Once upon a time, there was a selfish princess who lived in a beautiful castle amidst a vast array of mountains and valleys. Every morning she awake to the sun streaming into her window and she grumbled to herself at her lack of sleep. Her days mulled together as fancy dinner after fancy dinner took place, more and more gifts arrived, and suitor after suitor claimed he could win her heart. Some came with songs and poetry while others came with wealth and riches. Some were of high rank while others were poorer, often seeking a dowry. Some were cleaner than others, more handsome than others, more interesting than others, but none pleased her long enough to keep her attention. After some time, she would leave them in the study or in the dining room to go powder her nose and would not return. To her parents, she seemed hopeless, and to herself, she seemed miserable.
One day, a courtly looking gentleman arrived in a shabby carriage carrying nothing but a trunk and a briefcase and the princess grew curious. He looked unlike her other suitors, pleasantly lacking the pea-cocking outfits and lavish entrances. She watched him make his way to the castle, noting his walk and the style of his dress coat. As he made his way through the entrance hall, the princess peeked slyly from the hallway. Her father greeted him warmly and marveled at the man’s strong handshake. The princess felt herself blush. Her father began motioning expressively and, as the princess was mesmerized by his guest, failed to hear him call out to her, and both her father and the man reached her hiding place. She straightened aggressively and gave the man a stern look, though she could hardly hide her interest. He father explained he would be staying with them as a social improvements adviser and she was to treat him as a guest at all times. She nodded and without further glances at the man, turned on her heel and walked politely out of sight, then dashed to her room.
The next morning, the princess awoke to the sun beaming into her window, yet instead of grumbling, she began to think of how she might meet the fellow who was now a seemingly permanent guest in her household. Just as she rose to dress, a maid came rushing though the door, breathlessly announcing the arrival of a prince from a nearby kingdom who claimed he might win the princess’s heart. The princess laughed and dismissed the maid, as today was not a day for fruitless courting. Her father, on the other hand, thought that day was perfect for fruitless courting, which he explained to the princess over a haste breakfast. The princess looked longingly to her mother, silently praying her to side against her father, but as always, she was silent, pushing her food thoughtlessly about her plate. Through gritted teeth, the princess agreed to meet the prince in the castle’s main garden, though bargaining two hours for her grooming. For the princess, though, this time was to learn more about the adviser.
to be continued, i’m tired.
