Augustus is initially reluctant but is soon persuaded to tend to the princess-with a few conditions. He explains that the princess will need to work with him over a long period of time, and the sultan agrees-but then Naomi resists. Months pass as Augustus adopts strategies to relieve the princess's despair. Success, he believes, comes through many paths to optimism. He teaches her how to meditate to still her mind. He encourages her to play the flute she loves. His teachings are enlivened by parables and metaphors to illustrate the essential truths. Finally, he reaches a breakthrough. Naomi's innate altruism encourages her to focus on the well-being of others-instead of being mired down in her own concerns. The master introduces her to others who are also on their own journeys, and she finds strength and inspiration in their stories. She soon learns that through the Buddhist practices of meditation, mindfulness, and self-awareness, there is reason for hope again.