A beautiful prince is born in Nomansland, bringing joy to his parents, the King and Queen, and the kingdom. However, the Queen, named Dolorez, remains bedridden and detached from the celebrations. During the grand christening, a mysterious old woman in grey appears, claiming to be the prince's godmother. She kisses the prince and names him Dolor, in memory of his mother. This act shocks the court, as it breaches royal etiquette regarding the Queen's name. Suddenly, the palace bell tolls, signaling the Queen's death, which occurs quietly as she gazes out the window. The festivities turn to mourning, and the prince is left without his mother. The old woman vanishes, leaving the court bewildered. The story explores themes of loss, the passage of time, and the impact of a mother's love, as the prince's life is forever altered by the events of that day. The narrative intertwines elements of fairy tale and tragedy, highlighting the contrast between royal splendor and personal sorrow. The prince, now named Dolor, must navigate a world without his mother's affection, setting the stage for his future adventures and challenges.
By Dinah Mulock · First published 1885 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 10 chapters