Epilogue:

Fairy Tale Ending

by ELINOR SEAT, Modern Woman

Published: March 29, 2009

Every woman should take heart- it seems fairy tales do come true! Earlier this morning the crown announced that Prince Ayden has been restored to his delicious human form! Here’s the only bad news ladies, he is taken! It seems that Bella Silverwood, you know the woman who we were all so curious about, well she was his beauty. She broke the spell, at the most dire moment. The crown publicist was not explicit with the details, but I have the scoop. My source was a certain flamboyant fairy. He tells me that the prince was almost dead when Bella found him. But as in any fairy tale her declaration of love saved his adorable furry ass. However then Eris Hollum, the woman who cursed the prince in the first place, showed up to kill Bella. A brawl ensued, with our Prince and his beauty as the victors! Hollum is being held.......

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Human Again

By BASIL PONTUS, The Word

Published: April 1, 2009

After my first interview with the Prince and his beauty, I had to idea how entwined I would become in their fairy tale. As I am sure you all know, I have been missing for many months. Well. It seems Prince Ayden was not the only one cursed in this tale. That same sorceress placed a spell on me, transforming me into a dog. By a chance of fate I arrived back at the palace with the couple that landed me in this mess to begin with.

I will be interviewing the Beauty and the Beast in two weeks time, they will be telling me exactly what happened and their plans for the future. Currently I am writing a a book chronicling my experiences in this fairy tale. The book It’s a Dog’s Life: My Experiences at Man’s Best Friend, is due to his the stores in two months.....

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Beauty and the Beast, Stunning Again!

By ALICIA FOGARTY, Quick and Dirty

Published: April 25, 2009

Everyone’s favorite couple caused quite a stir at the For The Children Charity Ball, last night. They showed up fashionably late, a nice change from Prince Ayden’s precious record of arriving three hours after the ball had started. Beauty and the Beast looked dashing as they posed for photographers. One should note that the Prince does not look completely human again. His canines are longer, sharper, and the overall hair growth has seemed to be kicked up a notch. This is most noticeable around the face, where he his sideburns are thicker. Of course this scruffy looks is adorable on our handsome monarch. His date looked beautiful too. Bella Silverwood wore a strapless black grown that fell in ruffles just above her knees. The dress was designed by this season’s hot designer, Philip Early. Silverwood, previously Enemy Number 1 for women everywhere, has been gaining popularity throw leaps and bounds. The women of this country are responding to her friendliness and down to earth personality.

It was not uncommon throughout the night to see Silverwood glaring up at her date, or poking him in the side. But these sharp moments were far and in between. The couple is clearly enamored with each other. A fact underlined by the glares and scowls that the prince gives to any man dancing with his date. Is our playboy prince secretly a possessive boyfriend?

How cute would that be?

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B and B Over? Bella Moves Out! Ayden Heart Broken!

By SKYLER SWARTSBAUGH, Quick and Dirty

Published: May 2, 2009

Women everywhere won’t know whether to cheer to cry. Beauty and the Beast, our very own Prince Ayden and his girl friend Bella Silverwood, are over. While this means that the sexy prince is back on the market, it also means that there is no hope for fairy tale endings.

Where is this information coming from? It seems Silverwood has been visiting a realtor on a regular basis, and two days ago witnesses saw her directing movers at her mother’s house. Boxes of books and a heavy wooden desk were brought out, along with many other items. Then yesterday she was seen leaving the castle, bags in hand. The prince stood on the door step, with a mighty frown.

The dirt from inside the castle is that the prince was in a foul mood after Silverwood’s departure. Did she break the prince’s heart? And can we kill her for it?

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Beauty and the Beast: Still Together and Happier then Ever!

By KIRK STANFORD, The Tribune: Gossip Column

Published: May 5, 2009

Prince Ayden and Bella Silverwood were spotted canoodling in an opera box late last night. When questioned about their supposed break up, the prince looked insulted and Bella just laughed. “Yes, obviously we are no longer together.”

