The Barefoot Princess

    By Tom Hardy

    The Barefoot Princess cover image

    12 Jun, 2024

    a woman in a dress standing in front of a stone building with a stone staircase and a stone archway, gothic art, a detailed matte painting, Anna Maria Barbara Abesch, promotional image

    Emma was a princess, but her life was far from comfortable. From the age of 12, she was forced to wear tight stiletto pumps that were two sizes too small.

    a woman in a blue dress sitting on a chair in a castle like setting with a window behind her, renaissance, a flemish Baroque, Anna Maria Barbara Abesch, promotional image

    These shoes, imposed on her by the king, caused her immense pain. They were only off when she was in bed or showering, the rest of the time, she was trapped in them.

    two women walking down a cobblestone road in a medieval setting with a castle in the background,, antipodeans, a detailed matte painting, Annie Leibovitz, promotional image

    As years passed, her feet became more deformed. Her toes overlapped, bunions formed, and every step was excruciating. Her tendons had shortened so much she could barely walk barefoot.

    a woman in a dress and coat walking down a brick path with flowers in the background and a stone wall, arts and crafts movement, a detailed matte painting, Anna Maria Barbara Abesch, promotional image

    On her 21st birthday, the king made an unexpected announcement. Emma was no longer allowed to wear any shoes. Now, she had to face the world barefoot.

    a woman sitting on the floor in a building with a long dress on and a crown on her head, gothic art, a character portrait, Christabel Dennison, promotional image

    The next day, Emma limped into the grand hall, her raw feet touching the cold stone floor. Each step was a battle, but she remained determined.

    a woman in a gown and tiara standing in a hall with columns and arches on either side of her, renaissance, a poster, Anna Maria Barbara Abesch, movie still

    Despite the pain and the whispers of the courtiers, she held her head high. She was a princess, not by choice, but she would not let her circumstances define her.

    a woman sitting in a bathtub in a room with ornate walls and a window behind her, wearing a long dress, gothic art, a flemish Baroque, Anna Maria Barbara Abesch, promotional image

    Each night, Emma soaked her feet in warm water, the only relief she had. She spent her days dreading each painful step, yet never showed her pain to the world.

    a woman in a white dress sitting on a red chair in a room with gold decorations and a window, renaissance, a character portrait, Anna Maria Barbara Abesch, promotional image

    She continued her royal duties, attending public events, and meeting with the kingdom's officials. Her feet were in agony, but she was determined not to show her weakness.

    a woman in a dress standing in a library with bookshelves behind her and a clock on the wall, rococo, a flemish Baroque, Anna Maria Barbara Abesch, movie still

    In her free time, Emma buried herself in books. She researched cures for her condition, hoping to find something that could help her.

    a woman in a long dress standing in a library with books on the shelves and a desk with a bookcase, gothic art, a storybook illustration, Annie Leibovitz, promotional image

    Slowly, she started working on exercises to lengthen her tendons and realign her toes. It was painful and slow, but she was determined to regain control of her life.

    a woman in a dress standing in front of a castle like building with people around her and a man in a suit, renaissance, a poster, Celia Fiennes, promotional image

    The kingdom watched as Emma faced each day with grace and bravery. She was their princess, their symbol of resilience, and they admired her more for her courage.

    a woman in a white dress standing in front of a crowd of people in a city street with a flag, fantasy art, a detailed painting, Anne Said, official art

    Despite the pain, she was determined to embrace her new life barefoot. She held onto hope and courage, facing each day with a strength that inspired everyone around her.