An Impossible Spell
The King and the Search for Love
Once upon a time, there lived a king who was much loved by his people, and he, in turn, loved them. He led a happy life. But his greatest shortcoming was marriage. He had never wished to fall in love.
His subjects implored him to marry, and at last, he promised to try. So he decided to travel, hoping to meet the lady of his heart.
So he set off in search of love, accompanied only by a chamberlain, who, though not very clever, possessed much practical sense. The king explored several countries, doing his best to fall in love, but all in vain.
At the end of two years of travel, he returned home. Suddenly, the shrill sound of screaming cats was heard. The noise grew closer until they saw a hundred Spanish cats passing through the trees. They moved in a tight group, all in the same direction.
They were closely followed by two giant monkeys in purple suits, riding English mastiffs and making deafening sounds from their toy trumpets.
— I am a giant monkey in a purple suit, riding an English mastiff!
They were followed by 20 or even more dwarves riding wolves and cats, all dressed in purple silk suits, like the monkeys. The King and the chamberlain were astonished at the sight.
A moment later, a beautiful maiden, riding a tiger, appeared before them. As soon as he saw her, the king was fascinated. His heart was conquered.
— Who was that beauty?
To his delight, one of the dwarves had lagged behind the others.
— Who was the lady riding the tiger? — Princess Mutinosa, daughter of the king of the country you are in. She is passionate about hunting and was looking for rabbits. — Which way is the road to the king's court? Tell me quickly!
Princess Mutinosa
He reached the capital of the kingdom in a few hours. He presented himself to the king and queen at once. When he mentioned his name and the country he came from, he was received with open arms.
— Congratulations on a successful hunt, princess!
But she did not utter a single word. Sometimes, it seemed she wanted to speak, but each time, her father or mother immediately took over the conversation.
— She is so beautiful! Have you ever seen anything like it in your life? — Why do you doubt? The princess is quite beautiful, isn't she? — Yes, she is. But to be happy in love, something more than beauty is needed. To be honest, her facial expression seemed a bit harsh to me. — Nonsense! It's just pride and dignity, and nothing is more important. — I find the care taken to prevent her from speaking suspicious.
The chamberlain's remarks were full of good sense, but such opposition only amplifies love in men's hearts. The next day, the king asked for Princess Mutinosa's hand. It was granted with two conditions. The first was that the wedding had to take place the very next day. The second was that he was not to speak to the princess until she was his wife.
Despite the chamberlain's objections, he agreed. So the first word he heard from his bride was:
— Yes.
She said at the wedding.
The Fairies' Curse
The chamberlain's fears proved true. The young queen was very disagreeable with everyone at court, good and bad alike. One day, when she was out riding, she met an old woman on the road, who curtsied, then went on her way. Then the queen cried out:
— Don't you know I am the queen? How dare you not make a deeper curtsy? — Madam, I have never learned how to measure curtsies, but I do not wish to be disrespectful. — She dares to answer me! Tie her to my horse, and I will take her immediately to the best dance teacher in town, who will teach her how it's done! — I am protected by fairies! I am protected by fairies! Tie her up! — Very well, but you have been warned.
But when the queen whipped her horse, it did not move from its spot. In vain she spurred it. Then the horse turned into bronze.
— What is happening? — Wicked woman, unworthy of the crown! I judge for myself, but everything I have heard about you is true. Now I have no doubt, and you will see whether fairies are to be laughed at or not.
Gratiela
Placida told the queen of the fairies about Mutinosa's adventures, and the queen proposed that Mutinosa be turned into bronze. However, Placida, who was kind and generous, pleaded for a milder punishment.
So it was decided that Mutinosa would become her slave for life, unless she bore a child to take her place.
— As it has been decided, you should be my servant. But you were raised in a palace. The change might be too great for you. That is why I only order you to clean my room and wash my little dog.
Mutinosa gave birth to an adorable little girl, and when she recovered, the fairy reprimanded her about her past. She made her promise to behave better and sent her back to the king.
Placida dedicated herself entirely to the princess. She considered which of the fairies should be godmother, to ensure the best gift. In the end, she decided on two good fairies.
They decided they would do all they could for her. They named her Gratiela.
— You know, dear sisters, that the most common form of contempt or punishment among us consists of transforming beauty into ugliness, intelligence into foolishness, or the person's form entirely. I believe the best plan would be for one of you to give her beauty, the other understanding, while I will ensure that she cannot be changed into any other form.
The two fairies agreed, and as soon as the princess received their gifts, they departed.
The Enchanted Tower
Placida took charge of the child's education. Her efforts bore fruit. Little Gratiela grew up beautifully, and though she was still a child, her fame spread abroad, but too much. One day, Placida was surprised by a visit from the queen of the fairies.
— I have heard and been surprised by the way you behaved with Mutinosa. You were very gentle with her while she was with you, and I have come now to erase the mistakes made towards her daughter. You took care that she should become beautiful and intelligent and that her form could not be changed. I will place her in an enchanted prison, from which she will not leave until she finds herself in the arms of the one she loves. It will be my duty to ensure that this does not happen.
When she grew up, Gratiela was not only well-educated but also very beautiful.
— Boneta, come and see! What is that? — It must be a merman! — You mean a man? Let's hurry and see him up close!
He had a wicker basket full of rare shells which he offered to the princess.
— What a dreadful creature! I suppose not all men are like him? — No, they are not.
Gratiela politely accepted a few gifts he brought. Then, he began to come every evening and play his shell horn or perform buffoonery under the princess's window. She limited herself to greetings from the balcony, but never came down to the entrance.
— Oh, this tower is suitable for us, for we cannot live completely without water.
Boneta invited them inside, and the mermaids occupied the lower level space which was filled with water.
— There is no doubt, madam, that you have given up living on land to escape armies of suitors, but my brother has long been smitten with you.
Then the princess told the mermaid her entire story, and the mermaid told her she felt very sorry for her.
— Perhaps one day you will find a way to escape your troubles. — I dare say they are not all as hideous as the first one. We shouldn't be so terribly lonely. — Oh dear, how full of hope young people are! But what do you think of the suitor you have captivated?
