The Ruby Necklace
Once upon a time, there ruled a genius king and brilliant queen, their vast kingdom growing steadily, its interior becoming enriched and efficient, and everyone and everything would tell tales of the wonders of their realm. They held galas, and gorgeous this one was, as every significant person deemed necessary to show up in their most exceptional attire, if they had the fortune of getting an invite.
After the ball, the queen was in her chambers resting, the red curtains drawn closed, the room decorated in style and sufficient splendor for an empress. In the candlelight, the gentle servants listened to the queen's whimsical talks about the king and matters of state. A timid knocking sound disrupted the party, and a hand signal from the queen allowed entrance to the recognized producer of the sound, the princess.
The princess, a beautiful being and brighter than the king and queen, was in tears because of a jealous spell. A sting was in her heart because the ball that day featured a princess not quite unlike herself, clever and lovely, wearing a golden necklace decorated with perfectly cut emeralds, complementing and attracting attention to her sparkling green eyes. Being overshadowed at a significant event was a credible reason for her feelings, but what really irked the noble young girl was not disclosed in this place. An unfortunate prince obsessed over the rival instead of our wondrous girl, breaking her precious heart.
The king was furious that anybody would anger, and even displace, his precious girl, and he had an order made to the best jeweler known in the world, one in the far corners of the Earth, to create a golden necklace set with rubies to go with the princess' auburn hair. He also ordered fifty dresses to be made for her so that no girl would ever deem herself more beautiful than his own crown jewel.
The jeweler was delighted to have such a demand and worked on the necklace and the gemstones flawlessly, alongside his apprentices, creating something that even he didn't know they could, a necklace so perfect, and rubies so tastefully cut and set, that it brought tears to the eyes of anybody who would see them. After he had placed it upon the princess' neck, he cried tears of happiness, and he was admitted to the court of the king and queen, as their own jeweler, having the most precious stones to work with and no expenses spared toward his artisanship.
For quite a period, the princess who never took of her necklace became the most attractive woman in the world, and she attracted many suitors. She didn't forget about the tactless prince and refused many worthy men until he came to her with his proposal. In her heart, she was still desirous and wanted more than anything to have him. They lived, indeed, mostly happily ever after, but as years would pass, she found herself silly for behaving like this, and realized that pining for him and craving to be desired by him were just young girl's follies.
She wore the necklace forever still, even as queen, and it reminded her to not give her children, or subjects, everything they want, since they might be wanting wisdom instead.