No update? Pretty please? With a cherry on top? This is excellent. My only criticism is that after Maleen wakes up from her dream, we don't know where she is or what she is doing-slightly confusing. If you could slip a sentense like "Maleen had become a skullery maid in the palace kitchens of -" it would make a little more sense. Also, I think you should use her name more, instead of calling Maleen "she" most of the time. Just to cut down on reader confusion. There, you asked for more critiques, and you've got 'em. ;) Great work on this story! PLEASE UPDATE!

I was really looking forward to seven years of captivity and boredom! (Strange child that I am.) But this is probably the better way of doing it -did you try writing some of the seven years? Just wondering- and it does feel like she lived through it, particularly being able to peel an apple with a knife in the dark. It's such a little thing but, I don't know, it impressed the timespan and the darkness upon me anyway, more than anything else.
I feel I should say something more specific and useful but really it's just all very well written, even the exclamation marks which usually annoy me in big clumps but you make them work. The cook made me smile, which he probably wouldn't appreciate.
Yes, that's all. Update soon, please, if you'd like to.

love the whole irony thing :D the poor couple. now i can expect prince alaric to go off on a quest or something to win the king's aproval lol.

I really like this. Are you going to continue it? I really hope you do.

I love their speech; the [I don't know what it's called, old phrasing?] was my favourite part of the original tellings too and I'm so happy you've brought it back.
Should there be a 'be' in "He could faultless, but the man I wish to marry..."?

Absolutely lovely beginning. It had a great, romantic/tragic atmosphere, and I like the sound of this plot.

Ooh, I've read this fairytale! I've never seen anyone rewrite it on here, though, so I'm excited to see how you do it. Especially the being locked up for seven years part, that would be kind of insane...anyway, I like this. Update soon!