This reporter asked why she was moved out.

“We relocated.” She explained with a smile. “It was time for Ayden to get back to the capital and deal with politics, and I couldn’t keep mooching off him! So I got an apartment of my own in the city.”

I wanted to ask more questions, including where she got her dark grey opera gown, however the prince succinctly said, “No more questions.” Then he led her away. Although our prince has yet to return to his usual camaraderie with the media, none of his prickly nature is evident with his girlfriend. She is happy and open, and this reflects onto the prince. The couple posed for pictures before sneaking off.

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Just Friends, or Soul Mates? An In Depth Study of Body Language

by ELINOR SEAT, Modern Woman

Published: June 29, 2009

(See pictures above)

Our Analysis!

Prince Ayden and Bella Silverwood: In Love

Princess Tanya and Oberon, King of the Fairies: Just Friends

Oberon, King of the Fairies and Soila Henley: Lovers, but not In Love

Leon Costello and Marianna Keener: In Love

Oberon, King of the Fairies and Vita Laurenzi: Lovers, but not In Love…….

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Prince Proposes!

By KIRK STANFORD, The Tribune: Gossip Column

Published:October 7, 2009

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Date Set for Royal Wedding!

By KIRK STANFORD, The Tribune: Gossip Column

Published:October 30, 2009

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A Fairy Tale Wedding

By DANIELLE CLARK, Modern Bride

Published: November 20, 2009

I got the opportunity to interview Bella Silverwood, fiancée of Prince Ayden, heir to the crown. She agreed to meet me at a local coffee shop, stating that the castle was “too chaotic and ostentatious.”

She arrived a few minutes late, looking surprisingly normal. She wore a dark wash of jeans, a worn motorcycle jacket and a dark red scarf. The second two she removed upon entering the toasty shop. Underneath the jacket was a plain blue long sleeved shirt. Although one thing that was not plain, was the ring on her left hand. It was platinum with diamond encircled by emeralds.

DC: I love your ring!

BS: She frowns at it, then sighs and smiles. It is beautiful, isn’t it? I guess I am used to it yet. I am not usually a jewelry person.

DC: So, what do you wear around the castle.

BS: Gestures at clothes, This basically! Laughs. My wardrobe is receiving a serious make over as we speak. Tanya was very dissatisfied with my lack of designer labels.

DC: How is the wedding planning? It is hectic, having to plan such a huge event? After all, this is monumental not only for you, but for the country as well.

BS: Shudders, Oh, don’t remind me! I am already terrified that I am going to trip walking down the aisle. Lucky I don’t have to deal with a lot of the planning. Tanya, the queen and my sisters sort of took over as soon as they found it. It’s just as well, I suppose. If I had my druthers Ayden and I would elope.

DC: Does the prince share you view?

BS: About eloping? Oh yea. He has been proposing it for weeks now. I had to convince him that his sister would kill us.

DC: How did the prince propose?

BS: Well, he asked if I would marry him and I said yes.

DC: Details please! Every woman in the country is dying to know how the playboy prince finally popped the question.

BS: Playboy prince? That’s a new one. Okay. I’ll cave. But if he sues you, don’t blame me. First we had a date back at the old castle. We watched Beauty and the Beast under the stars. It was projected onto one of the walls, and we sat on the grass bundled up.

DC: Seriously?

BS: Nods and grins We thrive of irony. Then he led over to the rose garden, knelt down and proposed.

DC: What were his exact words?

BS: Her eyes glaze over. He knelt down before me and said, "Let's look at this objectively, alright? As much utter contempt as I have for you, you're the only one who can keep up with me. You're the only one who understands me and you're most certainly the only person I've ever respected. I'd say it's fairly certain that it wouldn't even possible for us to be with anyone but each other. So let's just make the best of it. Marry me?” I asked if that was seriously his proposal, and he looked sheepish. Then he tried to make amends, “I love you. More then life itself, you are life to me Bella. Be my queen.” I kissed him on the lips and said, “Better.” Then I agreed to marry him. And as soon as I did, the whole garden lit up with fairy lights. And Tanya and Oberon both floated down, spraying champagne on both of us.

