Happily Never After

There was a king who ruled a kingdom of impoverished people. His subjects were dying along with the income. Even the palace’s riches were steadily depleting. He was ready to succumb to the poverty of the people as he sat alone on his throne one night. He was miserable with his kingdom; the only ray of hope he had was his daughter, Amalthea. He stood up from his throne and walked toward the balcony. He wanted to end this poisoned dream that he could be a great king. He was once just a common boy, but a powerful sorcerer gave him the means to rule the broken kingdom. He had given up the selfish gift he had long ago, but now that would be the one thing to save his kingdom. He inhaled as he gripped the balcony rail. He was ridden with guilt thinking about leaving his queen and precious daughter to mourn his body. Another breath. “The stars are countless tonight, my dear,” A voice said. The king knew this voice. “I thought I warned you when I gave you your gift, Midas; all magic comes with a price. And here you are all because you tossed yours away.” “I don’t want to hear your lectures about magic, Rumple,” Midas said. “So killing yourself is the only option,” Rumplestiltskin asked? “The people are counting on me to end this: the poverty, the famine, but I can’t do it,” Midas said angrily! “You know, my dear, I could always give you back the golden touch,” Rumplestiltskin offered. “Not in a million years,” Midas refused. “Very well, watch your kingdom starve to death,” Rumplestiltskin said as he went to hop off the balcony. “Wait,” Midas shouted! “Yes, my dear,” Rumplestiltskin responded. “Have you changed your mind?” “Do it,” Midas commanded. “Oh, I was hoping you’d say that,” Rumplestiltskin laughed excitedly! With a wiggle of his scaly phalanges along with his ears and nose, Rumplestiltskin restored the golden touch he had given Midas all those years ago. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have another customer to get to.” Rumplestiltskin vanished in a cloud of emerald stars. That night, Midas fled his throne and went into the village, turning all the pebbles into gold. He didn’t sleep, as he was far too happy. His kingdom would soon be rich again. After his long night through the village, he retired to a bench in the palace gardens. He had sat up from his laying position on the bench, pushing himself up with his hands. He watched in shock as the stone seat under him turned golden. Just as he had feared: he cannot control what turns into gold. His gloves—where were his gloves? He panicked. His heart raced as he heard the sweet sound of Amalthea’s humming. She usually came to the gardens every morning. Midas quickly stood up, hoping to exit the gardens before Amalthea could see him. His plan was foiled as Amalthea quickly spotted him and approached him. “Please, don’t come any closer,” Midas pleaded. “What nonsense has your mind created now, Father,” Amalthea asked, ignoring her father’s pleas. She wrapped her arms around him in a hug. “I can make them go away.” He was relieved seeing Amalthea hug him and not be instantly turned into gold. Maybe he could control it. Maybe the bench was supposed to turn into gold. He cupped Amalthea’s cheek in his hand, but was met with a terrible sight. Just as he suspected, Amalthea turned into a golden statue of herself. “No,” Midas screamed! “No! Rumplestiltskin!” Thunder roared, and Rumplestiltskin appeared. "Now, Midas, didn’t I tell you all magic comes with a price,” Rumplestiltskin asked ominously? “Take this power away,” Midas begged. “Change her back!” “Oh, now I can’t do that,” Rumplestiltskin said. “Take your power, that I can do. Restore her life and physical form, I can’t. However, I’ll happily take her as payment.” “You do such a thing, and I will have the calvary hunt you down until your head is on an iron spike,” Midas threatened. “Very well,” Rumplestiltskin agreed. He took Midas’ power and again disappeared as quickly as he appeared. Now Midas and his queen mourned the loss of their daughter, keeping her golden statuette in the palace gardens surrounded by peonies.