Cursed Narratives

Cursed Narratives 1: Prince Laurence Dubir

            Once upon a time, in the enchanting kingdom of Dubir, there lived a young prince named Laurence, and from the day he was born, a mischievous shadow clung to him like a loyal companion. However, this wasn't an ordinary shadow; it whispered secrets, played tricks, and danced with a life of its own.

            As the young prince grew, so did his bond with the shadow, the two began getting into mischief together. Unfortunately for him, once he became 18 it was revealed to him that the kingdom, his royal advisors, and even his family hated his shadow. His advisors believed the only cure was true love's kiss, and so they sent the young prince on a quest to find this love who could break the shadows' enchantment.

            During the prince's journey, he battled many evils, rescued many damsels, and helped many villages, however he was unable to find a love. Still, the prince pressed on, now heart set on finding his true love, and his loyal shadow stayed by his side, successfully offering witty commentary, satirical advice, and harmless pranks to lighten the way. Even making the prince's accompanying knights give a hearty chuckle.

            After a particularly rough fight against evil, Prince Laurence stumbled upon a quaint village. Within this village he met the brave, and free-spirited Helena, who stepped in to assist Prince Laurie in steed of his fallen soldiers. With laughter as contagious as her courage, Helena proved more than helpful on their journey, much to the disdain of Prince Laurence's shadow, whose 'pranks' became more threatening toward Helena.

            As the journey progressed, Prince Laurence realized he had found his true love, he also found that he was much fonder of his constant companion than he realized. Prince Laurie found himself caught between the love he was supposed to seek, and the love he felt for his playful shadow.

            One fateful night, the chance to be cured came to him, but instead the prince ran away, it wasn't until he tripped that he realized his shadow was ahead of him, despite the direction of the light. Staring at the concerned blob that was his mischievous companion, his confidant, someone who understood him in ways others probably couldn't, he confessed.

            "I am torn my friend, I fear losing you, I fear life without you, but I don't want to lose her either. The love I feel for both of you is real, but it is my job to decide which is truer and I don't think I can."

            The shadow, ever shifting in the torch light, shifted into an understanding form. Staring at it, the prince gritted his teeth as he realized just what he would have to do, and the choice he would have to make. Returning, he explained his situation, his love for her, his love for his shadow as best he could to Helena, who didn't say a word to interrupt him. Once finished, he left the choice up to her, because his mind was already made up.

            "I love you Helena, and I know a kiss from you would break my curse, but if my curse breaks, I lose my best friend, and I will not let that happen. I do not want to lose you, but I can never kiss you, would that be something you could endure with me?"

            The next day, the prince made his trek back home, with less soldiers than he journeyed out with, but more clarity than he had left with. He stood in front of the royal court again for the first time in a long time, the court were on the edge of their seats, searching the ground for Laurence's shadow. It appears they had preemptively set up a party for the prince, expecting a celebration of the prince's newfound love upon his return.

            "I did find my true love." The prince waved Helena into the room, and she stood before the royal court, who immediately tried to bustle into action before being stopped by the prince.

            "But we have not and will not kiss. None of you may like my shadow, but he is a part of me. He is my oldest friend, my oldest companion, unlike a lot of you he has never left my side. No matter how mischievous, odd, or idiotic he is, my shadow is mine. And my love for it, though different, is just as true as my love for Helena." The royal court, and eventually the kingdom were all completely stunned by the prince's choice, and although puzzled they did choose to accept his words as true.

            And so, in the kingdom of Dubir, Prince Laurence, his curse, and his cure ended up living happily ever after, proving that love comes in many forms, even in the playful dance of shadows.

            The End, for now

                        Thank you for reading,

                                    Cursed Narratives 1: Prince Laurence Dubir.