when all was finished , and the little house had been arranged with regal splendor , the cries of " first born , first we d ! " again began to sound from the shore . and it was found necessary , though all were unwilling , to follow the wise woman 's counsel , and choose three of the loveliest maidens between the ages of fifteen and seventeen , belonging to the first families of the land . they were to be taken to the castle , said the wise woman , and to be treated like ladies of the blood royal , and one after another they were to be sent to the little house by the sea - shore ; for should one of them find favor in the eyes of the sea - prince , then the commotion and turmoil would surely cease . in the meantime the negotiations for the marriage of the younger prince were continued , and the bride selected for him was soon expected to arrive .
the castle .
where were the three of the loveliest maidens between the ages of fifteen and seventeen taken to ?
where were the three of the loveliest maidens between the ages of fifteen and seventeen taken to ?