The King’s heir

The King’s heir 

By Amanda Ong  

To Brianna Ong for her 8th birthday

Copyright 2014 by Amanda Ong

 

Once upon a time, there was a king. This king had jewels and riches. He had a beautiful castle and lots of servants. However, this king was very sad. He was sad because everyone lied to him. True, he had hundreds of loyal courtiers, but not one of them were completely honest. For, they constantly told him how wise and handsome he was. This king knew he was not any wiser than the royal doctor or the lowest peasant. The king also knew that he was not handsome. He had gazed at his reflection before and had seen a face equal to a face of a farmer or servant. Now, this king could not say anything. For, if he did, his courtiers and servants would shake their heads and not listen to a word. 

 

This king was growing old and he needed an heir. The king wanted an honest child to take his place. A child that would be honest, kind and respectful in every way. So, he held a ball for the children to elect a heir.  The king decided that he would disguise himself as a courtier. All children from the toddlers of two to the teens of eighteen came. They were all dressed in the most elaborate finery they could find. All of them were swirling and dancing, except for one little girl. She was dressed in a plain blue dress with a little red bow in her hair. She had a stone necklace around her throat. She looked to be about eight. She was standing by herself. The king approached the little girl.  

 

“My dear, you do know that this a ball hosted by the king?” the king asked the little girl. 

 

“Yes sir, I do know. But, and I’m wearing all my finery! I wish the king to see me at my best! ” the girl agreed.
 

“Do you envy the other children?” The disguised king asked. 

 

“No sir, I am happy that my parents could afford this wonderful dress! It may be that my dress is plainer, but it is just like theirs! Isn’t it beautiful?” the little girl asked.  

 

The king was touched by this little girl’s innocence and willingness to admit that her dress was shabbier than the rest. He could not help but agree. “Yes, it is wonderful!” he nodded and walked off.  

 

The king soon announced that he would be meeting all the children in the throne room. The children rushed to the room. A little three year old was trampled under the others. The little girl in the plain dress approached the boy and helped him up.  

 

“Now my suit is ruined!” the boy sobbed.  

 

“I’ll give you my necklace!” the girl offered. “Then the king can see what a beautiful necklace you have!” She held out her necklace. 

 

The boy accepted it gratefully and skipped off. The little girl followed. 

 

The king noticed the late arrivals. He also saw the stone necklace around the boy’s throat.  

 

“Who gave you that beautiful necklace?” the king asked.  

 

The boy pointed bashfully to the little girl. The king nodded. The boy ran off giggling.  

 

The little girl walked up to the king. 

 

“Do you think I am wise?” the king asked the girl.  

 

“Sir, you are a just ruler. However, a peasant could rule like you.” The girl said softly. 

 

“Am I not better than all the others?” the king asked with amusement in his voice. 

 

“Sir, should it have been that my father’s and your roles in life were reversed, my father could have ruled the kingdom!” the little girl said proudly.  

 

“What is your name?” 

 

“Sara.” 

 

“Thank you Sara.” 

 

An hour later, the king made an announcement.  

 

“I have elected an heir!” he said. All the children gasped and hoped it was them. “I have decided that it will be Sara! She was proud of her family, kind and honest. I know she will be a good ruler.” Sara stepped bashfully up onto the stage to receive the crown. 

 

And so it was. Sara became a kind and just ruler. She led the kingdom into a time of prosperity and peace. Eventually, she was known as Sara, queen of honesty.