Golden: A Retelling of Rumpelstiltskin

Chapter 1

Lora Caspar was a reasonable young woman. She liked to think realistically. She only believed in the magic that existed in what her father called the "Enchanted Forest", the wood interlocking all the kingdoms of the land. She knew her place and that place was not to be wishing upon shooting stars for a fairy godmother to bestow some impractical gift upon her. Her place was the bakery cart in the town square of the Farriage countryside.

Today was an incredibly important day for the business. Lora was watching over the cart in the bustling square as her father, Francis Caspar, was displaying his confections to the king and prince. She wasn't sure what good it would do. King Gilbert didn't have much money to be funding peasant bakeries. He had recently suffered the loss of the trade alliance with Rilan, and Farriage was dependent on their gold imports. It commanded the whole kingdom's economy. With the relationship severed, the people of Farriage silently accepted their demise.

Yet, Lora put on a brave face and smiled at the customers. Higher-class nobles often visited the square and were bound to be drawn to the painted sign that hung from the cart. She rearranged the small tarts and cakes into the shade of the canopy to protect them from the beating sun. Her eyes twinkled as a red-headed woman in a vibrant silk dress pointed to a raspberry tart.

"That looks delightful," She said in a high-pitched voice.

"It's yours for 6 coins, madame," Lora said sweetly. It used to be 10 coins, but no one seemed to be able to afford it (though this woman was certainly better off than most of the usual customers).

The woman dropped the payment into Lora's open hand and took her tart. Lora scanned the square and noticed the strange abundance of wealthier patrons. They were easy to spot with their lace parasols, large skirts, and decorative brocade jackets. Young children who would grow to be rich landowners danced on the benches surrounding the fountain. Why were they here?

The clapping of hooves against the cobblestone streets directed everyone to the side and they cleared a path. A pastel pink carriage rolled through the streets. Its golden accented family crest was easily recognizable. The House of Rosalee. A songbird sat in the middle of two gold roses with curling stems. A face with caramel tendrils peeking out from a pink-brimmed hat popped out of the carriage window. Duchess Adelaide.

The duchess was the oldest daughter of the Rosalee clan: the richest family in Farriage was no doubt bound for the Aureate Palace. Prince Nathaniel was said to be having hordes of suitors visiting the palace. There was a ball at least once a week in his honor. Word had it he wasn't too thrilled about the ordeal. Yet nothing could stop the ambitions of the noble mamas wishing to auction their daughters off to the crown prince.

The townspeople cheered and clapped as the pink carriage rounded the fountain and drove towards the Palace. A few children ran after the carriage's cloud of dust as if they hoped that some of the Rosalee fortunes would be given to them if they got close enough. Lora couldn't help but think about how her father and the Rosalee carriage might cross paths.;

As the sun descended in the sky, the crowds began to thin. The carriage's driveby has thankfully drawn enough people to the town square for good earnings. Lora packed up the remaining treats and pushed the cart through the streets before reaching her cottage. Father had yet to return, so Lora began to prepare some dinner for the two of them.

It was dark by the time she finished the soup and she spooned it out into two bowls leaving her father's at his place for his return. Surely he'd be back within the hour.

The night progressed. The soup grew cold.

Lora waited.

The Palace was only an hour's journey. Her father had been gone since morning. Lora couldn't help but think of the worst. After all, she likes to think reasonably. So when her father walked in the door she was too overjoyed to notice the uniform-clad men.