Stunning Tales

A Retelling GILbert

@OfficialBooksGalore has an awesome biweekly 2k character flash fiction contest called GILbert. You need to check it out.

I wrote this for a GILbert they did in conjunction with the @FairytaleCommunity a while back.

Here's the prompt:

GENRE: FAIRYTALE RETELLING

You have four retelling options: Rumpelstiltskin, The Frog Prince, Rapunzel, or Twelve Dancing Princesses. These are the ONLY retellings you are allowed to use.

ITEM: Handkerchief

LOCATION: Market Place

It's especially dear to my heart because it's inspired by a 12 dancing princesses retelling I'm working on :)

***

It was foolish to think she would get any sort of special treatment so Sorian had thought no such thing. But she had hoped she might at least get through the door.

She meandered about the marketplace. No purpose, just passing the time. Not focusing on one's misfortune often allows one to figure out solutions.

"Shells for sale! Best shells in all the market!"

The seller beckoned Sorian closer.

"Bold, selling seashells by the seashore. I mean, the shells that you sell are seashells I'm sure?"

"Oh yes. But these are top quality. Can't get these randomly combing the beach. I carry only the best. They make lovely jewelry. Would you like a bracelet? Or perhaps a necklace, for your sweetheart?"

Dido's image flashed before Sorian's eyes and memories of the previous day's bungle were laid fresh in her mind.

"Such trinkets might be... a bit premature."

"Oh Tosh. Love is a simple matter. Anyone will tell you. You're trying to woo a girl, it's not like you're trying to marry a princess. Now that is suffering."

Sorian had to smile. Circumstances with the royal family must give the people of the capital a unique perspective on such things.

"Very well. That bracelet. With the gold glass stones."

"Marvelous choice and for the first jewelry sale of the day, a hand embroidered handkerchief to wrap it in. A practical gift to go along with the ornamental one."

The familiar scent of soap and honey filled the air. The two marketgoers gave the proper respect.

"You are Sorian. Dido's studymate. "

"It is an honor that you would remember me, Princess Ardita."

"You must visit us while you're here. We will expect you this evening."

"Of course. I- thank you. I humbly accept, your highness."

"It will be good to have a dinner guest, who is a guest, and not a thief detective."

As quickly and quietly as she had appeared, she was gone.

"Like I said. Suffering. Now. Might I interest you in some sponges?"