Once long ago there was a great, king who ruled over a kingdom in a land far away. The kingdom was small but rich, and being heirless it was sought after by many a greedy prince. Now though the king had no sons he was blessed with twelve beautiful daughters who all shared one bedroom. Their father had tried before to separate them, however they insisted on remaining together; the king, being ignorant of any explanation for the mysterious behaviors of young ladies, obliged their wish. And the princesses increased the value of his kingdom for his people and passersby.
Now there lay within this castle one mystery of the princesses that the king was determined to unfold. Each night, he saw to it that his precious gems were tucked away in their beds, the door to their bedchamber shut tight and locked. Yet each morning, without fail, he awoke to twelve pairs of shoes with the soles completely worn through from dancing. Am I to spend the entire wealth of my kingdom on twelve fresh pairs of shoes a day?
One morning over breakfast he addressed the matter directly. "Where is it you go to dance the night away, my darlings? How is it you've been sneaking out unnoticed?"
"I don't know what on earth you're talking about, Papa, we were asleep in our beds all night," responds Delilah, the fourth youngest.
"Perhaps you've been dancing in your sleep." The second oldest, Rosemary, points and accusatory tea spoon at her sister with a grin and both girls giggle.
"Sisters, please, don't tease Father. Poor Papa, don't you worry about us. We would not dare leave the castle without your permission." The eldest plants a kiss on the king's head before leaving, and all the girls scurry out of the room behind her.
Of course the king was not satisfied by these responses, but he resolved to solve the mystery in a more operative fashion.