In a far away land, long ago, lived King Kenneth and his wife, Queen Krolia. A year after their marriage their son Shiro was born and became the eldest prince. In the years that followed, they longed for Shiro to have a brother or a sister, and 7 years later, their wish was granted. Krolia gave birth to a son, who they named Keith.
However, happiness would be short lived, for the king had fallen ill, none of the doctors could explain it and soon he passed away. It was discovered later that it was Haggar's doing as revenger for her lost love. This left Krolia in charge of the kingdom, ruling alone, until her eldest son could take over the throne.
A few days after his birth, a great holiday was proclaimed throughout the kingdom, so that all of high or low estate might pay homage to the infant prince. Thus on this great and joyous day did the entire kingdom celebrate the long awaited royal birth.
"Their royal highnesses, Queen Allura and Prince Lance of Altea!" the chamberlain announced. After their announcement, the two royals walked up to the throne and bowed. Allura was 18 and had taken over the throne after her parents had died 2 years ago. She had tanned skin, blue eyes, and white hair that fell down to her lower back. She wore a blue dress with dark blue accents a gold chain around her neck, gold earrings, and the crown of her mother on her head.
Her younger brother, Prince Lance was 4 and bowed alongside her. He was similar to his sister, but instead of white hair he had brown like his mother. He was dressed in black pants, a white shirt, a dark blue coat, and brown boots. His blue eyes meeting Krolia's violet ones as she stepped off the throne and gathered his sister in a hug.
"It's good to see you again Allura," Krolia said with a smile.
"And you as well Your Highness," Allura responded with a smile. The two kingdoms had known each other before the children were born, Kenneth and Allura's father Alfor were great friends and their kingdoms had longed for a marriage between them. It had been promised that after Lance was born that he would be engaged to the young prince or princess when the time came. And that, was now.
"Would you like to see him?" Krolia asked turning to Lance. Lance gave a nod and took Krolia's hand as she led him over to the crib where the young prince was sleeping soundly. Allura turned to Shiro who had been standing behind his mother and handed him the gift as a promise of the engagement. Shiro smiled and took the gift from the queen and handing it to a servant who would put it away for safe keeping.
Krolia led Lance over to the crib while Lance tried not to trip over the purple fabric of her dress. With a little boost, Lance looked down into the crib to look at the sleeping baby that would be hi future husband. The baby was pale like his mother and seemed to have her black hair colour as well. His eyes were closed but Lance could probably tell he had his mother's eyes. Lance stared in awe at the prince, feeling a sort of protectiveness of him. As the horns blared, Lance ran back to his sister, taking their place as standing beside the throne and Krolia sat back down on the throne. Shiro taking her side.
"Their most honored and exaulted Excellencies, the three good fairies. Queen Nyma, Queen Shay, and Queen Florona!" the chamberlain announced as three winged fairies flew into the room from a sparkling ray of sunshine. As they headed to the throne, they sneaked a peak at the sleeping prince before standing and bowing before the throne.
"Thank you for coming Your Highness's," Krolia said with a smile.
"Thank you for inviting us Your Majesty," Nyma said returning the smile. Nyma had fair skin, blonde hair that fell in curves to below her shoulders and purple eyes. She wore a dress made of flower petals of different shades of blue and wore blue fingerless gloves. Around her neck she wore a gold chain with a glowing blue gem on it, and on her head she wore a floral crown made of blue flowers.
"We're honored to be here today Your Majesty," Shay said with a smile. Shay had tanned skin, brown hair that fell straight to her shoulders, and green eyes. Her dress was similar to Nyma's but it was shades of green instead of blue, the same for her gloves which were also green. She to wore a gold chain around her neck with a green gem on it and a yellow floral crown on her head.
"A joyous day this is Your Majesty," Florona said with a smile. Her skin was fair like Nyma's and her hair was a dark magenta that curled to her shoulders and pink eyes. Her dress was similar to Nyma's and Shay's but hers was shades of pink as her were gloves. Around her neck was a gold chain with a pink gem on it and a pink flower crown on her head. All three of the fairies also held a light brown wand in their hands.
