Felicia

Once upon a time in Napoli, there was a King who wanted nothing more than to have lots of children. He looked forward to the day his wife would bring a beautiful baby into this world. As soon as the King was married he insisted that his wife was to start having kids. Soon after their marriage, his wife gave him a beautiful girl named Felicia, meaning fortunate woman. He loved her dearly. Unfortunately, his wife was unable to have any more children after Felicia, so she grew up an only child. The King loved her very much, and would do anything to make her happy.

When she was grown, the king insisted that she marry, for he was anxious for grandchildren. "Felicia, my dear, I have loved you well and I cannot wait to love your children. You have grown to be a strong, beautiful woman. Don't you think it is time to marry? I will make sure you have the finest options! What kind of man do you want? A fit and tall man? A smart and cunning fella? Or perhaps a gentle and artsy one?"

Felicia was grateful that her father wanted her to marry so young, but Felicia was a free spirit, and was in no rush to get married and have kids. The thought of kids was not in any way appealing to her. The King, knowing that Felicia was not going to pursue a husband herself, went to look for a suitable man. He knew many men of business in Napoli, and asked all his friends to spread the word that the Princess was in need of a husband. Felicia, being a woman of natural beauty, was immediately sought after by many attractive men. Felicia received many gifts and praises, but paid no attention to them. One very handsome gentleman wrote her a song on the accordion and performed it for her along with a nice bouquet of roses. Felicia was flattered, but still had no interest in marrying.

Her father was frustrated and said to her, “Felicia, you are the luckiest girl in the whole kingdom. Every fine man out there would love to have your hand, yet you continue to shut them all down. What must a man do to get your attention?” Felicia pleaded with her father, telling him she had no desire to marry a man, regardless of how put together he was.

The King was determined to have his daughter married. He invited fifteen of the best looking and smartest men to the castle for dinner. Felicia found fault with every single one. The King, devastated said, “These are all just excuses. All of these men are excellent. There has to be a specific man out there of whom you are looking for!”

She replied, “Oh Father, I do appreciate you working so hard to find me a partner, but I will not settle for a man unless he has blonde hair with one brown eye and one blue eye.”

Felicia, thinking that this would be impossible to find, was content that she had stumped her father. Her father made a proclamation to the kingdom that if there was a man out there with these requirements that his daughter and the kingdom would be his.

Now, the king had a mortal enemy named Damiano. Damiano was the only man who in their younger years was more athletic than the King. Damiano was triumphant over the King in many activities, and Diamiano never let him forget it. When Damiano heard of the King's proclamation, he knew that this was the perfect opportunity to take everything from his nemesis. Damiano traveled far north to Milano where a cunning magician lived. He had this magician change his hair to a golden color, his right eye blue and his left eye brown. These changes made Damiano look young and attractive, much less like his old appearance. He traveled back to Napoli and went to the King. The King, pleased that he found a match, gave his daughter to him.

Felicia was surprised that her father had found such a man, but thought she would give him a shot. Damiano insisted that they immediately go on a honeymoon, and had her pack a bag. The King, thrilled that he found his daughter a husband, was not the least bit suspicious and gave the new couple a lofty sum of money for their trip. Damiano told the King that they were going to Sorrento for the week, but would be back soon. Damiano, being a sweet-talker, had both the King and Felicia fooled. They headed off down the Almafi Coast.