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Once upon a time, in a far away land, there lived a fair king and his beloved queen. King Ivan and Queen Elizabeta wished for a child for many many years until, at last, their wish was granted. They were blessed with a beautiful baby girl named (name). She filled their lives with sunshine. King Ivan invited all, no matter their class, to attend the christening of the child...and our story begins on that most joyful day.

"Joyfully now to our princess we come, bringing gifts and all good wishes too, we pledge our loyalty anew! Hail to the Princess (name)! All of her subjects adore her!" Came the singing voices of the crowd that came to the castle.

"See, we needn't worry! Now, come on my dear, we have to prepare!" Queen Elizabeta said, almost giddily as she scooped up the baby in her arms. King Ivan looked into the distant mountains, a feeling of unease crept up his spine.

"Ivan! Come on!"

"Coming!" He gave a backward glance to the mountains, the uneasy feeling made him wonder if someone was forgotten for this joy.

"Hail to the King, hail to the Queen, Hail to the Princess (name)!" The crowd cried louder then ever. King Ivan could hear them. They wanted in to see his daughter. He took his seat at his throne, watched Elizabeta place their little girl in her cradle.

"You think she'll be okay?"

"Of course she will! Stop worrying, okay?" Elizabeta kissed his cheek and sat down, adjusting her own crown.

"Let them in."

Health to the Princess, Wealth to the Princess ,Long live the Princess (name)! Hail (name)! hail (name)! Health to the Princess, Wealth to the Princess, Long live the Princess (name)! Hail to the King, hail to the Queen, hail to the Princess (name)!" The crowd sang outside. The huge doors opened, allowing the crowd inside. Leading the procession was Prince Matthew and Prince Alfred, who were part of a neighboring kingdom. It was Prince Alfred who was engaged to the newly born princess. Prince Matthew dealt with diplomatic relations and suggested to King Ivan for the engagement, seeing as it would bring peace to both kingdoms.

"Greetings Prince Alfred, Prince Matthew."

"Greetings King Ivan. We have come to bring a gift to the newborn princess." Matthew's soft voice could be heard perfectly in the room, surprisingly so. Prince Alfred opened the gift to reveal an intricate musical box. A soft medley poured out of the box, echoing in the room. When the medley was over, a silence held the room for a moment.

"Thank you." King Ivan said softly. The two princes bowed and moved off to the side, as seven particular guests were making their arrival. With a bright flash of light, seven faeries appeared...okay, you wouldn't know they were faeries unless they told you that themselves but that didn't matter. Everybody in the kingdom knew they had particular powers. Standing before the king and queen were Austria, England, China, Ukraine, and the Axis Italy, Japan, and Germany.

"Veh! I love celebrations! And look at the pretty girl too!" Italy murmured quietly. He earned a sharp elbow jab from Germany. Austria had stepped forth to speak.

"We have come to give our gifts to the child, a single gift. No more, no less." He turned to the child, silence reigned for a few moments.

"My gift shall be the gift of music. She will have the voice of the nightingale." He whispered. A bright blue magical dust flew from the ground to the child, disappearing over her head. He took a step back and glanced to the others, waiting for them to give their gifts. England took the moment to step forth, to give his gift.

"My gift shall be the gift of knowledge. Her memory shall be impeccable. Knowledge is power after all." This time, forest green dust fluttered in the air to the child. Ivan half expected England to give the gift of cooking when his own cooking was dismal, tasteless at best. China took the stage.

"My gift shall be the gift of kindness, her generosity will be known by all." Jade green dust, as jade was an important jewel of China, floated towards the baby girl. China stepped back and looked to the four remaining. Ukraine stepped back, too shy and still considering her own gift. It was the lovable Italian who came forth.

"She'll be a good cook! Veh~" Queen Elizabeta had to restrain a chuckle. The seriousness of the whole thing was removed for a moment as a low chuckle echoed around the room. Bright red sparkles flew in the air like a rampant firecracker before settling down to bless the child. Germany grabbed the scuff of Italy's jacket and pulled him back before he stole the show. Italy thought he saw a ghost of a smile but wasn't too sure. Germany stepped forward.

"My gift shall be the gift of patience." He said simply. Ice blue sparks flew in the air like a bird before settling upon the child. Germany took a step back. Japan sighed as he took the stage for his gift.

"I shall bestow the gift of humility upon her." White sparkles surrounded the child before disappearing. Japan returned to the group. Now it was Ukraine's turn to give her gift. She timidly stepped forward.

"My...my gift shall be..." She whispered before a blast of wind interrupted her. She turned sharply and gasped. King Ivan stood up, the uneasy feeling returning quickly. A blast of thunder and the bright light of an arcane lightening blot announced the arrival of someone that the seven faeries knew instantly. She stepped forward from the blue fire that shot up where the blot struck.

Belarus.

"It's Belarus!" Austria whispered.

"What does that witch want?" England whispered harshly. Germany shushed them.

"Well, quite a glittering assemblage brother dear. Royalty, nobility, the gentry, and..." She noticed the group and laughed.

"Oh, how quaint, even the rabble" England nearly went to slap her but Italy grabbed the back of England's coat before he could take a step.

"You know brother dear, I was quite distressed when I didn't receive an invitation. I thought that perhaps it was a mishap of sorts." She whispered, petting the raven that appeared on her shoulder.

"You weren't wanted." The Brit hissed. Belarus widened her eyes in pretend shock.

"Not want-" Her pretend shock turned into a soft giggle.

"Oh dear, it appears my presence isn't welcome here. Perhaps I should be on my way." She turned, ready to leave yet hesitating slightly.

"And...you're not offended?" Queen Elizabeta asked hesitantly. Belarus paused.

"Why no, your Excellency. In fact, to show no ill will, I too shall bestow my gift upon the child." The faeries and Queen Elizabeta rushed to the cradle to protect the child, even though it would mean nothing to Belarus.

"Listen well, all of you!" She commanded the attention of everybody.

"The princess shall indeed, grow in grace and beauty. Beloved by all who she meets. A gentle creature indeed, with nary a flaw." She spoke in a sickly sweet voice that hinted something dangerous underneath.

"But." The whole room listened intently at what her gift could be, although it would amount to nothing good. "Before the sun sets upon her sixteenth birthday, she shall prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel...and DIE!"

"Oh no!" Queen Elizabeta scooped the baby in her arms, as if to try and protect her from the curse. Belarus laughed.

"Seize her!"

"Stand back, you fools!" Bright blue fire surrounded her as the guards tried to stop her only to fail as she disappeared with a flash of arcane black lightening. The baby girl awoke and began to cry. Queen Elizabeta rocked her baby girl in her arms, trying to calm her.

"Fret not, I still have my gift to give." Ukraine spoke softly.

"Can you undo this curse?" King Ivan asked quietly.

"Sadly no. Belarus uses black magic, which our own magic cannot undo. It can be changed however." Ukraine said quietly. She cleared her throat.

"Dear Princess. You shall not die from the curse of jealousy but instead be struck with sleep that only true love's kiss shall break...for true love conquers all."