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The Stable Boy
On a journey to meet his fiancé and begin wedding preparations, Prince Diggory is betrayed by his bodyguard, who intends to steal Diggory's life. Left for dead in a river, the last thing Diggory expects is to live.
But surviving is only half the battle, and Diggory will have to figure out how to work around the constraints of a terrible curse if he hopes to stop the man who betrayed him and gain back his life.
This is a free story written for the Sandy Relief Auction.
But surviving is only half the battle, and Diggory will have to figure out how to work around the constraints of a terrible curse if he hopes to stop the man who betrayed him and gain back his life.
This is a free story written for the Sandy Relief Auction.
37 pages, ebook
First published January 17, 2013
50 people are currently reading
610 people want to read
About the author
Megan Derr
284 books2,948 followersMegan is a long time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.
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@meganaderr
meganderr.com
patreon.com/meganderr
meganderr.blogspot.com
facebook.com/meganaprilderr
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
March 31, 2024
3.5 Stars
Another compelling and all-consuming short story by M/M fantasy storytelling-pro Megan Derr.
I became lost in this fairytale-like story very quickly, enjoying the curse-touched Prince Diggory and his journey to foil a group of bad guys and win back his betrothed’s heart.
Naturally, I could have done with an extra 100-200 pages here, but it was still a delightful and engrossing little read, regardless of my greediness for more.
Another compelling and all-consuming short story by M/M fantasy storytelling-pro Megan Derr.
I became lost in this fairytale-like story very quickly, enjoying the curse-touched Prince Diggory and his journey to foil a group of bad guys and win back his betrothed’s heart.
Naturally, I could have done with an extra 100-200 pages here, but it was still a delightful and engrossing little read, regardless of my greediness for more.
January 30, 2013
What a sweet M/M fairy tale! I love these quality free reads. I could have used another 100 or 200 pages, of course, but it had a lot of character development and depth for under 40 pages.
August 11, 2016
3 Yes, they would all die, and as painfully as they had tried to kill him. Stars.
He was leaner than Diggory and taller, with tanned skin and bright gold hair that indicated a great deal of time spent outdoors. He had bright green eyes and a pale, tempting mouth that curved into a friendly smile.
Diggory has been stabbed, cursed, and thrown in a river... all for his fiancé's money. It's upto him to get his fiancé back, but nothing is working in his favour.
The ending was far too quick, and left me without answers
Most of the story was based on him getting his fiancé back, it was sweet, but there was very little romance in it.
January 18, 2013
A freebie from Megan Derr is always a good thing ^^
On his way on meeting his fiancé, Diggory was betrayed by his bodyguard. He survived but ended up cursed -- he couldn't tell anyone who his real identity as a prince, or the curse would get active and killed him for real. However, Lady Luck was on his side, when he landed a job as a stable boy for no other than his fiancé, Prince Adalwin. It gave Diggory the opportunity to track down his enemies and to claim his right to be on Adalwin's side.
It was wonderful; Diggory and Adalwin sure had the chemistry -- I didn't really understand how the curse work though (If Diggory say something about himself, he would be dead -- but what about people knowing his real identity, because those enemies did, but nothing happened to Diggory), but I was able to let it go...
On his way on meeting his fiancé, Diggory was betrayed by his bodyguard. He survived but ended up cursed -- he couldn't tell anyone who his real identity as a prince, or the curse would get active and killed him for real. However, Lady Luck was on his side, when he landed a job as a stable boy for no other than his fiancé, Prince Adalwin. It gave Diggory the opportunity to track down his enemies and to claim his right to be on Adalwin's side.
It was wonderful; Diggory and Adalwin sure had the chemistry -- I didn't really understand how the curse work though (If Diggory say something about himself, he would be dead -- but what about people knowing his real identity, because those enemies did, but nothing happened to Diggory), but I was able to let it go...
January 17, 2013
A wonderful little freebie about a prince who has been cursed and cannot explain who he is without fear of the curse kicking in and killing him. He goes by his nickname, Diggory, and works in the stables of his fiance while trying to lift the curse and save his intended from marrying an imposter.
January 22, 2013
A sweet and entertaining little fairy tale.
Shame there are not more like this freely availible to a younger audience lol.
A few more of this kind mixed in with the more established fairy tales and the world might be a more understanding place lol.
