage of their ancestors, swallowed by the darkness of their pasts. Thousands have lost their lives on the battlefield, thousands were missed, thousands of tears were shed.
Both kingdoms were ruled by selfish, heartless and ruthless kings. But one of them had not always been that way. He embraced the darkness only after his wife died in childbirth.
Their marriage was pure and full of love and had been crowned by the births of their two daughters, Ruby and Snow. The king however still wished for a son to be the heir of his throne. As the years went by, his wife would not conceive and so they sought the help of a magician. The magician told them he could grant them their wish but he warned them to be grateful for the children they already had and not wish for another one - since magic always came with a price. Without taking his warning serious they agreed to the payment the magician asked which was a strand of hair from both of them. They could not understand why he would need hairs of them but both were glad since both of them were a bit greedy, although they had been kind and caring rulers.
The belly of the queen soon began growing and both rulers were filled with happiness and joy. When his wife was in labor, his guards had called him from the battlefield and accompanied him to the castle. Every guard, every maid, every cook, every servant, every subject had been cheering for their king because they had all been sure he would finally get the long-wanted heir. The king had asked for every soothsayer in the land to confirm him what he thought he already knew: that he would get a strong and healthy son.
While waiting in the throne room, the smile of happiness was never leaving his face. But then suddenly every window in the great hall slammed open and due to the breezing wind every single candle was wiped out. Everyone had been confused and looked around in the blinding darkness. However, shortly after every single candle was lit again and in the middle of them all the magician was standing.
The king was starring at the imp nervously. „King James, I apologize for my rather rude intrusion but I was in quite a hurry." „Rumpelstiltskin, I had believed we would never meet again. What do you want? A deal is a deal, you won't get any gold from us." The imp was chuckling. „Dearie, you can't give me anything I don't have myself. I just came here to tell you that everyone has been lying to you." „What do you mean?"
The imp was suddenly sitting next to him on his wife's chair beside him. „The fortune-tellers can't tell the future, dearie, they only tell you what you want to hear. But let me tell you this and believe me, I am not telling the untruth since I don't want your money. You", he pointed at the king and leaned closer, so that only the king could hear what the imp was whispering in his ear: „will get another girl."
„No, this cannot be true. I know we will have a son!" „We will see, dearie. Listen", he pointed to his ears and there it was for everyone to hear - the first scream of the newborn child. „Your daughter is seeing the light of the day." „And there you hear your own lies! This strong voice cannot be from a girl!" Soon after the fostress was walking quickly into the room, caring the child with her.
The king was so happy seeing the small figure that he did not notice the worried face the nurse was making. „Ah, there he is! My heir! The future king." He opened the blanket in which the child was wrapped to proof the magician wrong. „See, dearie, I told you. It's a girl."
And now there was no denying it anymore. The king saw it with his own eyes. „YOU! You have cursed us! We came to you, asking for an heir, not for another daughter!" „You asked me for another child and what a leader she will be!" „A girl will never sit on a throne. Guards, chain that traitor and throw him into the dungeon."
Again that ear-ringing chuckle of the imp. „I am no traitor. I am the only one who told you the truth!" The guards were running towards the magician with raised weapons but once they reached him, purple smoke was surrounding him and he vanished. The king ordered everyone to look for the traitor until he would finally be behind bars.
But they never found the magician.
„Sire, you should come with me." „What is it?" „It's her majesty, she is not very well."
The king hurried to his love's side. She was drenched in sweat, all colors drained from her face. „My love, how are you?" He took her hand and softly placed a kiss on it. Weak as she was, her voice was only a whisper. „Did I finally manage to give you the heir you wanted?" He knew that she was dying, death was grasping her only waiting for him to finish his goodbyes. „Yes. He is a firm young boy, with the eyes of his mother and the nose of his father. I am so proud of you, my love." He lied to her because he did not want to disappoint her.
Suddenly, her hand touched his cheek. She knew him too well and sensed his lie. „I failed, didn't I? You are lying to me because my life will be over soon." „Don't say that you are going to be alright, my sun and stars." „You were the love of my life and I did not regret a single moment spending with you, James. You have to be strong now. You have to be there for our three daughters, they will need you now more than ever."
