P R O L O U G E
In a kingdom, where the value of life was nothing…
The young baker's daughter gingerly placed a fresh, hot loaf of pumpernickel in the bread
basket just outside the bakery's door. A slight wind blew the steamy scent down the street,
bringing groans from the starving children that had no place to call home. Just as the girl
turned inside to prepare more dough, a man hidden in a dark black cloak approached her. As
he came closer she recognized him at once. The prince! The girl immediately curtsied so low
that her nose scraped along the harsh stone road. The prince looked around alarmed,
wondering if anyone had picked up on her action. When she rose he whispered in a quiet,
low voice, "How much is the pumpernickel…?"
"One silver, …Sir." She played along with him. He dropped a silver coin into her hand and grabbed
the loaf that she had just set out before turned back and smiling to her. The prince walked down the
road and handed pieces of the loaf to the homeless people littered across the street. The girl couldn't
help but admire the prince, and awaited his next visit anxiously.
And the prince did return. Every day he would stop buy the little bakery and buy bread to give to
the homeless. The girl grew fond of him, and he fond of her.
One day the prince received news that the baker's daughter had grown ill. He immediately ran to the
woods to find her a rose. While looking, he came across a lovely flower. It reminded him so much of
the girl that he had to take it to her. He loved her.
But when he reached the bakery, the girl was hardly conscious. He gently placed the rose on her
chest and kissed her. "I love you"…
The girl smiled, and her breathing became more haggard.
"…ove…you…t.."
The rose began to wilt, and with it she died.