A king and queen have a deformed son, Furibon, whom the queen adores despite his flaws. The king appoints a handsome and talented prince, Leander, as Furibon's governor. Jealous of Leander's charm, Furibon plots against him, leading to a series of confrontations. During a hunting trip, Leander saves Furibon from a lion, but Furibon's hatred grows. Leander, seeking to escape Furibon's malice, encounters a snake that turns out to be a fairy named Gentilla. She grants him the ability to become invisible and provides him with magical roses that offer wealth, health, and insight into loyalty. Leander uses his powers to help those in distress, thwarting a forced marriage and rescuing a young girl from ruffians. He eventually finds himself in the Island of Calm Delights, where he falls in love with a princess who has sworn off men. Disguised as a statue, he captures her attention, leading to a series of misunderstandings and romantic tension. Furibon, now a king, attempts to invade the island, but Leander defeats him with the help of Gentilla, who ultimately blesses their union. The story concludes with Leander and the princess happily married, living in peace and prosperity, with Gentilla as their ally.
By Dinah Mulock · First published 1890 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance