The day before her sixteenth birthday, Mihai surprised Aurora with a gift in the garden. A clay beehive stood in the corner, away from the kitchen. “Now my precious bumblebee can have a hive of her own.” He murmured with a smile, pulling her close. She grinned into his shoulder, happy for such a considerate prince and doting husband. Tomorrow would be their wedding day, and the castle staff was working very hard.

Mihai looked sad for a moment, and Aurora knew it was because his father would not be in attendance. He had died seven years before, just after they’d left Italy. Mihai’s brother was king, but was not maintaining his father’s control. Mihai took her hand, “Are you ready to be a bride, bumblebee?” he asked, a smile dancing in his eyes.

“Of course I am, my sweet prince.” she replied, “And I have a surprise for my bridegroom, as well.” She led him to the kitchen, but stopped at the sight of a new, strange contraption on the floor.

A drop spindle, long banned in the castle, rolled toward her.