DISCLAIMER: The original fairy tale, "Sleeping Beauty" belongs to the
Brother's Grimm, not me. However, the majority of the plot and characters
in this fan fiction are mine.
Author's Note: After some plot negotiating and a couple of hours at the drawing board I have finally outlined my chapters and got a clear picture of where I'm headed. Which is a good thing since I will be able to continue to update frequently. Unless something occurs which I did not anticipate this fanfic should end up being fifteen chapters long. Yea! Let's just hope I don't botch this thing.
~~Chapter Seven~~
It is amazing how no matter how wretched your life is-it can always get worse. I thought nothing could top my humiliation from my mud-covered overture with our guests but I was sorely mistaken.
Upon my return from changing my gown and washing my face and hands I found my parents and our guests making forced conversation in the drawing room. As I cautiously entered the room Mother opened her mouth to say something and then shut it again as if all the chastisements rushing to her lips had smothered her into silence. She simply rose from her divan and with her mouth set in a thin line said icily, "Briar Rose, why don't you and his highness go play outside?" with a look that said plainly that this was not a request. She leaned down and whispered in my ear, "I'll deal with you later," as Godfrey and I left the room.
**~~**
"Strange, when I first saw you, I thought you were just some urchin or kitchen maid's brat. You don't look at all like a princess. You're not at all pretty," Prince Godfrey smirked as soon as we were out of earshot.
All thoughts I had previously entertained about good behavior and making civil conversation flew out the window. "What do you mean I don't LOOK like a princess?" I retorted, "Are you an expert on the subject?"
He rolled his eyes and we ceased walking. Godfrey turned to me and began to gesture towards my hair, face, hands, and attire, "Look at you. Your hair is dirty and stringy."
"I didn't have time to wash it."
"Your dress is so common. I've seen more finery on our cooks."
I glanced down at my coarse, brown frock. "My other dress was torn."
"You've got freckles."
Strange, I had never thought about that before. "Do I?"
"Of course, they're all over your nose. And your skin is as brown as those Eastern Barbarians across the sea, or-isn't that where you mother is from?"
At that I threw a punch at his weasel-face that I intended to break his nose, but missed and cleft his right eye instead. Godfrey screamed and fell to the ground in pain. "First of all, don't you ever call my mother a 'barbarian' again you imbecile! And secondly, my skin is brown because I actually play out doors!" Glancing at his moon pale skin I also remarked, "I could out ride, out hunt, out box you any day!"
At these words I heard footsteps approaching from behind and fearing that my Mother had seen me strike Godfrey I turned guilty around. It was Jason.
"What happened? Maximus said that I had better skip lessons today and come find you. What have you done Rose?" Then he saw Godfrey writhing on the grass. He raised his eyebrows and glanced at me out of the corners of his eyes.
"He insulted my mother."
Godfrey sat up still holding his eye, "Who is THIS guttersnipe?" he muttered.
I kicked him in the shins.
Jason, who had more patience than me, sighed and said, "My name is Jason Kelmond. I am apprentice to the Royal Wizard, Lord Maximus of Elrond," there was a brief pause, "I take it you are Prince Godfrey."
Something about this interested Godfrey, "Oh that's right-you're that stable boy!"
Jason held me back before I could pummel the Prince again. "Yes, I am. But it's certainly better than being a prince who just got beaten up by a girl." That shut Godfrey up. Jason continued with a sideways glance at me, "And if I were you Godfrey, I wouldn't mention this incident to anyone. I think you would find your humiliation far worse than watching Rose receive her punishment."
Godfrey staggered back into an upright position and said, "Maybe you can throw a decent punch, but I'll bet I could best you with a sword."
I stepped forward, "Is that a challenge?"
"No Rose, it's a marriage proposal. Of course it's a challenge."
"Fine. Jason, would you mind bringing us a couple of training rapiers please?" I said quietly, not taking my eyes off Godfrey.
"Um, Rose, could I talk to you for a second?" He pulled me aside and whispered so that Godfrey could not overhear us, "Rose, you don't know how to fence!"
"He doesn't know that."
"He's going to find out the minute you pick up the sword."
"I don't care. I'm not going to back down. Just get the rapiers."
~~****~~
I unsheathed my weapon and tossed the covering to Jason. Godfrey did the same. We bowed to each other and took our stances. So far I was simply copying what I had seen father's knights do in tournaments. I hoped I'd be able to best him, but from the way he held his rod and his confidence, I realized that I should have taken Jason's advice and refused the duel. But it was too late now.
