by K. M. Shea
In fact, the day Briar and a contingent force of the knights were due to return, Silk, Velvet, and Jewel were sent to meet them. The reunion was a joyful one. Briar was relieved to learn her ladies had not been more than sternly lectured for leading the guards around on a fruitless chase. (She was less relieved that they had brought with them a beautiful violet gown and sapphire earrings and bracelets.)
So Briar looked remarkably respectable as she rode into Ciane, her ladies-in-waiting behind her and the knights riding ahead and behind.
Crowds gathered up and down the streets. People cheered—for the new legendary knight, for the princess, for the defeat of Carabosso! Children threw down wild flowers some men and women played harps and flutes, and everybody was laughing.
Briar smiled and waved, doing her best to ingratiate herself with the people. It was they who would be the key in securing her future with Isaia.
Their procession wove through the streets of Ciane and eventually reached the gates to the palace. They passed through, entering the palace lawn where all the Magic Knights who had remained behind were turned out in their armor. Dozens of guards were there as well. The knights and guards were organized in separate formations, and they saluted as Briar and her little band waltzed by.
Lords and ladies were arranged in front of the palace, much the way they had been when she first arrived. Her family waited on the top of the entrance stairs, wearing fine clothes and their crown jewelry.
Briar glanced over her shoulder to ascertain that the commoners of Ciane had indeed flowed into the palace grounds so they could watch His Majesty receive Briar and the knights.
She tried to swallow, though her mouth felt pitifully dry as she slipped off Misfit and began to climb the stairs. Though she knew Delanna, Isaia, and the other legendary knights were behind her, she felt alone as she reached the top.
Her mother—tearful but smiling—and her father—grinning so big it looked like his face might split in half—embraced her.
“I was so worried,” her mother cried.
“We’re so proud,” her father said.
Again, Briar felt it hard to swallow—but this time not from fear. “Mother, Father…I’m home,” she whispered.
Her parents laughed, and the three of them almost knocked heads before Briar pulled away.
She turned to her stiff, formal grandfather, and hesitated. Do I hug him? Do I offer him a curtsey? His face was its usual expression of stone, so he didn’t appear angry, but Briar was willing to bet that he was seething on the inside.
In the end she decided to smile widely at him, and she performed the most elegant curtsey she could produce. In return, King Giuseppe gravely inclined his head to her. “Princess Rosalinda, daughter of my daughter Princess Alessia, my granddaughter, you have returned home in victory.” His voice was audible over the chatter of the crowds, silencing them as they craned their necks and listened. “Please, say a few words.”
Precise instructions had arrived with Silk, Velvet, and Jewel that outlined exactly what she was supposed to say. She was not to even mention that she and the knights had gone out without his permission, and instead was supposed to praise everyone for working together and strengthening the kingdom, perhaps say a few words about the battle, and introduce Isaia as a legendary knight.
Briar followed his instructions…almost exactly.
“The Magic Knights of Sole did our country proud in battle. They faced several Chimera, dark mages, and goblins with the aid of the Lady Enchantress Angelique, Mage Firra, and Mage Donaigh.”
Angelique had declined to come to Ciane with them. Reinforcements from the Veneno Conclave had arrived just in time to take charge of Carabosso, so she and the Black Swan Smugglers had whisked away after confirming the fleeing mages and sorceress had left Sole. Firra and Donaigh had returned, though, so Briar gestured to them as she spoke.
“Additionally, I am happy to announce that I had the great honor of bestowing a legendary weapon upon a worthy magic knight. Please allow me to introduce you to Sir Isaia—the Legendary Knight of the Two-Handed Sword!”
The commoners erupted into cheers, whistles, and stomps, and Briar was once again very glad they were present. Isaia joined her on the top of the staircase, as was planned, and bowed. He moved to leave, but Briar grabbed him by the hand and did not let go.
