It is said that long ago there lived an arrogant prince who did whatever he wished, wherever he wished. He cared for no one and respected no one.
The reason for his arrogance was that he was born in the palace to a king and queen who had suffered greatly before finally bringing him into the world. His birth was considered a true miracle, and so he was raised with immense attention and love. His wishes were never denied, which only strengthened the spirit of pride and arrogance within his heart.
The prince was called Edward II, named after his grandfather, King Edward I. His father was King William, and his mother was Queen Mary.
Edward loved hunting. He took pleasure in killing his prey and later enjoying its meat during royal feasts.
One day, the kingdom was preparing for a grand celebration to mark Prince Edward's coming of age. During the festivities, he was expected to choose a princess who would suit him and the kingdom. Edward did not believe in love at first sight or in love at all. All he wanted was to celebrate with his friends, go hunting, and amuse himself with young women purely for pleasure.
The palace had been preparing for the celebration since dawn, while the prince, as usual, was deep in the Black Forest enjoying the hunt. As he rode his horse through the trees, he suddenly caught sight of a powerful flash of movement. He could not determine what it was and ordered his horse to move forward, but the horse refused violently and threw him to the ground.
His friends rushed to help him and warned him not to go any further, insisting that they should return immediately.
The prince refused completely and advanced alone into the dark forest. His friends did not follow him, as they were afraid.
Edward walked forward step by step when suddenly he heard a woman's voice say,
"Do not take another step."
He turned around, trying to locate the source of the voice.
"Who are you?" he called. "Where are you? Do you need help?"
The voice burst into mocking laughter, as if ridiculing him.
"You? Help me? Hahaha…"
Edward grew angry and began running through the forest to discover who was mocking him. Soon he no longer knew where he was or how to escape the maze of trees. He called out to his friends, but there was no answer.
Meanwhile, his friends had begun searching for him in fear of the king if any harm came to the prince, they would lose their lives.
The voice spoke again:
"So, Your Highness Prince Edward… tonight is your night, is it not?"
Edward was startled and shouted, "How do you know my name? Who are you?"
He heard footsteps approaching. He raised his weapon and prepared to strike, only to see a filthy old woman approaching him ragged, foul-smelling, with blackened, broken teeth.
He looked at her with disgust and struck her with his weapon, knocking her to the ground. He began hurling insults at her.
"Who do you think you are, laughing at me? Who are you to mock a prince like me, you wretched old hag? Do you want me to kill you?!"
The old woman laughed hysterically. Edward could not understand her madness. She looked at him with eyes full of hatred and evil and told him that she would bring him a gift perfectly suited for him during his celebration that very night.
He laughed mockingly and replied, "And who would allow you to enter?"
As they spoke, he heard his friends calling his name. He turned and shouted, "I'm here!" then added, "I'll take you with me."
When he turned back, she was gone.
He searched for her in disbelief she had vanished completely.
His friends finally reached him.
"Where have you been? Do you know how long we've been searching for you? We are terribly late the king will punish us!"
But Edward did not listen. His eyes searched the forest, confused, wondering how she had disappeared so suddenly.
His friends led him back toward the palace. As he walked, he kept glancing behind him. There was nothing but trees and a black crow staring at him.
He could not comprehend what had happened.
One of his friends asked, "Is something wrong?"
Edward replied quietly,
"No… nothing at all."