"Each of us may bless the young prince with a single gift. No more, no less," Nyma explained with a smile.
"I thank you for your gifts today, I'm sure they will be wonderful," Krolia said with a smile. The fairies bowed once more before heading over to the crib where the prince still lay asleep.
"My young prince," Nyma said leaning over to gaze at the prince. "My gift shall be the gift of beauty," with a wave of her wand, light blue sparkles fell over the prince and then faded away.
One gift, beauty rare,
Full of midnight in his hair,
Eyes that shame the darkest skies,
Violet droplets in his eyes
"Small prince," Shay said smiling down at the prince as Nyma backed away. "My gift shall be the gift of song," with a wave of her wand, light green sparkles fell over the prince and then faded away.
One gift, the gift of song,
Melody his whole life long.
The nightingale's his troubadour,
Bringing his sweet serenade to her door
"My sweet prince," Florona said floating up to the crib and gazing down with soft gentle eyes at the prince. "My gift shall be-" before she could finish, a strong gust of wind blew into the throne room and made everyone freeze. Krolia stood up from the room as a bright flame of dark purple flames burst into the room. Shiro pulled out his sword and stepped in front of his mother, the guards doing the same and created a protective ring in front of the royals. Nyma, Shay, and Florona creating a protective ring around the prince.
"It's Haggar," Shay said with wide eyes. Before them indeed stood the ex-fairy turned evil. She was fair skinned, with yellow eyes and curly white hair. Her use of the dark arts magic had changed her appearance from what she used to be. She was dressed in a dress of black and dark magenta with a black leather choker and a dark purple gem around her neck. In her hand, she held a black staff with a glowing purple orb inside that had black magic swirling inside.
"Just what does she want here?" Florona asked before Nyma shushed her.
"Well, quite a glittering assemblage, Queen Krolia," Haggar said glancing around at the crowd who were watching her with fearful yes. She was after all the most dangerous witch in the kingdom. "Royalty, nobility, the gentry, and, how quaint, even the fairies."
"Well, it was my son's birth after all," Krolia said glaring down at the witch.
"Ah yes, how King Kenneth wished he could be here today," Haggar said with a smirk on her face.
"You-" Shiro went to say but Krolia stopped him with a shake of her head. Shiro nodded and backed down.
"You know, I really felt quite distressed of not receiving an invitation," Haggar said with a soft sigh.
"You weren't wanted," Florona said before anyone could stop her. Nyma turned and glared down at her, Florona shrinking under her gaze.
"Not wa-? Oh dear, what an awkward situation. I had hoped it was merely due to some oversight. Well, in that event I'd best be on my way," Haggar said with a "frown" before turning and starting to make her way to the door.
"Good riddance," Florona muttered under her breath before she was nudged by Shay.
"Or, to show how much I'm not offended," Haggar said turning back and her gaze landing on the crib behind the three fairy queen's. "I, too, shall bestow a gift on the young prince."
"No!" the three fairies cried out protecting the crib behind them. Though, they knew it was no use as Haggar ignored them, her staff glowing a dark purple with black magic swirling around her.
"The prince shall indeed grow in grace and beauty, beloved by all who adore him," Haggar said with a smirk on her face. Krolia slowly moved towards her son, her eyes never leaving Haggar's staff. "But, before the sun sets on his eighteenth birthday, he shall prick his finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel.." Haggar's magic created images of monsters and a black spinning wheel before landing on an image of a grown Keith lying on his bed. "And die!"
"No!" Krolia cried out gathering her son into her arms, the prince sensing his mother's fear and worry and woke up bursting into tears and crying. Haggar started laughing as fizzling dark purple magic sprinkled onto the prince, the spell locking in.
"Seize her!" Shiro yelled, the guards running into action. However, purple flames surrounded Haggar, cutting the guards off from getting to her.
"Stand back, you fools!" Haggar yelled before disappearing into a burst of purple flames, the flames dying down as she disappeared. Her laughter ringing throughout the room. The crowd muttering amongst themselves amidst the crying of the young prince as his mother held him with shaking arms.