Feeling her grandfather’s questioning gaze on her, Briar rushed to add, “Additionally, I am happy to announce that it was Sir Isaia, my true love, who broke my curse and woke me—woke us—from our year-long sleep, and it is with my grandfather’s blessing that we will marry.”
She wrapped her arms around Isaia as the applause began.
“This is your plan?” Isaia murmured.
“Uh-huh. If they support us, do you really think Grandfather can afford to separate us?” Briar asked. She tilted her head up so she could peer into his eyes. “But this is it, Isaia. You might love me, but I know you don’t love the throne. This is your last chance to back out of marrying me.” Briar wasn’t stupid. Marrying her would be an act of open rebellion against the king—something outside of Isaia’s temperament. If he followed through with her, the honor he fought so hard for might never be recovered.
Isaia smiled and bent over her until his lips grazed her ear. “I will never let you go.” He kissed her there, in front of the nobles, in front of her family, in front of all of Ciane. This kiss was just as passionate as their previous one, but Briar could feel his possessive streak in the way he slid his arms around her and pressed his lips against hers.
No matter what happened next, Isaia would be with her.
When they finally parted and faced their audience with embarrassed smiles, there was less than a heartbeat before the cheering resumed with even greater enthusiasm.
The citizens of Ciane went crazy. Their cheers were so loud Briar could barely think, and her ears rang. The lords and ladies clapped politely, although they looked quite shocked.
There, she thought smugly. Even King Giuseppe wouldn’t dare make me marry anyone else after this.
If he did, the people would likely riot. Still, the move was not without its risks. She was afraid to predict what her parents would think. When she pulled back from Isaia, she looked up into his green eyes.
He smiled and squeezed her hand.
Encouraged, Briar took a breath and turned towards her family.
Prince Consort Filippo grinned widely. “I give you my blessing.” he said when the crowd’s deafening roar quieted to a noisy cheer. “I will rest easier knowing my darling has married a man who can keep her safe.”
Princess Alessia looked surprised by Briar’s declaration, but she was also politely clapping. “Is this what you want?”
“Yes.”
“It means a great deal more work for you,” Princess Alessia said. “As a Magic Knight, Isaia cannot help you rule.”
“I know,” Briar said. “But I love him.”
Princess Alessia nodded thoughtfully and looked back and forth between them. “Then Sir Isaia, I give you my blessing as well. For you are worthy of my precious daughter.”
Briar squeezed Isaia’s hand so tightly, she hoped it did not hurt him. She shivered when he pulled his hand from hers and instead curled an arm around her shoulders. She leaned into his side, drawing strength from his presence. Then, almost afraid to breathe, Briar turned to her grandfather.
King Giuseppe’s eyebrows were arched, and he looked perhaps a little more sour than usual. “It appears my congratulations are in order,” he said. “Although it seems I have already given them.” He nodded gravely at Isaia and raised Briar’s hand to his lips for a kiss.
Briar was so relieved she almost felt lightheaded—he wasn’t going to stop her. It was a little alarming that he had given in so easily, but Briar knew him well enough to believe that he wouldn’t do anything dishonorable to break them apart.
It was settled. Isaia and Briar—finally free of everything that had worked to keep them apart—would ma
rry.
Briar laughed and had to jump to wrap her arms around Isaia’s neck. He lifted her again, and his lips lingered near hers before he kissed her forehead.
Briar thought her heart would burst with joy as she leaned into Isaia and listened to the cheer of the crowds.
Later, Briar braced herself for King Giuseppe’s retaliation.
It never came.
So when a great engagement feast was thrown at the end of the week, she was more than a little exhausted.
“Is anything wrong?” Isaia asked. He and Briar strolled the perimeter of the room, arm-in-arm, smiling at the many well-wishes and congratulations.
“I’m just a little confused about Grandfather,” Briar said. “I was prepared for a fight. He just…gave in.”
“You could ask him about it,” Isaia said.
