Long ago, in a distant land, peace and harmony ruled over the world, which had become a bountiful place of abundance and wealth. The land was home to many kingdoms, each one as plentiful, luxurious and desirable as the next. Or so it seemed.

One cold afternoon, the youngest prince of a certain kingdom decided to go for a stroll in the castle gardens. The castle he lived in was big and impressive, a clear contrast to the buildings outside of its walls. The villages surrounding the kingdom's capital were poor and needy, yet the prince knew nothing about this.

As he passed a gate, he noticed a dirty, hooded beggar sitting on the steps outside. The prince went up to the beggar and called out “You there! Would you like to come inside for some food and warmth?” The beggar paused, then looked up at his smiling face and nodded. The prince opened the gate and let the beggar into the castle.

As they entered the castle hall, some people noticed the presence of the beggar. One noble called out “Why is there a beggar in the castle?” Another cried, “Throw him in the dungeon or toss him out!” The prince heard them, and shouted “No one is to insult this person in front of me! Bring him some food immediately!” The nobles only laughed at his outburst. One of them said, “Little prince, have you forgotten? You are not even of age! How can you still shout at us like that?” The prince retorted, saying, “The fault is yours, since you failed to notice this needy beggar in front of your own gates!”

At this, the nobles became angry, shouting, “Enough of this! Guards! Take that filthy beggar and throw him outside!” The prince grabbed the beggar’s arm and ran out into the courtyard.

Once they were hidden, the prince turned to the beggar, only to discover that under the dirty clothing was a young girl about his age. The prince opened his mouth to ask her a question, but the girl darted away before he could talk to her. “Wait!” The prince shouted as he began to pursue her.

The girl ran, deeper and deeper into the castle, and stopped when they had reached a chamber deep at the heart of the fortress. The prince, tired from running, paused to catch his breath. He asked, “I mean you no harm. Why did you run from me? Why did you lead me here?” The girl said nothing, but she turned around, pulling a small knife from under her cloak. She then whistled a quick note.

A trapdoor on the floor and peasants climbed out, armed with torches and pitchforks. The prince stared at the girl’s weapon, before gathering enough courage to say, “Perhaps you are entitled to do this, as mistreated people in this kingdom. However...” The prince shook off all of his fear and drew his sword. “...I think you you should use this weapon instead. If my death can help satisfy your anger, then do it! Please leave the people in this castle alone. I don't want anyone else to be hurt.” He put his sword down and knelt on the ground. But the girl did not move.

The prince looked up and saw tears in her eyes. The other peasants looked uneasy as well. They were all moved by his selfless action. The two stared at each other for sometime before the girl asked, “Why? Why would you risk your life for a bunch of nobles you don’t even know? Why would you throw yourself so thoughtlessly at death? You are a prince, but we are just peasants. Don’t you think your life is more valuable than ours?”

The prince smiled and said, “As the younger prince, I have no power. My older brother is next in line for the throne, so I am nothing but a poor child with everything he could want. The least I can do is protect my father and brother, they won’t lament my death.”

The peasants looked at each other and lowered their weapons. Their leader shuffled forward and said, “We will not take your life, prince. We swear this upon our honour. But unless you are able to change the king’s mind, they will never be safe. You are brave and courageous, but do you have what it takes to oppose your father? Until next time, young prince.”

The prince watched the band of peasants slowly descend through the trapdoor to the sewers underneath. The last one to go was the girl. She lingered at the trapdoor for a moment, before saying: “Thank you. For saving me back there.” With that, she disappeared down, and the trapdoor closed. The prince vowed that the next time he met those peasants, they would be welcome in the castle, as he headed off to find his father.

Ever since that day, the prince sneaked out of his castle every few months, disguised as a peasant. He would walk among the common folk, live in their houses and share their work. He learned many valuable skills through these experiences. The villagers he visited always respected their mysterious guest and treated him with hospitality.