copyright Melanie Greenwood
Fit for a King
The approaching rumble made the fine crystal tinkle. The party guests looked towards the window, wondering what new extravagance would appear.
“And finally, your Majesty, a gift from the sultan of Brunei,” the master of ceremonies said as a sleek white nose came into view, “a Bombardier Global 8000! He wishes you an excellent birthday, and many more to come.”
The guests all looked to see the king’s reaction. The small figure on the throne was not looking out the window. He was playing with a box that had recently held a $50,000 diamond-studded teddy bear. “Vroom! Vroom!” he said.
The Green-Walled Tower 
January 6th, 2016 at 9:26 pm
Sounds like emperors of old in China. XD
January 6th, 2016 at 9:35 pm
Yeah, that was the sort of idea I was thinking of, although in a modern setting.
January 6th, 2016 at 11:39 pm
Awww… the tiny emperor knows the value of imagination over shiny and techy gifts. Good for him! Probably a bitter pill to swallow for that sultan, though. 🙂
January 7th, 2016 at 12:23 am
The little brat! These kinds of tales when true really grate on my nerves. I have no problem with age-appropriate spoiling of royal children, but ridiculous, over-the-top gifts are just so much waste. Of course, this was your point, and you effected quite a vicious emotional reaction in me. I think we can say you did a good job on this one.
All my best,
Marie Gail
January 23rd, 2016 at 8:11 pm
Marie Gail, first of all, I’m sorry to have taken so long to reply to your comment. It’s been a pretty bad couple of weeks, busyness-wise. Thanks for your comments. It sounds like you got the point exactly. It’s all wasted on someone who doesn’t know about it and doesn’t care.
-David
January 7th, 2016 at 5:38 am
I’m hoping this was a young regent, and not someone in the last of the seven ages, but it works either way. Happy New Year, David – good start.
January 7th, 2016 at 7:44 am
Ouch! I love how the child king isn’t impressed by the riches and plays with the box, like all normal kids would. Diamond-studded teddy bears are scratchy, I bet.
January 23rd, 2016 at 8:08 pm
I’m sure they’re more the just-for-looking kind, than for playing with, unfortunately for the kid.
January 7th, 2016 at 9:32 am
That was funny. Nice twist at the end.
January 7th, 2016 at 9:46 am
I think it has happened a few times… those child-kings where expecting toys i think….
January 7th, 2016 at 2:20 pm
I might be more excited by a $50,000 diamond-studded teddy bear, too. Eventually this kid king will move on to the jet until something else comes along. Nice take, David. Happy New Year!
January 7th, 2016 at 6:51 pm
Every kid, like every cat, knows the box is the best gift. Nice story.
January 9th, 2016 at 4:05 am
Dear David,
Perhaps the sultan will be excited about the extravagant gifts when he’s much older. 😉 A child is still a child. Well written. (I’m with Amy, I could get pretty excited about the teddy bear.)
Shalom,
Rochelle
January 23rd, 2016 at 8:04 pm
Rochelle,
I had no idea I had gotten so behind on replying to comments. This semester, from January 11-May 6, will be even busier than the fall, I’m afraid. Thanks for your comments. Yeah, I know some people who would love to get that teddy bear too. 🙂
-David
January 10th, 2016 at 5:14 am
Really well written and oh so true. The boxes are always the best bit for the young!
January 23rd, 2016 at 8:02 pm
It makes them easy to buy for, at least. 🙂
January 10th, 2016 at 5:27 pm
What kid doesn’t like a box?!
January 23rd, 2016 at 8:02 pm
Exactly. It has universal appeal. 🙂
January 12th, 2016 at 9:04 am
Perhaps he’ll be a creative king. This king needs someone to help him until he’s older. I hope the kingdom isn’t being run according to the whims of a child. Of course, it seems some places are being run that way. Well done, David. — Suzanne
January 15th, 2016 at 6:34 am
cute one!
January 23rd, 2016 at 7:57 pm
Thanks. 🙂