Prince Valium (continued)

You turn left, to go up the tower.

The path looks long unused, as does the flight of stairs. Dust and cobwebs cover every step, but light streams in from the occasional window. The steps wind up and up and up the tower's shaft, and steadily, you follow them.

When you reach the top, you find yourself in a small, dimly lit room. In one corner stands an old piece of machinery. A spinning wheel, you would guess. You're not sure.

On the other side of the room lies a bed, and on top of it, sleeping, lies a beautiful maiden. You step closer to get a better look.

Could this be her? you wonder.

She's perfect, whoever she is--thick, rich hair framing a delicate face, with cheeks a light rose color as she sleeps. And her lips... Her lips are a deeper rose, full and soft, a temptation under any circumstance.

Whether or not she is the princess, you don't need to be asked twice to kiss her and break the spell. You lean close to place your lips on hers. Just a soft brushing of your mouth on hers, you think, but you're already getting warm with other thoughts. Just a taste.

And you feel her lips parting, her small intake of air as she gasps. You pull away, afraid you've startled her, and bright blue eyes, pupils dilated, open to meet yours.

"Again," she breathes.

You meet her request and kiss her again, this time with her kissing you back, finally awakened after so many years. A long moment later, when you raise your head to breathe deeply and calm your racing heart, you find her gazing at you adoringly, her eyes drinking in the sight of you and memorizing your eyes, nose, mouth... You blurt out without thinking the only words that come to mind.

"Will you marry me?"

Without hesitation, she answers, "Yes."

Apparently, like you, she says things without thinking first. Fortunately, however, the two of you get along well together and she is the princess Beauty, which helps you win your family's approval. So you get married...

...and live happily ever after.