Patty Liu - Silent Reflections

King Wendell couldn’t believe what he had heard. The guards who had rushed ahead to give him the news, had found the king to be a complete wreck after hearing the explanation for their delay. They were sent to their quarters and given their pay, which included great compensation for the difficult situation they had encountered. The king was nervous but also relieved. His friends seemed to have gotten into a terrible mess but had somehow also found their way out of it. How he wished he had been there to join in on the adventure. But he was king now and he couldn’t just leave his kingdom alone without a ruler even if he did have a handful of advisors who could’ve taken care of any matters that came up.

He paced around his throne room waiting for his friends to show up. And hopefully on schedule this time. He sent for his godson, Peter and a servant quickly brought the baby boy into the room. In the last few days, Wendell and Little Peter had bonded incredibly. Wendell didn’t expect himself to actually enjoy it when he was around the baby but for some odd reason, the boy could calm him down with just a slight gurgle or drooling smile.

“Your mother and your father are coming home, Little Peter.” Wendell picked up the baby and smiled into his face. Little Peter stuck a fist into his mouth and just made gurgling noises and slobbered. “Aren’t you excited?! I will soon also get to meet Princess Wendy. My betrothed. I’m so nervous I think-I think I should sit down.” He slumped into his throne.

“Your Majesty, your Majesty. They’ve arrived!” A servant came rushing into the room.

King Wendell composed himself and said in his calmest voice to show the group of people into his waiting room. Inside, his stomach was doing flips and turns and cartwheels. The servant quickly rushed out again. “Little Peter, you better not leave me alone with the princess or I’m afraid I might faint. All this matter on marriage is nerve wracking,” Wendell whispered to the baby who just looked at him with a curious face.