What could a humble peasant offer a lofty, but dour, crown prince? Many years ago, in a kingdom far away, there lived a young prince. This prince was very handsome, and everybody in the kingdom loved him. The prince, being a good man, responded in kind and treated everybody fairly. But, much to his father’s confusion and his mother’s disappointment, there was one thing the prince would never do -- smile. Finally, unable to tolerate his son’s dour expression any longer, the king sent out a decree. He dispatched messengers to every corner of his country, and runners to all the neighboring kingdoms. The first person to make his hard-faced child smile would earn the right to marry him. Unfortunately for the king, things did not go as planned.

The Prince Who Never Smiled

Dexter understood that. Even if it seemed like Leo didn’t want to.  6


Prince Leopold and his humble servant spent the following weeks together, sequestered in a world that only existed for the two of them. Prince Leopold neglected to hunt—a fact which pleased the animals of the forest a great deal—and they barely acknowledged the servants of the house. This did not endear Dexter to Jax, but the man served at the pleasure of his prince, and so even his grumblings were subdued.


But they couldn’t remain hidden forever. As promised, Prince Leopold returned to the court exactly four weeks after he left, this time with Dexter and his loyal dog, Thor, in tow. They were all greeted with much rejoicing, as befitted the return of the crown prince. But when they reached the castle, Dexter did his best to linger out of sight. Uncomfortable and awkward in his peasant’s clothes, he was too shy to approach the throne.


Even when Prince Leopold announced him.


Chapter 22