*non-traditional
Trixie Belden in Sleepyside Fairy Tales Part 2
Sleeping Beauty Bob-White-Style
By Moon-Spinner
Prologue
Once upon a time there lived a very wealthy king and queen in a huge castle on some cliffs next to a river. Their name was Wheeler. King Wheeler had always wanted to have a child, but the beautiful queen was very delicate in health. Then one glorious day, Queen Wheeler became pregnant and gave birth to a baby girl, whom she called Honey, for her sweet disposition and honey colored hair.
The king was so pleased he declared a national holiday for all the people in his kingdom. There was to be a grand feast at the palace and the christening of the little princess. Invitations were sent to all of the important and noble people of the kingdom. And special invitations were sent to the good fairies of the kingdom. Only one was uninvited, the terrible, evil fairy.
The evening of the grand party was very gay and light hearted. All the people had a glorious time and King Wheeler was very generous with food and drink. Suddenly a fanfare erupted and the people fell respectfully silent for the entrance of the three good fairies.
The crowds parted as the first fairy, Miss Trask, the sensible fey, entered the room in a cloud of tweed and approached Princess Honey in her bassinet. The king and queen looked on happily as she said, “My, what a beautiful child. I shall bless you with the gift of tasteful tact and sensitivity towards others.” She waved her wand over the crib and bent to kiss the little princess’s sleeping head.
Next came the second and oldest fairy, Mr. Maypenny, the wood dryad. He walked through the crowd with a straight spine, clutching his gnarled walking staff. He stood looking down at Princess Honey and said, “I shall bless you, little princess, with a love of all things natural and beautiful. You shall find great joy being in nature and all creatures big and small shall immediately love you.” He waved his gnarled staff over the sleeping princess and walked off to stand next to Miss Trask.
Then came the third and final fairy, Regan, the horseman sprite. He sauntered through the crowd, hitching up his low-slung jeans with his big freckled hands and muttering good-natured complaints about needing to see to the horses instead of being at a swanky shindig. When he reached the little princess a broad smile crossed his face and he said, “Well, look here. I’m going to bless this little one with the great gift of horsemanship. She’ll ride like the wind. And while I’m at it, I’m going to throw another one in there. She won’t be afraid of hard work. She’ll work as hard as any peasant in the fields and not be uppity.” With that Regan waved his riding crop over the sleeping princess and went to stand next to Mr. Maypenny.
“Thank you, good fairies, your blessings and gifts to our daughter are -” the great hall doors being flung wide apart by a strong wind cut off King Wheeler. They slammed against the walls and all the people screamed and shrank away as a great black cloud blew into the room.
“You forgot my invitation, I believe,” the evil fairy, Lytell, cackled. “I too, have a little gift for her small highness.”
The people could only gape in horror as Lytell descended on the baby. The good fairies and royal guard could not get through the strong wind he created to rescue Princess Honey from her fate.
“Ah, beautiful little princess,” Lytell said, staring down with hateful, beady eyes, “My gift to you is a tendency toward adventure. This will make it so that on your 16th birthday you shall prick your finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel, and DIE!” He blew some of the black cloud to surround her bassinet. Princess Honey awoke from her peaceful sleep and began to cry.
King Wheeler yelled orders to his army, as the Queen fainted. Lytell laughed evilly and disappeared into thin air.
“Do something!” King Wheeler begged the three good fairies.
Miss Trask, Mr. Maypenny, and Regan all looked troubled. They went to surround the princess and talked together, trying to decide the best course of action.
“King Wheeler, we have no authority or power to undo Lytell’s gift. The only thing we can do is alter it,” Regan said.
King Wheeler was distraught. “Please save my daughter.”
Mr. Maypenny nodded at the other two and said, “Princess Honey we say that your fate will not be to prick your finger and die, but to sleep. You shall sleep a deep and peaceful sleep until your true love comes to wake you up with a kiss.” Mr. Maypenny pointed his staff, Miss Trask pointed her wand, and Regan pointed his crop at the Princess. The black cloud surrounding her turned silver and dissipated and Princess Honey was calmed and lulled back into a peaceful sleep.
