Chapter 1: Once Upon a Time:
Siegfried's POV:
We received shocking news from my Mother.
"Tsar," I asked.
"Tsarina," asks Odette.
"You knew this would happen," says my Mother.
"This... just seems so sudden," says Odette.
"What if we're not ready," I asked.
"Let me tell you the story of someone who found out she was a Tsarina," says my Mother, "spoiler alert, it was me!"
Iolanta's POV - Flashback:
It all started when Kazimir and I were just living a simple life in our cottage. Then the strangest thing happened, there were these loud trumpets. I thought we were at war! Kazimir and I then answered the door.
"Are we at war," I asked.
"Grand Duchess Iolanta... you are Iolanta, right?"
"Yes," I said, "I don't owe you money, do I?"
"No, but you are going to get money. You are the new Tsarina and your husband, the Tsar!"
I then fainted and when I woke up, I was excited!
. . .
We were then taken to our new castle. I couldn't believe it! Me, Tsarina! I pinched myself so much, I started losing feeling in my nerves. I didn't even think that was logical.
"Now, first, you're going to need to go through some proper training. I'm sure you're wondering..."
Chamberlain: What does it take to be a queen
It's probably best if we start with the basics
Maid: Of what it takes to be a queen
The life you had before
We must replace it
Footmen: There is no turning back
You are on your way
We're here to help you through it
We'll show you how to do it
Chamberlain: What does it take to be a queen
When you must organize a steadfast schedule
Footmen: Do what it takes to be a queen
Footman: You must keep up
With every royal plateful
Trainer: We'll have to elevate your stamina
Maids: This life's not for the meek
Footmen: We work eight days a week
Chamberlain: Also, you've been invited by Grigori and Fédora to a royal tea
Iolanta: A what?
Chamberlain: All the kings and queens will be there.
Iolanta: Must I?
Chamberlain: You must.
Queens: It takes poise and grace
With picture-perfect taste
Grigori: She does have flair
Fédora: And ingenuity to spare
(Iolanta breaks a cup)
Fédora: Oh, clumsy me, I've broken another. You must be Iolanta. I'm Fédora. We're going to be best friends. I admire anyone who can play the teacup.
Iolanta: Oh, you're so kind and I'm so awkward.
Grigori: We'll have your pinky pointing properly in not time. Try saying that five times fast.
Fédora: I think what my Grigori is trying to say is...
The thing you need to be a queen
Grigori: You wouldn't find in any royal textbook
Fédora: You already are a queen
Iolanta: I am?
Everyone: Of course
Fédora: All that you need is sitting there inside you
It just shines bright enough
To fill the room
I can see all the good
That you will do
All: Here comes the Demon Mother
She won't abide a flaw
Pipa Jing: Not a one
Iolanta: She has a second mouth... ON HER STOMACH!
Chamberlain: She's sure to find the spotlight
Fédora: She loves to share her cause
Pipa Jing: My cause? My cause, of course, is my perytons
They are the mightiest beasts you see
They must be important and perfectly purebred
Like mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
My cause are perytons
Iolanta: A cause?
Fédora: Don't worry.
Kazimir: You'll find one that's just right for you.
Chamberlain: My Tsarina! There's still much to do to prepare for your coronation.
Chorus: The crown awaits for you, my Queen
Maid 1: Chin up
Maid 2: Stand straight
Maid 1: You must walk tall and graceful
Chamberlain: To be appointed as the queen
This coronation must be monumental
Footmen: We need to give your look a royal lift
A bit of savoir-faire
To make them stop and stare
And be the tallest by a hair
Chamberlain: She's ready.
(Man, crowns Iolanta)
Iolanta: Watch it, Bub! There's eight hours of hair up there!
(Everyone gasps, but Kazimir gets them to laugh)
Chorus: That's what it takes to be a Queen
That's what it takes to be a
That's what it takes to be a QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuueeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!
(It was after my coronation, and it was just me and Kazimir sitting on the stairs alone)
Iolanta: Oh, my
Oh, dear
There's so much to fear
How can I be the person
That they believe I am
Kazimir: If you saw what I see
You'd know exactly what they mean
You will be the Queen
Of Queens!
To Be Continued
Fairy Tales are Born parts that are outside of Tsarina Iolanta's story takes place three months after The Princess of Swan Lake. Pipa Jing is the Mate of Heifeng Guai/The Black Wind Demon/The Dark Dragon. Pipa Jing is the Mother of Tso Lan, Po Kong, Tchang Zu, Shen Du, Bai Tza, Dai Gui, Xiao Fung, Hsi Wu, and Ting Song. In the next chapter, Iolanta gets used to being Tsarina.