It was arranged that I should marry the king’s son, and he was truly handsome. But I was no match for him. I felt so ugly and wretched, I hid in my room.

Then I had an idea. I would get Maleen, the scullery maid, to dress up in my wedding gown. She could go to the church with the king’s son. Once the wedding was over, I’d wear a veil and get into his bed. We’d be in the dark. He wouldn’t even know the difference.

That was the plan, and it worked until we got into bed. Then he wanted to know what I said to the nettle plant on my way to the church. I was furious. Maleen was not supposed to open her mouth!

“Excuse me,” I said. “I must go out to speak to my maid. She keeps my thoughts for me.”

I left the room, clutching my veil and thinking, “I’ll wring her neck!”

False Bride Maleen in Maid Maleen, Grimms. Painting by Edouard Manet.