The Fairy Tale Parables

But being very vain, she was also very afraid of the return of the king and his son. So, having heard that she was to be the beloved bride of the king’s son, Adikema heaped exceptional abuse upon Rose Red, hoping to twist her with bitterness and crush her with despair. Little imps were sent to torment her, bringing with them their bags of temptations and fiery whips with which they could inflict pain and grief. The names of the imps were Impurity, Idolatry, Hatred, Selfish Ambition, Jealousy, Rage, Discord, Persecution, Hardship, Trouble, Waiting, Sorrow, Trials, and Sacrifice. They seemed to delight in causing anguish and hopelessness. The temptation that they brought with them to totally despair, along with the guilt and shame that she already carried, were so utterly crushing that Rose Red did not believe that she could go on.