„Don't leave me, my love." Tears were glittering in his eyes. He held onto her hand, fearing that if he let go, she would be taken from him. She drifted out off and in unconsciousness the whole time. Her breathing got flat. He knew it would be over soon. He dabbed her forehead with a wet cloth to spend her some relief from her fever. He could not imagine his life without her. She was the only woman that he had had eyes for. Before meeting her, he never believed in marriage and love but meeting her on one of the silly prom's his father was giving she put a spell on him. She was the light of his life. If she died now, there would be only darkness for him in the end.
She was shaking from the fever. He slipped behind her, holding her in places. He was crying the whole time. Now and again the maids checked on them, but there was nothing more they could do. He could not leave her. He had to be there, when the angels were coming to pick her up. With her last breath, she whispered: „Emma. Name her Emma."
Two days after that he carried his wife to the grave. His sorrow was a constant companion that did not leave him. And he could not love his third daughter in the beginning, he saw her as the reason his wife was taken from him, saw her as something monstrously that has brought misery over him, over the kingdom. He could not get past his rage.
Since the magician was gone without a trace, King James forbid anyone to ever speak his name and after the years went by, the people had forgotten him.
Only years after his wife's death he realized, that her life was the price for the life of their daughter. He began to cherish her since she grew into the image of her mother. His wife's life continued in her and he could not deny his love for his daughter any longer. She became his favorite although she made him constantly worry. And yet, he was unable to show his love and acceptance towards her.
Whenever he came back from the battlefield, Emma always got caught up in nonsense, be it cutting the hair of her sisters, fretting the servants or not paying attention to the lessons she was receiving to become a proper lady. Although he hated it, he had to punish her for her crimes because he believed he had to cast out her rebellious nature, so that she one day would be a good wife and a good companion for the future ruler of their kingdom. He wanted her to be the queen, although he knew he had no influence on that. The daughter that received the first marriage proposal would be queen.
He believed that if she saw what a good life she had and would have if she was queen, she would choose the path he had lain out for her. That's why sometimes Emma was locked into a prison-like room for days, only two small meals were served to her. No fancy beds, no fancy meals. And rats everywhere.
But she did not mind them, they kept her company. No matter how many times and with every rubbish she committed she spent more and more time in the room in the cellar she would not change. Her eyes were still glittering with hatred towards him whenever he punished her since she condemned him for not understanding her, but how could he? She was the opposite of how a lady should be. She snuggled to the stables and learned to ride a horse on her own. She was clever, much smarter than the average guy. Some of them would look dumb next to her. She would shame her husband by knowing so much. But the worst was, that she seemed to have problems with being silent and only talk when she was asked to. She talked without thinking.
He feared that no one would want to marry her. He still had two other daughters, that were beautiful and behaving how they were taught. And yet he hoped, that Emma would be sitting on her mother's chair.
He was not at the castle much. Since his wife passed away, he constantly fled to the battlefield. He did not want to deal with his subjects anymore. Their problems bored him to death, he could no longer show love, mercy or kindness towards them. His will for being a good leader was shattered.
All he cared about was winning the war no matter the price. He grew distant and cruel towards his people.
His daughters barely saw him. When Emma had been small, she sometimes did not even recognize him as her father if he spent weeks away from the palace. She would cling to her nurse and would watch him with the big green eyes of her's. He had missed much in the lives of his daughters and when he was at home, he only had to rebuke Emma since her maids were constantly complaining about her. He sometimes wondered if she even loved him. But that was not important. He loved her and he would do anything in his power to see her wed a nice man he chose for her.
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„Let her out of there, the king is returning home soon. I am sure he wants to see his daughters." „Oh, but first she has to promise obedience. You cannot imagine what she did this time!" „I don't want to hear it, woman, unlock the door." Ruby and Snow where standing behind the guard that was angrily starring down at the chaperone. Both were dressed in beautiful dresses that their father had bought from a merchant that travelled through the world, always buying the fairest stuff.
The dresses perfectly matched the dark hair-colors of Snow and Ruby, making their hair appear even more darker so that they looked even more enchanting. Snow was carrying a cat with her, Ruby glanced at the cat disgusted, she hated cats and Snow knew that. Her sister always drove her up the wall although she would never act on her anger. But Ruby also was very forgiving since she loved Snow and she could not be upset with her for long.
Other than her other sister. She just could not understand Emma, she was just so different and always complaining about the stuff they were taught. Ruby was convinced that they would someday need their talents to be good wives. But Emma would not see that and just skipped their lessons which brought her always into trouble. And they always had to go down into this cellar to pick Emma up whenever their father returned from war. Ruby hated that place. It was so damp and dark, she hated every minute they had to be down there. She could not imagine that the humidity down there was good for her hair or skin. She wondered how Emma survived in there. Ruby was sure she would get depressed in there.
