Sleeping Beauty's Keeper

Sleeping Beauty’s Keeper

Prelude

“Constanza…”

I straightened my back when a faint voice reached my small ears. From the comfort of my small, narrow, and warm kitchen, I peeked at the living room and examined it with scrutinizing eyes.

A small, rectangular, white bed sits at the center, and at the top of it was the princess. Her blonde hair was placed neatly in her right shoulder as a red rose was placed in her chest. I closely checked her breathing; her chest was waving up and down calmly and continuously. It means that the princess was still asleep.

It worried me for a minute. However, it seemed that my imagination was getting further and further as time passed by. My continuous hallucinations must have been due to lack of communication with real people. It has been a month ever since my Fairy Godmothers visited, and I do not have any other friends aside from a mouse, a pigeon, and an eagle.

It would have been nice to visit the palace someday and meet different people.

I shook my head and laughed softly as my imaginations took me further. I know that visiting the palace would never happen. The king would never want to see me there, for my presence in his kingdom would mean that the princess would be left unguarded in this tiny, wooden hut.

After I cooked and ate, I arrived at a decision to write a missive directed to the Fairy Godmothers. Using a papyrus and a feathered pen, I started to write.

My dearest Fairy Godmothers,

The foods that you sent were scrumptious. I was joyous for I had tasted something from the palace’s kitchen. The spices were of high-quality, as well, that was why I was delighted when I used it for cooking. However, the time I spent here alone was becoming lonely. I am wondering when you all will pay a visit. 

I am well-aware of the gathering that the King has prepared; I understand that you are all preoccupied with it. However, I only ask for a small amount of time. 

Looking forward,

Constanza Laurrarie.

I whistled after I folded the letter neatly, calling Eos, my pigeon friend. He was quick to enter the hut using the opened window. Eos’ white wings spread widely, his wings fluttering loudly, bringing music to my ears. It was always nice to see him, for his joyous personality brings happiness.

 Eos stopped and rested at the top of my wooden table. “Cola! You are exactly right in time! I have a story for you.” He jumped up and down while his face was ablaze with excitement. “I saw a beautiful bird in the forest; her wings were like the color of the bright sky and deep sea,” he continued.

A soft laugh escaped my lips, delighted to see my friend happy. Due to Eos’ loud screeches, the hut seemed livelier. I silently gave thanks for his presence.

“Eos,” I calmly called. “Let us have our chat after you deliver this missive to the Godmothers.”

“Right away, my lady! Wait for me here. I will come back. I will also call Scylla and Kalare so they can hear about my new love.” Eos’ eyes widened a bit, making a familiar expression. He only had this expression when he was in love, which is quite often.

When Eos left, the silence covered the hut again. Not merely the silence, but the gloominess and loneliness came forth as well. If the Fairy Godmothers have not given me the ability to talk to animals, my rational mind would have been long gone.

I can still remember the day I opened my eyes to the world. The wide corridors of the castle welcomed my sight. There were plenty of people inside and outside the palace; all of them talking, laughing, and… living.

 That was my first and last memory of the palace, and it did not leave my mind ever since.

 A heavy and deep breath escaped my lips. The knowledge of being created only to guard the princess has been stored in my mind ever since I opened my eyes, nevertheless, a small part of my heart still wishes that I have another purpose. A part of me hopes. 

 Still, hope is a wicked thing. For hope is something I am also not allowed to have.

 Hours have passed when Eos came back. He was breathless, a sign that he had a long journey just to deliver the message. My heart leapt out of joy at the sight of his thin legs, where a small letter was tied. 

“I’ll be back in a minute, Cola. I will just call Scylla and Kalare,” he informed me as he quickly spread his wings and left.

Without a second thought, my hand flew at the letter, slowly and gently removing the ribbon on it. The paper has a different texture than the ones I use. It has soft, and smooth feel, and it smelled of honey. 