"Please don't despair You Majesty," Shay said offering a small smile.
"That's right," Nyma said with a nod. "Florona still has yet to give her gift."
"Then, she can undo this curse?" Krolia asked, her eyes filling with tears.
"I'm afraid not Your Majesty," Florona said with a small nod, a frown on her face. "Haggar's powers are far too great for us to undo."
"But she can help," Shay said pushing her forwards.
"But-"
"Please, try anything," Krolia said turning to the fairy in pink. Florona's gaze landed on the prince who had calmed down and lay silent in Krolia's arms. Florona nodded and summoned magic from her wand.
"Sweet prince, if through this wicked witch's trick, a spindle should your finger prick, a ray of hope there still may be in this, the gift I give at thee. Not in death, but just in sleep the fateful prophecy you'll keep, and from this slumber you shall wake when true love's kiss the spell shall break," pink sparkles fluttered down from above and faded into the prince.
For true love conquers all
But Queen Krolia, still fearful of her son's life, did then and there decree that every spinning wheel in the kingdom should on that very day be burnt. So it was done, under the command of Prince Shiro.
"Oh my," Shay said as the fairy trio watch the bonfire of spinning wheels burned in front of the castle.
"I know Her Majesty is just being safe, but this bonfire won't stop Haggar," Nyma said stepping away from the balcony. "Haggar has her ways."
"I'd say to reason with her but we all know how well that would go," Florona said with a sigh.
"There has to be some way we can at least prolong the curse," Shay said shaking her head. "Something she won't expect."
"That's it!" Nyma exclaimed, making the other two jump. "I know what to do."
"What?" Shay asked.
"Not here," Nyma said shaking her head. "Even walls have ears," with a wave of her hand she turned small and motioned for the other two to do the same. They flew out of the throne room and into a jewellery box that was gifted to the queen.
"So what's this big plan of yours?" Florona asked.
"Well, Haggar knows nothing about love, or kindness, or the joy of helping earnest," Nyma explained to which the other two nodded in agreement. "Now, we'll have to plan it carefully. Let's see, woodcutter's cottage, yes, yes, the abandoned one, of course Her Majesty will object, but when we explain it's the only way…"
"Explain what?" Shay asked stopping Nyma's rambling.
"About the three peasant women raising a foundling child deep in the forest," Nyma explained with a smile.
"Oh, well they sound very nice," Shay said not catching onto Nyma's plan.
"Who's they?" Florona asked, also not catching onto Nyma's plan.
Well, turn around," Nyma said pointing to the mirror. As Florona and Shay turned around, Nyma used her magic to change their appearances. Their flower crowns, necklaces, and gloves faded away as Nyma changed their clothing.
"Huh?" Florona said as her dressed changed to a pink skirt, a light blue blouse with ¾ sleeves, and a dark pink corset top, a white apron was placed around her waist. Her hair was tied back into a ponytail with a light pink bow and a magenta choker was wrapped around her neck.
"Oh! It's us?" Shay asked in amazement as her dress was changed to a light green skirt, a light green blouse, a darker green corseted top, and a white apron. Her hair was short enough to leave as it was but a green headband replaced her crown and a green choker wrapped around her neck. "We'll take care of the prince?"
"Why not?" Nyma asked changing her appearance as well. Her dress was changed to a light blue dress, a blue blouse, and a dark blue corset top, and a white apron tied around her waist. Her hair was tied back like Florona's but with a blue bow instead and a dark blue choker wrapped around her neck.
"Oh, I'd like that!" Shay said with a smile. She always loved children and was excited about this plan.
"Well, yes, yes, but will we have to feed it?" Florona asked. She was the youngest and didn't really know anything about children.
"And wash it and dress it and rock it to sleep," Shay said daydreaming about the years to come.
"Do you really think we can?" Florona asked.
"Well, if humans can do it, why can't we?" Nyma asked with a shrug heading to open the box and head off to tell Queen Krolia the plan.
