The hues of gold, orange, lavender, and rose coloured the heavens as dawn bid adieu, greeting the sun as it arose from slumber. There was music lingering in the air along with tweeting birds and the cool breeze that brought forth the petrichor aroma.
Winter was, indeed, no more as the flowers swayed in grace and gratitude. The trees were also merry, waving high to the Great Omnipotence who never left them despite the years of chilly winds.
The Kingdom of Erdestea was truly becoming a paradise of hope after the dread of ice and snow.
It's travesty was a hymn that would be remembered for many years, especially when winter faded as spring took its first heartbeat.
And with the rebirth of the melody of serenity, churches and cathedrals rang their jovial bells for such a glorious day…
In her room, draped in gold and white light, Princess Maria Blanca stood right before the large looking glass of her dear mother, studying her reflection with bright eyes and fascination. She did not immediately recognise what she saw, for there was something different about her…
Or maybe she was just too emotional, with the little spirit of nervousness tickling the soles of her feet.
Oh, the day has come for love to reach its zenith. Matrimony, holy and perpetual; dressed in white, with edelweiss flowers and a gold crown on her head, and a veil that flowed down to the floor like waterfalls, the pale princess was now a full-bloom flower—the fairest bride of Erdestea. No wonder the envious heart of her wicked aunt Gertrude beat in the rhythm of hate and vileness, hoping to destroy her.
Yet, heaven never permitted such evil to proceed—puppetering for true love, bravery, and kindness to banish the darkness.
And ashes were all that remained of the vile queen. Gone with the breeze, becoming a nonexistent being as her spirit now dances on red-hot iron shoes in the depths below for all eternity.
Princess Maria Blanca was truly elated as her bird friends came to visit, greeting her with a sweet song. She walked towards the balcony and sang along with them as she gave each of them a kiss, for the morning was perfect with warm sunlight and fresh spring air. Their voices were the spark that aroused the early cacophony of Erdestea.
Olga and Winifred poked through the door, with pride glimmering in their eyes, even tearful, knowing their little princess was now going to be the beautiful wife of a gallant prince. Listening to her song, the two nursemaids now cried, for their happiness was overflowing and could no longer be hindered. Who could resist that lovely melody on a lovely occasion?
"Blessed morn, to you, my dear!" Olga gleefully hailed as she placed a bouquet onto the table.
"Look at you, dearie!" Winifred squealed, wiping her tears from her eyes. "You are so beautiful! Oh, your mother would be very proud of you."
There was a glow when the pale princess looked at her beloved nursemaids. Her gold eyes were like crystal clear pools, her pale face now red like the apples she loved, and her smile more saccharine than usual. "I wish Mama were here." She said, gazing back at the birds and then at the morning scene.
The two nursemaids understood what their pale princess felt. They looked at each other and walked closer, with Olga saying, "Your mama is always here, my dear. More alive in spirit. God permits good hearts to see their living loved ones, and I am sure she is gazing down at you with a bright smile."
"'Tis true, my love." Winifred followed while she brushed the little hairs on her forehead. "I loved my grandpapa so much that when he died, I cried day and night. But my mama told me that he is a good man and God allowed him to look after us, and with every cold breeze that bothered me, I suddenly felt a warm wind, embracing me and comforting the sorrow away—and I know that is my grandpapa. So, you better not fret, for today is a celebration!"
Maria Blanca beamed, floored by the happiness that filled her heart. Definitely glad and grateful, knowing that she would soon see her prince and seal their love before God, just like she always dreamed when she was still a little girl. "Pardon for the tears, but I am just really happy!" Pearly tears were forming in her eyes, clasping her hands to her chest, and she looked at the image of the Holy Madonna and Child placed on her room's prayer altar, giving praises.
Winifred took her hand, reassuring her that everything would be fine, while Olga immediately wiped the tears, clearly not permitting those drops to drench their beautiful bride.
"Be a good girl now, my dear. You are truly becoming a blooming edelweiss flower, much like what your mother always prayed when she was carrying you." Olga told her while fixing her crown and long veil.
Maria Blanca's heart leapt with joy at her nursemaids' kind words. Among all the thorns and horrors she faced, Olga and Winifred were among the roses she would always treasure until the time comes when God calls her to return to heaven.
Yet, the butterflies in her stomach were dancing to a wild tune, and her head was beginning to feel a little dizzy. Despite the roses blooming on her cheeks, the pale princess was cold, fidgeting with her bouquet, and was trembling once the carriage door was closed by a footman. Noticing this uneasiness, the two nursemaids stopped the coachman for a minute and encouraged Maria Blanca through the window to be brave, and she was perfect. "Dearie, let not those butterflies take over you. You will be the apple of everyone's eye the moment you walk down the aisle. You are beautiful and will always be. You are our little edelweiss." Winifred offered the princess a bundle of edelweiss and kissed her hand before wiping her tears again.
"The matrimony authored by God is once in a lifetime, my dear. Do not fret now." Olga reassured her, blowing her a kiss.
Maria Blanca nodded and blew them a kiss.
As the carriage drove to the cathedral, winds brushed through the pale princess's skin, calming her and fading away the dread that haunted her thoughts.
No lies were said by her old nursemaids when they told her the day was beautiful. Upon seeing the passing scenery, joy came over her, realising that spring was no longer a fantasy but real, as real as the green grass, real as the blooming flowers and swaying trees, real as the lambs now free to graze, together with other peaceful creatures. Much like the priest's sermon, centring on God's perfect timing, spring returned just in time for her and Prince Seigmund's wedding.
