Why did he do it? Why did he not wait one more day? One more day! But no, he is the king, and the king must have what the king wants!

He came in to see his daughter on the day before her fourteenth birthday, and now, instead of being freed from her lonely room, and born into the world outside, the princess will die!

It is either that, or the land will be cursed. There will be a pestilence, or a long and bloody war. The king must choose. I know what he’ll choose. He’s already chosen it. His daughter’s death!

The Distressed Maid in The Princess in the Chest, Pink Fairy Book. Painting by Robert Henri.