So, I haven’t really written a story in a while. Especially one in the vein of the fairytales I loved to read. Yet God put this one on my heart and it has layers, lots of them. So I hope you enjoy the first part of this tale and the others to come.
Once there was a king who granted wishes. With his power, he was wise and held limits. With his people, he was kind and generous. He built a kingdom of prosperity and peace. From the seed of his wish to grow a sanctuary came forth the fruit of his people. Like the apple trees, he enjoyed in his own garden, they grew and spread creating more fruit, and more peace. He took joy in it all, his kingdom, his garden, the fruit of his and the people’s labors. It was almost complete. The one thing missing as he walked alone enjoying it all, was a queen.
So he sent out a letter with three tasks saying that any woman willing to be his queen would need to complete the tasks. The tasks were: to find something that could outshine the sun, to make something that sounds more beautiful than a silver bell, and to bring him something more precious than diamonds. Many thought these tasks were overwhelming and impossible. Yet the king was there to help. Whoever attempted the tasks could ask him for a wish to help them complete their tasks.
Many came and tried many ways to ask for the objects the king desired as a wish to be granted. Then they, or their daughters, could give it back to him. None of those people were able to finish their wish before the king figured them out and sent them away. Then three princesses came to the palace proclaiming their willingness to achieve these tasks without asking for them.
The first to arrive was a dainty princess from a splendidly rich kingdom across the seas. Seven carriages followed her own, carrying gifts and servants to help serve her on this quest. The second was a bold princess from the countryside strolling up in her wagon. While she only had one cart of gifts, she had pulled that cart herself proudly to show off her strength. Then finally a simple farm girl, a farm princess one might say, came walking to the palace. She only wore her cleanest dress and bore the best golden apple she harvested in hand. While she did not have a castle or fancy clothes she was the one willing to represent her family and her humble farm to the king. That was as close to a princess as she knew.
The king welcomed them all and accepted their gifts. Although, he held onto the apple, cherishing its pure color and beauty, much like the woman who brought it. The other two princesses noticed this and stood straighter, knowing that their test, their competition, had begun.
The king reiterated the tasks to the women. They must find something that could outshine the sun. They must make something that sounds more beautiful than a silver bell. Lastly, they were to bring him something more precious than diamonds. He would call them all together when one of them had finished the tasks. Then he would present that woman as his queen to them and his kingdom. Then he asked for the wish they would like granted to help them along this quest.
The bold country princess stepped forward. “I wish for the strength of an ox and the speed of a rabbit.”
“That is all?” asked the king. “Do you not want to wish for servants, for experts, or others to help you?”
“No sire. I wish to prove my love to you by completing these tasks on my own.” The bold princess said with a deep bow.
“I did not ask for that.” The king said gently. “Even oxen and horses find loads lighter when carried with another.”
“I know, my lord. It is so you may see how much I love you and wish to marry you.” The bold queen said standing up straight and puffing out her chest. “My strength will carry our love.”
“Very well then,” the king said with a careful nod. “As you wish.” With a wave of his hand, the bold princess gained the strength and speed she asked for. In a blink, she was gone to start her first task.
The dainty princess rushed forward. “Sire, I hear you! I would like to wish for the council of experts on the stars, music, and treasure. People you most surely trust.”
“You wish for all of their council?” The king repeated. “That will be many voices talking. Would you like their council to be evenly spaced or congruent with each task you complete?”
“I will be able to handle whatever you wish to give me.” The dainty princess said with a bow.
“But this is your wish, your highness.” The king reminded her softly. “How would you like it?”
“Oh.” The dainty princess stood up. “I suppose then all at once so that I may be able to get the tasks done faster for you, my lord, and prove my love for you.”
“I did not ask for that.” The king said gently. “Speed is only proof of force and movement.”
“Then you shall see how quickly my love moves and pushes to be with you.” The dainty princess said as she stood up, her head held high.
“Very well then,” the king said with a careful nod. “As you wish.” With a wave of his hand, men and women approached the dainty princess. They began telling her all that they knew about the stars, music, and jewels, pulling her to do whichever task they thought was best.
Finally, it was just the king and the apple farm princess. “And what do you wish for?”
“Thirty minutes a day or more if you can spare your grace.” The farm girl said with a small curtsy. “I wish to spend time with you every day, to listen and talk with you until the tasks are complete. If that is possible.”
The king smiled and held out his hand, which did not hold the woman’s apple. “As you wish. Come with me. Your apple is so very bright and golden. I would like to plant a tree to grow more of what you brought me. Would you like to join me?” The farm princess took the king’s hand.
“I would love to,” she smiled at the king and they began to talk as he led her to his garden.
Like an apple tree among the trees of the woods, So is my beloved among the sons. I sat down in his shade with great delight, And his fruit was sweet to my taste.” – Song of Solomon 2:3 NKJV
Something Good 