Disclaimer: I don't own Ouran High School Host Club or fairy tales

Chapter 1

Once upon a time, in a kingdom far, far away, there lived a king and a queen. They lived in a beautiful palace by the sea and they were happy. They were respected and adored by all the people in their kingdom. The queen, however, longed for a child and soon a princess was born. They named her Haruhi and she was loved by all.

Unfortunately, as the princess was turning five (1), the queen fell ill and tragically passed away. The townsfolk were devastated and the king became inconsolable, speaking to no one, not even his daughter. She was left in the care of her nanny but she was lonely. She went to see her father, knowing she was the only one that could help.

She knocked on his door. There was no answer so she pushed the door open and called out into the darkness.

"Father?" No answer. She ventured further into the room until she came to the bed. There was a large lump of duvets in the middle…she assumed it was him. She scrambled up beside him and found an opening in her fathers cover cave. She climbed in.

"Father?" she said, poking him in the side

"Yes?"

"I'm lonely. Please come out."

"I can't come out. It's not the same without her." Haruhi knew he meant her mother.

"I know but she would not have wanted you to be like this. She would be sad." He looked at her through the darkness.

"Really?" he whispered. She nodded. "Yes. YES! You are right! Kotoko would be disappointed with me! Let's go, Haruhi. We'll go to the village."

Before Haruhi knew what had happened, her father freed himself from the duvets, grabbed her hand and began pulling her towards the door. She was happy that she had helped her father and so were the servants.

"What a joy it is to see you up again, Sire. Would you like anything?"

"No, no. We are going to the village!"

"Very good, Sire. Shall I prepare the horses?"

"Certainly not! We will walk!" he smiled happily at the shocked servant and continued on his way.

"Father?" Haruhi asked

"Yes, my love?"

"Why are we going to the village?"

"Why? To get you some friends of course."

Don't worry – that's only the beginning, I've got a lot planned for this story.

(1) Not sure if Haruhi was actually that age but it was round about then, ne?