“All hail King Donovan”, cheered the people to the 70-year-old ruler.
He ruled the nation with his two sons by his side. He knew it was time for him to pass the throne to the next in line and that would be his eldest son Steven. In order, to become eligible, Prince Steve has to pass the RULER exam which will be conducted by the King himself. King Donovan made an official announcement during dinner.
“Well my sons, I guess it’s time for me to make way for both of you to rule side by side though only one will be crowned as the King.”
“It’s ok Dad, I think Steve deserves it better than Me.”, said the youngest, Prince Gilbert.
Steve paled hearing both his father’s and brother’s words. Slowly he opened up.
“Dad, being a leader is a huge responsibility. I’m not fit for it. Some more I’m still learning how to rule. I deny the fact of putting me first.”
“Brother, you are a perfect choice and never doubt that. I know that you are a man of caliber.”
No one understood the real reason Steve is declining to accept. So instead of telling it, Steve excused himself silently from the table. When he was about to go to bed, Gilbert entered the room.
“Gilbert, I don’t want to talk about it….I..”
“It’s about Sarah right?”
“How did you know?”, asked an astonished Steve.
“You see just because mom is not around it does not mean I won’t keep an eye on you.”. he said with a wink.
“It’s supposed to be the other way around you know.”
“Now, don’t change the story. Tell me. Why you’re scared to speak the truth to dad?”
“I love Sarah with all my heart. She is not wealthy nor pretty as a model. But she’s the most beautiful girl because of her selfless and caring heart. When I was on my rounds, riding my horse in the village that’s where I saw her. She’s a teacher in the village school and one day I saw her alone sitting by the waterfall. I approached her and at first, she was not really comfortable with me but slowly once in a while became an everyday routine which we enjoyed. One day, I told her how I feel and she confessed the same saying that for the first time when she saw me her heart skipped a beat and no other man could give the same experience. As romantic as it sounds, there’s one major thing. She does not know I’m a prince.”
“What? Why didn’t you tell her?”
“Gilbert, I want her to love me for who am I. I may come from a family of rulers but we are all equal. Basically, we are humans with the common needs to survive. So, I didn’t want her to judge me by looking at just one façade.”
“Well, you seem to have a bigger job brother. Admit the truth first to her and then come back and take the RULER exam.”
“The RULER exam?”
“Yup, dad specially formed it which I have no idea about. But don’t worry I’ll ask him to postpone it. It’ll give you enough time to speak to Sarah.”
“Thanks, Gilbert.”
“No need for that Steve. I know that we will be there for each other.” , and with that, both of them went to bed.
The next day, Steve took his horse and as usual went to meet Sarah. She was in the usual spot. He approached her slowly.
“You know, it feels so good to have my feet immersed in the water. Why don’t you join me?”
Steve felt awkward. Usually, she doesn’t mind him not following what she is doing but he didn’t judge her instead sat beside her in the exact position like her.
“So, how was your day Prince Steve; the future king to be?”
He was shocked knowing that Sarah knew the truth all along.
“Sarah…I …didn’t..”
“It’s ok Steve. You don’t need to apologize. I might seem a little innocent on the outside but I know what’s happening around me. I always do a background check and I knew this for a long time but I wanted you to tell it. I saw a little bit of fear every time you look at me, and you’re good at hiding it fast too. I want you to know one thing, Steve. Look at the water. No one can separate water due to their strong bonds which holds them and they don’t have a structure but picks whatever shape of the object we pour it into. I believe we too are like that we are inseparable like the water and we have found the perfect object to fill in and that is our hearts.”, finished Sarah and leaned on Steve’s shoulder.
“You know Sarah; you have never failed to make me fall in love with you, even more, every single day.”
Both of them smiled in agreement.
“Sarah, I’m quite nervous too you know. My father wants to test me with this RULER exam and I don’t even know what is it.”
“Don’t worry. No matter what is it, I know you will successfully complete it. The first rule to become a leader is to have courage.”
“As you say, your royal highness..”, said Steve bowing making Sarah curtsy with a laugh.
Both of them said their goodbyes and head back home before sunset. Back in the castle, the preparation for the exam was going on. A nervous-looking Steve was stopped by Gilbert.
“Hey big bro, all went well?”
“I got a little lucky since it went very well.”
“Glad to hear that things are settled between you and Sarah. Then why this long face?”
“Tomorrow is the big day you know right?”
“Yup, and trust me. You’re going to be fine.”, with that, both of them departed to their rooms.
Next day, both of them were up early and were facing the entire people from the kingdom. So once everyone has arrived, the king started to speak.
The guards brought two boxes and placed it in front of the King and opened them. Both Steve and Gilbert had a confused look since the boxes were full of rulers. Before both of them could open their mouths to ask, Steve was ordered by the king to stand in the center of the hall.
“Now, how many rulers are needed to measure the future king’s height?”
One shouted 10 while another shouted 15 and many more answers came in. Right after measuring Prince Steve’s height, they went to measure his arm length and his shoe size. Even though Steve couldn’t understand his father’s concept he just obeyed and the upcoming question shocked him further.
“How many rulers are needed to measure the future king’s intelligence?”
“How many rulers are needed to measure the future king’s patience?”
In came so many answers. Both Gilbert and Steve were losing their patience. Looking at the upsurge of anger the King approached his sons.
“Steve, being a RULER is not easy and it’s definitely not going to be easy to deal and lead these people towards the 21st century. It takes a tremendous level of patience to answer all their questions even though it might seem insane. Simple things to us will be complicated to them. So most importantly, you have to communicate politely and have the courage to face any problem which reaches your ears. Ensure the peace of this nation with your love towards these people. Accept them for who they are and lead with pride. Be their eyes and ears and make sure they feel safe and earn their trust. So, my son what’s your answer to them now?”
Steve stepped in front with his new found confidence.
“Dear people of Castor land, the answers are not wrong but it’s just unacceptable since intelligence and patience cannot be measured but only to be revealed through actions. So, I’m kindly asking all of you to believe me and your answers will be revealed soon.”
“All hail the new King!”, everyone cheered.
Steve knew there’s also another thing to do. It’s now or never.
“Father, with this test I also realized that I have a duty to my heart for it’s a symbol of courage as well. I’m in love with a woman and her name is Sarah. She’s a teacher in the local school. With your blessings, I would like to ask her hand in marriage.”
“A true man does not hide in the dark, but comes out of the shadows and reveals the truth. So, where’s the young lady my son?", asked King Donovan with a smile.
A royal wedding took place within a week and everyone was invited to witness the unity of two beautiful souls. Guess what was in the bouquet, a RULER. Gilbert accepted the honor of decorating a ruler and it was placed on the bouquet as a symbol of Sarah and Steve's immeasurable love. During the coronation ceremony, a ruler was given to King Steve by his father as well, as a reminder towards his immeasurable dedication as a RULER.
THE END.
Picture: Google images
Picture: Google images
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