To Sleep, Perchance To Die

So-Called Sleeping BeautyI squinted into the late morning sunlight in vague unease and revulsion at the massive stone palace at the end of the long walkway, rainbow flags flapping their jaunty attempt at make-believe happiness flying in precise rows along the battlements. The sun glinted off the highest window in a turret on the side of the grey structure, typically the one place I wished I could avoid and yet always the spot that drew my undivided attention more often than not. In my mind's eye I could see the immense pink and white room beyond the window, ruffles engulfing the queen-sized canopy bed, rose-colored settees and centuries-old ornate tables filling a room four times the size of my current bedroom. Luxurious, fit for a pampered princess living in wealth and privilege most people would envy.A bedroom I didn't get to enjoy all that much, though, did I?Rose Briar's life post sleeping curse has little to do with all things princess and more to do with her job at the Sun Tavern, slinging drinks and doing her best to avoid being reminded she's going to be a queen someday. But when she discovers the deceased body of one of her least favorite people, what's a reluctant princess to do? Curiosity leads her to uncover secrets hidden deep beneath the history of the amalgamated fairy tale realms, leading her to poke her nose into the business of those who'd prefer she kept her questions to herself…