Once upon a time," Gemma began, the older two girls whispering the opening with her, "which is all times and no times but not the very best of times,there was a castle. And in it lived a king who wanted nothing more in the world than a child.
In the story "Briar Rose" by Jane Yolen, Gemma recounts a timeless fairy tale. She shares the tale of a castle where a king yearns deeply for a child, marking the beginning of an enchanting narrative that combines elements of longing and the magic of storytelling.
The tale sets a whimsical tone as Gemma and the older girls immerse themselves in the narrative, emphasizing its fairy tale quality with the phrase "Once upon a time." This introduction hints at the blend of reality and fantasy that will unfold, centering on the king's desire, which likely serves as a catalyst for the adventures that follow.
