Apples of Gold

the long version

"Once upon a time, many years ago, when true love walked hand in hand with kisses and promises, and decisions were made to last forever, two girls received a summons to appear before the governor...." So begins the story of two sisters in a long-ago land who are presented with a precious gift. The governor wants the young women to protect and care for this gift until the return of his son, the prince of the land. Upon the prince's return, one sister will be chosen to serve the prince according to how the gift was cared for--and both sisters will be surprised by what the prince wants to offer the one who best cherishes the gift.The young women have dreams of being happy and loved. But how they see the gift--and themselves--will determine how that gift is treasured and what will remain of their dreams.Apples of Gold is a powerful parable about the beauty of sexual purity and the prize that awaits those who are committed to the keeping of such a gift.From the Hardcover edition.