The Selfish Prince
In the grand Kingdom of Glimmer, where the sun always seemed to shine brighter and the flowers bloomed more vibrantly than anywhere else, lived a young prince named Leo. As the only child of King Harold and Queen Elara, Prince Leo was surrounded by wealth and luxury that one could only dream of. His father ruled with compassion, while his mother embodied kindness, but their son, unfortunately, was a different story.
Prince Leo’s heart was a treasure chest filled with greed rather than love. He reveled in his collection of gold coins sparkling under candlelight, hoarded precious gems as if they would never lose their shine, and cared little for the people who adored him. Every morning, the townsfolk would cheer his name, showering him with blessings, but all he could think about was his next shiny acquisition. In his lavish castle, clambering over his heaps of treasures, he would smirk, “The more I have, the more I can enjoy,” little realizing that his selfishness cast a shadow over his kingdom.
One peculiar day, an unforeseen event unfolded that would change his life forever. An old woman, hunched with age yet brimming with wisdom, wandered into the kingdom. Her appearance was tattered, and a bittersweet fragrance emanated from her burlap sack. She requested an audience with the prince, claiming she bore an essential lesson for him. But the prince, too busy counting his ever-growing wealth, dismissed her.
Weeks turned into months, yet the old woman, as if tied to their fate, lingered just outside the kingdom gates. Each day she humbly begged for food and shelter, but Leo’s heart remained sealed in his vault of greed.
However, destiny had plans. A brutal cold winter gripped the land, freezing streams and withering plants. Starvation began to nip at the heels of the townsfolk. Every day, baskets of sweetmeats, toys, and silk garments were delivered to the royal gates, but the seemingly unending cold winter made it impossible for the merchants to fill their wares. The streets grew emptier, the joyous music quieter, and only an eerie silence filled the kingdom.
Prince Leo’s parents, the king and queen, made fervent pleas to their son, “Son, you have plenty. Consider sharing your wealth with the townsfolk before the kingdom falls into despair.” But the prince’s heart was a stone.
One fateful night, his mother ventured to the old woman’s dwelling, providing her grain from their royal stores. The next day the townsfolk were amazed to find fresh loaves appearing mysteriously at their doorsteps, enough to feed every family. The rumors spread like wildfire, igniting hope in the hearts of the princes’ subjects. Overwhelming gratitude surged, and soon a tear-filled plea resonated throughout the streets, “Show us who our benefactor is, so we may offer our thanks!”
Unfazed, the old woman merely urged the people to go see the prince. Thus they crowded before the castle, crossing their fingers, wishing for even a mere glance at the golden-haired benefactor.
“What do they want this time?” mumbled Leo from his window disgustedly. But as he stretched forth his hand to wave it away, his eyes unexpectedly narrowed.
In a terrified whisper, the guards stuttered, “M-Milady?”
With stunned disbelief, as if bewitched, Leo’s eyes darted back and forth between the guards and the old woman before them. Unwrinkling her burlap blanket, her once-tattered clothing gleamed in rich gold and vibrant hues; a delicate crown of shimmering jewels sat gracefully atop her head, resembling the very coins Leo had so greedily wished to keep for himself.
“But why would she disguise herself in such rags?” Leo whispered, suddenly feeling very small.
With a gentle smile, the old woman stepped forth. “Oh, dear child,” she spoke, “Do you not know yet that true wealth lies not in what you hoard, but in what you share?”
Prince Leo’s heart fell within him. The wealth he had clung to was as meaningless as sand slipping through his fingers. His greed and selfishness had dire consequences: hunger within his kingdom and despair etched upon the face of every citizen.
With tears streaming down his cheeks, he fell to the ground. “Teach me, dear lady, that instead of a pouch of coins, it is more divine to fill a hungry belly and heal a broken heart.”
And so began Prince Leo’s transformation. He learned how true riches brought smiles and joy, not just to the giver but also to everyone around them. As he filled empty bowls with abundant food, laughter echoed through the streets of the Kingdom of Glimmer.
No longer did the people merely cheer his name. Instead, day by day, they created a joyous symphony—“Prince Leo! Prince Leo! You have given us the gift of life, love, and hope once more.” And under Leo’s newfound wisdom, the kingdom bloomed brighter than ever before, proving that indeed, sharing is caring, and a selfish heart only leads to loneliness.