"Well, we'll have our magic to help us," Florona said with a sigh. Nyma froze and turned back to the pair.
"Oh, no, no, no, no, no magic!" Nyma said rushing back over and grabbing Shay's wand from her. "I'll take those wands if you please," Nyma said before glancing at Shay's silver wings. "Oh, better get rid of those wings, too," Nyma said flicking her wand and making Shay's wings disappear.
"You mean, live like mortals? For eighteen years?" Florona asked before taking off to fly away. However, she was stopped when Nyma whisked her wings away.
"Of course," Nyma said reaching for her wand but Florona stepped away, clutching her wand to her, out of Nyma's reach.
"But, we don't know how. We've never done anything without magic," Florona said rushing away from Nyma's reach.
"And that's why Haggar will never suspect it," Nyma said plucking Florona's wand as Florona whisked Nyma's wings away.
"But who'll wash, and cook?" Florona asked with a pout.
"Well, we'd all pitch in," Nyma said with a smile. "Now, come along, we must tell Her Majesty at once," Nyma said exiting the box with Shay and Florona in tow. Once out, she changed them into their normal size and putting the wands away. The trio then set off to tell Queen Krolia the plan.
"Are sure this is the only way?" Krolia asked as she rocked Keith to sleep in her arms. Allura sat on the couch by the fireplace, Lance asleep beside her. The royals had retreated to the living room after the whole ordeal with Haggar. Shiro had returned a few minutes prior to the fairies arrival and watched as his brother fell asleep in his mother's arms.
"I'm afraid this is the best option we can think of Your Majesty," Nyma said with a frown.
"We know this must be hard for you Your Majesty, but this really is the best option to protect the prince," Shay said her eyes landing on the sleeping child.
"We wish we could give you more time to think about it, but night is approaching and it is best if we leave during the night," Florona said gesturing to the night sky.
Krolia stared down at her son who was sound asleep in her arms. He was her most prized possession, on she did not want to part with it. She knew it was best for her son to go into hiding, where he could be safe from Haggar, but the selfish part of her wanted to keep him with her and never leave his side.
"Alright," Krolia said with a shaky sigh. "If it will protect him from this curse, then I will agree with your plan," Krolia said turning to the fairies with teary eyes. Nyma nodded and walked towards the queen, waiting for the prince to be placed in her arms. Shay and Florona pulled on their cloaks and as Nyma waited, she to pulled on her cloak.
Krolia gave her son a kiss on the forehead and whispered something softly to him. Nyma was too far away to hear it, but she knew it was private and didn't dare ask what was spoken. Krolia softly placed her son in Nyma's arms and helped her hold him properly.
"Before you go," Krolia said walking over to her bedside drawer and pulled a small silver blade out with a black and purple handle. She walked back over and wrapped it up in its wrappings. "It was mine from my father, please give it to him when you feel ready," Krolia said handing the blade to Shay. "Something for him to have a piece of me," Krolia said a tear slipping down her cheek.
"We'll make sure he gets it Your Majesty," Shay said with a smile.
"We should be on our way," Nyma said to which Krolia nodded and the fairies gave a final bow before heading out.
So Queen Krolia and Prince Shiro watched with heavy hearts as their most precious possession, the youngest prince, disappeared into the night.
Queen Allura and Prince Lance returned home to Altea, the promise of a marriage still promised. They would await for the day when Prince Keith would return home and then they would return to the kingdom of Daibazaal to celebrate.
Many sad and lonely years passed by for Queen Krolia, Prince Shiro, and their people. But as the time for the prince's eighteenth birthday drew near, the entire kingdom began to rejoice. For everyone knew that as long as Haggar's domain, the Forbidden Mountains, thundered with her wrath and frustration, her evil prophecy had not yet been fulfilled.
Hey Y'all!
I'm back from my camping trip. Apologies for not uploading this chapter sooner, I was in a bit of funk trying to get back into my routine at home. But here it is!
On that note, I'll get started on the next chapter and I'll see you guys in the next one!
~Alchemygirl8