Shame there are not more like this freely availible to a younger audience lol.
A few more of this kind mixed in with the more established fairy tales and the world might be a more understanding place lol.
January 17, 2013
How can I resist not only a Megan Derr story but one written for the Sandy Hurricane relief effort.
Diggory is a prince, but instead of meeting his fiancé after months of correspondence he is cursed and injured after being betrayed by the men closest to him.
Luck or Fate do help him gain access to Price Adalwin, but it doesn't solve his problem of stopping the imposter without the curse getting him.
It's cute ( well except for the murders, those are never cute, albeit necessary) and sweet and a good story for my Fairytale Fix!
Diggory is a prince, but instead of meeting his fiancé after months of correspondence he is cursed and injured after being betrayed by the men closest to him.
Luck or Fate do help him gain access to Price Adalwin, but it doesn't solve his problem of stopping the imposter without the curse getting him.
It's cute ( well except for the murders, those are never cute, albeit necessary) and sweet and a good story for my Fairytale Fix!
January 2, 2020
Megan Derr at her best!!!
What would you do if your life was stolen from you and you couln't tell a soul who you really are, lest a curse put on you kills you?
In this lovely story we meet a prince, who betrayed and cursed by his bodyguard has to live the life of a poor stable boy, watching his fiance being deceived by the imposter and yearning for the day he will be able to reclaim what is rightfully his.
This story is a prime example why I love Megan Derr's works so much. A cursed prince, a stolen identity, a villain, a love that conquers all and the happy ending that made me smile like a loon - what's there not to love?
Will definitely read it again.
Highly recommended read!
5 stars!!!
What would you do if your life was stolen from you and you couln't tell a soul who you really are, lest a curse put on you kills you?
In this lovely story we meet a prince, who betrayed and cursed by his bodyguard has to live the life of a poor stable boy, watching his fiance being deceived by the imposter and yearning for the day he will be able to reclaim what is rightfully his.
This story is a prime example why I love Megan Derr's works so much. A cursed prince, a stolen identity, a villain, a love that conquers all and the happy ending that made me smile like a loon - what's there not to love?
Will definitely read it again.
Highly recommended read!
5 stars!!!
January 25, 2015
There's just something about princes and Old English that makes everything so romantic (sigh).
I really didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did but the writing was heartfelt and sweet that I couldn't help but root for the MCs.
I just wish the story could've covered more of Prince Diggory's story before he was betrayed because I felt like a large part of the story was missing in the beginning. The mythology behind witches in this story also seemed very interesting so I would've liked it if it had been delved into a bit more.
Still it was a very nice and relaxing read overall.
Read
September 28, 2014DNF at 37%
The word PRINCE is on my NO-GO LIST on the top!!!
November 17, 2013
Another short but lovely little fairytale style romance from Megan Derr who never fails to transport me back to when I was a young lass who adored her fairy stories and fantasy ... Except of course these are beautiful princes who love beautiful princes * sigh* ;D
The nice thing is they're free.
The nice thing is they're free.
January 19, 2013
This was a free, quick fix of Megan-Derr-Sweetness in form of a fairytale...and just what the doctor prescribed! :o)
May 26, 2015
3.5 Stars
I love Megan Derr's shorts. I would have loved another 100 pages of this story in particular, but thoroughly enjoyed what she built in a short number of pages.
I love Megan Derr's shorts. I would have loved another 100 pages of this story in particular, but thoroughly enjoyed what she built in a short number of pages.
December 21, 2018
I couldn't connect with the writing. This led me to skimming the second half just to find out how it ended.
1.5 - 2-ish
1.5 - 2-ish
dnf
September 4, 2022DNF @ 52% The story hints at there being some curse but at this point in the book we don't know what kind (or if there actually even is one or not), which makes Diggory's subterfuge really strange to me. It seems like he has all the odds on his side for Adalwin believing him if he were to tell the truth, and he even has Freddie, who Adalwin trusts, to back up his story about being left for dead. But instead Diggorys solution is just to lie and skulk around in the night and murder people. Maybe there is a better explanation at the end of the story, but if there was some magical reason that prevented Diggory from telling the truth I wish it had been more clear, because the way his thoughts and actions are presented just don't make sense to me and it made me lose interest in the story.
