the young blue bloods knew they must be earnest in filling the gap left by so great and beloved a king. Now the princes had the same well bread schooling, yet their personalities took on quite different faces.

We begin with Prince Lihbusha, the oldest, but not as sibling order mighty dictate, the wisest. He was powerful, but not between the ears. He ruled his subjects with cold harsh words, monstrous demands, and a merciless heart. Once after mistreating a slave, Prince Ubusha saw tears in the slave's eyes. While trying hard to be brave under the Prince's onslaught, the faithful slave could not help but let a tear escape. Rather than reflection, the tear incited mockery. The slave stood fast, while the Prince made fun of his pain, "Poor Pitiful Peasant, don't you have it so-o-o-o-o-o rough!"

Things were tough for all. There was starvation. Most of the children were orphans, for Prince Uhbusha's warlike ways had gotten many a parent killed.

But let us not dally on the dismal, when there is a bride to be won. Prince Uhbusha had much to offer, perhaps too much. He was powerful, perhaps overpowering. And he was most determined to find a royal gem; a new queen to add to his crowning accomplishments. Thus far his conquests had cost him only the blood, sweat, and tears of others. Would it always be so? Where should he begin his search? He decided to seek the counsel of a mystic.

While Prince Uhbusha is off cavorting with ephemeral consorts, let us check out what's cooking in his brother's realm.

Prince Magnacoeur (coeur rhymes with fur) is busy bustling 'bout the boudoir is his not so royal B.V.D.'s In briefs: his royal undies could use some mending at some critical junctures. But the official tailors were other wise detained. Prince Magnacoeur had given them their most lucrative co-mission yet. They were to make a new garment for every subject in the land, This grandiose gesture from the king was a gift of gratitude to the people for their hardworking spirit and faithfulness. These dazzling white garments were to be finished in time for the Jamboree Jubilee. The Jubilee Jamboree was an extraordinary event in the lives of the villagers! Once every fifty years the Great Seignior would grant freedom to one and all. Not just any 'ol freedom either! But freedom from debt, freedom from slavery, and freedom from prison. Any thing owed was canceled, and that with a glad heart, to be sure. What a time for rejoicing and merriment! Why the Prince was probably more thrilled to bestow this blessing on the people, than the people were to receive it:. It was all brought to a highlight during a majestic ceremony on the fourteenth day after the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Every soul in the kingdom had a special part in this divine festival.

Enjoying the breeziness of the early evening, Prince Magnacoeur gazed out the castle's window, wondering where is and who will be his true lady love. Little does he know the nearness of her or the struggle it will take for him to get her to the altar.

Between the two brother's kingdoms in the Valley of Sillycon lived a gent with his seven daughters. Each maiden more lovely than the next; the youngest being fairest of all. Every one of them had been given a gift from up above: Sharmin wisdom, Celeste insight, Alonga charity, Abricka merriment, Pamphillia music, Zonda faith and Mignon grace, Sad to say only one would ever know the joys of marriage, for years earlier the father had done a foolish thing, He had made a wager with the mystic and lost. The mystic demanded that his daughters be forever virgins, and serve only to the needs of others. Believing this to be unbearable he asked for mercy. The mystic agreed to release one daughter. "It will be the one whose inward beauty most matches her outward beauty."

As you can imagine between the father's fool hearty wager and the daughters desire for marriage, there arose a bit of tension in the once peaceful homestead. The maidens did not mind serving others. But only others? Little seemed fair to these fair ladies. Hope seemed out of reach. And Mignon, the one so fair and full of grace, did not particularly like being the chosen one, for it tended to produce strife among her dear sisters.

As the Jubilee Jamboree grew near and the spring nights got warmer, the six maidens,save Mignon, journeyed down to the river to observe the preparations for the festival and contribute their many talents and earnest labors.

Just north of town at the edge of the river lived a strange lady. Auntie Cerauf was what the children called her. No one knew her ancestry and her speech seemed a bit foreign to most. Though she tended to keep to herself, her sweet sage smile won the sentiments of many; especially Mignon. Mignon had net Auntie Serauf a little over a year earlier, and when ever the occasions would arise she would find opportunities to visit or perhaps take a meal to Auntie Serauf. She was drawn to the grace she. found in Mignon. It reminded her of her own father.

Afternoon was lingering on as Mignon said good bye to Auntie Serauf and headed home, Little did she know what a long trip home it would be.

As the other sisters were leaving the village, they came across a band of Gyptians, Though they were basically good girls, they had allowed jealousy to gain a foothold in their hearts. When they saw these wandering Gyptians, they saw the opportunity to rid themselves of Mignon and perhaps be closer to being the chosen one. They concocted a story, telling the Gyptians that Mignon had powers of prophesy. They sold her for forty rubellas and absconded with her over the mountains, where they made their temporary camp, Unfortunately they quickly found out she had no gift of prophesy and made her a slave to all. Yet as the months went by and her grace touched their lives, they began to adore her. The lack of the fortune telling gift grew dim in the light of all the grace she showed and bestowed on others. Her grace was contagious and their lives began to change. They were more peaceable and joyful people. They ultimately made her queen consort, second only to the old Gyptian King Tutt. He would turn to her for an approving nod before any decrees or commands were issued. The small troupe flourished. Yet it was hard on Mignon to be far away from her home. But her delivery was not far far away.

Meanwhile Prince MagnaCocur had decided on a plan to find his royal bride. He would leave the palace and begin his quest as a poor shepherd boy. He wanted to find a maiden whose heart was pure and who would love him "ass is , opps! I mean "as is" without the knowledge of his princely title, prestige, or influence, He left the tailors busy on their royal regiments commission and headed out of town. The first few months were quite and eye opener. The shabby treatment he received in surrounding villages and neighboring kingdoms left him feeling the color of his blood, aristocratically blue.

One evening as the sun was setting, he came upon a rock well. Seated on the ledge was Queen Consort Mignon. She often enjoyed an evening stroll of solitude and meditation. She was laughing at two playful bunnies, when Prince MagnaCoeur approached and asked for a drink of water and some lodging accommodations. At the sound of her voice something lovely struck a chord in his heart and he sensed this might be the one! They spoke for what seemed a few minutes, but when the Midnight Ferret appeared, they realized hours had whizzed by. Both slightly embarrassed by the blush of first love, they hurried back to camp. As she lead him in to the troupe, he was surprised to learn of her elevated position and the lowly way she achieved it. He was impressed with this lovely vision. She was lo-o-o-o-k-k-ing good!

After spending a few weeks with her and her people he approached her with a plan of escape so she could return home to El Bib, still unaware that it was her Future King and husband, who would save her. On the first full moon they stole into the forest and began their journey home. She had grown to love the troupe, but it was time to move towards the day of her nuptials, (yet to be completed)