The Emperor's New Clothes

I was the richest king in the land, and I loved fancy clothes more than anything. New coats, shiny boots, golden capes - I bought them all!

One day, two clever men came to my palace. "Your Majesty," they said, "we can make magic clothes that only smart people can see!"

They showed me their empty sewing machine. I stared and stared...but saw nothing! "Oh...how...lovely!" I lied, because I didn't want anyone to think I was dumb.

All my advisors came to look too.
"Can you see the beautiful patterns?" I asked nervously.
"Of course!" they all fibbed. "The colors are amazing!"

On parade day, the men pretended to dress me. They waved their hands around my body, but...I was completely naked!

As I walked through town, everyone cheered. Then suddenly, a little boy laughed and pointed: "Look! The king has no clothes on!"

My face got very hot. The boy was right! But I couldn't stop now. I stood up straight and kept walking, pretending everything was perfect.

After all, I was the king. And kings never admit when they're wrong...even when everyone can see they're not wearing any pants!