Once upon a time... Part 1

Long  long ago , there was a lonely princess who had everything in her life. She had beauty that was envy of every woman in Faraway land.  Her face was round shaped and her skin was as white as snow. Her eyes showed her innocent personality. Her hair was shiny black which was long and thick.

 She had huge palace with never ending rooms and infinite gardens. She had countless servants who served her every minute. She had a pet tiger that was apple of her eyes. She had caring step mother who loved her more than anything else. But nothing made her happy. She felt something was missing in her life.

Was it the world outside the palace? Her step mother’s overprotective nature never allowed her to venture outside the palace. She would always tell her that people outside were evil and they would harm her. But that just added fuel to her curiosity. She would peep secretly out of the window of her room in the palace. The outside world didn’t look horrifying to her. It was serene and joyful with happy people.  “Why did ma not let me out to enjoy with these people?” she wondered. She tried to convince her step mother. However nothing helped. She felt like a prisoner at her palace. 

It was her 16^th birthday. She had been waiting for it patiently. At last it had come. The day when she could wish for anything! She was now a grown up. Hence she was confident that her mother would allow her.

“ Happy birthday, Princess Adele. I wish you year filled with joy and happiness. What do you want, dear?”her step mother, Queen Candice asked. Adele remained quiet for some time, thinking deeply about the wish she was going to ask. After deep thought, she said innocently, “ I want to be allowed to go outside for a day.”  “ What! You know I can’t grant you that wish. You could wish for anything else except that one. You know how I feel about the outside world.” Queen said softly. “ Ma, please allow me! I feel lonely here. I want to make new friends and experience spirit of friendship. I won’t let you down.” , Adele pleaded.

But queen left without granting her the wish. Adele ran into the garden. She cried uncontrollably and scolded the Queen in her heart. 

Queen Candice looked at her daughter from her balcony. She could understand her feelings. But she could do nothing about it. There was danger in form of evil sorcerer who wandered outside the palace. She was safe in the palace. Adele was not old to enough understand this. “ How do I make her understand that it’s not safe outside?” she wondered.

(To be continued)