Immediately King Wheeler ordered every spinning wheel in the kingdom to be burned in a great fire in the courtyard. The three fairies were employed to watch over the little princess for sixteen years. Miss Trask as her governess, Mr. Maypenny as the gamekeeper, and Regan as head groom.
Unfortunately, King Wheeler forgot one spinning wheel that stood alone in a small room at the top of the north tower of the castle. No one alive remembered the spinning wheel was there, so it remained.
Almost 16 Years Later
“Lady Trask!” A slender, honey-haired girl ran to the sensible looking gray haired lady who waited on her. “Trixie and I have just found the most amazing thing!”
Miss Trask looked at Princess Honey fondly and smiled. She had quickly grown into a most charming young woman. True to their gifts, she was tactful, hard working, a wonderful horsewoman, and every living creature loved her on sight. Unfortunately, her penchant for adventure was still alive and well, which made looking after her wellbeing very difficult. “Now, Princess Honey, you know you’re not supposed to be running off with Lady Beatrix. Your sixteenth birthday approaches and your father is preparing a most lavish feast for tomorrow night to celebrate. Princess Diana from the neighboring kingdom shall be there and you would miss the whole thing if you got yourself kidnapped again. Besides, Sir Brian returns tomorrow as well.”
Honey smiled shyly at the thought of the dark haired young man. It was rumored that on her birthday he would ask for her hand in marriage.
“Now you must get ready for supper. Come along.” Miss Trask led Honey to her chambers in the south tower and Honey forgot all about the secret passage that she and Trixie had found. They had not yet explored it, due to the lateness of the hour, but they had made plans to meet there again the next morning.
That evening at supper Honey daydreamed about Brian. She couldn’t wait for him to ask her father for her hand. Then he might even kiss her that night. She sighed dreamily.
Miss Trask, Regan, and Mr. Maypenny all watched her closely and hid amused smiles. They had watched the little princess grow from birth and the next day their jobs would be finished. They were all feeling a little melancholy at the thought of the young woman leaving their lives, but happy that she would be out of danger and married to a worthy man. They were also relieved that they would no longer have to hide their magic and live as mortals, as they had for the past years.
Suddenly, a clap of thunder shook the great hall and a burst of wind flung the doors wide open and slammed them against the opposite walls. Honey screamed and Queen Wheeler fainted. The three fairies stood up, tense and alert.
The doormen quickly shut the door again and King Wheeler commented on the ferocity of the sudden storm. Queen Wheeler’s attendants were bringing her around. Everyone returned to their meals, quite content that the disturbance was nothing more than a powerful thunderstorm.
However the three fairies remained tense and alert throughout the rest of the meal. Their job was not yet finished.
When Honey had retired to her chambers Mr. Maypenny called Miss Trask and Regan to him for a conference. The three had shrunk themselves and hidden inside a music box that belonged to the princess so they could talk and still keep an eye on her.
“Tomorrow is the day we’ve been dreading for sixteen years now,” Mr. Maypenny said solemnly.
“It’s gone by so fast,” Miss Trask sighed.
Regan peeked over to check on the sleeping princess. “We knew it would,” he said gruffly.
Mr. Maypenny sat down stiffly. “Tomorrow we must make sure that at least one of us is constantly supervising Honey. Lytell will strike, he won’t forget.”
“But there are no spinning wheels or spindles left in the kingdom,” Regan frowned.
“We can’t be completely certain of that,” Miss Trask pointed out. “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
“And who knows what deviltry Lytell is up to,” Mr. Maypenny growled. “He could even arrange to bring a spinning wheel in tomorrow just for the occasion. Maybe send it as a birthday present.”
“He’d have a mighty fine time gettin’ it in the castle,” Regan said doubtfully.
“Lytell has his ways,” Miss Trask said sadly. “You may be too young to remember, but I well remember the terror he once spread across the land.” She shuddered at the memory.
“Now, now, we must let the past rest,” Mr. Maypenny said, standing. He patted Miss Trask on the shoulder. “Miss Trask will stand guard over the princess tonight. Tomorrow morning Regan and I shall stay with her. After that we’ll all have an easier time of it, since she has to get ready for her father’s great feast. Now let us depart.”
