The destitute king establishes a sanctuary for himself following the tragic loss of his parents. He did not extend invitations; rather, the populace gravitated towards his realm.
The lesson I derive from this tale is that men have the ability to shape their surroundings, while women are entitled to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Rather than transforming him into a malevolent creature, why not have him come to the realization of his error? The narrative could have culminated with him not granting the people's desires, prompting them to strive harder to achieve their goals. He could have then stood as a guardian of his kingdom against external threats.