Prince George and the shallow Princess Jane
A short story written for English class; about a prince and a princess...
There once lived a prince and a princess who met on vacation and fell in love. Their names were George and Jane and in the short week that they met, they planned their lives together. So, on their final day of vacation, it was set; Prince George was to travel to Princess Jane’s castle the day after next and the two would be wed. Although they were parting, the newly engaged couple were joyous, for they knew that in just a couple short days they would be together again.
Off and away the two went in their separate directions, one up a mountain, the other across a river. All the couple could think of was each other and their impending wedding. All the prince could think about was Jane and how much they had in common. However all the princess could talk about was how handsome he was.
It was a long trip to their respective castles, and for the princess, there was much scenery to enjoy. Near the base of the mountain there was a lush forest filled with wildflowers and big, leafy trees. ‘I hope George brings me some flowers’, she thought to herself as her and her entourage traversed the nearby ravine. By the time she reached her castle, her guardsmen’s ears were tired, as she’d had a long time to talk about her fiancé and the wedding.
As soon as George got to his castle, it was time once again to leave it. He grabbed the few items he would need for the wedding and the trip an packed them in his satchel. He climbed atop his sturdy stallion, bid adieu to his family, and trotted away into the sunset.
Thankfully his sister had made him take a lantern, for it was getting very dark now, and without it he would have to camp for the night. He knew the trip would take at least 3 days and he did not want to prolong it.
It was breaking dawn now, and the air was cool and crisp. ‘Today will be a beautiful day,’ he said to his fatigued horse. They came up to a brook and George decided to take a break and let the pony graze. He himself had a meal as well: bread, butter and beef jerky. He soon grew tired so he tied down his gentle ride, lay upon his blanket and took a nap.
It was high noon before the prince woke up, and the sun was beaming down on his beautiful face. He was 32, and in those times he was considered to be nearing old age. He had had a wife before, but she and child died during childbirth. His father, the king, would not give up the throne until he had a grandson, or he died. Whichever came first.
As he got back up on his horse, he thought about his bride to be. She was a little old to be going into her first marriage; already 16, and she would never become the queen of her castle because her older brothers were ahead of her in the line for the crown. He thought to himself, ‘This wedding will not only be joyful but very convenient for the both of us’.
Back at the lady’s castle, chaos was all about. Every one was trying to get ready for the wedding that would take place in just 3 short days. Decorators, florists, caterers and dressmakers were all busying themselves about the grand castle. "Oh, I ever do hope I can bear him a son, his retched father has been ruling much too long and I wish to be queen!" Jane confided with her mother as they drank their mid-afternoon tea.
"Well the old man is in his 50’s so even if you do not give him a son right away, he should die soon anyhow." Her queen mother laughed.
"Quite right!" Jane agreed, giggling.
It was night again before the prince reached the forest at the base of the mountain. He decided to take a short repose by a tree and return to the trail at midnight.
George awoke in a start; he had heard a noise nearby. By the time he got his eyes adjusted to the blackness of the night, it was too late; his horse was gone and all he could see of it was a small figure in the distance. He could also tell that there was a figure atop of his trusty steed, riding it away. ‘Who?’ he thought, ‘Who was that and how did he know I was here? Was he just a passer by, and if so, what was he doing traipsing around the forest at this hour of night?’ All these questions swirled about in his head like whirlwinds of thoughts. Another question now plagued his mind, ‘How do I get to the wedding in time now?’
The next morning Jane woke up to bright sunshine streaming through her windows and across her bed, and smiled. It was a perfect day to spend in the town. There were not many days Jane let herself be seen by commoners, for she did not believe they deserved her presence, but today, she thought, was a perfect day to flaunt not only herself, but her new engagement. So after a breakfast of pancakes with lemon syrup she, a guard and her nanny set off to town.
By dawn, George had formulated a plan; he would simply take a detour to the town nearby and purchase a new horse from a peasant, then he could ride up and be there by the next day, if he left now. Taking the detour meant traversing underneath a bridge-like rock, where, supposedly, a fierce dragon habited. George though, did not believe in dragons, so this fact did not scare him.
By foot was much harder and more tiring than riding a horse, he soon realized. It was nearing dinnertime and he had worked up an appetite, so he sat down in a field for tea. He ate his dinner quickly and started back on his way, carrying his heavy bag on his back.
"Oh nanny Madeline, I ever so little like the stares I am getting from the peasants! Why do they look at me so?" Jane was fishing for a compliment, as usual.
"’Tis because you’re ever so beautiful, and they are all so jealous." The nanny replied. She’d known Jane all her life, so she knew what she’d want to hear. Jane had been vain all her life.
The crowds parted for the princess, nanny and guard, and bowed respectfully as she passed. "I would like to inform you all of a new event," the princess began, "I, Princess Jane Windsor, am to be wed to Prince George Louis the 3rd to-morrow. And, within the next year I shall most likely be queen of all of Drearland!" She announced joyously, omitting that first she’d have to bear a son. The crowd cheered respectfully, as they were all her father’s people. Jane basked in the attention.
