chapter 1 | intro

Once upon a time, there was a prince named Devin. He was a courageous young soul; he just didn’t know it yet. He lived in a castle with his mother, the former queen, all his siblings, one of which was his oldest brother who ruled the kingdom with his queen by his side, and the scullions. Devin’s older brother was ill and soon he would die. He has to pass on the reign to the next brother, but each brother needed to have a wife for a man could not take over the kingdom without his queen. Their mother had decided that years ago when her king left, unannounced… So the king had to look at all his brothers and choose the right one for the position. He knew that they were young and dumb, always partying. He thought to himself, this is going to be the hardest thing I ever do. They suddenly thought of a master plan and triumphantly thought aloud, “this should be fun…”

chapter 2 | the announcement

The next morning King Derrence requested everyone to come to the breakfast table immediately. The 2nd oldest (Dichael), the third oldest(Desley) & Devin, (the youngest heir) all came in with their eyes half-closed, yawning loudly at the morning sun shining thru the huge royal window. The King ordered a scullion to lead them to their assigned seats and wait patiently as the boys took their seats groaning. He suddenly cleared his throat with a loud *aHEM* that startled the 3 heirs. The boys opened their eyes and looked at the feast that lay before them. They were no longer half asleep as they stared wide-eyed at all the food that they would soon eat, mouths watering at the thought. The king spoke alas, “Eat up! For I have an announcement to make once you boys are fully awakened.” The scullions set the young men’s plates and served them all the food they wanted. An hour later they finished their meal. The King was notified and he made his way back into the dining room only to find the boys knocked out with their trousers undone! The king sighed heavily and put his hand to his face. He counted to ten and then yelled “WAKE UP YOU LAZY BABOONS!” The boys all fell off their seats then quickly stood up and said “Yes, your honor”, in unison. The King told them they needed to snap out the “itis” at once for this was serious business. He demanded that they go for a jogged, 20 laps around the tremendous castle… What was that for? They came back in that evening exhausted dehydrated and hungry! The King shook his head and thought to himself, how will I motivate these guys enough to steal their attention? The King decided he would wait until tomorrow… 

The morning came and the king had scullions put a rooster in each of the Boy’s bedrooms while they slept so the boys were up at the crack of dawn. The assigned scullions took each of the princes’ to the King who sat on his throne ready. There were three other thrones for the boys to sit in. The boys came in dressed and awake with coffee mugs in hand. Dichael was annoyed and said, “what’s this about, you’ve requested us too much lately, we’re all busy people!” The King sat quietly and ignored Dichael. Desley said “can this be quick? I got stuff to do today…” Once again the King disregarded his remarks as well. Devin respectfully took his seat. The King began by saying I don’t know how to break it down to you guys but, I’m dying. Dichael rolled his eyes and said. “Yeah, yeah, whatever we all know we’re killing you…” Desley and Devin just said, “what do you mean you’re dying?!” The King replied “the doctor said I only have about 40 days left, I need to fin–” Dichael interrupted “Hold up! You’re serious like you’re dying?! Why?! What’s wrong with you?!” The King told him to hush and calm down then continued, “I’m having heart failure and there’s nothing the doctor can do about it, therefore I must quickly choose the next heir in line to be king.” Dichael said, “I’m next of course, I’m the second oldest, there’s nothing to be discussed, plus I’ve completed all tasks.” King Derrence then told him, “You would be correct if we were going about it that way but… We’re not. Mother said to be King you must have a queen, Dichael please correct me if I’m wrong, do you have a queen?” Dichael scowled then smiled mischievously at the King and said, “I got more than one.” The King smiled a sly smile and said, “Looks like I’m not the only one making a tough decision at the moment…” Desley then said, “I have a queen, so now what?” “It means you are in the lead, but you have some tasks at hand and must complete them first.” The King then glanced over at Devin who hasn’t spoken a word. “Devin, brother, do you have a queen?” Devin sadly said, “No.” “Have you completed your tasks?” “No.” Then Devin quickly took the hope out of his mind that he would have a chance, but the king saw this in his face and said “Then you have 30 days to find your queen AND complete your “tasks” you all have 30 days to finish your quests.” Dichael, Desley, and Devin exchange glances, they realize they were now competing against each other. King Derrence finally said, “you’re all dismissed now, be gone!.” The boys left.

