Aurora Abroad

By Aron Lewes

Who hasn't heard the story of the princess with an unfortunate tendency for coma-inducing finger pricks? And who could forget about the evil witch who wants to kill her by any means necessary, be it spindle or poisonous apple? Who hasn't rolled his eyes at the thought of Prince Charming and his affinity for tights, tunics and baseless serenades? 

But the princess we know was never whisked away to a world of magic lamps and genies, and she most certainly didn't go on a quest with the naked emperor from the Emperor's New Clothes… until now. Big bad wolves, trolls, frog princes and pirates (among other things) come together in a madcap marriage of classic fairy tales. Hans Christian Andersen wouldn't be proud!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aron Lewes
• Release date: Jul 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386462934

Book preview

Chapter One

I

AS PRINCE CHARMAINE gazed at his reflection in the mirror, he found it hard to concentrate on anything but himself. The old ladies were blathering about something or another, but all he wanted to do was stare at the handsome visage that stared back at him.

It‘s hard to think of her as a princess, one of the old ladies said. She’s very-down-to-earth, maybe even a bit of a tomboy. She likes to play with bugs, and she practices archery.

Charmaine yawned. He watched his reflection in the mirror as it yawned, momentarily awed by the sight of his perfect white teeth. He ran the tip of his finger along his blonde eyebrow, watching himself trace the impeccable arch. But is she pretty?

Another old woman spoke, failing to acknowledge his question. She’s yet to find out about her lineage... that is to say, she doesn’t know she’s a princess, nor does she know the circumstances of her birth or the terrible curse that was put upon her. We wanted to protect her, so we thought it best not to tell her.

But is she pretty?

The last woman spoke. She’s such a sweet girl. When we took her from the castle and raised her as our own, we didn’t know what to expect, but... She raised a handkerchief, dabbing the corner of her eye before any tears could escape. I think I speak for all of us when I say we love her as our own.

That’s nice, but is she pretty?

Meg, Molly and Mary exchanged uneasy glances. When they encouraged Prince Charmaine to inquire about his future bride, they had hoped his questions would be a little less superficial.

Meg threw up her meaty hands in defeat. Yes, of course she’s pretty! I challenge you to find a prettier girl in the entire kingdom of Avalon.

Well, that’s nice to know. Before he lowered the mirror, Charmaine winked at himself. Although, I have to admit, the women in my kingdom are much prettier than the women in Avalon. I daresay she has little competition in these environs.

Molly shook her head. She’s more than a match for any girl in your kingdom! I stake my eyes on it!

Thank you for the encouragement, Mary.

Molly.

Molly, Charmaine corrected himself. It was impossible to tell them apart. They were all old, plump, short, squat, white-haired women with feet that looked like potatoes, and they were hardly worthy of his prolonged interest. So, tell me about this curse.

The three women exchanged glances again, silently deciding who would be up to the task of telling the story. After a few seconds of deliberation, Meg said, It was a terrible curse placed on her by the King of Avalon’s younger sister... a witch of immeasurable talent.

And immeasurable wickedness, Molly added.

Meg continued, The three of us have some talent in magic ourselves, and we were summoned to the castle to bestow enchanted blessings on baby Aurora. Ahh, it feels like yesterday, does it not? As Meg ruminated, the other women nodded in agreement. As soon as the third and final blessing was placed upon her... that witch showed up.

Mary raised the handkerchief to her nose and snorted. It was horrible. So very horrible!

And it was on that day that the witch put a curse on our Aurora, a curse that would take effect on her eighteenth birthday.

Molly continued the story, The King of Avalon, fearful that his sister’s enmity wouldn’t end there, decided it would be best to send Aurora away from the kingdom until her safety could be assured. It was a difficult decision for the king, to be sure, but we have raised her ever since.

Charmaine thoughtfully tapped his chin. "And this curse entails what, exactly?"

Mary’s head fell, and she bellowed into the handkerchief.

The curse was, quite simply, that she would not live to see her nineteenth birthday.

Everyone was quiet for several seconds, with only the sound of the mantle’s ticking clock to assuage the silence.

Aurora’s eighteenth birthday fast approaches, and we can only guess at what tactics Medea might employ to follow through with her curse. Her curse is a promise of death... and the three of us are determined to break it.

Charmaine shrugged. Didn’t you say she’s a witch of immeasurable power? If she says Aurora’s going to die, she’s probably going to die. There’s no use trying to fix a problem like that.