February 14, 2013
A great little fairy tale, this story has it all: princes, a malevolent villain, a curse, a castle, and sword fights. The setting is wonderfully medieval, the characters definitely noble (well, all except the bad guys), and the flow of the story nicely transported me into fantasy land.
The need for prince Diggory to reclaim his identity after a traitorous bodyguard took it away provides a great challenge for him. Rather than give up or lose hope he fights for what is his. It was fun to see him in the role of table boy, dealing with the lack of nice clothes and warm baths. But instead of whining or complaining about it, he gets to work on restoring himself to his rightful place. A true prince!
Prince Adalwin's unhappiness with the imposter provides hope, and the little details that point Adalwin to the fact all is not right with his so-called fiance gave me hope in turn. He is too nice to figure out the depth of treachery, but he also doesn't fall for the bad guy's deception completely. And the fact that he treats the man who he thinks is just a stable boy as nicely as anyone else speaks volumes about his character.
If you like fairy tales, men who struggle valiantly against a fate that is unjust and wants to crush their spirits, and if you're looking for a quick, fun read, then you will probably like this short story.
The need for prince Diggory to reclaim his identity after a traitorous bodyguard took it away provides a great challenge for him. Rather than give up or lose hope he fights for what is his. It was fun to see him in the role of table boy, dealing with the lack of nice clothes and warm baths. But instead of whining or complaining about it, he gets to work on restoring himself to his rightful place. A true prince!
Prince Adalwin's unhappiness with the imposter provides hope, and the little details that point Adalwin to the fact all is not right with his so-called fiance gave me hope in turn. He is too nice to figure out the depth of treachery, but he also doesn't fall for the bad guy's deception completely. And the fact that he treats the man who he thinks is just a stable boy as nicely as anyone else speaks volumes about his character.
If you like fairy tales, men who struggle valiantly against a fate that is unjust and wants to crush their spirits, and if you're looking for a quick, fun read, then you will probably like this short story.
April 27, 2017
3.5 stars
This was a cute and kind of silly little m/m short story, where our main character Prince Diggory is stabbed and betrayed by his bodyguard on the way to his own wedding to a dashing Prince. The bodyguard takes the place of the Prince, planning to marry his betrothed instead, and a curse upon Diggory prevents him from telling the truth to his fiancé. Instead, Diggory takes the place of a stable boy in his Prince's palace, and attempts to prove who he is through actions alone.
Cue lots of stolen kisses and sidelong glances and genuinely wonderful fluff.
A quick little read which ended too soon.
This was a cute and kind of silly little m/m short story, where our main character Prince Diggory is stabbed and betrayed by his bodyguard on the way to his own wedding to a dashing Prince. The bodyguard takes the place of the Prince, planning to marry his betrothed instead, and a curse upon Diggory prevents him from telling the truth to his fiancé. Instead, Diggory takes the place of a stable boy in his Prince's palace, and attempts to prove who he is through actions alone.
Cue lots of stolen kisses and sidelong glances and genuinely wonderful fluff.
A quick little read which ended too soon.
January 19, 2013
Very cute, and though I can't complain because it's free, this story could have been much longer and more fleshed out. Still, heartwarming and just the type of story that I love so much from Ms. Derr.
March 16, 2019
3.5/5* I did really enjoy this, I just wish it had been a full length novel instead of a short story. The characters and plot would’ve had a chance to be throughly fleshed out.
January 26, 2014
This was a really nice read and it was a freebie! The characters were great and the ending was just really sweet. I was really looking forward to Alawin finding out who Diggory really was. And when he did, I thought it was a lovely scene. I felt bad for Diggory and I wondered if I would like Alawin in the end, but I did. Together they were really sweet, and the ending couldn't have been more perfect (unless it was longer).
If I had to complain about anything, it would be the length! It wasn't a huge downer, but it could have been amazing (more so) as a novel. And the characters just went to my heart, so I can't help but want more from them and their story.
Definitely one I would recommend!
If I had to complain about anything, it would be the length! It wasn't a huge downer, but it could have been amazing (more so) as a novel. And the characters just went to my heart, so I can't help but want more from them and their story.
Definitely one I would recommend!
March 17, 2023
This is a short read which is nice, could have used a better line edit before publishing, which is less good, and is just complex enough for my enjoyment. I prefer the author's longer works because her worldbuilding can be amazing, but this was a pleasant fantasy in which bad guys lose, and that always hits the spot.
