happy ending?, an alternate ending
It seemed almost like the door hinges could feel the anxiety pouring from the stadium as it took plenty of time to open. The door creaked and the princess gasped within herself. Had she been foolish? Was she leading their love to its death? Was she hasty enough to not think her information was not faulty?
For, the opposite of her thoughts occurred; out of the right hand door exited the fair and loving lady, twirling to the audience with grace and flair. Her skirts flew out from underneath her as she smiled flirtatiously, placing all but a soft, inconspicuous kiss on her lover's cheeks. She smirked at the princess, while taking the hand of the formerly accused as the princess restrained her anger.
The king held a look of neutrality, which overcame his whole countenance and she bristled, knowing what had happened as he ushered her from the stadium consolingly, joyous shouts and bells droning in her ears.
What a sneaky plan indeed!
The king had known the princess to attempt to get her love from death; he knew because of the flesh they bore. He had out paid his daughter to the keeper of the doors—who verily knew which was which—to lead her to the door of the maiden, by telling her the door of the tiger. As he shared the same blood as her, he knew she would assume that the keeper of the doors was telling her the opposite of the truth. Had she believed him, she would have been more pleased. It would have lead to her lover's death, but that was what she wanted.
Was that really the best decision? Maybe the princess would visit the tiger. Maybe that would be the best. At least everyone would be happy. The unmarried maiden now married and the hungry tiger…she would go to the door now. Taking a breath, she made her way to the doors. This was it.