I was planning to put this story up when I finished it, but I got impatient… I'm very proud of this one. It's based on a blending of the original Sleeping Beauty story and the Disney movie, as well as a few of my own additions to the story.
Oh, and one more thing… REVIEW!
What I listened to while writing: Trans-Siberian OrchestraPrologue
King Nathaniel walked through the halls of his castle, occasionally glancing out the windows to the forest that surrounded his home. He broke into a run as he heard a cry from the bedchamber he shared with his wife.
As he opened the door, he ducked to avoid being hit by a chamber pot, mercifully empty as it shattered over his head. The queen stood sobbing by a window, the telltale red of her monthly courses staining the white linen of her night gown. Nathaniel sighed with some relief, though the thought of what it meant cut him to the quick; his wife hadn't conceived yet. He gathered her to him, holding her gently as she sobbed, running his fingers through her hair.
"It will happen, darling… Just wait… We'll try again…" he whispered, resting his head on hers. A tear of his own tracked down his nose, and the king prayed silently that their prayers would soon be answered.
Queen Melinda smiled as her husband rested his head on her swelling stomach, a peaceful smile on his face.
"There… I felt her kick…" he half whispered, kissing where his child grew tenderly.
"Her? Are you so certain you've given me a daughter?" she asked. She looked up as Nathaniel moved up the bed to lie next to her.
"I hope so. She would be as beautiful as her mother." He looked at her lovingly, his smile broadening as she blushed. He moved down again, kissing her stomach and doting on the child that he hadn't even met yet.
"Nathaniel… Your mustache tickles," Melinda warned with a giggle, breaking out into happy laughter as he began tickling deliberately.
"We will not be inviting her. That's final. I refuse to let that… woman- and I use the term lightly- anywhere near our child." Nathaniel sighed as Melinda gave him a warning look, holding their daughter to her protectively as she fed. "Moreover, I don't like the way all men act around her. Perhaps I'm just a jealous person, but when someone tries to seduce my husband, I take offense."
"Dear," The king paused for a moment, trying to put his words as delicately as possible, and then continued, "If we don't invite Lillith to Rosalinda's Christening, she'll hex the lot of us. We have to. You know you don't have to worry about me falling under her spell."
"Maybe she just won't come. She could take the hint," the queen said somewhat desperately, turning away.
"Have you ever known her to be forgiving?" Nathaniel winced at the pained look his wife gave him, so he gave in. "Alright… But I think we should tell the farmers to stock up on produce and grains, in case she sends another famine."