Happily Ever After?

Chapter 4

Lillian and Harold were sitting at the dining table with Fiona beside them, Charming was leaning in the doorway watching.

"A long time ago we made a deal with fairy godmother.." Lillian began. "At the time she seemed quite normal.." Harold muttered, Lillian elbowed him and looked back to their daughter.

Lillian sighed and began with their story. "We only made the deal with her to keep you safe, when we became king and Queen of far far away. It was forbidden for royalty to have children at the time."

Fiona looked confused "but you're the king and Queen! Why wasn't it allowed?" Lillian gave a small chuckle. "Oh yes we are the king and queen but we also have our own rules to follow."

She got up and walked over to a bookcase, Charming watching closely. Lillian pulled out a huge book, the thickest book Fiona had ever seen, Charming hurried over to help Lillian lift the book.

"Not so young." The Queen wheezed as Charming put the book down on the table. She gave him a small nod and sat down, taking a deep breath and blowing the dust off the book she opened it up.

Fiona eyeballed the book "there's gotta be over a million pages in that thing!" The king laughed "nope, more than a million."

Fiona's mouth dropped, Lillian showed her the page and read it out. "As the new king and queen of far far away, you must always put your royal duties first. You must always be present to events, you must always listen to the villagers and tour around to make sure they are all doing well."

Harold took over "as royalty you must not bring a child up until these royal duties are fully complete, as having a child can make these duties difficult and it is a must to have both king and Queen present."

Fiona nodded "okay...I get that you weren't meant to have me, but why?" Lillian closed the book.

"That's why we made a deal with fairy godmother as soon as we knew we were having you Fiona.." Lillian lowered her head and Harold put a hand on her shoulder.

"We told her that when you were born to take you far away from here so you wouldn't be founded, we thought we were doing what was best for your safety. But now that we've gotten older and can run the kingdom, we wanted you to come home to us."

Lillian hugged Fiona "we missed you so much dear." Fiona embraced both of her parents in a tight hug. "I understand why you did it, but why does fairy godmother want me gone?"

Harold cleared his throat awkwardly "we-well you see, she wanted to run far far away..when we sent Charming to go rescue you.." the three looked at Charming who waved from the door frame.

"When fairy godmother found out, I guess she didn't want it to happen" Fiona nodded "well that explains the ass over there." Donkey snorted.

"I was only doing what I was told to do!" He objected with his muzzle in the air. "And I'm sure fairy godmother told you it was ok to eat my waffles!" Harold demanded.

Donkey turned away "I was only hungry and I like waffles." Harold death stared donkey "I'll make you into a waffle." He muttered.

Lillian put a hand on his chest "now now Harold, we don't need this right now." Harold gritted his teeth and grunted in surrender.

Charming walked over to be beside Fiona's side "what would you suggest we do Lillian? Harold?"

King and queen both gave a glance to each other. "Double the scouts, for both villages and forests." Charming nodded and went to walk out.

Harold called out to stop him and walked over to him with a sword. "Charming, we thank you kindly for bringing our daughter home and keeping her safe, Lillian and I have both agreed to this."

Charming kneeled down and lowered his head "I, king Harold, dub thee. Sir charming." As Harold spoke he gently moved the tip of the sword from shoulder to shoulder.

"And we would be most grateful if you would like to be head of the royal guard to keep our kingdom safe" Lillian added walking over to them with Fiona close behind.

Charming put a hand across his chest "I would be honoured to serve you." Donkey gave a loud burst of laughter from his steel cage. "You fools really believe you can stop her! Good luck! Fairy godmother will have her way!"

The guard hit a spear on the cage "hush mule!" Prince Charming looked to the royal family "I promise to keep you safe." He looked to the king and queen. "All of you"

Lillian and Harold both nodded "you have our respect..."Harold wheezed. "..son." Charming felt his heart swell with pride. "I won't let you down." He saluted.