DC: What happened next?

BS: Giggles Ayden cursed them both. Literally. He cast a spell on them. Tanya he just froze and Oberon he froze then shot off. He’s fine. He landed in the lake.

DC: Ahem. Yes. Tell me about the wedding! When is it?

BS: January 14.

DC: What does your dress look like? And the brides maids? Who are they?

BS: My sisters. So I suppose they are matrons technically not maids. But Tanya is my Maid of Honor.

DC: And the best man?

BS: Gets a feral grin. Oberon.

DC: You’re joking.

BS: Nope. And then various other nobles will be the grooms men. I am afraid I don’t know their names yet. You probably shouldn’t print that I said that.

DC: What are your honeymoon plans?

BS: We are going on one.

DC: Where?

BS: I’ll let you know when I find out. Ayden is being very secretive about this. I honestly have no idea.

DC: Well, thank you for coming out and speaking to me! And congratulations!

BS: My pleasure, and thank you!

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Royal Wedding

By BASIL PONTUS, The Word

Published: January 5, 2010

Today we gained a new princess. Princess Bella. It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? I was personally invited to the wedding by the happy couple. The prince was being very tight with the press for this event. I was the only journalist there, although there were a number of photographers also present.

The wedding was beautiful. It was in the Capital Cathedral, the same place where every king and queen had been married since its creation. The ceremony was simple. Well, it was as simple as a royal wedding can be. A string quartet played the music and beautiful flowers were everywhere. Contrary to the usual white and light blue themes of weddings this color scheme was darker, richer. Deep reds, blues and purples made up the flowers.

Of course the guest list was impressive, however I won’t bore you with a list of names. It is sufficient to say that a number of celebrities along with the nobility were present.

Then the moment everyone waits for. The bride enters. I glance up at the Prince. His usual stoic expression was in place previously. He ignored all compliments, and didn’t seem at all nervous. Although I did notice him tugging at the cuffs of his very expensive tuxedo more often then usual. Ladies, I’ll indulge you. He looked very handsome. His brown hair was neatly combed back, and the suit was impeccably tailored. But enough about the groom, everyone wants to know about the Bride.

Princess Bella looked stunning. Now, I don’t know much about dresses but I will attempt to describe it for you. Her dress was completely white, and in a slim shape. It was smooth, but not without some volume to the skirt. It was strapless, although she wore a lace shrug that had a mock collar. No doubt this would disappear for the reception, but it emphasized her maidenly appearance. Her hair was up in an elaborate do, and there was a shoulder length veil hanging down her back. Her jewelry, ah. I apologize. I believe she wore pearl drop earrings, and no necklace.

The vows were traditional, but heartfelt. I could see Princess Bella getting teary eyed, and even the prince’s voice was a little thick. Luckily the ceremony was short. The prince dipped his bride into a kiss that was probably not appropriate, but she was laughing after they came up. Even the Prince was smiling.

The reception was at the palace and very elegant. The couple was taking their advantage of being newly weds to ignore everyone. They opened the dance floor to one of the crooner’s classics, and then disappeared from the crowd twenty minutes later. I wonder what they were up to?

Rumors abound for the location of their honeymoon. I personally think that they are either heading south to an exotic island, or they are going east to one of the romantic cities. Either location I know two things. They will in a five-star hotel, and that they will live happily ever after.

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“I cannot believe Basil wrote that piece of crap.” Ayden murmured, leaning forward to kiss Bella’s neck.

“What? I thought it was sweet.” She argued, as he pushed her hair away. “Besides, he was sort right about the hotel thing.”

“Well of course.” His voice was muffled. “We are royalty. We cannot be expected to stay in a hostel. It is not as if we have left this room, it ought to be comfortable.”

