Two Birds [ONC 2024]

Unannounced Guest

Seventeenth Century

"My Princess, the Majesty is here for a visit."

I sprang off my bed once I heard of his arrival. Father was mostly occupied with court affairs and could make out time with me once it was evening. But today, his arrival was earlier than the usual.

The doors opened and in entered my well dressed father, the King of England. Dressed as usual flamboyantly in a long coat and waist coat, worn with stockings and shoes, he was the perfect fashion example for all our subjects. I admired him to the core and loved him deeply. After my mother's demise at a young age, he had played the perfect role of a parent.

"Jane, my daughter!" he walked ahead and took me in his arms. I was filled with ecstacy, he meant the world to me.

"Father, it's so nice having you so early!" I exclaimed joyously.

"Of course my dear, I love spending time with you," he patted my temple. "And now that I've been able to make out time for you, should we not have a good father-daughter conversation?"

My eyes sparkled. "Yes father, I would love that!"

"That's my girl!" he gently patted my back. "Come along, let's talk in the garden."

Taking my hand into his, he walked me out of the room and through the long corridor. The soldiers on guard bowed down as we made our way out of the palace and into the beautiful garden.

I can proudly say that this garden holds a major place in my heart. Ever since my childhood I've maintained it as my own. I have had sweet memories with each and every plant in this garden and worked plenty of days since childhood in taking care of this beautiful abode which I maintained for its beauty and of course, its lovely dwellers, the birds.

Honestly I cannot take the full credit of maintaining this wonder. With the help of three other gardeners I have kept it beauteous since ages, a sight which any visitor appreciates wholeheartedly.

"Beautiful as always," father commented as we walked through the royal garden. "But not as beautiful as my princess."

I chuckled. "Thank you father. I've ensured a regular improvement of the garden. Recently we have been able to plant a new collection of flowers such as the Cheddar Pink and Field Poppy. The sight of these is one to behold."

Father patted my shoulder. "Aha! I knew that you were worthy of being given the task of maintaining the royal garden and look at how proud you have made me! I am so happy for your diligence and fulfilling your responsibility."

I beamed with joy. "Thank you father! How have court matters been lately?"

He huffed in exhaustion. "Tiring as always. The country has been facing some troubles including food scarcity due to less rain, religious riots and some repulsive sexual preferences."

My ears shot up. "Sexual preferences?" I asked curiously.

He nodded. "Yes my dear. Today a group of citizens came for justice. A father pleaded to be assisted in curing his son. Happens to be, his son has unusual fancies."

I raised an eyebrow. "What unusual fancies father?"

He sighed. "The man said that his son wants to spend his life with a man and that he did not feel any arousal towards females."

My heart skipped a beat. I felt numb at what he had mentioned. This was the last thing which I had wanted to hear that day.

"What is it my dear?" father asked placing his palm against my cheek. "Do not worry, they cannot and will not affect your life. You need not bother yourself with this matter."