Merlin Fairytale Series

Prologue

Heyyy, my lovelies!! Storytime!!
Part 1 of Merlin Fairytale Series
Picture is an eight year old Rose.

     The Kingdom of Paradise, many years ago....
     The kingdom of Paradise, and all its surrounding land, was once beautiful and plentiful. The place was one of few that accepted magic. Magic was actually a part of everyday life and everyone, regardless of gender, or where they came from, or what talents they possessed, or what family they'd been born into, was accepted.        In short, Paradise was a place of perfection. But all that changed when a curse ravaged through the land, destroying everything and, nearly, everyone. This is how it happened....

     Paradise had become a safe haven for many people, and this was in no small part due to the just King Nicholas and the wise Queen Anastasia (AN:Yea don't judge what I did there). The two were both wonderful people, smart, brave, kindhearted, and they both genuinely cared for their people. They had a number of children together: a son, Alistair, and six beautiful daughters, Evelyn, Marina, Sapphira, Ruby, Belle, and Rosalia. Rosalia was the favorite of the family. This, of course, is her story....

     The Night of the Kingdom's 300th Anniversary......
     The kingdom was full to bursting with guests, thanks to the celebration of its 300th anniversary. People had come from all around to celebrate and no one had turned down their invitations. Especially not family.
     Into the Grand Ball swept Regina, the queen of Haven and Anastasia's older sister. She'd been living with her extended family for the past couple of weeks, as she often did, as she loved seeing her family.      Unfortunately, due to unforeseen issues in Haven, this would be her last night in Paradise. She made her way to her own special seat, a place reserved just for her visits, as she was greeted by her family and several guests. In the distance, she could glad see her favorite niece, her little Rose, dancing with her father, laughing joyously.
     A few moments later, the little princess rushed over to fling herself into her aunt's loving embrace.
     "I heard stories, Aunt Regina. Please say you're not leaving me."
     "I wish I could say that I was staying forever. Unfortunately, there have been problems in my home, little Rose, problems that need a queen. But don't be sad. I've brought you a gift." Here she pulled out a beautiful necklace:

     "I think every beautiful little princess should have one of these."
     "Wooow!"
     Regina joyously placed the necklace around the little princess' neck. Then she pulled out a glittering silver box.
     "And this," she said, flourishing the gift, "is very special. Watch."
     Opening revealed it to be empty.      Regina gave her little Rose a secretive smile before fitting the pendant of the necklace into a slot on the front and then opened it to reveal a stack of letters.
     "You see, my darling, it can only show you its secrets with the key. This can be our own little secret! And you can put whatever's precious to you in this box."
     Little Rosalia leapt into her aunt's arms.
     "And there's one more thing. I want you to come visit me in Haven."
     "Really? Oh I'd love to, Auntie!!"
     Neither one realized they were being watched. A dark haired boy was peeking through the door, watching as the young princess' eyes lit up at the joy of seeing her favorite aunt.
     The little boy's name was Merlin and to say he had a crush on the princess was putting it mildly. Unfortunately, in a world where status determined everything, he knew he had no chance and the constant reminders from Aurora, the bratty daughter of the head of the servants, did nothing to tell him otherwise. But he sure wasn't gonna give up without a fight.
     He saw the entire exchange- from their union all the way to the gift giving. However, a moment later, a hand clasped him on the shoulder, pulling him back, away from the ball, and he came face-to-face with Aurora.
     "You little maggot! You know you're not supposed to go anywhere near that room! What if the Royals saw you?!"
     "I was just looking, Aurora! It's not a big deal, ok?!"
     "Oh I know full well what you were looking at, Merlin!" She spat out the boy's name as if it disgusted her.      "And you know very well you can't act on anything. You're a servant, Merlin, and a rather useless one at that, and that's all you'll ever be. Now come on, boy, before you get yourself in even more trouble!"
     Then she dragged him away, shutting the door behind them. The Royals, of course, were unaware of anything that had occurred behind that door. Except one. Rosalia swore she saw something but then again, her child mind didn't stay focused on any one thing for long.
     Meanwhile, the party was in full swing:
Nicholas and Anastasia were watching their family, proudly. Evelyn was slow dancing with her husband, Charles, and their children, Callista and Jason.