[Motorboat Cruiser]

Once upon a time, there lived a very handsome Prince. He was well loved in the kingdom and his eventual marriage was widely anticipated. The Prince, however, didn’t feel that he deserved this universal love. For in his possession was a dark secret, one that was sure to destroy the kingdom, were it to ever be revealed. Hiding this information from the people he loved brought him great sadness.

The Prince went about his life, pretending to be happy, and quietly hoping that his deceit would never be discovered. Little did he know what the future would hold. While out walking in the forest one day, the prince was approached by a stranger. This man proceeded to offer his daughter’s hand in marriage to the Prince. Very politely, the Prince declined the offer, adding that he was flattered but not yet ready to choose someone.

Looking deeply into the eyes of the Prince, the old man lowered his voice and said “It would be in your best interest to accept my offer for I hold some information about you that would destroy you and this kingdom.”

Startled, the prince tried desperately to regain his composure and not let his alarm show.

He asked what secret the man spoke of.

“I saw you one night, doing something you shouldn’t have in the stables. Does this ring any bells?”

Mortified, the Prince knew instantly that this old man knew too much. He desperately tried to bargain.

“I will make sure that you are given a horse and two oxen if you will mention this to no one”.

The old man let out a sinister cackle and replied, “I have no use for these animals. I’ve already told you, I want you to marry my daughter and you will. Otherwise, everyone learns of what I saw. I expect you to propose by nightfall”. And with this, the old man walked away.

The Prince sat down and tried to steady his mind. He would have to marry this girl or the whole kingdom would know the truth.

Riding back to his castle, the Prince decided that he must seek the advice of his only confidante, his sister. He approached her and let her know what had transpired. She gently took his hand and said. “No, you will not marry her. You cannot live a lie for the rest of your life and be beholden to the power this old man holds over you”

“So then I tell everyone?” the Prince asked, clearly uneasy with the prospect.

“Yes, and they will all still love you and respect you. You may not believe this now but you have to trust me”

The Prince knew she was right. As long as the secret existed, someone else held power over him. And if he kept it revealed forever, he would never find the happiness he so desperately sought.

In the evening, the Princess told all of the townspeople to gather as the Prince had an announcement to make. Upon hearing this news, the old man danced gleefully, certain that once his daughter became a princess, he would be wealthy beyond his wildest dreams.

Everyone gathered in the courtyard and soon the Prince appeared.

“It is with great regret that I inform you that I have not been honest with you about who I am. I have always felt a need to keep a secret from you and for this, I apologize. And yet, I can never live my life to the fullest, never experience true love without being honest with myself and with all of you.

My secret is that I will never be able to marry a woman. It just isn’t who I am, nor is it someone I can ever be. My heart will someday belong to another man. And if you should choose to hate me from now on, I completely understand. Still, I felt I should finally tell the truth”.

Upon finishing his announcement, the Prince expected to be shunned or possibly even attacked by the crowd of people gathered and driven forcefully from the castle. Much to his surprise however, the entire crowd moved towards him, arms outstretched as they embraced him and commended him for his honesty and integrity.

Standing alone, far behind the crowd, the old man lowered his head in shame. For the truth had removed all the power he once held. He took his daughter and left, never to return again.

And as for the Prince, he learned a most valuable lesson. You can’t hide who you are for you are then forced to live a life of lies. Nothing but despair can come from that. And yet, if you give people a chance to love you for who you are, they often will surprise you. From this point forward, the Prince had a life he could truly enjoy and appreciate, without fear and without regret. He proceeded to live happily ever after.