Without warning Godfrey lunged. I smashed my sword down upon his and tried to force him back-to no avail. The boy was a wizard with his weapon. He pushed me farther and farther back, gaining more and more ground. I, frantic to keep him from striking me was clasping the sword with both hands and waving it wildly about and shrieking like a possessed person.
I tried to jab at him when I got the chance to, but he simply blocked my thrusts with a flick of his wrist, and jabbed right back as if he was flicking a pesky fly away from him.
At long last I finally began to pick up on his rhythm and was beginning to gain back some ground when Godfrey stuck his leg out as I stepped forward and tripped me. I fell flat on me face, my sword went flying and when I rolled over Godfrey flung himself down on top of me with his knee on my chest and his sword at my throat, holding my hands above my head with his free hand.
He smirked. His smug, sallow face was so close to mine that I could smell his breath as he said, "Touche," and briefly touched the cold steel of his blunt mouche to my neck, declaring his victory.
I glared at him as he stood and collected our weapons and tossed them to Jason. Brushing off my backside I joined Jason in returning the rapiers to our armory. I had a bruise on my elbow and a slightly twisted ankle, but most painful was my wounded pride.
~~****~~
When we returned, the Prince was in a suspiciously amiable mood.
"What's in that tower over there?"
"Which one?" Jason asked.
"The tallest one. The one with the glass roof. What's in there?" Godfrey queried.
I shrugged, "I don't know. All of our servants say it's haunted."
"What, are you too afraid to go up there?"
"No."
"Scared the ghosties will gobble you up?"
I felt the heat rising under my bodice but Jason reached out and briefly squeezed my hand. I relaxed. "I'm not afraid of anything." That was an outright lie. Of course I was scared. No one had entered that room since my birth. I did not know why. But if our kitchen staff said there were ghosts in there, I was willing to believe them.
"I think you are scared. I'll bet you wouldn't go up there even if I dared you to."
"Rose-" Jason warned.
"Girls are too chicken to do anything."
That did it. "I'll go. Just to show you."
Jason buried his face in his hands and groaned, "Rose, you idiot he's just trying to get your goat."
"I don't care. I'll show him who's a chicken." And with that I marched strait up to the palace and towards the spiral tower stairs.
**OUTSIDE**
"She'll never make it."
Jason fought the urge to smack the stupid git upside the head. "You'd be surprised."
"She'll turn back as soon as she reaches the chamber door."
"Not if I know Rose."
**INSIDE**
The stairs were darker than I had imagined, and the passage was much smaller. I began to climb up, scurrying through the darkness, and lingering by the light from the windows that were few and far between. Up and up I went, uncertain that I would ever reach the top. And just as I was about to turn back, certain that I would never reach the top, I saw the oak door.
**OUTSIDE**
"So what is it with you two? She's not much of a princess, but why does she keep company with you, a stable boy?" the pompous Prince asked innocently.
"Because I have the intelligence to say something other than snide remarks." Jason saw me wave and elbowed Godfrey in my direction. There was a moment's pause as they waited for me to descend.
"Considering that I am of noble blood and you aren't, I'd watch my mouth if I were you," Godfrey retorted. The boys finally faced each other.
"Listen you idiot, I don't care what kind of 'blood' you've got. I could wipe your backside across the tournament fields any day, so watch it," Jason said coolly.
**INSIDE**
I cautiously opened the heavy oak door and ran to the window to wave at the boys. After making sure they saw me I breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed. This wasn't so bad. I fingered the scars on a pane of window glass and was wondering how they came to be there when an eerie red light lit up in my peripheral vision.
**OUTSIDE**
"Where's Rose? She should be here by now." Jason said.
"I don't know. Who cares?"
"I'm going up to look for her." Jason started towards the castle.
"Why? She can't take care of herself?"
"Because she's my friend and SHUT UP!" Jason called over his shoulder.
**INSIDE**
A faint voice was calling my name, telling me to turn around.
**JASON**
Jason raced up the stairs, heedless of the darkness."
**ROSE**
"Rose, Rose-" the voice echoed. I began to turn my body-
Something crashed to my back! The light extinguished in a heartbeat and I turned to see Jason standing in the doorway.