Our lovely Cola,

Your sweet and loving letter has melted our hearts. The three of us also wanted to see you for our lives were as lonely as an isolated man without you. Even so, we are unable to visit you soonest for the King demands our presence when his guests arrive. We will see what we can do and try to visit you next week. Assure that we will bring you foods and spices. 

Write to us if something happens to the princess.

Lovingly,

Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather.

 A swift sadness touched my chest when my eyes dropped to the last word of the missive. However, I could do nothing. The Fairy Godmothers’ priority was the King and the Royal Family. They created me because they cared for the Royal Family. At that action, it was already obvious who was more important.

 Albeit they mentioned that they will be visiting next week. It was more than enough for me.

 Not long after, my animal friends arrived. The three of them were carrying stories from their separate journeys to the mountains, forests, and jungles. I know that envy was a wretched thing, but my heart reeks of it. I could go outside of this hut, but my journey ends in the forest. If ever the King has seen or even heard that a lady was seen outside the woods, he would punish me.

 “You always see beautiful birds, Eos, but do they even like you? You should court a pigeon like yourself, not eagles and owls,” Scylla, a white mouse with pink nose, grumpily stated when Eos has finished telling his story.

“Do not ruin my imagination. Cola supports me, you should support me in my feelings too!”

Kalare, a huge eagle with brown and black feathers, screeched loudly. He laughed before saying, “You two are so loud you might even wake Princess Aurora up because of your loud voices.” 

 Fear crossed Scylla and Eos’ face; they both glanced at the sleeping princess before hiding in my palms. They looked adorable while looking so scared that I chortled while caressing the top of their heads. They seemed to calm down in my touches, feeling assured and safe from the thoughts of the sleeping princess.

 “Noises, loud or quiet, cannot wake the princess up. Kalare just said that to add humor.”

 Scylla hissed, looking pestered. “Cola’s right! Only a true love’s kiss can wake the princess. That was why I know she would not ever wake up even if we all get old. No one would love a--”

 “Scylla,” I cut off before she could say something foul towards the princess. “Everyone is worthy of love, no matter who or what they are.”

 She shook her head violently. “Not the princess, Cola! She should not be loved. She is dangerous.”

 Feeling defeated, a deep sigh escaped my mouth. Scylla’s opinions were right; nevertheless, a selfish part of me wishes that the princess would find her true love. But that idea sounded ridiculous, even to my imagination. The princess should not wake up, for destruction awaits all of us if she does.

 Days flew like wind inside the hut. My routines were monotonous; in the morning, I would clean the hut, in the afternoon, I would cook and listen to my friends’ stories, and in the evening, I would read books that the Godmothers had gifted me. 

Sometimes, my imagination and hallucinations get the better of my rational mind; I would hear soft whispers. Whispers of my name. The thought that it might be the princess brought fear in me, however, that would not be possible. She could only be awakened by a true love's kiss, and no one was here to do that.

 When the day of the Godmothers’ visit had arrived, the sun was not shining and rising yet when I woke up. I immediately cleaned the hut and watered the plants and flowers before putting on a red cloak. A basket was on my right hand as I stepped out of the hut, closing its wooden doors. Eos and Kalare were hovering above my head while Scylla were sitting comfortably inside my wooden basket. They always come with me even though there is no need since no animal can harm me inside this forest. Still, they insist.

 The spices that the Godmothers have been giving me were of high-quality, but its availability in my hut was always limited. I had to go out in the forest and collect them from plants. This was one of my favorite activities for I was able to go outside even for a bit.

The forest have been my home, and it still brought amazement to me despite the years of living here. Its tall, gigantic trees with leaves changing its colors every season was astounding to look at. The plants who seemed to grow endlessly provides food for the animals that lived here.  Nature would never fail to amaze me, even with years to come.

 After collecting specific herbs, spices, and mushrooms, the four of us made our way back to the hut. The trees were tall and dark, but I have lived all my life in this certain place that I can navigate my way through all of these without getting lost.

