Chapter One

The Princess Of The Pea

Princess Sativum Pisum

Prince Charming is out. Ever since the opening of the Pea wing in the museum where my pea is, Charming went away. He says that he has to manage his other kingdoms. He has four other kingdoms. And this, Peanta, is one of those kingdoms was my inheritance from my dearly departed father, the King. After the test of the Pea, I was recognized, at last, as a real princess. Charming, who has been looking for a real princess for a long time, was overjoyed. And I was too. Who wouldn't want to marry a prince who is sweet, charming, good and most of all, handsome? And Charming was everything like that. I was looking for someone like that too. In my case, a real prince. I have searched too, like him. Every prince I met has at least three of those qualities and, unfortunately, my most favorite, handsome, was missing. My-Father-Who-Is-Dead-And-Buried laughed at my attempts for a real prince. I found one actually and he has them all. He was before Charming. And although I thought I found the one real prince, he was something worse. He was gay. And so one thing was added in my inventory of real princely hood: being straight. The real story is that I was going to a kingdom where rumors say a real prince lives. Unfortunately the rumors did not say whether he was straight or gay. So I have to go there myself and find it out. A storm broke out, freaked my horses thus tumbled down my carriage. The driver died of fright so I was left alone. We were in near the gates of the kingdom when that occurred. Of all the places. Why didn't the storm let me go on? Anyway, I entered the gates looking like a soggy beggar for the crash tore my expensive designer gown. Being a real princess was an everyday guarantee to rescue. When the castle doors opened and I was presented to the royal family in a mess, I declared that I was a real princess. I showed my crown and they believed me. When I saw Prince Charming, I fell in love with him. I knew he was a real prince. Later during dinner, I found out that he too was looking for a real princess. Everyone in the court believed me as a real princess. It was obvious. I was beautiful, sweet, charming and graceful. But the queen didn't believe it. She doubted me! So she devised a test I have no knowledge in. I just found out when I married Charming. The test was sleeping atop a tower of mattresses and eiderdown quilts. A pea was placed at the bottom. I didn't know but I felt I bump. It was the pea. I couldn't sleep the whole night. I couldn't believe the queen, torturing me just to know the truth that is so obvious! Fortunately she was convinced. Charming and I were married the week later. Then the pea was displayed in the new Pea wing at the museum. After that, My Charming went away to govern and check the other kingdoms. And I was left here. I told my darling that I could withstand traveling but her just laughed and said real princesses are meant to stay home and wait for the real princes. So that is why I am here, looking out at the window and wondering whether Charming still has his head or not.

"Princess Sativ—um—Sativam?" my maid, Rose, said.

"Princess Sativum. Dear me, I have already been in this castle for so long and still you haven't learned how to speak my name?" I replied. Rose bowed her head shamefully and clasped her hands.

"I'm terribly sorry, Princess Sativum. It will never happen." Rose whispered regretfully.

"Forgiven, Rose. What brings you to my presence?" I asked.

"Princess Sativum, Prince Charming has given you a message." Rose produced a rolled parchment. I took it and smiled.

"You may go now." I said. Rose left quickly.

I leaned back at my cushioned couch and looked out at the window. It was open and the cool wind entered. It ruffled my brown hair. I placed it behind my ears and started to unroll the parchment. I read it.

My beloved wife, Sativum,

Though this letter is short, I hope it finds you well.

Are you in good relations with Father and Mother? Are you well and healthy?

Those are the questions moist likely to be asked.

I hope all your answers are yes.

Now, I will get to the point why I am writing to you.

I have to stay for a longer period of time here in Cendera, away from you.

They have troubles here and I am expected to right things out.

Though I am still a prince and not yet a king, my Father has given me this huge responsibility to prepare me.

Also, he is about to give his crown to me any day now.

If I do well.

I will thrive to solve this problems.

But unfortunately, I still have to be in Rapenz and Sowite.

I will do my best.

Goodbye for now my adoring wife.

I promise to do my best to come back to your loving arms.

Your adoring spouse,

Prince Charming

Stay in Cendera? What about me? It is horrible to stay in this drafty castle waiting for him and now he expects me to stay here without his wonderful presence! I couldn't bear to part from my love, my soul. But it is he who is leaving me. I must be patient and understanding. My would-be king must learn to be a king also. I understand him and I bear his cause. I will wait for him until the world will be no more.

-Okay…maybe the princess and the pea story does not have the prince as Prince Charming. But let us just say that every prince without a name is indeed Prince Charming. I do hope you understand!

-Nayie