I gave a sigh of relief and crossed over to him.
"Rose, I think you should stay away from this room."
"I think you're right."
Author's Note: After some plot negotiating and a couple of hours at the drawing board I have finally outlined my chapters and got a clear picture of where I'm headed. Which is a good thing since I will be able to continue to update frequently. Unless something occurs which I did not anticipate this fanfic should end up being fifteen chapters long. Yea! Let's just hope I don't botch this thing.
~~Chapter Seven~~
It is amazing how no matter how wretched your life is-it can always get worse. I thought nothing could top my humiliation from my mud-covered overture with our guests but I was sorely mistaken.
Upon my return from changing my gown and washing my face and hands I found my parents and our guests making forced conversation in the drawing room. As I cautiously entered the room Mother opened her mouth to say something and then shut it again as if all the chastisements rushing to her lips had smothered her into silence. She simply rose from her divan and with her mouth set in a thin line said icily, "Briar Rose, why don't you and his highness go play outside?" with a look that said plainly that this was not a request. She leaned down and whispered in my ear, "I'll deal with you later," as Godfrey and I left the room.
**~~**
"Strange, when I first saw you, I thought you were just some urchin or kitchen maid's brat. You don't look at all like a princess. You're not at all pretty," Prince Godfrey smirked as soon as we were out of earshot.
All thoughts I had previously entertained about good behavior and making civil conversation flew out the window. "What do you mean I don't LOOK like a princess?" I retorted, "Are you an expert on the subject?"
He rolled his eyes and we ceased walking. Godfrey turned to me and began to gesture towards my hair, face, hands, and attire, "Look at you. Your hair is dirty and stringy."
"I didn't have time to wash it."
"Your dress is so common. I've seen more finery on our cooks."
I glanced down at my coarse, brown frock. "My other dress was torn."
"You've got freckles."
Strange, I had never thought about that before. "Do I?"
"Of course, they're all over your nose. And your skin is as brown as those Eastern Barbarians across the sea, or-isn't that where you mother is from?"
At that I threw a punch at his weasel-face that I intended to break his nose, but missed and cleft his right eye instead. Godfrey screamed and fell to the ground in pain. "First of all, don't you ever call my mother a 'barbarian' again you imbecile! And secondly, my skin is brown because I actually play out doors!" Glancing at his moon pale skin I also remarked, "I could out ride, out hunt, out box you any day!"
At these words I heard footsteps approaching from behind and fearing that my Mother had seen me strike Godfrey I turned guilty around. It was Jason.
"What happened? Maximus said that I had better skip lessons today and come find you. What have you done Rose?" Then he saw Godfrey writhing on the grass. He raised his eyebrows and glanced at me out of the corners of his eyes.
"He insulted my mother."
Godfrey sat up still holding his eye, "Who is THIS guttersnipe?" he muttered.
I kicked him in the shins.
Jason, who had more patience than me, sighed and said, "My name is Jason Kelmond. I am apprentice to the Royal Wizard, Lord Maximus of Elrond," there was a brief pause, "I take it you are Prince Godfrey."
Something about this interested Godfrey, "Oh that's right-you're that stable boy!"
Jason held me back before I could pummel the Prince again. "Yes, I am. But it's certainly better than being a prince who just got beaten up by a girl." That shut Godfrey up. Jason continued with a sideways glance at me, "And if I were you Godfrey, I wouldn't mention this incident to anyone. I think you would find your humiliation far worse than watching Rose receive her punishment."
Godfrey staggered back into an upright position and said, "Maybe you can throw a decent punch, but I'll bet I could best you with a sword."
I stepped forward, "Is that a challenge?"
"No Rose, it's a marriage proposal. Of course it's a challenge."
"Fine. Jason, would you mind bringing us a couple of training rapiers please?" I said quietly, not taking my eyes off Godfrey.
"Um, Rose, could I talk to you for a second?" He pulled me aside and whispered so that Godfrey could not overhear us, "Rose, you don't know how to fence!"
"He doesn't know that."
"He's going to find out the minute you pick up the sword."
"I don't care. I'm not going to back down. Just get the rapiers."
~~****~~
I unsheathed my weapon and tossed the covering to Jason. Godfrey did the same. We bowed to each other and took our stances. So far I was simply copying what I had seen father's knights do in tournaments. I hoped I'd be able to best him, but from the way he held his rod and his confidence, I realized that I should have taken Jason's advice and refused the duel. But it was too late now.
