A Different Kind of Fairy Tale

Once upon a time, in a land sort of far away, lived a lonely prince in a glorious castle. This prince was in the situation of many born into noble blood, his father was dying of an unknown disease. (It was probably a hunting accident that lead to his demise..) Hush you! As it were, the lonely prince was to find a maiden that was also of noble blood to help rule over the kingdom. One problem reared it's ugly head in all due time...

“Mother, I don't want to go and court a maiden. Can't Brother marry off and become king? He's more suited for it anyways.”

“It was in your father's wishes that you become king. I agree with you that your younger brother would be a better choice. He can hunt and charm, dance and flatter... you can hardly walk ten steps without tripping. You'll never be as wonderful as your brother and the only thing you have going for you is your adorable boyish looks.”

The Queen was right. His face looked as if he were a child and his short, scrawny stature didn't help any. (Hey! It's not my fault I took after mother!) Moving on, the prince's brother was indeed stronger and more kingly compared to him.

“Foster, it should be in your best interest to walk around the kingdom to look for a wife. Your father allowed you to choose yourself a maiden but I feel it was a foolish thought on his part.”

Our fair Prince Foster bowed his head and exited the room, heading outside the castle, and down the nearest path.

                                                                      ~ * * *~

In a different part of the kingdom, off a beaten and worn path, lived a strong young man. He was well trimmed and bulked up with years of helping his widowed mother with the more difficult housework. His brow was damp with sweat, his shirt had been lost hours ago.

Currently this young man was chopping wood in half for their wood stove. It wasn't his favourite chore but it was certainly useful during those frosty winter nights. His mother sat in her favourite chair out on the porch of the small house. She was worn with sorrow from the loss of her husband. These days she tended to sit in her chair and gossip with the ladies that passed the house.

“My boy, my son! Would you fetch your poor old mother a drink?”

“There is a glass of water next to you mother. I swear you're becoming needier everyday.”

“Vex, my boy... when will you find yourself a nice young girl to bring home for mother dearest?”

“Never in this life time mother. There is too much to do before I wed.”

During this exchange of words with his mother, the young prince made his way down their path. The woman in the chair waved him over.

“Young prince, my wealthy boy! Come sit with Mother Dearest a moment! Vex! Can you take a break and fetch us all some midday tea?”

Reluctantly, Vex left his axe on the ground and hurried inside to steep the tea. Foster walked up to the porch, smiling at the woman. She shakily pointed at the small bench across from her.

“Just bring that a little closer, boy. Let mother get a good look at how you've grown. Such charming grey eyes that are framed perfectly by your rosy red hair. Child, are you going to be wed soon? Your father is in poor health, as I have heard, and will need you to step into his place.”

“Thank you for the compliment, ma'am, but I'm afraid to say that I shall not be wed anytime soon. These maidens do not catch my eye by any means.”

“Don't be so formal, child! Call me mother if you wish. As for your lack of lust toward the maidens of the village, would it be gentleman you seek to spend the rest of your with? My own offspring would appear to fancy his own gender over my own.”