This is a story I tell from time to time at weddings. It's based on a Moroccan folktale.[1]

Once upon a time there was a much beloved king who was so rich that he measured his wealth in bushel baskets. Sadly, his wealth did not prevent him from contracting a fatal illness and in time the man lay on his deathbed. He called his only son to his side and said, "Son, you are all I have left. Your mother is gone, you have no brothers or sisters, and so in a short time you will become king. Besides my hope that you will rule our people with kindness and love, I need you to promise me one thing."

"Anything Father," the son said.

"After I am gone, and you become king there will come a time when you will want to marry. At that time I want you to promise me that you will ask your very best friend …