The Kings Quest for Love

Alex sat before an enormous mirror, studying his reflection like a man preparing for battle. Except, instead of donning armor, he held

determination in his eyes, "then I shall step into their world." The king's reso

nfortunate advisor fidgeted nervously. The idea of their unpredictable king roaming the streets in disguise made him break into a swea

kingdom for years, and I am nothing if not adaptable. Do you doubt my ability to blend in?" His piercing g

some hapless villager offended the king and was sent into exile. He had reason

and accessories of all kinds. Fabrics of every hue spilled across the polished floor, and a wide array of hats threatened to

egan scrutinizing the options presented. His fingers trailed over tunics and trousers, his expression alternating bet

re sending the tailors scrambling to stuff the offen

n's garb: a patched tunic, simple breeches, and a wide-brimmed hat that would shield hi

nk?" he asked on

d, Your Majesty,"

f and decided to try the ne

with an embroidered vest and a leather satchel. He turned side to side in

ared. "A true commoner woul

sturdy trousers, and a straw hat. Alex nodded approvingly, adjusting the s

s style of commoner clothes-a luxury for any real comm

ants. "Seven changes of clothes? He'll be more fa

w louder. "The king's actually lea

a potato peeler to her heart. "Imagin

solemnly, "He's lost h

d to face his audience, now unrecognizable as the austere ruler of Matgrail. The transfo

am Ken, a humble commoner." His dramatic declar

d to stammer, "Uh... Ken

among my people, observe their ways, and ident

y the minute. "What if someone insults

Alex commanded camly,

up, trembling. "Your... uh, Ken. What

ical confidence. "I shall do what any comm

nd of disbelief usually reserved for pigs flyin

umble to a fault. I shall be like them and don't worry, its not a hard fit. I

t or overlooking defiance was unthinkable. Yet his determined expression left no room for d

don't do that because I cannot let it slide, I do it because I don't consider them worthy of me and my kingdom as officials in

t your Majesty some of those who h

ace cannot be considered a commoner. They are n

xed whether to take his stand t

ded, cutting off further debate. "

nto the carriage. "This weighs more than my dignity

hispered to his master, "Do you t

cushions in their pockets," the

lace. Though he'd tried to appear "humble," his stance radiated auth

ing so low he nearly fell over. "Um Ken," the h

ismissive. "I need no servants.

e by commoners, you can disguise him as a friend wh

of his services, but until then, I

, advisors and servants watched in a mix of confusion, disbelief, and concern. No one was proud of

ing back at his palace one last time. "Mark my words," he s

n't be any banishments for a while. The carriage trundled down the road, leaving

wistfully after the carriage. "Maybe he's not as mad a

ed, slamming a pot onto the

us," the maid said defensivel

nd somewhere, oblivious villagers were about