The Prince and the Commoner: A Love Money Story

Over the years, I’ve written lots of stories to help kids learn about money. This time, I wanted to try something a bit different, an old-school love story with a money lesson hidden inside. My daughters really enjoyed it, and I hope you and your kids do too!

The Prince and the Commoner Story

Princess Caitlin was anxious. That night, her dying father, the King, would host a grand ball. He planned to introduce her to Prince Dian of Parksville, said to be the richest prince in all the kingdoms. He wore silk robes sewn with gold, lived in a palace with diamond floors, and threw feasts that lasted for days.

The King was determined to ensure that his daughter would be looked after before he passed away.

But Caitlin had no desire to marry the prince.

That morning, like every Saturday, she escaped the palace through a secret tunnel, dressed as a commoner. At the market, she was known simply as Beth. There she could laugh, wander freely, and visit her favourite book stall.

“Beth! Beth!” called a cheerful voice. It was Conor who helped merchants set up their stalls. He always had a new story or treasure to show her.

“I need your help,” Caitlin said, smiling. “I’m looking for a necklace for a party tonight.”

Conor took her hand and led her to a jeweller’s stall. The sunlight sparkled across silver chains and coloured gems. She tried one on and asked, “What do you think?”

Conor stared for a moment. “I think you’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever met.”

Caitlin blushed and paid for the necklace. Then the market band began to play, and Conor pulled her toward the music. They danced in the square, laughing and spinning among the villagers. For a moment, she forgot who she really was.

When the song ended, Conor said softly, “Beth, I like you. I want to see you more than just on Saturdays.”

Caitlin's heart raced. “I can’t. I wish I could tell you why.” And before he could speak again, she ran back toward the secret tunnel, the necklace slipping from her hands as she fled.

That night, the King’s palace glittered with light. Prince Dian entered wearing a cloak lined with rubies. He bowed low before the pale and weak King, but barely glanced at Caitlin.

When he did, he smiled a crooked smile. “So, this is the princess. Lovely, though her jewellery is rather plain.”

Caitlin said nothing.

As the guests laughed and danced, she heard a voice above the crowd call out, “Beth!” Her heart stopped. There stood Conor, holding the necklace.

He whispered, “You left this behind.”

“How did you know I’d be here?” She asked

“I found your necklace,” he said. “Turns out this is the only party in town tonight, and although commoners aren’t allowed, I discovered I could help carry supplies into the kitchens. That’s how I came in.”

Before Caitlin could respond, the Prince stormed forward. “Caitlin! Who is this man? Guards, remove him at once!”

Conor tried to speak, but the guards dragged him away. Prince Dian laughed. “Good riddance. A princess shouldn’t waste her time on commoners like him.”

Caitlin turned away, her eyes burning.

The next morning, the King gathered his court and announced the royal wedding. Villagers crowded the square to cheer. But before he could speak, a line of horsemen rode in. Their leader raised a scroll and shouted,

“Prince Dian needs to repay the one million gold coins he borrowed from Lord Marlow. If he does not pay within three days, both he and the princess will be taken prisoner.”

The crowd gasped. The King visibly shook and had to be supported by his men to keep from falling.

Prince Dian scoffed. “Ridiculous! Lies!” But his trembling hands told another story.

Servants whispered, “He spends gold faster than he earns it. He’s not rich … he’s ruined.”

Later that night, the King summoned his advisors to his bedside. “We must find a way to pay the debt to save my daughter.”

“We could tax the villagers,” one said.

“Or sell the royal jewels,” said another.

But even that wouldn’t be enough. Caitlin listened with a heavy heart.

The next day, the Princess was summoned to the courtyard, where the King had arranged for her and the prince to be taken away from the palace to a hidden manor. Just as they were about to leave, one of Lord Marlow’s horsemen arrived with a message.

“The debt has been paid. Every coin. Prince Dian and the princess are free.”

Everyone was in shock. No one knew who had repaid the one million gold coins.

Prince Dian puffed up his chest as if he had arranged it himself, but Caitlin saw the fear behind his smile. He left soon after, saying he had “business elsewhere.”

That evening, Caitlin, dressed as Beth, walked through the village. She heard people whispering about the mysterious saviour who had repaid the debt.

“They say he lives among us,” said one merchant. “The one who collects the rent from every stall. Everyone knows of him, but no one’s ever seen him.”

Another added, “They call him The Dancer. He’s said to love music more than money.”

The words struck Caitlin's heart like a bell. The Dancer. Someone who loved music more than money.

Just then, she saw Conor sitting beside the fountain. When he noticed her, he stood quickly.

“Beth, I’m so happy to see you. I was so worried you’d be taken away from me… I mean, from us.”

“I can’t tell you how happy I am to still be here,” she said. “I need to find the person who saved me and repaid the debt. I am eternally grateful to them. Do you know the person they call The Dancer?”

“I’ve heard of him, but I can’t tell you who he is. It doesn’t matter anyway. Even if you found him, you’d still have to marry the prince. I understand The Dancer is a common man, and your father won’t let you be with anyone who isn’t noble.”

“No, you’re wrong. My father told me I could marry whoever was kind enough to have repaid the debt. He just wants to make sure I’m looked after. He knows now that it’s not just about money.”

Conor smiled gently. “In that case… shall we dance?”

Caitlin caught her breath. “You. You’re The Dancer. You paid the debt.”

Conor nodded. “I did. I couldn’t let you suffer for another man’s greed.”

“But how?”

“I own the market,” he said simply. “Each stall shares a little of its earnings with me. I used the profits to grow the market here and in neighbouring villages. I kept my identity secret because I didn’t want people to treat me differently just because I have money. I want them to dance with me, just like they’d dance with anyone else.”

Caitlin's eyes filled with tears. “My father will be so happy. He wants me to be with someone kind. That is all that matters now.”

Caitlin and Conor were married in the village square, where they had first danced. They lived simply but joyfully, helping others and never wanting more than they needed.

The King died peacefully, knowing his daughter was with someone who would treat her well, which he had come to learn was far more important than gold or titles.

The End

What are the money lessons from this story?

Before sharing these lessons with your kids, ask them what money lessons they noticed in the story. You might be surprised by what they pick up!

1. Wealth comes from not wanting much

True wealth comes from earning and not wanting too much. Many people never become wealthy because they either don’t earn enough or spend too much.

Conor learned to enjoy what he had, which allowed him to build wealth steadily over time.

2. Own the platform

Some of the wealthiest people in the world don’t sell anything directly; they own the platforms that others use to make money.

Think of Facebook selling advertising space, Airbnb providing a way for people to rent out homes, or Amazon offering a platform for sellers everywhere.

In the story, Conor didn’t sell anything himself. He created the marketplace and earned a small share from every stall, a powerful lesson about building long-term wealth.

3. Kindness over money

It’s easy to think that money is the most important thing in life, but who we are matters far more. Conor showed kindness and integrity when others showed greed and pride. True happiness doesn’t come from gold or titles, but from being good to others. If my daughters grow up to be kind and thoughtful, I’ll be far prouder than if they simply become rich.

I hope you’ll share this story with your kids and with other families to help start conversations about money.

Remember, kids who learn about money early in life will have a big advantage later on.

In the meantime, what will you read next?

• The Robot Competition: Compound Interest (Related)

• The Stock Market vs Crypto (Popular)

• Rich Kids vs Wealthy Kids (Essential)

Thanks for reading - don't forget to subscribe for more money-related stories!

Will

P.S. If you’ve read and enjoyed my book, Grandpa’s Fortune Fables, it would mean a lot if you could please leave a review on Amazon. As a self-published author, every review helps the book reach more families.