Once Upon A Time Collection: Sleeping Beauty

Chapter Two

Prince Emerson hid behind a drape as he awaited his fresh catch. He giggled as he saw a royal seamstress rounding the corner, right into his trap. He would have preferred it to be a person of sturdier build, but he would just have to hope that no harm would come to the poor woman. 

The middle-aged brunet was much too occupied with the parchment plans in her hands to notice the light reflecting off of a barely noticeable fishing line. A fishing line that just happened to be extended across the wide hall. Emerson held his breath as the woman approached his trap. In just one more second. One more. And-

"BAM!"

The poor lady tripped over the line and fell flat on the carpeted walkway, letting out a terrified squeak as she plummeted. Emerson only laughed after he saw that she was struggling to get up. Hid conscience letting him have his joy now that he knew he hadn't killed the lady.

However, all laughter ceased once the brunet woman lifted her gaze to Prince Emerson. For she was no seamstress at all. She was Prince Emerson's private tutor. A fierce, stubborn madame. Emerson stood there in horror as she gracefully collected herself off the floor in a huff and brushed nonexistent dust from her petticoat.

"Young Prince!" Emerson snapped to as he saw his tutor making her way to him. He gulped before darting off down the hallway. Booking it to his freedom.

"My apologies Madame Felicity!" The small wavy brunet called as he retreated. He ran all the way down the corridor, quickly making a right down another. Not paying attention in his effort of shaking off his angered professor. However, poor Emerson should really have been paying attention. For he stumbled right into the royal throne room, where his mother was awaiting him.

With an oof Emerson bounced back from running into his mother. He smiled up brightly into her tight lipped frown.

"Hello mother. You are looking quite splendid this evening." They entered a short staring contest. The young dark haired boy growing tenser by the second. Finally his mother broke and gave him an exaggerated eye roll.

"Were you playing your little tricks again, my little rose?" Emerson avoided eye contact. Instead staring at a rather lovely flower arrangement.

"No." He quickly glanced at his mother. "Yes." Queen Lucia let out a soft laugh. Grabbing her son and squishing him into her side.

"What am I ever going to do with you, my little rose." The young prince struggled as he was hugged to his near death.

"Mama," He dragged out in a whine. "What have I said about that nickname. It is embar-"

"Embarrassing and should only be used at your deathbed. Yes, yes. I've heard the argument many times." She stroked his short, slightly wavy, hair as she pondered. "Perhaps I shall change the name." Emerson let out a sigh of relief, before groaning as his mother continued. "I shall now call you Briar Rose. Because you are prickly to others, but still sweet to me."

"That is somehow worse mother," Emerson complained as he freed himself from his mother's tight hold.

"Well, maybe if you would not continue your prickly pranks on the poor people I would consider changing it. However, I do not see that happening. The poor guards are afraid they will stab themselves with their own swords."

"It sounds to me like we need better sheathing equipment." The dark curly haired woman swatted the boy's cheek playfully as he cocked his hip sassily.

"Not to mention, it is apart of your name." Emerson and the Queen turned as king Lukas entered the throne room. "You should be proud of your name." The King strolled over to his small family and kissed his wife on the cheek, and ruffled his son's hair before wrapping his arms around them both.