Merlin Fairytale Series

Chapter 1: Forbidden Love

I love that movie! (The Curse of Sleeping Beauty)
Above picture is Merlin and Rose when Uther found out about their romance.
Summary: After working and living in the palace for awhile, Merlin and Rose fall in love but Nicholas doesn't approve.

      Merlin had been of age when he moved into the palace to work for the king. He started off as the lowest of servants but the other servants noticed how hard he worked and often gave him new jobs to do so he could move up in the ranks, hopefully to build a better life for himself.
     Now that didn't mean he didn't devote his time to other things as well. He loved horse-back riding and had brought his old horse from home just for the occasion. Dragon-riding was even more fun, especially when he could easily call on them.
     He loved other things too like walking through the gardens, reading every book in the library, and dreaming about his future. But his most favorite thing was spending time with the kingdom's beautiful princess, Rose.
     He'd loved Rose since the first moment he laid eyes on her.
     It had been a nonconventional meeting to say the least.
     Merlin had been riding his dragon when he noticed a disturbance in the woods. He'd quickly landed his dragon and raced through the woods, calling for his horse who appeared like magic (obviously) and he'd led chase on his horse.
     Rose had been riding her horse but lost control of the beast. Merlin chased her down and saved her. Upon gazing at her once, he was automatically in love with her.
     They had met up many more times, just happy at their mutual love of each other's company. But that was all about to change.
                        * * * * *
     One day, a few months into their newfound friendship, something happened to change everything. Rose and Merlin had spent the better part of the day riding to a cute little meadow-garden they called their secret spot.
     The place was gorgeous, filled with flowers and every kind of beautiful plant you could think of. Their secret spot was nestled between two mountains and the sun always hit it just right.
     They set up their picnic, as they often did then sat down to eat and chat.
     That was when everything changed.
     "I have something to confess!" They called out in unison. "What? You first."
     "Ladies first." Merlin said.
     "At the same time then."
     "I have magic!" Merlin yelled at the same time as Rose called out, "I'm cursed!" Then both, "What?"
     Silence. Finally, Merlin spoke up, saying, "I have magic."
     He thought she'd be afraid but she simply said, "Show me."
     Holding out his palm, she saw his eyes turn gold and suddenly, there was a rose in his hand. He handed it to her.
     "You really do have magic!" She said, overjoyed. Then her expression changed. "Yet I am cursed."
     "How are you cursed?" Merlin asked kindly.
     So Rose explained what her family had told her about the day of the celebration of her birth that led to tragedy.
     "No one would love a cursed princess." Rose cried.
     "That's not true. I do."
     It was out before he could stop it. "What?" Rose asked. "You love me?"
     Merlin knew there was no more use to try to hide it. "Yes. I love you."
     Rose smiled. "And I love you."
     With that, Merlin leaned in and kissed Rose. She immediately kissed him back, tangling her fingers in his hair.
     Ever since that day, the two were inseparable. Their relationship remained a secret but they were happy. Unfortunately, it was not to last.
                         * * * * *
     It was just two short weeks until Rose's 18th birthday was to take place. King Uther was full of excitement but also worried as to how the night would turn out.
     He planned on throwing a big celebration for Rose's birthday. The king had been slaving away, trying to get everything prepared.
     On this particular day, Rose was in the midst of trying on her dress for the ball. (See picture at the top.) Merlin walked into her chambers and exclaimed, "I never thought you could get more beautiful but now you are."
     Rose turned and smiled at seeing her true love standing there. "Merlin!" She rushed into his arms to hug him. When they parted, she asked, "Are you sure I don't look ridiculous?"
     "You look beautiful. You always do."
     "You're just saying that because you're biased."
     Merlin laughed. "Maybe a little." He admitted. "But I still believe it."
     Rose smiled and took his hand. Their fingers intertwined and they walked over to the balcony. It was a beautiful morning but all Merlin could focus on was his princess. They kissed on the balcony, unaware that someone was watching them....
                            * * * * *
     The king stood on his balcony, watching the sunrise when he noticed a very different sight. His daughter stood on her balcony in her ballgown. A servant, the one he recognized as the one he'd bought from Cora, was standing there with her. As he watched, the servant leaned forward and kissed the princess.
     This could not be tolerated! He'd have to do something about it....
                       * * * * *
     Later that day, after Merlin left to do his chores for the ball, Rose changed into a simpler dress and went downstairs to find her father waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs.
     "Hello, father!" She called out cheerily.
     "Rose, I need to talk to you about something important." He led her to his throne room before saying, "I noticed you have been getting close to one of the servants. Don't deny it. I saw the two of you on the balcony this morning."
     "Father, please understand, this wasn't something I planned on happening. It just did."
     "I cannot allow this to continue. We have an image to uphold. You must marry a prince!"
     "But, daddy, I love him! He accepts me for who I am, curse and all! What prince could claim the same?"
     "You will do as I ask! I forbid you from seeing him again! I'll banish him if I have to! In fact, I banish him now. He must be gone before morning."
     "I'll never forgive you for this!"
     And with that, she stomped off. That night, she called Merlin to her chambers. Merlin came immediately and found her crying.
     "What's wrong, love?" He asked.
     "We can't be together."
     "Who's told you that?"
     "My father. He found out and...he has forbade me from ever seeing you again."
     "Well, we'll figure something out, we always do."
     "Not this time. My father has seen fit to banish you and even if he didn't, I can't look at you everyday knowing I can never be with you again."
     "Rose..."
     "Just go." She begged, tears streaming down her face.
     Merlin left that night, promising one day he'd return for her. He had no idea that when he did, it'd be to break her curse.
To be continued...

I'm so sorry for that ending! I'mma go cry now. 😭😭😭😭