July 10, 2017
3.5. Sweet & quick short story!
April 3, 2022
This was one of the first stories I got for my Kindle, way back when. I love this little fairytale-style short story.
September 18, 2022
This was a sweet, easy read with a bit of drama that ended too quickly.
QUICK THOUGHTS
** Historical/Fantasy
** Prince/Stable boy (but really just another Prince)
** A sweet fairy tale type story
** An arranged marriage
** Some drama
** A curse
** Attempted murder
** Revenge of sorts
** No sex
** Loved the MCs... Diggory & Adalwin
** HEA came much too quickly
** A rather less than satisfying ending
** What was here was entertaining
** Less than 40 pages
January 30, 2013
That awkward moment when...
I'm fairly certain I recognize that font/have it in my computer...(one of the Jellyka fonts?)
ETA:
Yep. Jellyka Castle's Queen. Either that or a very convincing forgery. (I knew it had to be one of the Jellyka fonts!)
post-read ETA:
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
Megan Derr, Megan Derr. Why are you so beautiful?
Seriously, guyz. Megan Derr writes the absolute most adorable stories. Evah. AAAAND since they're not erotica, I can read 'em wherever and show them to my friends and demand they read them and rant about them in public and not worry about being censured for lascivious and obscene conduct :D
Megan Derr's work is like a first crush (which I've never had, but hey, I've read shitloads of shojo mangas/watched a couple shojo animes back in my time). Oh. Know what? Best description would be in Yumeiro Patissiere. What Ichigo said about Henri's cake, First Love. Now, I don't remember it verbatim off the top of my head, but that's what it is.
Now, this story. It's an interesting take on The Goose Girl and those who know me know that I'm an absolute nut for myths, legends, fairy tales, folk tales, the like, especially in retellings.
Now, I was a taken aback by Diggory's vehemence at first, but it kind of fits. I love the way Derr worked the climax and compromised a bit with the falling action to make it fit within her world.
:D I fangirl-squee every time I read one of Derr's books/stories.
Like this:
except pretend that book doesn't say YAOI on it.
I'm fairly certain I recognize that font/have it in my computer...(one of the Jellyka fonts?)
ETA:
Yep. Jellyka Castle's Queen. Either that or a very convincing forgery. (I knew it had to be one of the Jellyka fonts!)
post-read ETA:
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
Megan Derr, Megan Derr. Why are you so beautiful?
Seriously, guyz. Megan Derr writes the absolute most adorable stories. Evah. AAAAND since they're not erotica, I can read 'em wherever and show them to my friends and demand they read them and rant about them in public and not worry about being censured for lascivious and obscene conduct :D
Megan Derr's work is like a first crush (which I've never had, but hey, I've read shitloads of shojo mangas/watched a couple shojo animes back in my time). Oh. Know what? Best description would be in Yumeiro Patissiere. What Ichigo said about Henri's cake, First Love. Now, I don't remember it verbatim off the top of my head, but that's what it is.
Now, this story. It's an interesting take on The Goose Girl and those who know me know that I'm an absolute nut for myths, legends, fairy tales, folk tales, the like, especially in retellings.
Now, I was a taken aback by Diggory's vehemence at first, but it kind of fits. I love the way Derr worked the climax and compromised a bit with the falling action to make it fit within her world.
:D I fangirl-squee every time I read one of Derr's books/stories.
Like this:
except pretend that book doesn't say YAOI on it.
April 15, 2013
Oh, how I loved fairy tales when I was a child! Now that I’m an adult, and this caliber of fairy tale is available to me, I love them even more!
In this tale, Prince Philip Degare, nicknamed Diggory, is on his way to marry Prince Adalwin when his bodyguard, Benoit, attempts to kill him and assumes his identity. The old man who rescues Diggory from beside the creek where Benoit abandoned him to die explains that the wound seems to have a dormant curse on it and, if Diggory tells anyone who he really is, the curse will cause his death.
Fortunately, good luck smiles upon him and he meets Prince Adalwin when the prince happens to be out riding near the old man’s home. Diggory offers his positive impressions of the prince’s horse. After a brief talk about horse breeding, the prince is impressed and offers him a job as his stable boy.