 My body stilled when I saw the hut, not so far away, with its wooden doors wide open.

 If there are people inside, it is not possible to be my Godmothers. The kingdom was miles and miles from here; even if they leave early or use the fastest horse, they will still arrive, at best, in the afternoon. Furthermore, I would know if someone passed through the rivers for its only way in was the forest. It was impossible for someone to get past my lions, Hyssmaye and Xanthippe.

 Fear crept inside my bones as I continued walking silently towards my hut. I grabbed a small, rectangular wood before entering the premises. 

 The rough wood was hurting my palms, even so, my grip tightened at the sight of a man standing over the princess.

 No, not just any man.

 A prince.

 Prince or not, his thick, padded, full-sleeved coat was already enough evidence that he was of high rank. His sword also hung onto his left waist, implying that he was a man who uses his right hand to fight.

 When he noticed my presence, a stupefaction spread across his face. With this, I had the chance to stare at his physical features. Red lips, brown hair, and strong jaw. He was, indeed, a prince. For a knight would not have a flawless face. 

 “Je viens en ami.” Unfamiliar words came from his mouth as the prince slowly raised both of his hands, as if imitating an act of surrender. 

 Confusion was evident on my face. He was a foreign prince. How was he able to come here? And… he was about to kiss the princess a while ago. What if the princess woke up? 

 “You are not welcome here.” My lips trembled as I spoke. “You should leave now.” I tried to make my voice as terrifying as possible, hoping that he would get intimidated and scared by my facade. 

 “My lady, I have a strong feeling that I am the one who can wake the loving princess. I would like to try,” he politely stated.

 Amazement crossed my stoic face when I heard him speak in our language. He spoke confidently and fluently. Are the royals supposed to be like this? Knowledgeable of different languages?

 “Cola, tell him that he’s not allowed to!” Eos spoke while standing on my shoulder. “You know that the princess should not wake up!” 

 “I know, Eos,” I whispered as I averted my attention to the foreign prince in front of us. He looked flabbergasted as he watched me talk with my friend, a pigeon.

 “You are… speaking to the pigeon?”

 Ignoring his inquiry about my conversation with a pigeon, I spoke calmly, “You cannot wake the princess. You may now leave.”

 “Hear me--”

 “Get out! Get out! Get out!” The foreign prince watched Eos as the latter screeched continuously. He may not understand what Eos was saying, but he can clearly hear its loud noises. 

 Even with all my disapproval, and Eos’ noises, the prince looked determined to wake the princess. Nervousness enveloped my chest as I watched him closely.

 A prince wanting to wake the princess was not new to me. With the help of magic, I was able to confuse them in the woods. The others leave willingly because of the lions guarding the large jungle. Nevertheless, I am still surprised that this prince has managed to evade all my precautions. 

 The thought that he might be the princess’ true love made me shiver in fear.

 The prince leaned on the bed, aiming to kiss the princess. Before their lips touched, the thin wood in my hand flew to his head, knocking him out of consciousness. With a loud thud, the prince laid with his eyes closed.

 For the first time in years, my heart was thumping dementedly, and my hands were stone cold. 

 “Good for you! You’re so stubborn!” Scylla teased as she hovered around the prince’s sleeping face.

 My fragile heart could not help but blame this event on the King. He was the one who spread rumors that the princess fell asleep due to a witch’s curse. If the people had knowledge that the princess was the witch who wreaked havoc before, they would not try to wake her up. My duty could have been easier.

 The prince was heavy, and with his additional armor, it made it harder to transfer him from the hut back to the forest. Fortunately, Hyssmaye and Xanthippe arrived before the arrival of the Godmothers. 

 “Our daughter, Cola!” Godmother Flora greeted. She is the tallest and the oldest out of the three Godmothers. Despite her old age, she looked livelier and younger in her favorite red skirt. On her right hand was a thin, magical wand, and on the other, a basket full of different dishes and meals.