“And invite trouble? Hah!” Briar deviously raised her eyebrows and peered around. No one was looking in their direction, so with great stealth she directed Isaia to one of the forever-abandoned patios connected to the hall.
Briar breathed deeply in the muted quiet of the outdoors. “Winter will come soon.” Their wedding was to be held in winter—so all the other countries could be alerted as to what had taken place in Sole, and so a small group of knights led by Sir Lucio could ride to Loire and inquire what they could do for the good of the continent.
“Not,” Isaia murmured, “soon enough.”
Briar smiled shyly up at him, and Isaia gently traced her jaw with his thumb and leaned over her. He froze when he was barely a hair’s breath away, then suddenly straightened with a frown.
Curious as to what made him stop, Briar turned just in time to see King Giuseppe leave the ballroom and join them on the patio.
Isaia bowed suavely. “Your Majesty.”
“I would like a few moments with my granddaughter, Sir Isaia.”
“Of course.” Isaia squeezed Briar’s hand and moved towards the ballroom, but the light in his eyes promised he wouldn’t be far.
Briar breathed deeply and smiled. “Thank you for the party, Grandfather.”
King Giuseppe stared at her with his usual rock-face expression. “Have you really loved Sir Isaia for so long?”
Briar had to clasp her hands together to keep from twiddling her thumbs. “Yes.”
“And what of your desire for an Easy-and-Carefee-Life?”
Briar blinked in surprise. It seemed like she had last thought of her scheme decades ago, and she didn’t know that she had discussed it with anyone since she arrived in Ciane. How did he come to learn of it? “It was something I invented because I didn’t think Isaia would ever have me.”
“So it was your second choice?”
“Yes.”
King Giuseppe’s eyes barely slanted down. “Then I’m afraid I have done you a grave disservice.”
Briar tried to smile. “What do you mean?”
King Giuseppe looked out at the darkened palace lawn. “Sending you away was one of the hardest things I have ever done. It was difficult…to read about your growth in reports. But the more they described the warmth of your character, your intelligence, your joy…” He sighed. “Raising you away from the palace had to be done to save your life, but the transition from country life to princess would be difficult for anyone…and above that you would carry the weight of the country on your shoulders with your curse. You would be forced to deal with issues no other royal has. It didn’t seem fair to you.”
He rubbed his eyes. “So when I read of your desire to have an easy-going life…I thought you would hate it here. You were too smart not to know what being a princess would mean.”
Briar winced. She had been horrified to learn she was the cursed princess.
“The only thing I could think of doing was give you what you wanted: as easy a life as I could find. We could push your husband to rule.” King Giuseppe and Briar locked eyes. “The life of a monarch is difficult. You must weigh every action you make and ask if it is for the best for the country. And when you fail, as I have recently, you must live with the knowledge that lives were stolen—ruined—because of your selfishness. I couldn’t let Carabosso take you from me again, Rosalinda.”
Briar’s heart melted. She had thought King Giuseppe was her greatest obstacle. But perhaps it was really that he knew her better than she ever believed, and though she had spent most of her life never knowing who he was, he had always known she was his precious granddaughter.
Her eyes teared up. “Oh, Beppe,” she whispered. She threw her arms around him, startling the brusque man.
He was stiff, but after a moment or two, he thawed and gruffly patted her back.
Briar pressed her face into his solid shoulder. “When everyone told me who I really was, I knew life would never be the same…but I accepted it. It meant I had a family—I was loved. All I wanted was to be accepted into the family. I’m not afraid of work—I’m a d’Avalas!”
“Indeed.”
Briar pulled back so she could take his hands in hers. “And I have you to teach me. As a little girl, I knew we had a good king. Now, though we butt heads, I am proud to call you my grandfather. So please…please let it be more than in name only.”
King Giuseppe nodded, his eyes just as tear-filled as hers. “Of course, Rose. Of course.”