Mary flicked her handkerchief in Charmaine’s direction, as if to show her distaste for his bleak viewpoint. What a terrible thing to say! We have hope! We’ve taken every precaution to keep her from harm. I, for instance, have warned her to stay away from spindles and apples.

A superior smirk passed over Charmaine’s lips. Spindles and... and apples?

Molly spoke up again, filling in the blanks that were left by Mary‘s lack of eloquence. If you knew anything about Medea, you wouldn’t be the least bit confused by what Mary is trying to say. One of Medea’s oldest tricks involves trickery and poison... poison that would ultimately result in Aurora’s death. That’s why I’ve summoned you here, Your Highness. Should it come down to it, I think you could be the one to save Aurora.

Charmaine’s eyes widened, his interest finally piqued. He could picture himself astride a white horse, the shining light of hope for some damsel in distress.

If Medea uses her old tricks, only one thing could save Aurora, Molly continued, and that is... a kiss from her true love.

Well, that’s a problem. I haven’t even met the girl.

That’s why I wanted you to come, Prince Charmaine. If Aurora falls for you before Medea makes her move, we might be able to avert a calamity. You are the only one who can do this, Your Highness. After all, you’ve been betrothed to her since the day she was born.

Charmaine shifted uneasily in his chair. Ah... see... that’s a problem as well.

A problem? What do you mean?

Wellllll.... Charmaine hesitated. How should I put it? Well, ahhhh... I’m just wondering what’s in it for me. Aside from momentary glory, that is.

Molly’s jaw fell open. Mary clenched her handkerchief. Meg eyed the rolling pin on the kitchen counter and resisted the temptation to clobber him with it.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind doing the kissing. But honestly, what’s in it for me? It sounds like you’re a bit short on time, and I understand that, but I haven’t had a chance to sow my wild oats. I can’t have my fiancé falling for me before I’m ready to settle down.

Well, Prince Charmaine, responded sensible Molly, no one’s forcing you to marry her right away. At any rate, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. She hasn’t fallen for you yet, has she?

Charmaine heard a challenge in her words. "But how could she not fall for me? I’ve yet to find a woman who could resist me. Point me in her direction, and I will demonstrate my charm!"

I believe she went for a walk in the forest, Your High—

Before Molly could finish her sentence, Prince Charmaine was out the door.

Well... he certainly seems enthusiastic, doesn’t he?

Meg cracked her knuckles, and she half-wished she had taken a crack at him. Enthusiastic? Are you kidding me?

Not surprisingly, Mary had tears wavering in the corners of her eyes. I can’t believe we’re entrusting our Aurora’s fate to that... that...

Pompous idiot, Meg finished for her. If she falls for that clown, I’ll be flabbermagasted.

Flabbergasted, Molly corrected her.

Meg rolled her eyes at her sister. Well, it’s not gonna happen. She’s not going to fall for that clown. Our girl’s got way more sense than that. She reached down and patted the pocket on the front of her apron, where she kept her own beacon of hope. And it’s a good thing I’ve got something else up my sleeve.

II

A SHAFT OF LIGHT FILTERED through the trees, spotlighting a clearing in the forest. It was here, at her usual spot, that Aurora decided to take a moment’s rest. She sat on the stump of a fallen tree, laid her basket at her feet, and closed her eyes. It was easy to have daydreams here. The quiet shuffling of leaves, the gentle babbling of a brook, the frenzied twittering of birds—it could ease any tension.

Not that Aurora had any reason to be tense. She knew nothing about curses or crowns. She was a simple girl in a gingham dress who dreamt not of princes and castles, but rather of what a delicious pie she could make with the berries she collected. Aurora lifted the lid of her basket and pulled out a strawberry, and her tongue tingled in anticipation of flavors to come.

Ah, what beauty is this!?

Aurora jumped at the sound of the voice, and she nearly choked on the fruit as she bit into it. She spun around, facing the man who addressed her.

What is this thing of beauty? the man repeated, clutching a hand over his heart as he spoke.

What is... this? Aurora raised the half-eaten strawberry.

"Not that, you silly creature! I‘m talking about you. You are the thing of beauty of which I speak!"

Thing? she repeated the word with a wrinkled nose. Do you have to keep calling me that?

The man knelt beside her. For a moment, she considered leaping from the stump to put distance between them, but she held her ground. She was never one to be easily intimidated. Then give me your name, fair maiden.

Umm...

Why do you hesitate? Please! He cocked his head toward her. Whisper it into my longing ear.