The three fairies left the music box and resumed their normal sizes. Regan and Mr. Maypenny quietly left the chamber as Miss Trask settled in for a long night of guarding her precious charge. None of them noticed the strange shadow moving along the wall.
The next morning Honey awoke to find Miss Trask already laying out her clothes for the day. “My, you’re up early,” Honey yawned.
Miss Trask smiled. “You’ve a big day ahead of you. Happy birthday, Princess.”
“Thank you.” Honey got out of bed and began to get ready. “Trixie and I have plans this morning, so I shouldn’t wear my nice frock.”
“Then you should arrange to be back here earlier than usual to get ready for the celebration.”
Honey frowned. “On second thought I’ll wear my nice frock and take care not to soil it. I’d much rather get ready now and not have to come spend more time on it later.”
“Please allow Mr. Maypenny and Regan to accompany you this morning,” Miss Trask said, helping Honey into her dress.
“What? Why?”
“They wish to accompany you and Lady Beatrix to ensure that you will be punctual and not get into any danger. It would be a bad day for you to find trouble.”
Honey wrinkled her brow in confusion. “Well, if you say so. It’s very strange, though.”
“Yet I must insist,” Lady Trask said. “They must accompany you on your outing today.”
Now Honey was very confused. “I’ll do as you ask. But you’ve never insisted they accompany me anywhere before.”
“Today is a special day. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” Miss Trask discreetly dabbed at her eyes.
“I’ve made plans to meet with Trixie. Shall I go wait with her for them to arrive?”
“No, Regan or Mr. Maypenny will call for you here.” Miss Trask gently held Honey by the shoulders and spoke to her intently. “You must promise me not to stray away from them today, princess. It is of the utmost importance.”
Honey began to look a little frightened. “What is going on?”
“I cannot tell you now. Your father and mother want to speak of it to you tonight after the celebration. But promise me.”
“I promise,” Honey said, still frightened.
“I shall wait with you until they come to call for you.”
The two sat silently in Princess Honey’s chamber. Miss Trask was tense and alert while Honey looked frightened and confused. Finally there was a tap at the door and Miss Trask went to answer it.
“Hello Miss Trask,” Regan said good-naturedly. “Is the princess ready for her outing?”
“Here I am, Regan. I’m ready.” Honey came to the door.
“You’re a bit early. Where is Mr. Maypenny?” Miss Trask looked down the corridor.
“He got held up. He’s going to meet us later.” Regan held the door open for Honey.
“Honey knows not to wander off from you today. I’ll see you at noon.” Miss Trask followed them into the corridor and headed towards her own chambers.
“Where are we off to today?” Regan accompanied Honey down the grand staircase.
“Trixie and I found a secret passage and we want to explore it, if that’s all right with you.” Honey looked at him timidly, afraid he would object to such an activity.
“That sounds safe enough,” Regan said. “Lead on.”
Honey and Regan met Trixie at the foot of the north tower.
“Hello Regan,” Trixie called cheerfully. “Are you exploring with us today?”
“Indeed I am,” Regan smiled. “I hear you’ve found a secret passage?”
“Yes, it’s right here.” Trixie entered the bottom of the tower and went to the fireplace. She pressed a hidden latch in the mantle and Regan watched as the back wall of the fireplace began to move inward, exposing a flight of stairs.
“I’ll be. How did you ladies find that?”
Trixie turned pink. “I tripped on the hem of my dress and fell against it. I guess I hit the button, because next thing we knew the back wall moved inward.”
“We haven’t been inside yet, though,” Honey said, moving forward. “I’m dreadfully curious as to where it goes.”
“Let’s find out,” Regan suggested, going forward.
Trixie and Honey followed him up the narrow stone steps. They spiraled up for several lengths until at last they reached a landing with one door.
“I wonder what’s through there,” Honey whispered. She moved forward and pushed open the door.
Inside the small room stood a lone spinning wheel, covered in dust and cobwebs.
“What on earth is that?” Honey said, moving forward.