chapter 3 | The set up

That evening the boys met up in one of the many rooms of the tremendous castle to discuss what they had to do to become king. Dichael said, “I have the easiest thing to do so let’s face it, say hello to your new king, high almighty, courageous young soul ruler–” Desley interrupted, “what are you talking about, you have to choose one out of all the 50 women you’re dating, ha-ha good luck with that! All I have to do is complete my task of becoming a man and I’ll be king!” “Sure okay, that’s going to take you forever! Ha-ha!” “ Look who’s talking, not only do you need to choose a queen but it better be a good one because the minute you two break up you can’t just go down your list, you’re done, fired!” “Whatever DESLEY!” “Yeah exactly have fun DICHAEL! Ha-ha! Anyways Devin what do you have to do?” “Um, well I have to find a queen and do my tasks…” “WHAT?!” Dichael and Desley said at the same time. Then Dichael said “ha-ha wow, okay and I thought I had it bad, you have to not only find your soul mate but become a man?! Buahaha, Desley I guess you’re my only competition!” Desley looked at Devin and apathetically said “Devin, you know you can always be king after one of us… Don’t strain yourself too much, I’m serious but um good luck.” Devin is a pacific fellow but this blew his mind and impulsively he said, “I’m tired of being last! I will be king! You’ll see! YOU’LL ALL SEE!” And he stormed out the room… Dichael and Desley looked at each other and chuckled and shook their heads, then turned to one another and said in unison, “Let the best man with a queen win!” And off to their quests, they went…

chapter 4 | dichael’s quest

Dichael spent 4 days organizing a Miss North Augusta pageant. He had enough women in his life to last him 50 lifetimes. 50 women in his life and he had to choose one… Dichael found this impossible; he loves women… a lot. All of them he loved, all for different reasons, but he will have to pick one if he wanted to become king. After 5 days he had narrowed the 50 women down to 36. Thought to himself, this is taking too long there’s got to be an easier way to go about this. 3 days later he scrapped the whole Miss North Augusta pageant project and decided to do a bachelors themed thing. In 6 days, he went on dates with the 36 women and finally narrowed it down to 10 women. He had 12 more days to fulfill his quest and only 10 women to go! He felt proud but still anxious and said “I’ll celebrate when I’m the King!” He went back to work… He took the 10 women on second dates and 2 days later he narrowed it all down to 6 women. He took them on the third date, next day had 3 women. 9 more days to go… He said, “oh lord these 3 women are each perfect for me in their way!” How will I ever choose one?! He spent a whole day with each of them separately… He now has 6 more days but he has it narrowed to 2 women. Now he knows he can’t do this on his own… He needed professional help. He gathered the two women in the room and said… “It’s time to meet my mother!” The two women looked at each other and cringed at the thought. Dichael said, “don’t worry, you each want to be my queen right?” The women nod. Dichael said, “all right then.” First Dichael took Meredith with him to spend time with his mom for two days then he got Jewels for another two. He had two days to choose his queen. He then sat down with his mother and asked her, “which one?” His mother contemplated between the two women for like 6 hours then she finally said… “None.” Dichael said, “thank you mother I kne– WHAT?! None?! These are the only two women to choose from and you choose none?! How am I supposed to be king?!” His mother then replied, “these women don’t love you they just want power, fame and fortune.”, “I should’ve never asked for your help! I’m just going to pick one myself! I must be king!!!” Then he stormed out and made his decision.

chapter 5 | desley’s quest

The next morning after the setup Desley set out to become a man. He didn’t know how to go about it or where to start they all have been working on these tasks since they were little and Dichael had the most time to finish. He and Devin had only 30 days to complete them, that’s record time! He started on a random task and try to complete it in a day; then thought of an easier strategy. He thought that if he did the easiest ones first that he would have more time for the hard ones. He already took care of reading and writing. That leaves 27 more. He decided to take on cooking and cleaning, finished in two days. He then took the courage and proposed to his girlfriend Annabelle. Proceeded to spend 2 weeks with her in this pre-honeymoon phase. He took care of love and romance but they had wasted so much time and only had 12 days! He still had 19 more tasks to complete! He almost freaked out and gave up but decided to ask Annabelle to help him. She agreed, this took care of humility, 18 more tasks to go. Annabelle took care of painting, sculpting, archery, music, and fencing. She did these in 6 days leaving Desley with the last 12. He was very appreciative of her and took care of that task, also while she was working on those things he worked on horse riding, fighting, and networking. So he still had 6 more days and 8 more tasks. The next day he polished his armor and did sword fighting, after that he saved someone who was in danger and gained good karma from it! All in all, he had 4 more days and he involuntarily completed the tasks ambition hard work, and dedication he was now done… or was he?

