The First Exclusive Glimpse of the Next Not-So Fairy Tale

What began as a “short story” became a series beginning with Princess Paisley. Not satisfied with that story (a rather silly and ridiculous tale), I embarked on a journey to tell a real fairy tale–one full of adventure and courage.  One that cost the hero dearly if he dared to be the hero.  I think I did that with Everard.

But then I met a maid–a special girl from a faraway country. Like Paisley (the shepherdess princess) and Everard (the shyest prince alive), Leicelin of Verdonia has something… unique about her. Few people have seen her, but one who has calls her The Beauty of Verdonia.

Without further adieu…

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The First Exclusive Glimpse of the Next Not-So Fairy Tale

Surrounded by the cerulean waters of the Abscindian Sea, the large island of Verdonia sits as if abandoned by the rest of the world. As all kingdoms should, Verdonia has villages, subjects, a castle, a king, and a queen. And, as all fairy tales should, this story has a princess—the Princess of Verdonia. Leicelin.

I have heaping quantities of information to share with you, but alas I am not permitted to do so. An author must resist the temptation to tell her audience all that she knows. One must show the reader, lead them through the facts and thoughts, actions and emotions.

Alas, I want to delve into the tale and give you all the juicy little tidbits that will help you see this fascinating place. I’m just dying to tell you about Leicelin, describe her home, explain why she’s almost twenty-one and no one has even hinted at a Majority Ball— oh dear. I’m doing it already. Show don’t tell. Got it.

Where was I? Oh, cerulean waters and the beautiful land of Verdonia… no wait. Leicelin. That’s it. Sorry. On the morning that my story opens, Leicelin rushed here and there about her work. What was it, you ask? I shall tell you. Dressing for a visiting dignitary’s visit? Not quite. However, dresses were involved. Does that count?

Let’s step into the stone room at the back corner of the castle and peek in on her while she works.

Leicelin wiped the back of her sleeve across her forehead, mopping up the perspiration that persisted in forming as she scrubbed the hem of the dress, but she lost hope. It was ruined. As she hung it on the line with the rest of the morning’s wash, she tried to imagine who at the castle might fit into it.

“It must be cut down for Floria, I suppose. It was my last good dress too.” She would have to ask her father for more materials to make a new dress. Then again, perhaps her mother had an old one she could remake. “I’ll ask about that instead.”

Her fingers trailed along the hem, measuring how high the stain went. Less than three inches. “I could cut it off…”

“My princess, you musn’t. You are too old to wear dresses above your ankles.” Alma stepped into the room, shaking her head. “We will have to make a new one.”

“I think I’ll ask Mother if she has any old ones to remake.”

“You’re the king’s daughter. You should have new dresses when you need them.”

She shook her head and picked up a pair of linen breeches belonging to her father and soaked them in the tub. “Perhaps. However, to do that means we tax our people—taxes they cannot afford. How is that right? Fatherly would never approve.

“Your father is the best king we’ve ever had—generous to us to a fault as well—but his daughter shouldn’t be dressed in rags just because our kingdom has fallen on hard times.”

Synopsis: A Prince, a friend, and a lizard walk into a trap…

Everard of Havilund—fierce warrior, brave soldier, loyal friend, heir to the throne, and painfully shy.

The war is over! Or is it? After four long years fighting in a war that has spanned nearly a millennium, Everard is finally going home. He has faced everything he fears most—he thinks. Alas, trouble is brewing in the little hamlet of Hidden Hollow and he has only himself to blame.

Follow Everard as he tries to slay the Dragon of Ironia, face the Giant of the Tripp Mountains, bring the Enchantress of Enervatia to justice… just for starters.

Will he succeed? Will he overcome the personal demons that threaten all he is working for?

Find out in this second installment of the Not-So-Fairy Tales.