“Why don’t you examine it and see?” Regan said, watching her carefully.
“No, Honey,” Trixie said fearfully. “Don’t touch it. I have a bad feeling about it.”
Honey paused and looked back uncertainly.
“Don’t be ridiculous, what could possibly happen?” Regan looked at Honey intently. “Touch it.”
Overcome by curiosity Honey reached out a finger and touched the spindle.
Mr. Maypenny waited impatiently for Regan to show up. They had agreed to meet in the great hall before going to get Honey. Regan was late and that wasn’t like him.
Tom Delanoy, King Wheeler’s assistant, entered the room. “Tom, have you by any chance seen Regan this morning? He was supposed to meet me here,” Mr. Maypenny said.
“I passed him awhile ago on his way to Princess Honey’s chamber,” Tom said. “He said he was under orders to accompany her today to see that she didn’t get into any mischief.”
Mr. Maypenny frowned. That’s very unlike Regan, he thought. I have a bad feeling about this. Quickly Mr. Maypenny went to find Miss Trask.
He tapped on Miss Trask’s chamber door and waited for her to open.
“What’s happened?” Miss Trask looked at him with some alarm.
“I don’t know, maybe you can tell me.” He told Miss Trask about the strange behavior of Regan.
“Something doesn’t feel right about this,” she said. “Let’s go to his room and check.”
The two hurried through the castle and to Regan’s chamber. Mr. Maypenny knocked but there was no answer. Using his magic, he flung the door open and a terrible sight met his and Miss Trask’s eyes.
The room was a wreck and in the middle of it all lay Regan bound hand and foot and gagged by magic cord. They quickly set about freeing him, both of their hearts pounding.
“What happened?” Mr. Maypenny demanded gruffly.
Regan sat up wearily. “When I got back to my room last night someone attacked me. I put up a good fight as you can see, but that other fellow had some powerful magic. I figured it was Lytell. We have to find Honey!”
Miss Trask went deathly pale. “He already has her. We must hurry.”
The three quickly spread out to canvass the castle. Before they could get far, a scream rang out from the north tower. They quickly ran there, fearing the worst.
Trixie ran screaming from the tower. She fell to the floor in hysterics. Regan reached her first and when she saw him she began to scream louder and beat at him with her fists.
“What on earth is the matter with you?” He had to yell to be heard.
Miss Trask moved him out of the way and muttered an incantation under her breath. Trixie immediately calmed down and relaxed. “Tell us what happened.”
“It was awful,” she cried. “Regan took Honey and me up into the north tower and there was this thing in a room up there. I’ve never seen anything like it. Regan told Honey to touch it and she pricked her finger on a sharp point on it and she just fell to the ground. I fear she must be dead! Then Regan began to laugh and he changed into a wicked looking old man and just vanished into air!”
“No,” Mr. Maypenny said, racing up the stairs of the tower. Regan and Miss Trask were right behind him. But when they reached the little room it was as Trixie had said. Their little princess lay crumpled on the floor in a deep sleep.
In agony, Regan picked up her limp body and carried her back to her own chambers. The other two followed him, openly weeping. Trixie, not knowing what was happening, followed behind them, fearing her best friend was dead.
Regan gently laid Honey on her bed and Miss Trask put a single red rose in her hands.
“What has happened?” Trixie cried.
Mr. Maypenny led her away and told her the sad tale.
“Oh, but then it’s all right,” she said, brightening. “My brother, Sir Brian, is Honey’s beloved. When he comes back tonight he can undo the spell.”
“Are you certain of this?” Mr. Maypenny asked, hope beginning to fill his heart once more. “It could be that their marriage would be a political one and not influenced by love.”
“I’m positive,” Trixie said with certainty. “All is not lost.”
“Then we must away at once,” Mr. Maypenny said, striding over to Regan and Miss Trask. “We must ensure that Sir Brian has safe passage home. If Lytell knows of his love for the princess he will stop at nothing to see that he is killed.”
