In a Time Long Ago

There was this beautiful castle that looked down over a small picturesque village. The King was getting on in years, and did not know how to choose a new King. He had one daughter that did not seem interested in the throne, nor in any of the suitors that he brought from regions far and near. This poor King was so very sad.

The young attractive princess had a heart as big as a rainbow, and loved everyone. The thing was that she did not care about monotonous duties, but loved the flowers, and the true pleasures of talking with the villagers. This beloved princess, Princess L. so longed for a kingdom full of beauty and friendship, with no sorrow nor any battles that she never wanted to have the throne. This would just never do as far as the King thought.

The majestic castle was like none other. The throne was decorated with pure gold, and the best in textiles made by the Castles seamstress, and the windows were covered with long free flowing yards of fabric that created beautiful hues of color to the Castle. L. loved walking on the marble floors, listening to her feet skip along, and she would sing of a better day in this quaint little kingdom. L.'s bedroom was garnished with red fabric highlighted with gold trim. She had a table of polished stone, and huge windows that majestically rose from the floor to the ceiling. Her flattering clothes were of the finest, and were the envy of many a common villager. This castle still seemed relatively empty, and sad, even with so much beauty that it had placed within its walls.

One day, a Knight came to the gates of the castle. A pure gentleman was he, as he stopped at the barrier and dismounted his great white steed. He sought an unexpected chance to see the excellent and mighty King. As the handsome young knight walked the marble laid chambers of the castle, he stumbled upon this beautiful young princess. L was glowing with true inner beauty that swept the breath out of the young knight's lungs as they met one another. He paused, removed his fedora, and bowed to her. "My lady" he responds, and in that moment he fell profoundly in love with this beautiful princess. As this young knight steps to the throne, and kneels before the king, he announces that he is here to offer his king's land in return for no more battles, but for the two nearby villages to live in tranquility, and harmony.

There were many visits by this wonderful young knight to the king's castle, and each time, he and the beautiful young princess would spend more and more time together. The day came that the king would pass on and on that day, the young knight asked for the princess hand in marriage and sought the blessing of the reigning king. This wonderful day, the young knight, and beautiful princess married. As the king uttered his last words, he gave the kingdom to the knight. After the beautiful farewells of the villagers and the newly wed couple to the honorable king, these words were spoken by the knight, who was now king. "L, my beautiful wife, and princess of this kingdom, I give thee all power over the kingdom, and shall be your servant from this day forward."

The beloved princess was amazed, but refused to be the Queen and ruler alone. She requested that her loyal knight, and husband for life to share in the official ruling of the kingdom. In this defining moment, the majestic castle found a new beauty and pleasant warmth never known before. The true beauty of two hearts awakened the warmth and true beauty of the stately castle, and the kingdom, where man, and animal flourished to a very happy old age.

The End...

This story was inspired by two excellent friends, who are true friends and glorious people. Lora M, may the artistic beauty of life continue to surround you, and to Donna Kutlus and her castle picture. Donna, may the loyal happiness of every defining moment shine upon your heart and bring the beauty of a palace to your soul. And to everyone I sincerely hope you enjoyed this little story, and hope it generously presented you an opportunity to stop, and remember what is truly important...