chapter 6 | elizabeth

Devin had stormed out of the room after his brothers belittled him for the last time. Right then and there was the most alluring woman he had ever seen… Gazing at him from the other corridor in which she was cleaning, yes, she was a scullion. Devin, who seemed indifferent to that, gazed back at her amazed at her beauty. They just stared at each other till Elizabeth’s mother looked up from cleaning because she had asked her a question and no response. Elizabeth was in some sort of trance. She stopped what she was doing and looked at who she was looking at. She gasped and shut the door immediately! Then she screamed in a low whisper ” What do you think you’re doing?!” Elizabeth looked at her all frazzled and said “Mother, what do you speak of?” “That’s Prince Devin! Don’t go filling up your head with romantic thoughts now; you have no chance with him!” Elizabeth then replied, “But mother, I felt a connection like no other. It was like love at first sight and I know he felt it too.” Her mother annoyingly rolled her eyes and shook her head at her daughter, realizing how naïve she was. Then she said “promise me you won’t go after him” “but mother!” “PROMISE ME YOU WON’T GO AFTER HIM!” “… I promise…” 

 Later that day while Elizabeth was cleaning one of the corridors she was alone this time, she saw a painting on the wall, and in that painting was the man of her dreams, Prince Devin. She was cleaning his chambers! She then started to kind of snoop around the bedroom trying to figure out what kind of man he was. She suddenly stumbled upon a list. It was a list of tasks. There were check marks next to the ones Devin had completed. She was intrigued and wanted to know why he was doing these tasks. Then came in Devin and stopped in his tracks when he saw her. His jaw dropped, palms were sweating. He was about to meet the woman of his dreams. Elizabeth then turned around and gasped. She said “oh! I am sorry your majesty, I’ll be on my way now…” She tried to rush past him but he stopped her, “wait. Who are you? I must know.” “Elizabeth.” “I am–” “I know who you are, Prince Devin.” “But how, I’ve never heard of you, how long have you been staying here?” She disregarded what he asked remembering what her mom told her, then spoke, “I must go now Prince Devin, excuse me.” Devin silently watched her leave. 

chapter 7 | Devin’s quest

Devin was startled when some lady slammed the door while he was looking at the woman of his dreams. He almost knocked on the door but then remembered he had to go get organized to complete his tasks. He went to his corridor and wrote down what he had to do and after that, he started it at once a week later he had completed 10 so he had 20 more and 3 weeks. He decided he was kind of ahead of himself and started asking around for this mystery girl by describing her beauty to everyone he came in contact with, no luck. He was confused because how did she disappear so quickly, well he couldn’t waste more time looking for her so he decided to get back to his tasks. He was about to enter his room when he saw her. She was looking at his list of tasks; he thought to himself that he should’ve done more. Suddenly the floor creaked and she jumped. She randomly apologized and tried to leave. Luckily he was at the door and he stopped her. He asked for her name. Finally a name to this angelic creature “Elizabeth.” Devin was about to introduce himself formally but she interrupted him, she already knew who he was. He was flattered that she had been thinking about him as well. He then asked where she came from. But she cringed and rushed out! He wanted to chase after her but he didn’t want to scare her away so he let her go for now. He continued his quest but he was distracted and didn’t get much done. He completed 2 tasks and had 18 more to go and 19 more days. 

The next day he had a whole day planned out with Elizabeth. However, he had no luck finding her but found someone who looked like an older version of her. Before he could ask her any more questions she darted off. He knew he should’ve chased her but that wasn’t the woman he wanted, even though she could have led him to her. He decided to let fate take care of things.