Sir Brian rode his faithful mount, Starlight, through the forest. The rest of his party had traveled ahead of him and were now at the castle. He passed the time dreaming of his beloved, Princess Honey. He expected to reach King Wheeler’s castle that evening to partake in her birthday celebration. Then he would ask King Wheeler for her hand in marriage. Brian sighed. The road to the kingdom seemed endless. He wished he had taken Sir James’s advice and traveled with his friends and brother, Sir Daniel and Sir Martin instead of stopping to help some lost merchants find their way. I could have just given them directions, he thought. I didn’t have to accompany them and see them safely to their destination.
As he rounded a bend in the path he saw an old man lying in the dirt of the road. Brian quickly dismounted and ran to him, thinking only to help the poor fellow.
“Good fellow, can you hear me?” He bent down and gently turned the man onto his back.
The old man opened his eyes and gasped, “Water.”
Brian quickly ran to his saddlebag and brought out his skin of water. He took it to the old man and helped him to drink. When the man had revived, Brian helped him to sit up and gave him some food.
“Thank you kind sir,” the old man said in a voice that warbled. “You have been most kind to an unfortunate stranger.”
“It is my pleasure to aid you,” Brian said with a bow. He helped the man off the path and to more comfortable seating against a rock under the shade of a large oak tree.
“So kind, so kind,” the old man murmured.
“May I offer you a ride into the kingdom? It is much too far to walk in your condition.”
“You are most generous,” the old man said. He reached into his pocket and drew out a delicate crystal orb. “Please, take this as a token of my gratitude.”
“What a curious object,” Brian said, reaching for it. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like it before.” He looked into its depths. It had a strange black flame flickering in its center. Suddenly Brian felt very dizzy and disoriented. “What witchcraft is this?” he cried just before he lost consciousness.
The old man stood up and his features transformed into that of an old, evil fairy with beady eyes. Lytell laughed and kicked Brian with the toe of his boot. “The good are always so pathetically easy to defeat,” he sneered. “Now to end this once and for all!” He drew out a wicked looking dagger from the depths of his black cloak. He held it above his head and plunged it downward.
Just then a branch of the oak tree bent back and let fly into Lytell, knocking him far away from Sir Brian and causing his dagger to go flying into the forest, lost in the underbrush.
Mr. Maypenny, Miss Trask, and Regan all appeared surrounding the inert form of Brian and facing Lytell with their staff, wand, and crop drawn.
“Well, if it isn’t the three goody goodies,” Lytell spat. “How did you find me?”
Regan growled, “I know Starlight better than anyone else around. He has ways of letting me know when things are not right.”
Lytell looked hatefully at the horse that had gone to stand protectively over his master. “I see. So you all three rushed out here to save the day.” He studied them and an evil smile began to spread across his face. “Yet you have left your castle and your princess unguarded. So I’ll leave you with Sir Brian and I’ll be off. I believe King Wheeler is throwing another party tonight and I wouldn’t want to be late for the festivities.” With that he vanished in a puff of black smoke.
The three fairies looked troubled. “What do you suppose he’s going to do?” Miss Trask asked her companions.
“Something sinister, I’ll bet,” Regan growled. “We’d better get back there on the double.”
Mr. Maypenny looked thoughtful. “Not yet. First we must tend to Sir Brian.” He bent over the young knight and waved his staff. Brian began to move and Mr. Maypenny helped him to a sitting position.
“What happened?” he questioned, looking at the three fairies.
“Lytell happened,” Regan growled. “And now he’s gone after Princess Honey.”
“Honey?” Brian cried, jumping to his feet. “We must away at once to rescue her.”
“It’s too late,” Mr. Maypenny said. He told Brian the whole story of what had happened to Princess Honey. “So you see, our only hope was to save your life so you could go and awaken her. However now Lytell will be at the castle and you must be cautious about how you go in. He won’t give in without a fierce fight.”
“But he might kill Princess Honey,” Brian said despondently. “What’s to stop him?”
Miss Trask put a soothing hand on his shoulder. “I did not leave the princess lying there with nothing to guard her. She holds in her hands a rose that casts a shield of protection around her against all who would harm her. Lytell will be unable to touch her.”
“However the rest of the place he can booby trap,” Regan said, ever the cynic.
