Bedtime Stories

The Successor

Once upon a time there was a king. He was very brave and kind king reigning for the betterment of his subjects. He had twin sons, Mark and Maurice. They were equally brave and intelligent. The life was very peaceful, until the king started growing old and the issue of his successor kept his mind puzzled and worried. Since both his sons were of same age and equally capable of becoming his successor, he was not able to decide who should be the next king. One day he called the minister and discussed his problem. His minister was wise and a man of virtue. He asked for one day time to think over the issue. Next day morning the Minister met the king in his private chamber and suggested for a strategic idea. He asked King to send Mark and Maurice to their Grandparents home for some days and revealed his plan that would help king to decide who should be the king between the two.

Mark and Maurice left for the Grandfather's house by the order of the king. But the purpose was not revealed to them. After a few weeks, the two princes got the information that their father was being abducted by the pirates while gaming and realizing this, the neighboring king had attacked their kingdom.

It was a critical situation for their kingdom and they should immediately rush for the rescue. Mark told Maurice that they should immediately rush to save their Father first and then save their motherland from the enemy. But Maurice said, his Father was capable of saving himself and they must rush towards their homeland to save their subjects.

Mark did not agree and went alone to save his father form the parents, while Maurice rushed to save his homeland. When they both were in the middle of the way they met two different envoys sent by their Father. The envoy informed that everything is fine at home and it was a King's plan to decide who should be the King.

Next day the king announced in the court that both his Sons are brave. But Maurice thinks more for his subjects than Mark and so Maurice would be the next King. The King further added a good king always sacrifices his personal issues and act for the best of his subjects.