The Grand Canyon

 It is common knowledge that every valley and every stream and every crack in the Earth's great crust is caused by woe. Big or small, loud or quiet, the pain of others is seen in the very foundation of our beautiful planet. Now, you may be thinking, "Well that's all fine and good, but what about the massive hole in the Earth known as The Grand Canyon? Surely there can't be a story behind that. No one's sorrow is that great." Ah, yes, my child, but that is where you are wrong.

Years ago, in a far-off land, stood a kingdom by the sea. There once was a beautiful princess sitting atop her throne. She longed for her prince to come and save her. Every day she sat and stared out her window, sighing, and grumbling about "true love."

"You mustn't sit and daydream all day," gripped her father. "We have a guest coming today."

A sound of trumpets erupted through the great hall. All were rendered quiet by the dastardly noise.

"Ah, here he is now. Sit up straight."

The princess rose from her slump. Playfully resting her hand on her lap, and garnishing a fake smile, as she awaited the man to enter the room.

In entered a striking young man, clad in the most pristine armor. Under one arm was a knight's helmet, under the other, a sword. His hair was long but well-kept. He had a beard but was not scraggly. And he was tall but not lanky. He was accompanied by a man dressed in court attire and who held himself in the highest regard. The two men stopped before the king and his daughter. The finely dressed man spoke.

"King Silus. Princess Everette." The man bows. "I am Lord Boil, and this is my son Lord Bernard." Lord Bernard straightens himself, then bows, refusing to break eye contact with the princess. The princess glares at him, while still maintaining her regal smile.

"Lord Boil," Says the king boisterous, "what are your intentions with this lovely visit?"

"Well, Your Grace, I wish to bestow my son upon your daughter to wed," says the Lord smiling.

"Ah, well, happy news indeed! I'm sure my daughter would be pleased! Everette, my dear, go say hello," the king orders, sheepishly looking over at his daughter. Unsure as to what she may do.

Everett nods to her father and rises from her throne. She walks over the to Lord and circles him like a dance. Looking him up and down, examining every feature. She drops her smile and glares at the Lord. "Not you," she states plainly. The smile wiped away from the two Lord's faces and confusion swept across them.

"I beg your pardon?" questions Lord Bernard.

"Not you. I do not wish to marry you."

"Oh, you foolish girl! What is the matter with you? This is the third suiter this week you have denied!" Bollows the girl's father. "What do I need to do for you to make up your mind?"

"I do not think he will grant me strong and beautiful kings to rule this great land. I do not think he will grant me eternal happiness. He may look strong, and he may look handsome, but he has not impressed the likes of me. If he wanted my approval he should have trotted in here in common attire professing his intentions rather than dressing himself up and having his father speak for him in an attempt to impress."

The princess took one more snide look at the Lord then walked back to her throne. She no longer hid her distaste for the man. "Be off my Lords," she commanded plainly. The Lords bow to the king and his cruel daughter and then leave the great hall. The king arises and paces around the hall, shaking his head.

"What will I ever do with you? Will you never be satisfied?"

"Will you? I want happiness and true love. I did not feel the fires when he stepped into the room. Do you not wish for me to be happy? To be loved and love the same? If you wish for me to grant you heirs, I must approve of who I let into my bed. Is that too much to ask?"