She nervously glance towards their chaperone who was searching for the right key. The cat was eying Ruby grumpily as if Ruby's disgust for it was mutual. But not a single word of complaint slipped out of her mouth. Snow gave her a cheering smile. Snow was always so understanding for the things Emma did wrong, she was always defending Emma's actions, saying that she never knew her mother and barely their father. She grew up without parents and blah blah blah. Ruby could not hear it anymore. Emma just should pull herself together and finally grow up.
The door opened and Emma stepped out. She was the total opposite of her sisters. Her hair was shimmering gold like the sunshine, her eyes like green gems, her high-cheekbones. She looked exactly like their mother, but in character she could not be any more different than her. She was wearing a plain dress, her maid was silently cursing since she never succeeded in persuading the princess to wear something always complaint about how uncomfortable the corsets and the flared skirts were, she felt trapped cramped in them. Ruby had to admit that her sister was beautiful but she could make so much more out of herself, if she just wore the gifts of their father. He seemed to always pick out the fanciest stuff for Emma which was a waste of the dresses since they only landed in Emma's cupboard never to be seen again. Nonetheless, their father never stopped buying her stuff as if he thought she would suddenly change from one minute to the other.
But Ruby knew that her sister was a hopeless case.
In her hands Emma was holding a book. Snow asked worried: „You have been reading again?" „Yes, I cannot understand why women should be denied to read." „A woman should not read, it is not appropriate", Ruby agreed to what Snow was saying. It was even forbidden for a woman to know how to read! Why would any woman want to learn it anyway? Ruby could not understand what could be standing in them that would be so interesting for Emma to break the law. „But I already know how to read." „Can't you just forget how to do it?" „No silly, you would not be able to forget how to knit or embroider either. Once you have learned it, it is forever stuck in your head."
„Father will not be pleased." „Is he ever?" „It's because you are making it so hard for him." Emma just ignored what Ruby said and walked towards one of her maids. She tossed the book in the hands of her maid. „You can bring this one into the library or rather burn it, I have already finished it. I hated it, it was about a couple falling in love. Against their family's will they married and in the end they both died after they promised each other their everlasting love. I prefer books about battles and soldiers fighting, not about stupid love. " „All this beautiful things are inside this … book? Maybe I should start reading too." „Snow, don't let her get to you. You know it is wrong." Snow's head sank down.
The guard harrumphed. „It is time for us to go now. The king is awaiting the three of you. Please follow me." Emma hurried after him, she was chatting with him. Ruby could only angrily glare at her sister. As an unwedded girl you should not talk to a man so leisurely. She heard the tow in the front laughing and joking. Okay, maybe she was just jealous of her sisters since she was so … free. Emma did what pleased her and did not bother about any consequences. She sometimes wondered if all three of them were not born in the castle but rather as ordinary girls if all of them led a life like Emma. Those were just fantasies.
They reached the throne room. Their father was already sitting on his throne. Ruby had not seen him smile since their mother had passed away. He had grown into a stranger that she no longer recognized as her loving father. But maybe all girls felt this way once they grew up.
A few meters away from him they came to a halt and curtseyed in front of him, well expect of Emma who only bowed slightly. Their father seemed to be in a good mood since he did not angrily comment on Emma's lack of proper behavior.
„There they are, my beautiful daughters." Ruby faked a smile for her father. He seemed much older than the last time she had seen him. The years of war seemed to be getting to him. He wanted to add something more but then the general - the trusted advisor of their father - stormed in. „Your majesty, something terrible happened!" „Tell me." The general eyed the three girls, he did not seem to think it was appropriate for them to hear what he was saying but his king had ordered him to.
„The enemies' king … he…" The general seemed lost for words. „What is with him?" „He passed away." „What? How can he! After all the years we were fighting in the battlefield, he died not through my hand?! That old bastard." „What are we going to do now?" „What do you mean, general? King Joffrey was more blessed than myself, he has a son that is now in his early twenties. He has spent his youth in a far away land, where he was trained to fight and to speak different languages. Moreover, he has made friends with two very talented fighters that never leave his side. He will become king." „So the war is not over?" „Of course not. But the death of Joffrey made it clear what I knew for some time now. I am getting old. It is time for me to step down from the battlefield." „But sire, who will lead the army?" The general said with hope in his eyes. He had always wanted to become the leader of the army. „Good that you ask, general. I have good news. I have waited for this day a long time and I never thought I would be this blessed. I have three proposals for my three daughters. The brothers of Osobul want to marry my three daughters." Ruby and Snow looked at each other, excited. They had waited for this day too. Finally they would be married.