This wonderful fairy tale has villains, witches, a handsome prince and a masked ball. What more could we want? Though it’s a short story, it’s full of adventure and hope for a happily ever after for Diggory and Adalwin. Does Megan Derr disappoint? No way. We do indeed get to see our two princes happily united at the end with a definite HEA in their future.
I really liked the pace of this story, the content, and the overall good feelings this engendered. I highly recommend it to everyone for a quick pick-me-up. It was better than an energy bar!
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
In this tale, Prince Philip Degare, nicknamed Diggory, is on his way to marry Prince Adalwin when his bodyguard, Benoit, attempts to kill him and assumes his identity. The old man who rescues Diggory from beside the creek where Benoit abandoned him to die explains that the wound seems to have a dormant curse on it and, if Diggory tells anyone who he really is, the curse will cause his death.
Fortunately, good luck smiles upon him and he meets Prince Adalwin when the prince happens to be out riding near the old man’s home. Diggory offers his positive impressions of the prince’s horse. After a brief talk about horse breeding, the prince is impressed and offers him a job as his stable boy.
This wonderful fairy tale has villains, witches, a handsome prince and a masked ball. What more could we want? Though it’s a short story, it’s full of adventure and hope for a happily ever after for Diggory and Adalwin. Does Megan Derr disappoint? No way. We do indeed get to see our two princes happily united at the end with a definite HEA in their future.
I really liked the pace of this story, the content, and the overall good feelings this engendered. I highly recommend it to everyone for a quick pick-me-up. It was better than an energy bar!
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
December 11, 2013
As I have just read another short story by the same author, I was expecting this one to be just as well thought out and written...
And I wasn't disappointed. Sometimes a nice short story is all you have time for and stories like this is are great. It has some betrayal and romance and 'revenge'.
Our poor Prince Dig(that is what I called in him in head) was a victim of attempted murder. If that isn't enough, a curse is still lingering waiting for him to mess up so it can take his life. Or perhaps just leave...
He is forced to work as a stable hand well he waits for his time to strike out. All the while falling more in love with his betrothed and feeling guilty from not being truthful. But hopefully, in the end, he will be able to break the curse, get the man he loves OR die trying.
And I wasn't disappointed. Sometimes a nice short story is all you have time for and stories like this is are great. It has some betrayal and romance and 'revenge'.
Our poor Prince Dig(that is what I called in him in head) was a victim of attempted murder. If that isn't enough, a curse is still lingering waiting for him to mess up so it can take his life. Or perhaps just leave...
He is forced to work as a stable hand well he waits for his time to strike out. All the while falling more in love with his betrothed and feeling guilty from not being truthful. But hopefully, in the end, he will be able to break the curse, get the man he loves OR die trying.
July 13, 2014
I was beginning to think I don't like Megan Derr's stories. Glad I was wrong.
The fantasy setting isn't a guarantee I will like it, as seen in The High King's Golden Tongue. Here you also have royal couple, but I liked this one more.
For one, it has an actual story, not just an assumed conflict. One was betrayed by his bodyguard and the other is to be tricked. Even the chance meeting with the man who saved Diggory suits the story quite well. It is very short, but somehow the two princes managed to enjoy in each other's company before the truth came out. It's rare you find relationship developed this well in a short story.
The fantasy setting isn't a guarantee I will like it, as seen in The High King's Golden Tongue. Here you also have royal couple, but I liked this one more.
For one, it has an actual story, not just an assumed conflict. One was betrayed by his bodyguard and the other is to be tricked. Even the chance meeting with the man who saved Diggory suits the story quite well. It is very short, but somehow the two princes managed to enjoy in each other's company before the truth came out. It's rare you find relationship developed this well in a short story.
August 25, 2014
This was a cute short story. It deals with a prince that has been betrayed by his guards. He is cursed and has to find a way to break it before it kills him.
I usually have a hard time getting into something this short. This is an exception. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I just wish the author would go back and add more, maybe make this into a novel. I know I would read it again if it was.
The only thing I thought was a little abrupt was the ending. It seemed like it ended really quickly. I'm not saying I didn't like what happened. I would have drawn it out a little more.
I usually have a hard time getting into something this short. This is an exception. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I just wish the author would go back and add more, maybe make this into a novel. I know I would read it again if it was.
The only thing I thought was a little abrupt was the ending. It seemed like it ended really quickly. I'm not saying I didn't like what happened. I would have drawn it out a little more.
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