George was nearing the supposed dragon’s lair now, unaware of what awaited him behind the next corner. He walked at a steady speed, for he wanted to get to town before supper. It appeared at if the sky seemed to be getting darker the closer he got to the rock-tunnel; the sky was warning him, but he was unaware. He stepped one foot into the tunnel and heard a loud snort, and a puff of smoke was blown into his face. Coughing and rubbing at his eyes, he proceeded cautiously. Just then, the dark tunnel shook, and a roar was heard. George screamed like a girl, and ran out of the tunnel. ‘Be a man George and go in there!’ he persuaded himself, ‘And note to self, never mention that scream to anyone.’ He charged into the blackness, sword in hand, and ran to the other side. What he did not know was that’s where the beast was waiting for him. He got outside, the sky looming more than ever and looked at the 50-foot beast that stood no more than 30 feet away. The beast dove, fangs showing and tried to eat George. George dodged the monster and backed up a step into the cave. The beast tried again, and this time he got George’s left arm. Bloody, in pain and frightened beyond all belief George ran towards the dragon, the sword in the only hand he had left and stabbed him in the heel. The dragon collapsed in a heap, but not before he let out one last blast of fire. "It seems as if fairy tales tell the truth," George said aloud.
He noticed more now that he was missing an arm, and was panic stricken on what to do, if he did not see a doctor soon, he would surely bleed to death. So he ran, faster than he ever had before, to town, which was only a mile away now. By the time he got there he was drenched in his own blood and dizzy. Lucky for him there was a doctor’s office. He ran inside and demanded that he receive medical attention. The doctor stitched him up to the best of his ability and covered the wound in cloth. However, the doctor’s prognosis was not good; the prince would most likely die from infection later on. George was woeful, and he thought to himself that if he were to die he would want to die married to his love. So he thanked the doctor with 3 gold coins and left to see a man about a horse.
He found a man in town square and just as he was about to pay this man…
"George?" He heard the sweet voice that he promise to marry just days ago. He turned towards her and heard a gasp.
"What happened?!" She backed away in horror once she saw his new wound.
"I slayed the dragon so I could get here to see you. The doctor does not think I shall live through this much longer though, so my dying wish is to marry you and give you a child to carry on my family name."
"Marry you?!" She looked at him in disgust. "You think I’ll marry you now? You’re a hideous!"
"But Jane!" He pleaded. He never thought that Jane would be so shallow.
"Farewell Prince George, have a pleasant life." These were the last words that were ever spoken to him; he collapsed from the loss of blood and died on the spot.
Fin
Off and away the two went in their separate directions, one up a mountain, the other across a river. All the couple could think of was each other and their impending wedding. All the prince could think about was Jane and how much they had in common. However all the princess could talk about was how handsome he was.
It was a long trip to their respective castles, and for the princess, there was much scenery to enjoy. Near the base of the mountain there was a lush forest filled with wildflowers and big, leafy trees. ‘I hope George brings me some flowers’, she thought to herself as her and her entourage traversed the nearby ravine. By the time she reached her castle, her guardsmen’s ears were tired, as she’d had a long time to talk about her fiancé and the wedding.
As soon as George got to his castle, it was time once again to leave it. He grabbed the few items he would need for the wedding and the trip an packed them in his satchel. He climbed atop his sturdy stallion, bid adieu to his family, and trotted away into the sunset.
Thankfully his sister had made him take a lantern, for it was getting very dark now, and without it he would have to camp for the night. He knew the trip would take at least 3 days and he did not want to prolong it.
It was breaking dawn now, and the air was cool and crisp. ‘Today will be a beautiful day,’ he said to his fatigued horse. They came up to a brook and George decided to take a break and let the pony graze. He himself had a meal as well: bread, butter and beef jerky. He soon grew tired so he tied down his gentle ride, lay upon his blanket and took a nap.
It was high noon before the prince woke up, and the sun was beaming down on his beautiful face. He was 32, and in those times he was considered to be nearing old age. He had had a wife before, but she and child died during childbirth. His father, the king, would not give up the throne until he had a grandson, or he died. Whichever came first.
As he got back up on his horse, he thought about his bride to be. She was a little old to be going into her first marriage; already 16, and she would never become the queen of her castle because her older brothers were ahead of her in the line for the crown. He thought to himself, ‘This wedding will not only be joyful but very convenient for the both of us’.
Back at the lady’s castle, chaos was all about. Every one was trying to get ready for the wedding that would take place in just 3 short days. Decorators, florists, caterers and dressmakers were all busying themselves about the grand castle. "Oh, I ever do hope I can bear him a son, his retched father has been ruling much too long and I wish to be queen!" Jane confided with her mother as they drank their mid-afternoon tea.
"Well the old man is in his 50’s so even if you do not give him a son right away, he should die soon anyhow." Her queen mother laughed.