„They have sent presents for each of you." A servant stood in front of each daughter. Rings that matched the colors of their eyes were placed on red pillows. „Father, I accept!" Snow said as she placed the ring on her finger. „Someone who gives away something as valuable as this ring as a engagement present must be very rich which can help our kingdom to flourish."
Ruby did the same as her sister. She took the ring and considered it on her finger. She absolutely loved the view of it. It was such a beautiful gem. „Father, I accept as well with all my heart."
Then it was Emma's turn. She stared at the ring angrily. Everyone in the room held their breaths, everyone was worried about her reaction. Everyone knew her rebellious nature, her disgust for acting like she was supposed to. She picked up the ring and eyed it. After a few minutes of total silence she said with a calm voice. „I am sorry, father, but once again I have to disappoint you. I won't give my consent. I won't marry. I won't ever marry anyone and I am not purchasable." She threw the ring away and turned to leave.
Their father had stood up and hurried after her. He was yelling: „Where do you think you are going?" „Well, in the room in the cellar of course, before you can send me there. I rather have the company of the rats." Ruby and Snow have never seen their father this angry. His face had turned red like a tomato.
„You have to think of the kingdom, Emma. They won't marry unless they can all marry at once. We need their army, we need their gold to help our people survive." „This is the wrong way, father! More men to be slaughtered in the battle and more money you waste on weapons won't sate the people either! You have to stop this useless war if you want to change things."
„Don't you dare give me advice on something you cannot understand, child. You will marry one of the brothers or…" „Or what?" „Or you won't be my daughter any longer! And now go! Leave the castle, I cannot bear to see you right now! But don't get me wrong, I expect you to be here again in two weeks when the brothers arrive! You better be there or you will be banned from this kingdom for as long as you shall live."
Emma ran away. Snow was worried about Emma. She knew she carved the acceptance and the love of their father who has never shown any kindness to her. He was a good man or at least, he used to be a good man. Snow still held onto the man he once was. She knew he loved all three of his daughters, although he was unable to show it anymore. But she could do nothing. She had to obey like it was expected from her as the eldest of the three daughters.
She sadly watched as Emma disappeared out of the room.
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Once Emma was at the stables, she could not hide her tears any longer. She hated him and all his ideals of how she should be. Her father was the worst person she knew. He was a tyrant and he was a fool. He gave so much opinion to what the general was saying about war and what to do but since Emma loved to eavesdrop she knew that the general was paying the royal soothsayers to prolong the war. He was worried about his position since no one needed a general in times of peace. Emma had never told anyone about the eavesdropping because firstly, no one would believe her anyway and secondly, it was not expected of a royal princess to eavesdrop conversations about war. Everyone would believe she made this all up. Who to trust, the loyal general or the black sheep of the family? s
Emma pulled the dress over her head. She always wore trousers and a shirt below them since she hated dresses. They were just so unpractical for the things she wanted to do. She did not know where to go, but it was fine with her that her father did not want to see her, because she certainly did not want to see him either. She was able to survive on her own. She should really think of never returning home. Would it really be that bad? Would someone miss her? No, of course not. Everyone would be glad that she was gone. Finally, they would be rid of the troublemaker.
Emma walked to the horse she liked the most. It was a totally black horse expect of his gold mane. Everyone called it ugly but she found it the most beautiful creature in the whole kingdom. It had so much spirit and when she rode it, she felt like flying. She knew that the horse wanted to be free as much as she wanted. There was no choice to make of what horse to pick for her flight. Or rather her banishment.
She saddled the horse which she secretly called Golden Mane because of the obvious. She was not much of a name giver. She hopped onto the horse and together they fled the castle. Once they were past the castle walls, the horse speeded up. She could feel its muscles working beneath it. It lived up. It was so seldom they got the chance to ride outside of the castle. Emma did not look back once.
