The Other Side of the Fairy Tale

photo courtesy of azuzephre.net
copyright 2005 Jeff Thomas
Here's another fairy tale. Different ending, similar concept from the previous one. Which princess do you choose to be?

The handsome prince and beautiful princess are seated together in the royal dining room. The king and queen have retired to their chambers. Soft candlelight shimmers in the darkness and classical music surrounds the lovers. They stare into each other's eyes oblivious to the world around them. They hold hands as they whisper. Then the prince slips from his chair to the floor beside the princess. He leans down on one knee. Still grasping her hand and gazing into her eyes, he begins to speak...

"Darling, I have loved you from the beginning of time. You are the most beautiful and wonderful woman I have ever known. Your smile lights my world. I want to wake up every morning with you right next to me. I want to spend the rest of forever dancing only with you. I love you with all my heart, mind, soul and spirit. Will you allow me to prove how much I love you for the rest of eternity? Will you marry me?"

Tears glisten her eyes then roll down her cherry red cheeks. She lowers her gaze and sighs, "Oh my, I thought you were never going to ask."

He kisses away her tears. "Does that mean yes?"

She drops his hand and pulls away from his embrace. "Oh, no, I'm sorry. I can't. I mean, I'm not good enough yet. I still have thirty pounds to lose. I have to stop drinking so much. I should go to church and read the Bible more often. Maybe if I got a better servant..."

He interrupts "Honey, what are you talking about? Did you hear what I said? I love you just the way you are. All I want is for you to accept my love. You don't have to do anything."

She pushes away from the table and stands up in a daze. Still muttering, she walks away. "Maybe if I change my hair color and buy a new wardrobe I would look better for him. Oh and if I could get rid of those friends..."

The prince remains alone, still kneeling. He hangs down his head. Heartbroken he cries, "She hasn't even seen the ring. She doesn't get it. I love her unconditionally. All she had to do was say yes."