How to Achieve the Perfect The Forest King’s Daughter Vibe

by Alice Gelber

If you’ve seen the cover of The Forest King’s Daughter, you already know it’s utterly divine. Even better, what’s behind that cover is absolutely delightful. The world of Thirstwood—the kingdom of the Forest King—is so immersive. I am ready to pack my bags and move there. And the forest is not where the vibes end, but where they begin because this book contains multitudes! It gives us a mélange of fairy core, earthy demon vibes, and ethereal angel aesthetic.

So, to extend the experience beyond the book, I’m here to help you refine your The Forest King’s Daughter aesthetic. You can create this vibe while reading the book, or simply when you want to live that The Forest King’s Daughter lifestyle.

You’ll need clothes that drape on the frame and billow in the wind

You don’t need to drown yourselves in excesses of fabric, but a loose set of clothes is essential. To be clear, I’m not telling you to go out and buy something. We’re being sustainable here! If you don’t have ready-made clothing that fits the bill, a dress made from a bed sheet will do in a pinch. Or an oversized tunic with leggings. This is a lifestyle of ease and romance. Dress like you’re in a Pre-Raphaelite painting or at a Greek symposium.

A meadow is preferred but not required

While a meadow is not a forest, it does provide good light for reading. And we are not trying to damage our eyesight for the sake of vibes. You can bring a cotton blanket to lie on, but the real ones will lie directly in the grass, amongst the wildflowers and chirping insects. Bring a parasol to protect yourself from those pesky UV rays.

If you prefer the woods, find a mossy tree to lean against. If reading in the forest, you may be in need of a light source. Try flameless candles or a flameless lantern.

As a last resort, if the weather is unfavorable, find a window seat (preferably in an ivy-covered castle made from stone with stained-glass windows and lots of turrets and towers). Or a grand staircase in a state of decay. If none of these locations are available, get creative! Use make-believe!

Eat pretty fruit, drink cold spring water

Whether this vibe is being created for the sake of reading or just for everyday life, you’re going to need sustenance. You’re human, after all. Forage for the most gorgeous apples, pears, and grapes. While grocery store apples are perfectly suitable here, search for the irregular ones—the ones that look like they came from the earth and not a factory. Wrap your apples, along with other whimsical fruits in a cotton cloth for carrying. Bring a jar of honey to drizzle over some freshly baked bread. Fill a glass bottle with cold spring water. (Or regular water but tell yourself it’s cold spring water!) Bring along a crystal chalice for drinking, if so inclined. For those with a penchant for the savory, try sauteed mushrooms with goat cheese and sage on top of a crusty slice of warm brown bread. Hide all packaging and labels, or simply pretend they don’t exist.

Listen to the trees, the birds, the bees, or Enya

The right soundtrack is essential. Vibes are fragile and can so easily be destabilized by the wrong sounds. But what one wants to hear can be very personal. If you are in the woods, then may I recommend listening to the leaves waltzing in the wind? If you’re lying in the grasses, the creatures around you should provide a lovely soundtrack. Other options: Enya, AURORA, the soundtrack to any Hayao Miyazaki film, or Erik Satie.

Last, but not least, styling and adornments

Style yourself simply. Wear your hair down or in a loose bun. Keep your makeup, if you wear it, clean. Lean into rosy blush and glossy eyelids. Flower crowns, real crowns, and necklaces-as-headwear are encouraged. Arm cuffs would also work well here. Lastly a ring with any sort of organic-looking gem—such as an opal or pearl—will finish the whole look off quite nicely.

Extra credit

If you have any animals that are foxlike in shape, size, or spirit, invite them to join “the vibe.” Whether this be a hamster with a trickster’s heart, a Shibu Innu, a stuffed animal, or a fluffy orange cat, these creatures will do nothing but add to the world you’re creating.