Miles and miles flew by but neither she nor Golden Mane wanted to stop. Once the sun was standing high in the sky, she noticed how exhausted she was. She slowed Golden Mane down. They stopped in front of a river. She descended from the horse. Golden Mane thirstily drunk water. Emma just knelt in front of the water and watched herself in the reflection. She hated how she looked. Sometimes she wished she would look more like Ruby or Snow because they resembled their father so much. It was Emma's curse to always remind everyone of her mother and yet, having no memories of her on her own. She sometimes wondered how different her life would be, if her mother was still around. She secretly thought that the whole kingdom hated her because all condemned her for the queen's death. If she had not been, the queen would be alive. Everyone talked about the queen with love and sorrow in their voices.
Emma washed her face. The cool water felt wonderful against her sweaty skin. Her stomach began to growl and only then did she realize that she had nothing packed. She just hopped on the horse and off she went without planning this through. She should have snuggled into the kitchen and stolen something to eat before she left. Well, she could not turn back time. She was angry with herself. She cursed.
She stood up and searched for something to eat or firewood so that she would have it warm in the night. She glanced back a few times to make sure Golden Mane did not leave but he seemed to have no desire to return to the castle. Suddenly, Emma bumped into someone. She was so baffled that someone was out here deep in the woods that she could not even speak an excuse. „You really aren't that clued up about manners, are you?" „Excuse me?" „A little late, but apology accepted." Emma was intrigued by the small man in front of her. He looked kind of strange. She has never seen anyone like him. And his skin … it looked unnatural, like he had a disease. „What drives the princess into the woods?" „I don't think I know you." „But I know you, dearie. And it seems like you need something to eat." „I won't go with you, stranger." „Who said anything about going anywhere?" He snipped his fingers and in front of them appeared a laid desk with different meals on it. Again Emma stomach began to growl. „Go help yourself, dearie." She did not even wonder how he made the desk appear. She was too exhausted, too hungry and too angry to even ask herself that.
Emma ignored the silverware next to the plate and just ate with her fingers. The imp was chuckling. „I always knew you would be something special." „Who are you?" „The name is Rumpelstiltskin." „How do you know me?" „That is a story for another time, dearie." „Why are you helping me?" „You are going to help me in the future." „Whatever you say."
Emma shoveled the food into her mouth until she was so full that she could not see any more food. „Was it to your liking?" „Yeah, it was okay." „You have quite the appetite, dearie." „Are you insulting me? Do you think I should eat less?" „No, I like that about you. You are so different from other women who are always concerned about their weight. You are so independent. You are everything I hoped you would be." Emma stood up and walked back to Golden Mane. He followed her. „You give me the creeps, Rumpelsh..shtiltschkin." „Rumpelstiltskin." „That's what I said." Again he chuckled. „What do you want from me?" „I am just enjoying your company." „Well, I don't." „But maybe I can change that." „How come?" „I know a way to relieve that anger of your's." „I am not angry." „We'll just pretend you are not. I still can show you how to fight, can't I?"
„You really would do that? Whenever I tried to persuade one of the guards they were all laughing at me, saying that I would hurt myself." „I am not the subject of your father." „But he would not approve it." „He is not here to see, is he? Follow me."
Emma felt a tickling in her fingers. She always wanted to know how to fight, how to use a sword or any other weapon. When they came to a halt, they were standing in the middle of a cornfield. „What are we doing here?" A sword appeared in the imp's hand. He gave it to her. „I want you to mow the whole cornfield until the sun is fully gone." Emma looked around. She could see miles and miles of corn. „That's impossible." „You only know when you try." „But how is that going to teach me how to fight? It's a waste of effort." „I won't show you the next step if you don't do this."
Emma sighed and groaned. „Fine." She began to swing the sword and to mow the cornfield bit for bit. It was a monotonous work and she just forgot about everything. But she grew more exhausted with the time. After a while Rumpelstiltskin ordered her to give him two stems. She did as he said. „You have to be more precise. Look, they are not even equally long. Try it again." „But I am so exhausted. Can't we just go on tomorrow?" „The enemy won't stop if you need a break." „But there is no enemy here!" „It's still good practice. Go on!" Reluctantly, she did what he said.
The sun was slowly setting. The imp leaned against a stack of stems. He was not even watching here anymore. Emma grew impatient. She had no clue how this would help her learn how to fight. She threw the sword away. „I am done." „I would have suggested stopping in a few minutes. You must be exhausted. We will continue in the morning." Emma just let herself fall on the floor. She instantly fell asleep.
- chapter 1 was too long, it would net let me upload the 10.000 words :(