“From Riches to Rags”

Author’s Note: This is a Take Ten to Write story and has not been proofread for errors. If I feel inspired or if there’s interest in the story, I’ll post a revised, edited, and extended version at a later date. Happy reading!

Prompt: “To live happily is an inward power of the soul.” – Marcus Aurelius

I used to believe that it was impossible to be happy. Little did I know that I was going about it all wrong. It just took a complete tumble from fame and wealth to figure that out.

Let me explain. I used to rule my own realm. I had inherited it after my mother fell while fighting the brushgons. Being only thirteen at the time, of course I had no idea what I was doing.

After my mother’s death, I found comfort in my riches. I was literally the highest social order; the world bowed at my feet. I bought everything I saw, until eventually I ran out of space to put all my belongings. My castle became a junkyard. The happiness I thought I bought faded along with my things.

I neglected my people, my kingdom. Slowly, everything rotted and everyone left. My kingdom was quickly taken from me and I was kindly cast out.

Now, a full year later, I can firmly say that I have learned how to be happy again. And no, it’s not from buying stuff. No, it’s from helping others.

But that’s a story for another time.

Final Comments: This prompt was really hard to write about…

Overall Rating: 😪