The Princess Exam

Once upon a time, there was a brave young prince. He was as daring as he was dashing and always helping his kingdom. He was said to be the light of the kingdom, bringing joy to all he met.Then one day he was wounded in a battle that took the life of his father and barely survived. In time the prince's physical wounds healed, but his heart became darkened by fear and sadness. The prince withdrew into himself and became paralyzed. His physicians could not understand why he remained unable to move. The prince stayed in his room, in the dark day by day, withering away, and the light of joy left his eyes.

The queen, concerned for her son, and her kingdom wrote a proclamation that all the eligible young women of the kingdom were to be brought to the palace to participate in an examination to determine who would be worthy of marrying her son and ruling the kingdom. The queen secretly hoped that one young woman would be able to help bring her son back to himself.