The sun had barely risen over the horizon, but Princess Lila was already awake and dressed in her finest attire. She walked along the opulent corridors of the grand kingdom, her golden hair shining like a halo around her head. She ignored the servants who bowed and curtsied as she passed by, her blue eyes fixed on her destination.

She reached the throne room, where her father, King Aric, was waiting for her. He looked pale and frail, his once-mighty frame reduced by a mysterious illness that had plagued him for months. He smiled weakly as he saw his daughter, but his eyes betrayed his sorrow.

"Good morning, my dear," he said in a hoarse voice. "You look beautiful, as always."

"Thank you, father," Lila said coldly, not returning his smile. "I'm here to receive the suitors you have arranged for me."

"Yes, of course," Aric said, gesturing to the door. "They are waiting outside. I hope you will find one of them worthy of your hand."

Lila nodded and walked towards the door, followed by two guards. She opened it and saw a line of young men standing in the courtyard, each holding a bouquet of flowers or a gift. They bowed as they saw her, their faces filled with admiration and hope.

Lila scanned them with a bored expression, dismissing them one by one in her mind. She saw no one who could match her beauty, her intelligence, or her status. She felt nothing but contempt for these pathetic princes who had come to woo her.

She walked down the line, barely glancing at the suitors. She took the flowers and gifts from their hands, but threw them away as soon as she turned her back. She heard some of them gasp or sigh, but she did not care. She reached the end of the line and turned to face her father.

"Is this all?" she asked, her voice dripping with disdain. "These are the best you could find for me?"

Aric looked at her with a pained expression. He knew his daughter was spoiled and arrogant, but he had hoped that she would at least show some respect for the guests he had invited. He felt a surge of anger and disappointment, but he suppressed it.

"Lila, please," he said softly. "These are the finest princes in the land. They have come from far and wide to seek your hand. They are brave, noble, and wealthy. Any of them would make a good husband for you."

Lila snorted. "I don't need a husband, father. I don't need anyone. I am the most beautiful, the most powerful, and the most perfect princess in the world. No one is worthy of me."

She turned to the suitors and addressed them in a loud voice.

"Listen, all of you. I have seen you and I have decided. None of you are fit to be my husband. You are all weak, foolish, and ugly. You have wasted your time and mine. Now, leave this kingdom at once and never return. Go back to your pathetic lands and forget about me. I am Princess Lila, and I am above you all."

She then turned and walked back to the throne room, leaving the suitors stunned and hurt. Some of them protested, some of them pleaded, and some of them cursed. But none of them dared to follow her.

Aric watched his daughter leave, his heart breaking. He felt a wave of shame and regret wash over him. He had failed as a father, as a king, and as a man. He had spoiled his daughter, indulged her whims, and let her grow into a monster. He had no one to blame but himself.

He looked at the suitors, who were still standing in the courtyard, unsure of what to do. He felt sorry for them, for they had done nothing wrong. They had come with good intentions, with hopes and dreams. They did not deserve to be treated so cruelly.

He cleared his throat and spoke to them in a weak but sincere voice.

"Please, forgive my daughter. She is young and foolish, and she does not know what she is doing. She does not speak for me, or for this kingdom. You are all welcome here, and I thank you for your kindness and generosity. Please, do not take her words to heart. She will learn, in time, the error of her ways."

He paused, then added, "And if any of you still wish to marry her, you have my blessing. But be warned, it will not be easy. You will need patience, courage, and love. And you will need a miracle."

He then bowed his head, feeling a surge of pain in his chest. He closed his eyes and prayed for his daughter, for his kingdom, and for himself.