Why "Thrushbeard" for Olivia?

After finishing The Princess and the Handmaid, I had a feeling Olivia’s story wasn’t over yet. She needed a fairytale of her own; question was, what was it going to be?

The fact was her position in the Askarr court was precarious. Unlike Adele, she hadn’t married into the court (yet), she had no money of her own and no connections except for Adele and her own family back in Evaria. King Tristan’s decision to marry her to a nobleman of the court would provide her with the safety and stability she needed. Unfortunately, that means she must decide in the space of one evening who she is going to spend the rest of her life with.

Plus, out of all the protagonists I’ve written so far, she’s the closest thing to an antiheroine. She’s sly, with a cunning streak, but ultimately a good heart.

The princess in King Thrushbeard isn’t the most likeable fairytale protagonist, but there is something very interesting about her: she’s being allowed to choose her husband. How many princesses in history have been given that opportunity? (Hint: not many.) Unfortunately, she’s taking advantage of this and is refusing her suitors because she doesn’t think they’re good enough for her. This includes kings of other countries, who could declare war in response to the insult. (Or maybe I’m giving the Grimms too much credit here.)

Olivia couldn’t afford to insult any of her suitors, so there had to be other reasons why she wouldn’t pick them. Her reasons for choosing Kieron are slightly mercenary, but she believes he will treat her well. And, like the princess, she ends up softening a little – but without the harsh lessons Thrushbeard was trying to teach his bride.