Mr. Maypenny moved to stand in front of Brian. “Our time of helping the Wheeler family is growing short. I’m afraid that we can do little but aid you in your quest to save the kingdom and your beloved.”
Brian nodded resolutely. “What must I do?”
Mr. Maypenny waved his staff and a glowing silver sword appeared. Its blade was razor sharp and its hilt was adorned with diamonds. “Take this sword of might and wield it well.” He handed the weapon to Brian.
Miss Trask stepped forward and waved her wand. A glowing silver shield appeared studded with larger diamonds. “Take this shield of justice. May it keep you well.”
Regan walked over to Starlight. He waved his riding crop over the horse and Brian watched in astonishment as a silver light engulfed his mighty steed. “Starlight will get you safely to the edges of the kingdom with speed and see you through the quest to destiny’s end.”
The three fairies stepped back as Brian mounted Starlight. “We will await your triumph. Hurry, Sir Brian,” Mr. Maypenny said. The three fairies disappeared in a burst of golden light.
Brian nudged Starlight and the two fairly flew through the trees. Starlight’s feet seemed to scarcely touch the ground. They quickly passed through the rest of the forest and came to the edge of the farmer’s fields. Brian noticed that nothing was stirring. Rakes and hoes lay forgotten in the dirt and a strange stillness seemed to have settled over the land. Brian could see off in the distance, but instead of the familiar sight of the castle that he expected, he looked upon what appeared to be a forest. As he rode closer he could see that it was a forest of thorns.
Starlight stopped at the edge of the thorny forest and Brian could hear maniacal laughter reverberating in the air surrounding him
“Fool!” a voice cried. “Do you really think you can defeat me? Enter and go to your doom!”
Brian screwed his courage to the sticking place and brandished the sword the fairies bestowed upon him. Starlight charged forward and Brian gave a mighty swing. He was surprised to note the ease with which the sword sliced through the large trunks and branches of the thorns. In almost no time he and Starlight had forged a path almost halfway through.
Suddenly a pack of wolves with glowing red eyes descended upon him. He quickly dismounted and beat them back. Starlight frantically kicked them back with his hind legs. The laughter of Lytell floated down upon him again.
With but a few quick strokes Brian had slain all of the wolves. Thanks to his shield none had managed to touch him. Starlight snorted in indignation and waited for Brian to remount. He did and they continued to slice their way through the thorns.
Just as Brian cleared a path to the other side and he could see King Wheeler’s majestic castle, a bolt of flame roared down upon him. Luckily he reacted almost without thinking and managed to block it off himself and Starlight with his shield.
“Now you’ll deal with me, Sir Brian, and all the powers of hell!” Brian saw a wicked looking old man at the top of the battlement. He suddenly transformed himself into a huge black dragon and jumped down to land in front of Brian. The ground cracked and shook from the weight of the huge beast, but Brian did not flinch. He charged on Starlight, swinging the sword of might to deliver a fearsome blow.
The fight was fierce. Lytell bit and sprayed fire at the young warrior, but Brian never backed down. Aided by the sword and shield he felt he was a worthy match for the dragon. Little by little the two edged closer to the cliffs to the north of the castle. Brian jumped off Starlight so he could have better mobility. He balanced precariously on the edge of the cliffs when Lytell’s next burst of flame caught just under his shield. It was wrenched painfully from Brian’s arm and was thrown over the cliffs. Lytell chuckled evilly and drew back to strike for the kill.
Just as Lytell drew back exposing his underbelly, Brian seized his opportunity and threw his sword with all of his strength, praying that it would strike true. It did. It found its resting place in the heart of the huge beast.
With a howl of pain and fury Lytell fell to the ground, causing the edge of the cliff to crumble away. He plummeted down and there was a loud crash. All that could be seen was a huge crater in the ground with the diamond-studded hilt of the sword sticking out.
Brian had just managed to hold onto the edge of the cliff when the dragon had fallen and he worked to pull himself back up. He lay on the ground for a while, trying to get his breath. He felt a gentle nudge at his back and glanced up. Starlight stood looking at him, waiting for him to get on with the journey.