Bella turned around to face her husband. He lounged on their bed, dressed in only sleep pants. He looked at her bemused, his dark hair in unnatural disarray. “We left once you know.” She pointed out smiling.

“I do not think that going into port really counts.”

“Of course it does.” Bella grinned, and lay down next to the prince. “We needed more fruit.”

“I told you that this ship is fully stocked. We didn’t need anything.” Ayden wrapped a tanned arm around his wife’s waist, pulling her against him.

“Hmph. I guess you are right.” Bella was tan too. Days out at sea had a tendency to do that. Although, along with tan came freckles. She had mixed feelings about the whole sun exposure debacle. “I am glad that you don’t have to spend all your time sailing and cooking.”

“Yes. Magic can be helpful.”

She looked up at him, brown eyes alight. “I think you make a wonderful bow bunny.” She placed her hand on his chest.

“Really?” Bella could feel his voice rumbling. “I think you make a better one.” He leaned down and began to kiss her.

She pulled back after a moment. “Only because I have the chest.”

Ayden grinned roguishly. His teeth were still sharper, more bestial then any human’s. “I should bloody well hope so.” He muttered, kissing his wife again.

Evening found the royal couple sipping wine on the deck. Bella was curled up by Ayden’s side, as he idly played with her hair. “I liked your wedding dress.” He said suddenly.

“What?” The brunette glanced up at him. “That is so random.”

He shrugged, taking a drink of the wine. “I wasn’t sure that I told you in all the hubbub. It was pretty. You looked absolutely beautiful.”

“Well.” She snuggled closer, “You looked pretty handsome too.”

They sat in comfortable silence, watching as the sea swallowed the sun and the sky turned to black. The stars peaked out, winking at them as the purple horizon deepened.

“Do you think Basil was right?”

Ayden raised a brow, “About what exactly?”

“About the happy ending bit.”

Blue eyes met brown. “I am planning on happy ever after. And I usually get what I want.”

Bella grimaced, “Except for that whole beast thing.”

“I don’t know.” He smiled. “I thought it worked out fairly well.”

“Indeed.” She turned her face up to his. “I love you.”

Ayden’s grin widened. “I love you too.” He lowered his lips to meet hers.

“Ahem. I hate to break up the two love birds, but I need to know something.”

“OBERON! Get the hell off my boat!” The roar was just as powerful as ever. Ayden stood suddenly and began stalking towards the fairy on the deck. He looked furious and was growling expletives under his breath.

“Why are you here?” Bella called from behind her angry husband.

“Tanya wanted to know how you two were, since you refuse to make contact.” Blue wings flapped nervously as he backed up. Oberon continued. “I said I would ask.”

“You can tell my sister the next time she wants to disturb my honeymoon she can take the idea and shove it up her-”

“AYDEN!”

“Ahem. Well. Yes. Your highness, I apologize. And please stop coming towards me with that expression.”

Bella rolled her eyes as there was a loud splashing sound. “You are a jerk.” She informed the very smug prince as he returned to her.

Ayden laughed and lay down so his head rested in her lap. “What were you saying about happy endings?”

“I better get one or I will castrate you.”

He winced, “And you said that I was the jerk.” He took a deep breath, “However I promise to accommodate.”

“Good.” Bella leaned down and kissed her husband.

“Although I do not promise that the happy ending will include Oberon. I think I might have drowned him.”

“Ayden….”

THE END

A/N:

Wow. It is done. Can you believe it? Two years!! First I want to thank everyone who has read the story. And everyone who has reviewed. You are who I love especially. Reviews really help an author grow. Please review this last chapter because I want to thank you all personally for putting up with me. I know I usually take forever to update.

Stay tuned. The New Year will bring the rewrite. I won’t be changing a ton- but I was a very different person when I started. I look back at the beginning and always cringe. Anything you want to include? Let me know!

Thank you all so much! And PLEASE review. It is your last chance!

Xoxoxo HANNAH