When the Princess Rescued the Prince - fantasyREADERS

COMPLETE STORY
Free to read here, but all other rights reserved.
The Bear Princess
Long ago there lived a king and queen who had no
children. They ruled a splendid kingdom and the queen
was famous for her beauty and her long shining golden
hair which reached to her feet; but nevertheless she spent
all her time wishing for a child just like herself. Then
finally after many years the queen’s wish was granted: a
child was born, a lovely little girl with shining golden hair
just like her mother's.
The whole kingdom celebrated, but at the christening
the visiting fairies became troubled. It was the custom in
those days for the fairies to tell the fortune of the new
baby, but this time the fairies just whispered and shook
their heads.
“Go on,” the king urged them. “Do you see some
misfortune for our baby? Have we forgotten to invite
someone?”
“Do we need to get rid of all the spindles?” said the
queen. “Good riddance, I'd say.”
“No,” sighed the eldest fairy, “it is not spindles this
time. We are not sure what strange fate is in store for
Princess Preziosa. Only, in spite of all the riches of your
palace, it seems that she will find her happiness alone in
the woods.”
“Wearing nothing but a fur coat,” added the youngest
fairy; but everyone immediately shushed her, saying it