The curse was no more but a nightmare from the past.
People waved from every house the carriage passed. Children cheered, and old people cried, knowing they had reached their prime age still blessed with happiness. A true princess with grace and kindness, Maria Blanca waved back and blew kisses to children who ran on their wild feet, following her ride. She even plucked flowers from her bouquet and gifted them to the little ones, letting them fly on the soft winds, praying to reach the gentle hands.
One boy got hold of the blown edelweiss flowers and gave them to his blind little sister, who was so happy and smiled like a cherub. "Edelweiss?" She asked her brother.
"Yes, sister. Those are edelweiss from the white princess." The brother confirmed, kneeling before his sister while holding her hands that carefully cradled her little bouquet.
"Thank you, princess!" The little girl whispered, raising her head high—feeling the warm sun on her lovely face.
The whole kingdom was in jubilant spirits, rejoicing in the matrimony that would take place as soon as the princess set foot on the cathedral steps.
Men and women raised their white handkerchiefs when the carriage passed them by. More little children threw colourful petals, wishing the princess well as they shouted, "Got gebe dir sînes sâlden!"
Loud indeed the whole kingdom of Erdestea was, singing along with the roaring cathedral bells, now even more uptempo.
Upon arriving at the cathedral, the atmosphere changed—becoming more tranquil and unreal, especially when the woodland creatures appeared and followed behind the pale princess. The visitors were in awe of what they saw—the dukes and duchesses, the lords and ladies, every noble and regular subject could not believe with their eyes, seeing Maria Blanca resembling a forest fairy with her loyal creatures trailing in a magical procession towards the altar. There were the seven dwarves as well, by the centre aisle, waiting for their beloved princess with joyful tears streaming down their faces. Maria Blanca paused before them and gave each of them a warm embrace and a kiss on the cheeks, thanking them, for they were heaven's gift when she needed comfort.
"I am so glad you were all here!" She said, fighting the tears in her golden eyes.
"God speed, dearie!" The seven dwarves fondly said in unison as their hearts throbbed in a jovial beat inside their chests.
After her little fathers of the ice forest, Maria Blanca gave her father, King Arnulf, the brightest smile and the tightest embrace once they met, whispering in his ears, "I am getting married, papa…"
"And you look beautiful, my love. I can feel your mother's smile from heaven." He then cupped her face and kissed her forehead before he took her to the altar, where her prince was waiting.
Gazing at her was like seeing an angel in times of need, much like the first time he saw her at the ice forest. "I am truly blessed…" Prince Seigmund sighed, trying to compose himself.
She was light, fading the darkness and distress that plagued the whole kingdom and most especially his soul. She was the wings that helped him fly. She was the edelweiss that bloomed gracefully amidst the sharp breeze and overwhelming snow…
And finally, when he took her soft hand, Maria Blanca was the one his heart, mind, and soul yearned for ever since the world began.
"You are really beautiful!" Prince Seigmund whispered to her.
Maria Blanca smiled, turning crimson as she felt his warm breath on her cheek. "And you look divine." She shyly responded.
"Because, before God, I am going to be one with the lady who already has my heart." He kissed the back of her hand, and together, they faced the altar as the archbishop commenced the holy matrimony.
Truly a wonderment…
From perpetual snow that sprouted from grief, wickedness, and greed, to spring that swept away the icicles with golden light, birthing colours that were the hues of the ancient spirit, Iris's eyes, the Kingdom of Erdestea was becoming a living tale worth sharing by a warm fire.
When wedding vows were said, a true love's kiss sealed everything, letting no more dark clouds and everlasting winter ail their lands.
His kiss was commanding but gentle, mirroring his words to protect her, to be the arms who would hold her in times of distress, and to love her until the end of time.
Her kiss was pure, loving, and sweet like the apple cake she adored—the tangible touch that symbolised her promise to take care of him, to be with him in body, soul, and in prayers, and to love him until eternity.
Man and woman were now one.
Adieu indeed to the wicked who could never pester the lands, with her looking glass shattered to pieces… like her bones ground to fine specs until nothing was become of her.
The whole Kingdom of Erdestea roared when their prince and princess came out from the cathedral after their holy matrimony. The archbishop blessed them and prayed for them as a newlywed. The two kings, King Arnulf and King Jarvis, wished their children all well in mind, body, and spirit. The seven dwarves gave them the warmest embrace and blessed them on their new chapter. And there were the woodland creatures who danced around along with the merry rhythm that echoed throughout the land. Little children joined and then followed the others, making the wedding more festive and full of vitality as Prince Seigmund and Princess Maria Blanca could no longer contain their laughter at such a wonderful sight.
The elk prince of Ostaricum lifted his hand to gently caress his edelweiss princess's lovely face, gazing at her golden pools as more flower petals were hurled at them. While the sun ruled mightily on its seat, showering the place with golden rays and tranquillity, his heart felt the strong bolt of lightning, planting another kiss on her rosy lips—more longing and passionate.
Maria Blanca reciprocated his ardour and silently thanked God for all the good things that were now happening, not just for her but for everyone she dearly loved.
With the curse broken and life returned in warm vigour and various hues, the edelweiss princess and her beloved elk prince all lived happily ever after.
FIN.