Prologue

Once upon a time, there was a princess. She was smart and beautiful and kind, but there was always jealousy or conflict sparked by her perfection. And so the princess often had to suffer, until a handsome prince fell in love with her. The good prince rescued her and brought her to his castle, where they were married. And everyone, absolutely everyone, lived happily ever after.

The Prologue of an Epilogue.

I suppose that's ironic, but life can be ironic sometimes. Life can be downright cruel, in fact. So if your world is made of rainbows and butterflies, please close this book and leave it on a nearby shelf, and forget all about it. If this tale is to be consumed by a thick layer of dust and cobwebs, so be it.

Because I, as the cynical narrator, can promise you that this will not be a happy story. True love will not always prevail, and you may be left wondering whether or not true love actually exists. But I can also promise you that my words will not be drenched in angst and drama. For this story is, essentially, about one thing.

Reality.

So welcome to the real world, darling, and do remember to wipe your feet.