Trying not to get behind he continued to get his tasks done. A week later he had not heard from or seen Elizabeth but he had gotten 10 tasks done and only 8 more to go and had 11 more days to complete the rest. He decided he won’t be king without a queen so he must find her soon! He decided to look for the woman who looked like her and finally found her in the kitchen. He asked for some coffee because he had gotten frantic from searching for hours. After he got settled he told everyone to leave at once and went up to her and asked her why she looked like Elizabeth and Elizabeth’s mother then knew prince Devin wasn’t going to quit, she finally told him that that was her daughter, but she was not of royalty so he could forget all about her. Prince Devin made a face because even though he was of royalty and Elizabeth wasn’t, that didn’t mean they couldn’t be together. He then said, “ok, so?” Her mother looked at him stunned. She then said, “What people will say?” Devin said, “I could care less about what other people think, all I care about is of making Elizabeth, my queen. Elizabeth’s mother then confessed she had sent her away. Devin was outraged! He said, “How could you do this to me, I am Prince Devin how could you deprive me of the woman I love?!” She then said, “That is MY daughter and I must protect her from all harm!” Devin said, “I am sorry but you must know I would never hurt her, she is my future, my life.” Her mom then said, “I will bring her back in two weeks.” “That’s too long, I don’t have time, and you can’t bring her any sooner?” She said, “no, because Elizabeth was busy doing something.” “What is she doing?” “She is working at a bakery at the marketplace. It’s too far but if I go walking now we will be back in two weeks.” “But I have horses and I can have someone escort her back in half the time.” “I don’t want you to go through any trouble.” “You don’t understand I need her here in 7 days, not 14.” “Why?” “It’s part of my quest to become king, but I can’t disclose any more information with you. Please let me get her.” She reluctantly let go and said, “Ok”.

 That same day Devin sent out the fastest horse riders in the kingdom to retrieve his love. In the meantime, he worked hard to complete his tasks…

chapter 8 | The DECISION

King Derrence announced that all quests should be completed and that Dichale, Desley, and Devin should come to the places they have been told immediately. Word got out quickly and the boys were all there by noon. King Derrence entered the room and everyone stood from where they were sitting, he then said everyone please have a seat. There was Dichale with Meredith and Jewels, Desley with Annabelle, and Devin with Elizabeth and Elizabeth’s mother. King Derrence then walked towards Dichale and asked why he had two women by his side. Dichale said his mother didn’t help him pick so he would be the first king with two queens. Derrence glared at him and said he had no time for his games and asked guards to escort him out with his mistresses. Dichale didn’t leave without a fight, he was kicking and screaming. King Derrence announced that that was an example of what the king should never do. He then walked over to Desley and nodded in approval to him. Desley returned the nod out of respect. He then said tell me what have you learned from your quest. Desley looked confused, he said he learned a lot of things from the tasks he did. The King replied with I’ll give you a moment to think about it and he walked over to Devin. “Devin, who is your queen, or are you following in Dichale’s steps.” Devin replied quickly, “This is my queen, and signaled Elizabeth. This is her lovely mother.” The king nodded with approval. Then he asked him what he learned from his quest. Devin poured his heart out. 

“I learned that status is not important in matters of love. Love brings up many obstacles but if you’re both willing, you can take on the world. I would do anything for this woman standing next to me. I will honor, cherish and celebrate her essence. Life is not about the power and the riches, it’s not about the position you hold, the only thing that matters, in the end, is your happiness and contentment with what you have accomplished and living life with no regrets. With that being said, I think I will wait my turn in the reign because I still have so much to learn and I don’t want this responsibility to make me regret anything. I am going to just grow more and enjoy my life with my love.” 

The King and everyone else looked at Devin in astonishment.

Devin took Elizabeth’s arm and Elizabeth took her mother’s arm and they escorted each other out. 

The King then asked Desley again, what he has learned. Desley replied, “I won’t stand here and tell you I have learned the meaning of life or love like Devin did but I can stand here and tell you I am ready to take on this responsibility of being a king and I have Annabelle by my side and together we will rule this kingdom with your same morals and values.” 

The King then said, “Okay then that’s settled. Let’s celebrate.”

chapter 9 | Kings death bed

King Derrence lived a little bit longer than what was predicted, the day after his death Desley and Annabelle were crowned king and queen of the kingdom. 

On his death bed, he gave everyone a separate blessing. He said a prayer among everyone and those were his last words.

chapter 10 | life after the king dies

Dichale | He finally settled down with a woman named Kristen and became more serious and helped Desley run the kingdom. He started gaining back the respect he had lost long ago from everyone and soon he was at peace with himself.

Desley | He has been doing a marvelous job running the kingdom with Annabelle by his side, she has been his rock through it all and he seeks advice from his brothers constantly. He is thankful that all of this brought them together and didn’t tear them apart.

Devin | Elizabeth, and Devin moved out of the castle and into a small cottage. They are still part of the kingdom but they wanted to be in a more intimate atmosphere for themselves and the future family they create. Elizabeth was pronounced a princess and her mother was very proud of her. Her mother no longer needed to lift a finger. Everyone at the end lived happily ever after.

the end