 “Godmothers!” The feeling of their embrace overwhelmed my little heart. It has been a long time, indeed. 

 The three of them stole glances at the princess’ bed when they came inside the hut. It was their usual activity whenever they visited; however, their gazes felt different a while ago. I am hoping that this was just my imagination playing with me again.

 “Cola, it has been so long!” Godmother Fauna’s eyes watered with unshed tears; the thinness of her fingers became visible when she wiper her tears using a small part of her green cloak. 

 “We brought books and spices for you, Cola. Only it is just for a limited time since I borrowed it from the palace’s library.” Godmother Merryweather, the youngest of them all, giggled softly, her cheeks bulging as she does.

 “Merryweather!” Godmother Flora spoke with surprise and fear. “The books in the library were private. The King would punish you for doing such a crime!” 

 Godmother Merryweather chortled out a giggle; she seemed like uncaring even when Godmother Flora told her about the King’s punishment. 

 While we were eating at the small dining table, the Godmothers started exchanging stories about the events in the palace. They were preparing for the King’s birthday celebration, and many Royal families were expected there, even the foreign ones. 

 “A few guests have arrived earlier than expected. They brought gifts of all sorts. Some were even huge boxes, and carts.” Godmother Merryweather used her hands to describe the size of the gift that she saw. 

 “What do you think it is, Godmother?” Curiousness dripped from my voice.

 Godmother Fauna was the one who answered my inquiry, “No matter what it is, all of it was just for show. They wanted to show their wealth off.”

 “Showing off their wealth?” 

 “What Fauna meant was--” Godmother Flora glanced at her sister. “--a lot of Royalties only bring gifts to impress the King, and to announce their wealth to the other kingdoms,” she explained carefully, and with that, I nodded my head, understanding what she was trying to say.

 “How are you here, Cola? Did anything happen around here?”

 My eyes fluttered with alarm at Godmother Flora’s sudden query. Her question was always the same whenever they visit, but due to the memory of what happened earlier with a foreign prince, I felt uneasy.  Lying was not easy for I have always been honest to the Godmothers. 

 With a fake laugh, I spoke, “You know nothing happens much around here, Godmother.” Gratefully, she did not probe my answer.

Warmth filled my insides as I savored the moment with my Godmothers. It may sound silly, but moments like these kept me sane for years. Moments that I felt thankful that I was made by my Godmothers.

 The sun has already set when the Godmothers bid their goodbyes. Our time was short, for they were needed at the palace. I am well-informed that they will not stay for a few days but seeing their carriage leave left a hollow in my chest.

 It would take months before I see them again.

 Even with the exhaustion from the day, my mind kept active, making me unable to sleep at my usual nighttime. It was as if loneliness crept into my bed and hugged me by my side. Yet, even with the reality slapping me on the face, my unbelievable mind kept on dreaming about an impossible life.

 In my mind, I have parents. I can go to school, and libraries, and gatherings, and… the palace and the kingdom beyond it. I can explore the world and the beauty of it.

 Nevertheless, all of it was just in my dream, in my whispers of wishes. 

 My thoughts abruptly stopped when a blinding light covered my vision, together with a deafening loud bang, like a thunder. Albeit, it did not come from outside. It came from the living room where the princess lies.

 With only my white sleeping dress and unprotected feet, I rushed to the living room. Every step I took felt like a huge boulder was stuck above me, making it hard to breathe. Wild objects and leaves scattered around the living room, encircling the princess’ bed as the strong wind continued to blow.

 My body stilled as I saw the princess jolt awake. Her hair was a wild nest at the top of her head as she slowly rose from the bed. With a final, loud thud, she gave me a deadly glance. Her eyes were jet black and brows were knitted together, as if she was raging in anger. Her eyes dropped on the prince lying on the ground, unconscious.

However, it seemed like it did not bother her for she gave me a wicked smile before running towards the door, leaving me breathless and terrified.

 The princess has woken from her deep sleep.