A/N: The original tale of Sleeping Beauty is not my own, and so I have decided to swap and change it a bit to satisfy my own amusement. If you feel inclined to do so, please do review my story and tell me what you think. It could mess with your mind occasionally, and lay all that you know about sleeping beauty to waste, but then Disney films and fairy tales were never to be believed were they? G

Beloved

In a land of witches and fairies, of dragons and drag queens, of dashing princes and flying pigs, lived a King and his Queen. King Roland was tall, lean, and power mad. His thoughts lay on only that which he could destroy, and bring to ruin. He was bloodthirsty, calling for war whenever a person in his kingdom disagreed with his ruling, which was often.

His wife Cecilia was a feeble thing, but beautiful as the day is bright. She was betrothed to Roland at the youngest age, and despised the earth he stepped upon. He was not a King in her eyes; he was a coward.

Yet from this unmatched pair came the most beautiful child in the land. She possessed eyes as blue as sapphires, with voice sweet as the spring, and tuneful as the birds.

Her name was Rose, and she was a kindly beauty, treasured by all the people of the sixth kingdom.

The ruler of the seventh kingdom, King Isaac, was gruff, but kindly. His kingdom was akin to Roland's, in that his people were not happy with his judgment. He refused to go to war at any costs, and his people feared that Roland's armies would soon overrun them, and they would have their pastures laid to waste by the bloodthirsty neighbours.

But Isaac did not care for such matters. His counsel came from three fairies, who saw all that happened around them, and wished fervently for a more peaceful time. They were to shape the fortunes of all in the land, of each of the nine kingdoms that existed. Had they known it, they might have taken a crash course in politics.

Isaac's son John was a lonely boy. He wandered through the forests searching for animals to hunt, but never found any, for they knew of his talent with a rifle, and were wary of feeling the consequences of stepping in his path.

The people of the sixth and seventh kingdoms often wondered why the prince and princess were born to their parents: They thought that surely it would have been more fitting for Roland to have a son with his heart, and Isaac a daughter with his.

But their world had a way of screwing things up, so they just accepted it and lived their lives the way any normal person would do.

In a land riddled with such confusion, things rarely tend to sort themselves out, and one must wonder if this tale will be different. I, the narrator personally say nay. But we will see.

One fine summer morning, the sixth kingdom was full of life. Its inhabitants were making the necessary preparations for Rose's sixth birthday, for which a ceremony of great proportion was to be held. Alcohol was the main priority, and the matter of supply was dealt with quickly.

As the banquet hall was prepared for the evening, Roland had company.

"You understand that I make this suggestion in both of our interests?"

Roland turned from the window to look at Isaac. His robes swept the floor as he walked, gathering the dust of ages, which his cleaners were to damned lazy to sweep up.

"Indeed."

Isaac coughed slightly as dust flew up his nose. He puffed out his chest and continued. "I believe that the union of our kingdoms would make for quite a change. We could both do well by exchanging our strengths, and supplying for each other's weaknesses."

Roland came closer, with a stern look upon his face. "And what, exactly would your strengths be? Cotton wool? Dinner?" As he said the last he poked Isaac in the stomach, and was rather amused to see it wobble like a bowl of jelly.

As he fell to the floor in fits of laughter, Isaac continued. "I have many strengths good sir. My land is lush and fertile – our crops do a damned sight better than yours do, and I'd sooner die than share them with you. My mind on this matter is changed. Good day!"

As he prepared to storm out of the hall, Roland called after him. "No! Wait…"

He took a deep breath and hid the smirk on his face before continuing. "I do believe it is a good idea. You are correct, the crops in your kingdom do much better than ours, and in return for your supplies we would give a truly adept army, in case of emergency you understand."

"Indeed. Then shall I fetch the boy?"

Roland nodded. "I will need to have words with him before he meets Rose."

A short while later, Isaac returned with his arm on his son's shoulder, who scowled, folding his scrawny arms over his chest. Roland looked down at him with a smile. "Hello my dear boy. Have you heard what your father has planned for you?"

"Yes, and it stinks." John returned to his sulking, as Roland gave a hearty laugh.

"Yes, well, I can tell you now that my daughter would be a great asset to you when you are older. You could rule a kingdom twice as powerful as your father's with such a beauty for a wife."

Seeing Prince John's eyes light up with sudden interest, Isaac and Roland both shared a vigorous guffaw. "Then it is settled!" Exclaimed Isaac. "We will make the necessary preparations tonight at your daughter's ceremony."

Roland clapped Isaac on the back, sending him on his way. "I can't wait. See you tonight!!"

As the king and his son left the room, Roland allowed himself another enthusiastic chuckle. This could work out to his advantage after all.

As Isaac left the room with his son in tow, he allowed himself a jovial snigger. This would definitely work to his advantage.