Without warning Godfrey lunged. I smashed my sword down upon his and tried to force him back-to no avail. The boy was a wizard with his weapon. He pushed me farther and farther back, gaining more and more ground. I, frantic to keep him from striking me was clasping the sword with both hands and waving it wildly about and shrieking like a possessed person.
I tried to jab at him when I got the chance to, but he simply blocked my thrusts with a flick of his wrist, and jabbed right back as if he was flicking a pesky fly away from him.
At long last I finally began to pick up on his rhythm and was beginning to gain back some ground when Godfrey stuck his leg out as I stepped forward and tripped me. I fell flat on me face, my sword went flying and when I rolled over Godfrey flung himself down on top of me with his knee on my chest and his sword at my throat, holding my hands above my head with his free hand.
He smirked. His smug, sallow face was so close to mine that I could smell his breath as he said, "Touche," and briefly touched the cold steel of his blunt mouche to my neck, declaring his victory.
I glared at him as he stood and collected our weapons and tossed them to Jason. Brushing off my backside I joined Jason in returning the rapiers to our armory. I had a bruise on my elbow and a slightly twisted ankle, but most painful was my wounded pride.
~~****~~
When we returned, the Prince was in a suspiciously amiable mood.
"What's in that tower over there?"
"Which one?" Jason asked.
"The tallest one. The one with the glass roof. What's in there?" Godfrey queried.
I shrugged, "I don't know. All of our servants say it's haunted."
"What, are you too afraid to go up there?"
"No."
"Scared the ghosties will gobble you up?"
I felt the heat rising under my bodice but Jason reached out and briefly squeezed my hand. I relaxed. "I'm not afraid of anything." That was an outright lie. Of course I was scared. No one had entered that room since my birth. I did not know why. But if our kitchen staff said there were ghosts in there, I was willing to believe them.
"I think you are scared. I'll bet you wouldn't go up there even if I dared you to."
"Rose-" Jason warned.
"Girls are too chicken to do anything."
That did it. "I'll go. Just to show you."
Jason buried his face in his hands and groaned, "Rose, you idiot he's just trying to get your goat."
"I don't care. I'll show him who's a chicken." And with that I marched strait up to the palace and towards the spiral tower stairs.
**OUTSIDE**
"She'll never make it."
Jason fought the urge to smack the stupid git upside the head. "You'd be surprised."
"She'll turn back as soon as she reaches the chamber door."
"Not if I know Rose."
**INSIDE**
The stairs were darker than I had imagined, and the passage was much smaller. I began to climb up, scurrying through the darkness, and lingering by the light from the windows that were few and far between. Up and up I went, uncertain that I would ever reach the top. And just as I was about to turn back, certain that I would never reach the top, I saw the oak door.
**OUTSIDE**
"So what is it with you two? She's not much of a princess, but why does she keep company with you, a stable boy?" the pompous Prince asked innocently.
"Because I have the intelligence to say something other than snide remarks." Jason saw me wave and elbowed Godfrey in my direction. There was a moment's pause as they waited for me to descend.
"Considering that I am of noble blood and you aren't, I'd watch my mouth if I were you," Godfrey retorted. The boys finally faced each other.
"Listen you idiot, I don't care what kind of 'blood' you've got. I could wipe your backside across the tournament fields any day, so watch it," Jason said coolly.
**INSIDE**
I cautiously opened the heavy oak door and ran to the window to wave at the boys. After making sure they saw me I breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed. This wasn't so bad. I fingered the scars on a pane of window glass and was wondering how they came to be there when an eerie red light lit up in my peripheral vision.
**OUTSIDE**
"Where's Rose? She should be here by now." Jason said.
"I don't know. Who cares?"
"I'm going up to look for her." Jason started towards the castle.
"Why? She can't take care of herself?"
"Because she's my friend and SHUT UP!" Jason called over his shoulder.
**INSIDE**
A faint voice was calling my name, telling me to turn around.
**JASON**
Jason raced up the stairs, heedless of the darkness."
**ROSE**
"Rose, Rose-" the voice echoed. I began to turn my body-
Something crashed to my back! The light extinguished in a heartbeat and I turned to see Jason standing in the doorway.
I gave a sigh of relief and crossed over to him.
"Rose, I think you should stay away from this room."
"I think you're right."