She didn’t whisper, but she decided to give him some satisfaction. Um, Aurora.

Aurora, ahhhhh, what a beautiful name! It brings to mind a palette of shimmering lights. Like a rainbow, your face paints my heart with all the world’s colors. I feel the reds of passion stirring within my chest!

Um... okay. Aurora tried to inch away from him. That sounds painful.

Oh, but it is. This instant, unrequited love that hammers at my breast... it aches to be freed, to be returned. I cannot explain it, but the moment I saw you, it was as if a million poems rushed through my head and they clamor to be recited. No ode can do justice to your unearthly beauty, angelic Aurora.

As she listened to him yammer away, Aurora’s eyes were nearly popping from their sockets. She surveyed her surroundings in search of a means to escape, but she couldn’t think of a way to excuse herself politely. That’s, uh... interesting.

Your eyes are like sparkling stars, and your lips are surely sweeter than the fruit that passed between them. The angles of your face are perfection. Your hair is like spun gold wrapped in a harvest fire. I would give anything to indulge myself in the merest touch of your luminous ivory skin. Without warning, he seized her hand and pressed his lips against it. Ah, petal-soft. Just as I would have imagined!

And, uh... Gently, she tugged her hand away from him. What’s your name?

My name is Charmaine, my angel. Prince Charmaine.

Prince Charmaine? A prince? Aurora started to laugh at the absurdity of his claim, but her laughter was stifled by the seriousness of his countenance. You’re... a prince?

Yes, dearest Aurora, I am. But please don’t assume you should bow to me. I would sooner bow to you, oh sweet goddess!

Aurora rose from the stump and quickly grabbed her basket. Well, it was nice meeting you, Y-Your Highness, but I really should be going. I have a pie to make, and my aunts are waiting for me, so—

Before she could walk away, Charmaine seized her by the wrist. Please, don’t go! I would sooner die than to be unable to bask in the glory of your boundless beauty!

Are you serious?

Serious about... what?

That you’re a prince. That you’re in awe of my, uh, boundless beauty and all that nonsense. No one says stuff like that.

No one has ever paid you a compliment?! With a gasp, Charmaine cast his eyes toward the sky. What tragedy! The world’s most beautiful maiden has never been paid a compliment worthy of her faultless visage! I must continue to shower you with exultant praise in hopes that I might one day make up for this crime against nature!

Aurora sighed. I think you’re missing the point.

Then enlighten me, o’ thing of beauty, o’ warden of my heart!

Aurora sat down on the stump again, and in doing so, she freed her arm from his grasp. He knelt beside her and cocked his head, as if he was ready to hang on her every word. Well, um... I just.... I just don’t think you’re being yourself, she tried to explain. No one spouts off poetry stuff like that. There are other ways to impress a girl.

One of Charmaine’s blonde eyebrows curled toward his forehead. Such as...? Wait! He lifted a hand and held a finger to her lips. "You want me to sing to you, is that it? Ooooooh, beeeeoootiful Aurooooora! Enslave my heart and save your love for—"

No, please! She jerked her head away from his silencing finger before he could embarrass himself any further. Please don’t sing!

You don’t like my voice?

No, it’s fine.

You don’t like my song?

It’s, um... it’s nice.

Then what seems to be the problem? I thought women liked to be serenaded.

Um... sure. But not by complete strangers.

Really? Charmaine’s bottom lip protruded. A chance encounter in the woods, love at first sight... that doesn’t do it for you?

It’s all very flattering, but it’s a little strange.

Strange. The entire tone of his voice seemed to change as he pondered her criticism of his technique. Well, what could I have done better?

Nothing. It was fine.

Then why aren’t you swooning? Don’t you think I’m handsome?

Well... yes. She couldn’t lie. He was as classically handsome as a man could come, with flowing blonde hair, sharp nose, and a strong, square jaw. She could imagine a lot of young women falling head over heels for him. He just picked the wrong girl.

The handsomest man you’ve ever seen?

Ummmmmm...

Is that a no?

Aurora hopped up from the stump again. I really should get going, Charmaine. It’s after five o’clock, and I haven’t even started on my pie.

I understand. But when can I see you again, my precious pet? Do you come here often?

Occasionally, she answered curtly. Well, goodbye! It’s been nice chatting with you.

Aurora turned on her heel and hurried off as quickly as her legs could carry her. And as she fled, he called after her, The pleasure was all mine! I shall think of you in my dreams! I will come here every day in hopes of catching even the briefest glimpse of your awe-inspiring loveliness. I would move mountains to get to you! I would...

