Mo settled at the edge of the book, beginning to read. "Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess. She had a line of suitors that yearned to see her face, but it was worth nothing because she didn't know how to love." August frowned slightly, tilting his head. "One day, a suitor finished a ballad he had composed for her and she looked down at him, her cold blue eyes unforgiving. 'Princess?' the suitor asked. 'Are you pleased?' 'No,' she responded. 'No, I am not. You look foolish.'"
"At this," Mo continued, flipping the page, "the suitor grew angry. 'Why do you do this?' he asked. 'Do you know nothing of love?' 'Love is a fable,' the princess replied quietly. 'There is affection, and nothing more. You are temporary.'"
"The suitor stood up suddenly, reaching out his hand. 'Now you shall know something of love,' he said, casting out his hand. Magic streamed from his hands and surrounded her. She felt herself transform, and as she screamed, she descended until she became a warthog."
"'What have you done?' the princess screamed, looking down at herself. 'I'm ugly. Ugly!' "Now, let's see who is temporary,' the suitor replied, sitting back. The princess ran first to her parents, the king and queen. 'Mama, Papa,' she cried plaintively. 'Help me, please!' The queen looked down at her. 'Dear Lord. A warthog in my throne room.' 'Fetch the butcher,' the king said idly, waving a hand."
"The princess fled from her parents, but ran into the butcher, having been summoned. Within minutes, he took her back to his kitchen and sliced open her belly."
