[ WP ] In the style of an old fable , write a story about narcissism .

There was once a prince of the land. He was loyal to the king, loved by the citizens, and adored by princesses the world around. He was just, fair, and spoke with an air of confidence to draw even the most independent of ears. The prince did n't need to be told this, but was consistently told by all around him. Everyone hung on his every word as he spoke. 
 
 On one occasion, the prince came into the square to speak to his public. People stopped their daily affairs and gathered around the pedestal the prince instructed his knights to set up. He said that he was not their leader. He said that he was no better than any man. He said that if they truly thought he should be as great as they said there should be a contest. A contest of physical beauty, strength, stamina, and intellectual capacity. 
 
 And so, there was a great festival. Princes and people came from all around to compete for the title of `` Best Man''. The judges had been especially picked for their fairness and were comprised of all princesses. It was quite a spectacle and the prince required the building of a large arena complex. 
 
 On the day of the event, The prince stood out far in front the other contestants. Hours of trials passed and there remained only 5 people left. Each had his own distinct merits. A doctor from the prince's land, a tradesman from the mainland, a logger from the north, A knight from the prince's palace, and lastly our prince. 
 
 Each man had his own merits and each particularly stood out for their own individuality. The final decision was incredibly tough and the judges were locked in a heated argument which showed no signs of settling. The prince spoke and a hush grew over the audience as everyone listened. 
 
 The prince went on to declare his victory over his opponents. Since he created the contest, he had also declared the rules of the contest. One rule which no one had known about was that the first person to declare themselves the winner, would be the winner. The people stood in awe. The other contestants shouted and cursed the prince. The prince laughed at them and ordered them to be taken away. 
 
 The guards, the audience, and the contestants all laughed loudly at the prince. The hysterical laughter threw the prince into a frenzy shouting at them. No one had seen the prince shout before this day. The guards immediately seized the other contestants and ushered the startled and confused fans out of the arena. 
 
 His murderous, tyrannical reign lasted until his death.