When she was gone, Charmaine lowered himself to the stump and rolled his eyes.

Ridiculous girl, who does she think she is? She’s not even that pretty... pales in comparison to me... hardly worth my time.

Charmaine crossed his arms over his chest and grumbled curses to himself.

This was going to be more difficult than he realized.

III

OH, IT’S SO BEAUTIFUL, Mary! Aurora held the green velvet dress against her body and ran a hand along the carefully stitched bodice. Did you make this yourself?

Despite the feeling of dread that loomed over Aurora’s birthday party, Mary looked quite pleased with herself. Oh, yes! I did!

It’s so pretty. Aurora had tears in her eyes as she stroked the soft material. I’ve never worn something so pretty. It must’ve taken you forever to make this!

Well... yes! Mary wasn’t going to lie; everyone chuckled at her straightforward response.

I’m going to go try it on.

As Aurora headed to her bedroom, Molly held out an arm to stop her, nearly clotheslining her in the process. "Not yet, birthday girl! I haven’t given you my gift yet!"

Oh... right! I’m sorry, Molly. Go ahead.

From the pocket of her apron, Molly pulled out a small box. Her smile broadened as she held it out to Aurora, who opened the box as soon as it was handed to her. Inside the box was a carved wooden bird.

I carved it myself...it’s a good luck charm, Molly explained. You should keep it with you at all times.

Oh, I will. It’s very nice. Aurora held the trinket in the palm of her hand. "You guys didn’t have to make me such nice gifts. You guys didn't have to make me any gifts."

Molly smiled at Aurora’s humble words. At least there would be one princess in the world who wasn’t the least bit spoiled.

Well, I’m going to try on the dress. I’ll be right back!

When Aurora slipped into her bedchamber, the three women exchanged uneasy glances. Something bad was going to happen today—they could feel it in their old bones. They could no longer protect her, and Medea wasn’t one to waste time.

So, should we tell her? Molly asked with a sigh. It might be our last chance.

Yes, Mary’s high-pitched voice squeaked an opinion, I think we should.

We should have told her a long time ago, added Meg. I hated having to lie to the poor girl.

The women fell into silence until Aurora returned—and as soon as she stepped out of the bedroom in her new dress, Charmaine stepped out of the kitchen holding a cake.

Charmaine?!

What’s he doing here? Aurora shrieked. She regretted the words as soon as they flew from her mouth. As crazy as he was, she didn’t want him to feel unwelcome.

What do you mean, what am I doing here? Charmaine let out a haughty chuckle as he swaggered into the room. Your fiancé should be at your party, should he not?

Three angry gazes of three white-haired witches swiveled in his direction, but even then, Charmaine didn’t realize he’d said too much.

"What... fiance?! I, uh... I don’t want to hurt your feelings, Charmaine, but I never agreed to marry you! Aurora’s panicked eyes found Molly’s, and she quickly tried to explain, I met this man in the woods a few days ago. I barely know him! And he never said anything about a proposal!"

Meg slowly shook her head. She grabbed the cake from Charmaine’s hands and resisted the temptation to shove it into his face. You’re not the one who has explaining to do, Aurora. We do.

Charmaine, in an attempt to change the subject and cover for his mistake, whipped a small slip of paper from his pocket. Never mind that. I have written a poem for you, my love! You haven’t exactly taken kindly to my poetry, but if you give me a moment, I’m sure you’ll enjoy—

Wait! Aurora interrupted. What’s going on here? Do you guys know Charmaine? Did someone invite him? Why didn’t anyone bat an eye when he called himself my fiancé?!

Mary ran to Aurora’s side and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. You might want to take a seat, dearest. Like Meg said... we all have some explaining to do.

Whaaat? Aurora took Mary’s advice and fell onto the nearby sofa, her thoughts racing dizzily. Is Charmaine...?

Your fiancé, Molly finished. Technically, he is.

But how is that possible? Charmaine said he was a prince!

And you’re a princess, Molly finished.

Aurora’s gaze swept to every face in the room. Suddenly, she felt like she was the butt of a joke, and she was the only one who didn’t understand the punch line. As Molly proceeded to explain the circumstances of her birth, Aurora swore she could hear insects buzzing in her head.

And Molly spared no details. She told Aurora everything. She told her about her aunt’s curse, and her father’s decision to banish her.

