Princess Evelyn sat in her throne beside her father, before the two of them was a tall handsome man in pompous clothing. He was droning on about his many battles and wins in jousting tournaments. None of his words were peaking Evelyn's interest. In short his pathetic boosts of heroism and "magnificent" victories bore her to tears. But she sat there, trying her best to listen to him brag with her father King David contently listening as well. Seeing her boredom, the king finally raised his hand. Promptly, the prince shut his mouth.
"Thank you, Prince Derek but my daughter has other suitors to see today," the king said.
Looking offended, the prince turned on his heel and left the throne room. The courtier approached the king and princess. Evelyn could see the next prince entering the grand throne room. Some of the maids were giggling but all Evelyn saw was another ignorant ass. Evelyn groaned to herself, making it just loud enough for the king to hear as well. He realized how she tired of this but she had to pick someone, someday. But to see her so unhappy made him unhappy as well.
"Prince-" the courtier started when the king raised his hand.
"I think we shall take a break," the king said.
"As you wish, sire," the courtier said and bowed his head.
Immediately, Evelyn rose from her throne and strode passed the expectant suitors. The guards saluted her as she almost ran from the castle to the garden and to her unknown pond. The one place within the walls of palace she could be alone. She kicked off her uncomfortable palace slippers, pulled up the skirts of her pale green gown and stuck her aching feet in the cool pond. Letting out a sigh of relief.
"I'm Prince Derek, I killed 16 ogres with my bare hands! I've won 20 or so jousting tournaments. I can shove 4 bull testicles into my mouth!" Evelyn mocked kicking the water, laughing.
"I'll have you know I can fit 5 in mine," a voice said from across the pond. The princess looked up to see a man sitting in the water with a lily pad on his head. She was reminded of a frog. And was not startled by the man though she felt she should've been. A smile cracked over his muddy colored face.
"Huh?" she asked.
The man stood, "Now that I have your attention. Greetings, I may seem a simple man simply sitting in this pond but looks can be deceiving! Do you think me crazed? I dare to put your mind at ease. I am but a jester to please the fair young maiden that has stumbled across my pond. You may call me Rumplestiltskin," the odd man said doing an over exuberant bow.