‘The prince and the princess, each heroic and strong, equals in the grand love they win. The tale ends in mutual admiration.’ ‘That tastes a tad sour.’ ‘That taste is of self-congratulation,’ she said. ‘Those tales are all about narcissism. The sleight of hand lies in the hero’s mirror image – a princess for a prince, a prince for a princess – but in truth it’s all one. It’s nobility’s love for itself. Heroes win the most beautiful lovers, it’s the reward for their bravery and virtue.’
