1 The picky prince
Once upon a time there was a prince who wanted to marry a princess. But he didn’t want just any old princess. He wanted a real one. Not one of the local princesses would do. “What’s the matter with them, Patrick?” cried his father, the king. “I’m running out of princesses to show you.” “I can’t be sure they’re real,” sighed Prince Patrick. “I’ll have to find one for myself.” “You must do whatever you want, darling,” said the queen, who spoiled him rotten. The next day Prince Patrick set out to travel the world, in search of a real princess. He took with him twelve suitcases, ten pairs of shoes, a spare crown and his cousin, Fred. “Goodbye, my love,” cried the queen, wiping away a tear with her silk handkerchief. They hadn’t gone far when they heard a loud sneeze from under the seat. “Who’s there?” shouted the prince. A small figure crept out. “Aren’t you the palace maid?” said Prince Patrick. Peg nodded. “Well, what are you doing here?” the prince asked. “I want to see the world,” said peg. “I’ve been at the palace all my life-ever since I was left on the doorstep as a baby.” She blushed. “And Cook’s furious because I burned the pudding,” she added. “Well you can’t come with us,” said Fred. “This is a boys-only adventure.” “We’re not turning back now,” said Prince Patrick. “She’ll have to join us. Peg grinned at Fred. “OK,” Prince Patrick went on. “First stop, the wicked witch’s hut” Fred looked alarmed. “You are joking?” Prince Patrick shook his head. “The witch will know how to find a real princess. She’s my best hope…”