notes/disclaimers
His cheeks bloomed and his eyes sparkled, and he was called Prince
Benton Rose. He was beloved by all the land, and King Robert and Queen
Caroline were proud of their heir and firstborn indeed in the Land of
the Snows.
And when he took a mate after the Grand Ball, it was Prince
Raymondo of the Land of the Sun, and they were happy, until one day when
Prince Benton Rose was out amongst the people helping a village that had
been struck down by foul weather (some said ruby slippers were
involved). Prince Raymondo was with him, and an old lady shuffled
forward and handed the Prince a bright, red apple. He was touched by
her kindness and lifted it to his mouth. Prince Raymondo saw him and
cried, "No, Benny!" but Benton Rose bit into the juicy fruit and went
pale as snow. He slumped to the ground as if dead and a wail went up
from all assembled. Raymondo rushed to his Benton Rose's side and wept.
The old lady was gone. A young boy bent down and found a sparkling
diamond on the ground where she had stood.
Revenge is sweet.