The Princess' Necklace
Summary
In the idyllic realm of Happyland, where benevolent sovereignty guides a contented populace, Princess Loree, the monarch's cherished daughter, is bestowed a necklace of unparalleled pearls, a symbol of her pure spirit. Into this halcyon existence drifts an enigmatic scion from a land perpetually shadowed by gloom, his quest: to decipher the elusive tenets of felicity. A profound, instantaneous connection ignites between this seeker and the Princess, catalyzing his initial forays into the labyrinthine principles of joy. While his early adventures yield partial enlightenment, the ultimate 'Master Secret' remains tantalizingly beyond his grasp. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when a malevolent goblin purloins the precious necklace, secreting it within the formidable confines of his chief's subterranean lair. The ensuing despair that grips both Loree and her subjects impels the stranger to embark upon a valiant expedition. His odyssey through the treacherous Enchanted Woods culminates in the discovery of a clandestine passage leading directly into the Goblins' Cave. There, the chieftain, a figure of capricious power, offers a perilous bargain: the necklace's return contingent upon the stranger's unwavering fortitude in facing a gauntlet of dangers. With indomitable courage, the stranger surmounts every trial, reclaiming the radiant pearls and restoring not only the Princess's joy but also the kingdom's equilibrium. Offered half the kingdom as recompense, he humbly requests a mere seven daily hours of discourse with Loree. Following this intimate week, he departs, promising a swift return. Weeks transmute into months until the King announces the impending arrival of Roseland's newly crowned monarch, destined to pay homage. In this illustrious dignitary, Princess Loree joyfully recognizes her beloved stranger, now a king in his own right. He reveals his complete understanding of the 'Master Secret': that genuine happiness blossoms from altruistic deeds, the steadfast pursuit of one's highest ideals, and is ultimately, exquisitely, crowned by love itself.
Synopsis
Once in a country called Happyland there lived a good and wise King. To his beautiful daughter, Princess Loree, the King presents a priceless pearl necklace. A mysterious stranger arrives. He meets the Princess and they fall in love at first sight. He reveals to her that he comes from a country where the people are forever in gloom and he is here to learn the secret of happiness. He meets with a number of adventures which teach him some of the principles of happiness, but not its Master Secret. One day a goblin takes the necklace and brings it to his chief, who hides it in the wall of the Goblin's Cave. The Princess and the people are grief-stricken and the stranger decides to find it. He enters the Enchanted Woods and after a series of adventures reaches a secret passage which leads him into the Cave of the Goblins. The chief of the goblins promises to return the necklace if the stranger will brave any perils that may confront him. The latter consents and passes undaunted through them all. He obtains the necklace and returns it to the Princess, whose happiness is restored. The King is willing to give him half his kingdom as a reward, but all the stranger asks is to be allowed to speak to the Princess one hour every day for seven days. At the end of the seventh day he leaves, promising to return shortly. Weeks pass. The King informs the Princess the newly-crowned King of Roseland is coming to pay homage to Happyland and that she better don her finest apparel and help him entertain the illustrious guest. The King of Roseland arrives and the Princess is happy, for in him she recognizes the Stranger. She inquires if he has discovered the Master Secret. He answers in the affirmative, saving true happiness consists in deeds that bring happiness to others, and in the realization of one's ideals, love crowning all.
