April 19: Spring Month

The princess Arne looked nice, but wasn’t stunningly beautiful. She had all she needed, but her father wasn’t excessively rich. She was smart, but had nobody to talk to. So, when her unassuming island was sieged by the troops of king Minos, renowned ruler of Crete, as dashing as he was wealthy, the temptation proved irresistible. She asked for a private audience, and almost fainted by the sight of the golden tableware, amethyst cups and amber coasters. When he gifted her a brooch in aquamarine, and a jasper ring, and promised even more sparkle later, she gave up all the defense details, and he effortlessly took the island. The old king died of shame, but Arne didn’t wheep. She reached out for a necklace and a pair of earrings, but suddenly was unable to move her fingers. Panicking, she flapped her arms, and felt like she was lifted up. And out of the window she flew… as a magpie, croaking with disappointment. But still, and forevermore, on the lookout for little shiny things.

Ladies in blue, Fresco, Knossos Palace, Crete, Greece

Panagyrushte Treasure, National Museum of History, Sophia, Bulgaria