A Princess longing to prove herself to be as brave as any prince, a sorcerer hired to save an ailing kingdom by spinning straw into gold, and a spinning wheel. A fairytale unlike any you have heard before. * * * When a magical mishap leads to Rumpelstiltskin and Princess Rosa switching bodies, a dangerous misunderstanding leads to them being separated and thrust into each other's lives. Trapped and forced to navigate an unfamiliar world, they must find a way to switch back while not raising suspicion from those closest to them. They say you can only know a person once you've walked a mile in their shoes. Rumpelstiltskin and Rosa will learn more than they ever dreamed about the other...and maybe discover the kind of person they are each meant to be. Submitted to ONC 2024: Prompt 45: "Keep your happily ever after, it ain't mine." Supplementary prompt 3: Your greatest fear is monsters in the dark. The last thing you expect is to become the Monster in the dark.

In a fantasy world where political alliances are forged through arranged marriages, I find myself thrust into the role of a princess from the rival kingdom of Rassec. Awakening in the body of my favorite character, Gabriella Isobel de Rassec, I face the daunting prospect of marrying Asher Von Rothchester, the formidable Duke of the Vraenia Empire. As I stand before Asher, the supposed epitome of cold-blooded aristocracy, I can't help but wonder if I've stumbled into the wrong fantasy realm. Here I am, expecting a brooding, aloof duke straight out of a dramatic romance novel, and instead, I'm met with a man who treats me like a cherished treasure rather than a political pawn. "Are you sure you're the Duke of the Vraenia Empire?" I can't resist teasing him, a mischievous glint in my eye. "You seem more like a lost puppy than a fearsome ruler." He chuckles, the sound warm and genuine, a stark contrast to the icy facade I was expecting. "Well, I've been called many things, but 'lost puppy' is a first. I'll have you know, I have a reputation to uphold." I raise an eyebrow, unable to contain my amusement. "Oh, I'm well aware of your reputation, Your Grace. The Grim Reaper of the battlefield, they say. But forgive me if I find it hard to believe that the feared duke is nothing more than a big softie at heart." He flashes me a lopsided grin, his golden eyes twinkling with mischief. "Ah, but you see, my dear princess, even the Grim Reaper needs a cuddle now and then." I can't help but burst into laughter at his absurdly charming remark, my initial apprehension melting away like snow in spring. Maybe this arranged marriage won't be so bad after all.

ONC Shortlister 2023! There are few rules in the Kingdom of Kadotaru, and punishment is not kind, even for the young prince who wishes he was anybody else. Tied to the crown, to his family, to his kingdom, there isn't much he can do. He isn't born to bear the crown, to rule over all the creatures of Kadotaru, but it still haunts him. He never thought to break a rule, there was too much fear deep in his heart. He never thought to break any rules, until she was able to see him. Humans. Humans don't have true sight. They aren't seers, or creatures of Kadotaru. So why can she see him? Why does she reach out to help him? And why did he have to break Kadotaru's most sacred rule? ------------------------------------------------------- This novella will include extreme violence. There will be warnings at the beginning of the chapters that include this show of brutality, but do not reach this novella if you do not wish to read horrific scenes. For the Open Novella Contest 2023 | Cover designed by me | Prompt 62 Word Count - 38,637 RANKINGS: #44 in High Fantasy - 27/04/2023 #90 in Fae - 10/02/2023 #79 in Dark Fantasy - 10/02/2023 #09 in opennovellacontest2023 - 10/02/2023 © elmaloney 2023 | all rights reserved