Not Quite Romeo and Juliet

Alexander the knight was at his post one cool summer evening, daydreaming about the girl on the other side of town. He fantasized about curling up in her lap and caressing her soft blonde tresses.

However, there was a problem - she was under the jurisdiction of another ruler. Also, she had previous children under said ruler.

There were two separate rulers in this land, and they had no tolerance for each other. Being caught on the opposing ruler's turf could be punishable by death.

However, there existed a small town square where subjects could meet with those under another jurisdiction. Alexander approached the square one evening after dinner. The sky faded from a soft lavender to the rich oranges and reds of a midsummer sunset, and all around were midgets singing, laughing, and playing with one another. Alexander could see his love far on the other side of the square, where she was attended by several of her relatives.

Alexander went to a midget and held out a small bag of coins. "Take me to your mother and I will give you ten schillings."

"Never!" cried the midget, who stomped on Alexander's toe and ran off.

All Alexander could do was wait awhile until the square cleared and he could get to his love directly. After everyone else had gone to bed, Alexander stole through the night and presented himself to his lady love. "Good evening, m'lady," he said respectfully.

"What do you want?" She crossly looked down on him from her lofty position.

"I only want your love," cooed Alexander.

"You fool! Can't you see I'm married to the King already?" She swept across the board and flung Alexander into the box with all the other chess pieces.

"Don't be sorry, old chap," said the other knight to Alexander. "Tomorrow is another game."