"Quite right!" Jane agreed, giggling.
It was night again before the prince reached the forest at the base of the mountain. He decided to take a short repose by a tree and return to the trail at midnight.
George awoke in a start; he had heard a noise nearby. By the time he got his eyes adjusted to the blackness of the night, it was too late; his horse was gone and all he could see of it was a small figure in the distance. He could also tell that there was a figure atop of his trusty steed, riding it away. ‘Who?’ he thought, ‘Who was that and how did he know I was here? Was he just a passer by, and if so, what was he doing traipsing around the forest at this hour of night?’ All these questions swirled about in his head like whirlwinds of thoughts. Another question now plagued his mind, ‘How do I get to the wedding in time now?’
The next morning Jane woke up to bright sunshine streaming through her windows and across her bed, and smiled. It was a perfect day to spend in the town. There were not many days Jane let herself be seen by commoners, for she did not believe they deserved her presence, but today, she thought, was a perfect day to flaunt not only herself, but her new engagement. So after a breakfast of pancakes with lemon syrup she, a guard and her nanny set off to town.
By dawn, George had formulated a plan; he would simply take a detour to the town nearby and purchase a new horse from a peasant, then he could ride up and be there by the next day, if he left now. Taking the detour meant traversing underneath a bridge-like rock, where, supposedly, a fierce dragon habited. George though, did not believe in dragons, so this fact did not scare him.
By foot was much harder and more tiring than riding a horse, he soon realized. It was nearing dinnertime and he had worked up an appetite, so he sat down in a field for tea. He ate his dinner quickly and started back on his way, carrying his heavy bag on his back.
"Oh nanny Madeline, I ever so little like the stares I am getting from the peasants! Why do they look at me so?" Jane was fishing for a compliment, as usual.
"’Tis because you’re ever so beautiful, and they are all so jealous." The nanny replied. She’d known Jane all her life, so she knew what she’d want to hear. Jane had been vain all her life.
The crowds parted for the princess, nanny and guard, and bowed respectfully as she passed. "I would like to inform you all of a new event," the princess began, "I, Princess Jane Windsor, am to be wed to Prince George Louis the 3rd to-morrow. And, within the next year I shall most likely be queen of all of Drearland!" She announced joyously, omitting that first she’d have to bear a son. The crowd cheered respectfully, as they were all her father’s people. Jane basked in the attention.
George was nearing the supposed dragon’s lair now, unaware of what awaited him behind the next corner. He walked at a steady speed, for he wanted to get to town before supper. It appeared at if the sky seemed to be getting darker the closer he got to the rock-tunnel; the sky was warning him, but he was unaware. He stepped one foot into the tunnel and heard a loud snort, and a puff of smoke was blown into his face. Coughing and rubbing at his eyes, he proceeded cautiously. Just then, the dark tunnel shook, and a roar was heard. George screamed like a girl, and ran out of the tunnel. ‘Be a man George and go in there!’ he persuaded himself, ‘And note to self, never mention that scream to anyone.’ He charged into the blackness, sword in hand, and ran to the other side. What he did not know was that’s where the beast was waiting for him. He got outside, the sky looming more than ever and looked at the 50-foot beast that stood no more than 30 feet away. The beast dove, fangs showing and tried to eat George. George dodged the monster and backed up a step into the cave. The beast tried again, and this time he got George’s left arm. Bloody, in pain and frightened beyond all belief George ran towards the dragon, the sword in the only hand he had left and stabbed him in the heel. The dragon collapsed in a heap, but not before he let out one last blast of fire. "It seems as if fairy tales tell the truth," George said aloud.
He noticed more now that he was missing an arm, and was panic stricken on what to do, if he did not see a doctor soon, he would surely bleed to death. So he ran, faster than he ever had before, to town, which was only a mile away now. By the time he got there he was drenched in his own blood and dizzy. Lucky for him there was a doctor’s office. He ran inside and demanded that he receive medical attention. The doctor stitched him up to the best of his ability and covered the wound in cloth. However, the doctor’s prognosis was not good; the prince would most likely die from infection later on. George was woeful, and he thought to himself that if he were to die he would want to die married to his love. So he thanked the doctor with 3 gold coins and left to see a man about a horse.
He found a man in town square and just as he was about to pay this man…
"George?" He heard the sweet voice that he promise to marry just days ago. He turned towards her and heard a gasp.
"What happened?!" She backed away in horror once she saw his new wound.
"I slayed the dragon so I could get here to see you. The doctor does not think I shall live through this much longer though, so my dying wish is to marry you and give you a child to carry on my family name."
"Marry you?!" She looked at him in disgust. "You think I’ll marry you now? You’re a hideous!"
"But Jane!" He pleaded. He never thought that Jane would be so shallow.
"Farewell Prince George, have a pleasant life." These were the last words that were ever spoken to him; he collapsed from the loss of blood and died on the spot.
Fin
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