Brian got to his feet and gave Starlight a pat. He then started towards the castle. He was frightened of the sight that would meet his eyes, but knew that he had to awaken his beloved Princess Honey. Starlight followed and automatically moved off towards the stables where he knew he would find some oats.
The air around the castle seemed gray. When he entered the gates he was shocked to find all of the people lying, sitting, or standing with their eyes closed and not moving. He happened to see his fellow knights and quickly moved to see if they were alive. They seemed to all be in a deep sleep. Sir James was drooling, Sir Daniel was snoring, and Sir Martin was mumbling about the beautiful Princess Diana.
Looking up, Brian spotted a golden light shining from a window in the south tower. He made his way into the castle and up the stairs to the room. There he found his sister, Lady Trixie, and Princess Diana asleep in some chairs. But the sight that claimed his eyes was Princess Honey, sleeping in her bed, her hands folded over a red rose that lay upon her breast.
He quickly crossed the room and knelt down on one knee beside her bed. He had never seen her look more beautiful or peaceful. The golden light radiated around her. Gently he smoothed back her honey colored hair and leaned forward. He paused for a fraction of a second, not wanting to stop gazing at her. But then he closed his eyes and gently kissed her.
Princess Honey immediately opened her eyes and it was as if a heavy fog lifted off of the kingdom, replaced by the golden light. All of the people began to wake up and wonder why they had suddenly fallen asleep. The festive feeling took over once again and people began to sing praises to the king, queen, and princess.
Brian continued to kiss Honey and after getting over her first jolt of shock, Honey closed her eyes again and wrapped her arms around Brian. The two did not look up until the sound of a voice being cleared behind them caused them to jump apart.
Trixie stood there with an amused smile on her face. “Hello brother. It looks like you had a safe journey.” Princess Diana was slowly waking up and looking very confused.
Brian smiled and looked at Honey. She blushed and got out of bed. Trixie laughed. “Let us go to the celebration!”
Epilogue
That night the entire kingdom celebrated like never before. Brian asked for Honey’s hand in marriage and King Wheeler happily approved the union. The entire nation cheered and sent up volleys of fireworks.
Sir Martin danced many times with Princess Diana and Trixie juggled the attentions of Sir James and Sir Daniel. Everyone was happy and laughter and music filled the air.
As Princess Honey and Sir Brian danced, the three fairies watched happily from a balcony above. They sipped fairy wine and talked amongst themselves.
Miss Trask sighed dreamily. “Do you think they’ll live happily ever after?”
Mr. Maypenny smiled at her. “Of course they will. We’ll see to that. It’s never too early for their children to have fairy godparents.”
Regan leaned his chin on his hand and said gruffly to his two friends, “I hope you know that I have horses to take care of and I don’t need to be dillydallying around here with parties and other such nonsense!” But his eyes twinkled merrily and he couldn’t help but grin.
Finit
Dedicated to my brand new almost niece (my fiance’s sister’s new baby). Alexis was born 2/12/05. She should have hung in there, she almost made it to my birthday.
The line “screwed his courage to the sticking place” was stolen, paraphrased, and used without permission from Mr. Shakespeare. My apologies. That’s from MacBeth.
I also stole and paraphrased “Now you’ll deal with me, Sir Brian, and all the powers of hell!” from Disney’s movie of Sleeping Beauty. Also, a lot of the plot I shamelessly stole and adapted to fit my needs from Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. I did the same thing with my Cinderella story (but that one came from Disney’s movie Cinderella, obviously). But Disney got their plots originally from the German fairy tales, so I don’t feel guilty at all.
The word “diddlydallying” is something either I made up or stole from someone else who made it up. Use it all you want. It’s like dillydallying only with diddle.
And I don’t have anything anyone can get by suing me. I can’t even get a job, no matter how hard I try these days. You’d get farther by paying me not to write the stories than you would by making me pay.
And the absolute best for last, thanks to the fabulous Marys Hansen for editing. You probably didn’t know what you were getting yourself into by agreeing to edit for me. Because this isn’t my only story and hopefully I’ll be sending you a bunch more to go over soon. ;)