Fairy Tale Twist

ONCE upon a time, there was a prince named Eugene who wanted to marry a princess; but she would have to be a working princess. He traveled all over the world to find one, but nowhere could he get what he wanted. There were princesses enough, but it was difficult to find out whether they were hard working, self-sufficient ones. They were all adorned with fancy clothes, jewels and servants. Nothing at all what he wanted. He wanted a partner that could rule beside him. Therefore, he came home again and was sad, for he would have liked very much to have a working princess.

Eugene walked among his people and loved to visit the farmers markets. Suddenly a young girl caught his eye; something about her was indeed regal and common. She was engaging in conversation with all the local women, she was placing her beautiful, fresh produce in baskets to sell. She was a lovely working woman, but could she be a princess? Excuse me madam, my name is Prince Eugene and something about you seems very regal. May I ask who your parents are? Well, of course Prince Eugene. I cannot believe you have forgotten so quickly. Pardon? Asked the Prince. Our mothers are cousins Prince Eugene. Do you not remember playing in the fields alongside the castle when you were a youngster with my brother, Elliot and I. I am Charlotte, daughter of Miriam and King Benedict of Sussex. Ah yes exclaimed the Prince. I do remember. Why may I ask are you working the farmers market? Sadly, Prince Eugene, my mother, father and my brother all died with high fever and I survived to accept my father’s reign. As you can see, I have wonderful and bountiful produce from the lush garden to which I was left.  I found a great love for working the land and living amongst our people. Prince Eugene was elated. This beautiful, hard working, humble and soft spoken woman was a PRINCESS! He would hurry to his mother, The Queen.

The Queen who had not heard from her cousin in many a year was doubtful of the validity of Charlotte. It cannot be, said the Queen. Prince Eugene begged his mother to believe him. Mother, I have found the Princess I had always wanted, I know it to be true. The Queen called on Charlotte and told the Prince that if the young woman really was her cousins daughter, Princess Charlotte she would know as she had a distinct birth mark on the back of her arm. We shall see said the Queen. We shall see.  Charlotte arrived at the Castle in a stunning peach gown, long white gloves and a tiara. As soon as the Queen saw her and the distinct birthmark that could barely be seen above her white gloves she knew. She knew this was her cousin’s daughter, Princess Charlotte. Now they knew that she was a real princess. Prince Eugene was so happy and they did get along so well , He would ask to court her shortly after and married a year later. They lived among their people and found happiness providing food to the people. He had found a working Princess to rule by his side.

Benjamin Ryan