Things would change in Sole, for the following day, grave King Giuseppe (who had for so long shouldered the burden of protecting his family), welcomed the courageous Princess Rosalinda Talia d’Avalas—the Briar Rose—into the governmental meetings.
Briar paced up and down Aeternum Hall, trying to settle her nerves.
“Your Highness,” Jewel tisked. “You are going to step on the train of your gown if you keep twisting like that.”
It was her wedding day—her long-awaited wedding day. Ciane was stuffed with government officials, lords, ladies, and commoners who had stormed the city to see the wedding of the much-sighed-over couple. The Briar Rose and her legendary knight Isaia had been welcomed and accepted as possessing the most romantic love story Sole had ever heard.
Foreign royals were present—thankfully not Prince Johann of Erlauf, as no one, not even him, had figured out how she had once scorned him—as were a slew of mages.
Briar’s joy was so great she could hardly contain it!
…But the ceremony didn’t start for another ten minutes. So Briar kicked up her heels out of sight in the Aeternum Hall, wearing her wedding gown of white and gold with an overdress of costly lace.
Delanna stopped her so she could adjust the veil pinned in Briar’s chestnut locks. “Don’t worry, Your Highness. You look lovely. And Sir Isaia wouldn’t notice if you pranced down the aisle in the pig-girl’s kirtle anyway.”
Briar chuckled and resumed her pacing, though at a much slower rate. She strolled along the wall that held the gleaming legendary weapons, eyeing the halberd as she passed it.
For some weeks now, she had felt its whispery pull. She had more than a small hunch it was meant for Sir Franco, but she wanted to wait until she was certain.
She sauntered on, then froze when she felt a new whisper in the back of her mind. Shocked, she whipped around to stare at the weapon: a gleaming crossbow.
A smug smile spread across her lips and threatened to break her face. Unable to keep her mirth in, she laughed outright.
Velvet smiled fondly.
Silk shook her head in exasperated affection. “She is so excited about her wedding.”
Briar strolled on, barely able to contain her glee as she grinned at Delanna, who gave her a puzzled frown.
Beppe is going to die when I tell him I’m going to have the first female magic knight—and the Legendary Knight of the Crossbow!
The End
For free Sleeping Beauty extras and short stories, visit kmshea.com!
Afterword
Thank you for reading Sleeping Beauty, I hope you enjoyed Briar and Isaia’s story! If you want to read more of my work, sign up for my newsletter to receive my free K
. M. Shea Starter Pack ebook.
It contains:
A King Arthurs and Her Knights prequel short story
A Red Rope of Fate prequel short story
An original fairy tale, Princess Snow and Queen Ruby
My newsletter is released every month, and contains information about contests, new freebies—like short stories and extra scenes—free books, and reader opinion polls.
Thank you for your support and encouragement. I am proud to say I have the best readers. Therefore, it is my dearest wish that Briar and her friends made you laugh, and warmed your heart. Thank you.
Other books by K.M. Shea
Life Reader
Red Rope of Fate
Princess Ahira
Robyn Hood:
A Girl’s Tale
Fight for Freedom
The Magical Beings’ Rehabilitation Center:
My Life at the MBRC
Farewell to the MBRC?
The Lost Files of the MBRC
King Arthur and Her Knights:
Enthroned
Enchanted
Embittered
Embark
Enlighten
Endeavor
Three pack (Enthroned, Enchanted, Embittered)
Timeless Fairy Tales
Beauty and the Beast
The Wild Swans
Cinderella
Rumpelstiltskin
The Little Selkie
Puss in Boots
Swan Lake
Sleeping Beauty
The Snow Queen:
Heart of Ice
Sacrifice
About the Author
K.M. Shea is a book lover, champion web surfer, and all around geek. She is a fulltime independent author, and lives in the quaint Midwest with her beloved companion, Perfect Dog.
Follow K.M. Shea on Twitter: KM_Shea
Visit her blog: www.kmshea.com
Visit her Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005ANPMZU