But I don’t understand! Aurora exclaimed. Why wouldn’t Medea come after me sooner? Why couldn’t she just finish the job along time ago?

There’s a simple answer to that question, said Mary, who was sitting beside Aurora with an arm wrapped around her. Your aunt’s black magic has little use on children.

Well, if that’s the case, why couldn’t my father keep me in the castle?! Her mind was swarming with questions.

It was Meg’s turn to explain. We, too, have some knowledge of magic. It is because of our charms and incantations that she hasn’t been able to approach you. The king thought it would be best if we were around to protect you.

Aurora rolled her eyes. She watched Prince Charmaine cut himself a second slice of cake, and suddenly she wanted to cry. She had no appetite for it, but at least he seemed to be enjoying himself. Protect me? Aurora hissed. More like he wanted to wash his hands of a burden... my own father! I can’t believe it. I always thought I was an orphan.

It’s difficult to explain, said Molly. We were just as confused by his decision as you were. In the end, though, I think he made the right decision. I wouldn’t trade these eighteen years for the world.

And my mother? I guess she didn’t care to protest? And what does Charmaine have to do with any of this? Someone please explain!

Upon hearing his name, Charmaine spoke up, This cake is delicious. Would you like some? His question was answered by nasty looks from all ladies present.

Charmaine is... well... he’s... Even Molly was having trouble finding the right words for him. Your betrothal was ordained at your birth, and Medea’s magic can’t simply kill someone. As powerful as she is, there isn’t a single spell that will rip someone’s soul from their body.

That’s fine and all, Aurora said, but why not bury an axe in my head instead? If she really wanted me gone, and sooner than later, she could have hired someone to kill me.

Mary, who looked dangerously close to weeping, shook her head. It’s not as easy as that, dear. Once again... our incantations have protected this place. Until this very day, Medea has been unable to make contact because of us. But now that her curse is in effect, there isn’t a spell in the world that could hide you from her.

Well, that’s encouraging. Her sarcasm made Mary squall into a handkerchief, and Aurora felt a bit guilty for taking on such a cynical tone. I still don’t understand how Charmaine fits into the picture.

Charmaine’s fork dove into his slice of cake. I’m your fiance! Need there be any other reason for my presence?

Actually, there is a reason, Molly amended. Your aunt Medea’s magic can’t take a life, but she has other tricks up her sleeve. Her favorite spell involves putting her victim into a deep sleep... a coma of sorts... one from which she can never wake. It is as close to death as you can imagine, unless... She cast a hopeless glance in Charmaine’s direction. Unless the victim is awoken with a kiss. That is the only way to break the spell. Which means, of course, that you would need to be with Charmaine.

"With Charmaine?" Aurora made eye contact with him, and he winked at her.

Mary started stroking Aurora’s hair, hoping to reassure her with a motherly caress. He really isn’t so bad, dear, once you get to know him.

"And have you gotten to know him?"

Mary’s lip quivered. Well, no.

"Who I want to be with... isn’t that for me to decide?!"

Well, Charmaine is the obvious choice, Molly said, him being your fiancé and all.

If you can forgive him for being a dimwit, added Meg, and Charmaine sent a scowl in her direction.

This is too much. Aurora leapt from the sofa and ran to the cottage door. I have a lot to think about. I think I want to be alone for a bit.

Before her godmothers could protest, Aurora threw open the door and fled.

Oh, but it’s dangerous out there! Molly tried to call out to her, but it was too late. Aurora was already gone. Well, it can’t be helped. I can only imagine what she must be feeling right now. Molly turned her attention back to Charmaine, who was licking white icing from his lip. Will you look after her?

Who... me?

Yes, you.

You mean... right now?

Yes, right now! Unless you've given up already... and I would understand if you have. It might be impossible to woo a girl like Aurora. She’s always been a bit cynical about love, and—

Say no more, Miss Molly! Without another word of protest, Charmaine bowed to the three ladies and headed for the door. With pleasure, I will guard her with my life! the prince declared, and ventured off to find his unwilling fiancé.

IV

AURORA RETURNED TO her favorite spot in the woods, sat on her stump, and buried her face behind her hands. There were so many thoughts swimming in her head, she thought her brain would drown.

A princess?

A curse?

Marry Charmaine?

How quickly one’s life could change. She rubbed her hands across her face, hoping it would somehow wake her from this nightmare. She wished she could disappear into yesterday and stay there forever, to be a simple girl with a simple life.

The sound of snapping twigs alerted her to Charmaine’s presence. She saw him out of the corner of her