Narrator: Once upon a time, in a small kingdom called Taytozena, there lived a prosperous people. This kingdom was blessed with rich minerals, lush vegetation, and beautiful, hardworking subjects. King Abenator, ruler of Taytozena, was married to a graceful and wise woman named Queen Nancy. They had been married for many years and tried everything possible to bear a son. In Taytozena, it was believed that a king who failed to produce a male heir would not find peace in the afterlife. So the King, alongside his wife and family, sought answers far and wide. They journeyed through valleys, over mountains, across rocky terrain, and even braved the deadliest rivers in pursuit of a solution.
At last, their efforts were not in vain—Queen Nancy conceived. When they discovered the child would be a boy, their joy knew no bounds. Nine months later, the kingdom rejoiced at the birth of a royal baby boy.
As the royal family celebrated, something remarkable happened at the outskirts of the kingdom—a beautiful baby girl was born, named Maraline.
To announce the arrival of their son, the royal family hosted a grand ball. Among the invited guests were the witches of the land and the King's cunning brother, Kabul. Kabul, who had long harbored ambition to seize the throne, was enraged by the birth of his brother's heir. Knowing that his schemes would now face a major obstacle, he masked his fury with a smile and attended the royal ball. Deep down, Kabul's desire remained unchanged—to overthrow his brother and crown himself King of Taytozena. King Abenator was stunned to see his brother appear at the celebration.
King Abenator: What are you doing here? I thought you said you wouldn't be available when I delivered the message to you.
Kabul: What are you saying, brother? Miss an important occasion in your life? I canceled all my plans—so here I am. But something tells me you're not exactly happy to see me.
King Abenator: Don't overthink this, Kabul. I have a lot on my plate today.
(Just then, Richlife—the general of the guards—stepped in, interrupting the conversation.)
Kabul (angrily): Are you out of your mind? Who are you, and how dare you interrupt a royal conversation?
Richlife: I didn't mean to interrupt. Besides, I owe no explanation to a hungry wolf like you.
Kabul (pissed): I'll make you re—
King Abenator: Not here, Kabul. Making a scene here will make things worse. (Sighs) Wait, who sent you?
Richlife: It's the Queen, your Majesty.
King Abenator: Tell her I'm on my way. I'd appreciate it if we could let bygones be bygones.
Richlife: I'll try my best, your Majesty.
Kabul: Don't waste your time on this peasant. He should be put in his place.
King Abenator (angry): Let me be candid with you. You are in no position to speak harshly to my subjects. Their hard work is what brought me this far as king—and your filthy charade is not welcome here.
Kabul: From what you're saying, it sounds like you're trying to conspire against me. You know this could lead to an endless war.
King Abenator: If betraying you will bring peace to my kingdom, I'll gladly accept it.
Kabul: I will descend my wrath upon this Kingdom.
King Abenator: Guards!
Guards: Yes, your Majesty.
King Abenator: This man here is no more welcome in this Castle. He's a traitor. When he tries to outsmart us, bring me his head.
Kabul: This isn't over. I'll bring this kingdom to its knees.
(Kabul vanished into thin air. King Abenator hurried to Queen Nancy as quickly as possible.)
Queen Nancy: What took you so long?
King Abenator: I had an encounter with my brother.
Queen Nancy: Kabul was here? I thought...
King Abenator: He wouldn't be here? Well I thought the same thing. But he showed up eventually.
Queen Nancy: I'll say hi to him then.
King Abenator: That won't be necessary.
Queen Nancy: What are you saying? I will not take no for an answer.
King Abenator: I drove him out of the castle.
Queen Nancy: What? How could you do this to your own flesh and blood?
King Abenator: I had to do it because he threatened me.
Queen Nancy: Threatened you? I don't believe Kabul would do such a thing. I've known him for a very long time—he's always seemed like a saintly man.
King Abenator: Do you think I'm trying to frame my own brother? I'll make sure his evil plans never prevail.
Queen Nancy: His evil thoughts?
King Abenator: He's declared this kingdom his firepower. Our reputation is at stake.
Queen Nancy: What? How could he do this to us? We'll make him reveal his ungodly secrets to the kingdom. We must prepare for the battle that lies ahead.
King Abenator: Worry less—for we have an important occasion to attend. We must present ourselves well before our subjects. And we need to recruit more guards—our son's safety is on the line.
Queen Nancy: I'm sorry for the behavior I put on earlier. Now, let's head to the ball. We cannot afford to keep our subjects waiting.
(Though the air still trembled from Kabul's threats, the King knew he could not let fear taint this joyous day.)
(The Royal Majesties made their way to the ball. As soon as the subjects saw them, they sang, rejoiced, and praised God for blessing them with such kind rulers. Both King Abenator and Queen Nancy were deeply delighted.)
King Abenator: I, the King of Taytozena, humbly and graciously welcome you all to this grand ball. The purpose of this gathering is to announce to all the people of Taytozena that our quest to find an heir to the throne has finally paid off.
(Suddenly, Kabul appeared out of nowhere, just as Queen Nancy was about to deliver her message. The crowd began to whisper anxiously, as though a monstrous creature had stepped into their midst.)