Becoming Prince Charming

“My son, I came to talk with you about something of highest importance,” Prince Charming said as his expression shifted abruptly from one of great love to grave concern.

“What is it, Daddy? Did I do something wrong?” Noble said as his tummy fell to the floor.

“No, Sweet Boy, you have done nothing wrong.” His father continued, “Actually, you are doing quite well, which is why I think we need to talk.”

Noble couldn’t quite shake the queasiness in his stomach and couldn’t decide if he was dizzy with fear or excitement.

“I want to talk to you about your quest,” Prince Charming said.

“My quest?” Now Noble knew the dizziness was definitely fueled by excitement.

A quest! “What kind of quest?” Noble wondered.

Could it be rescuing a neighbor from her tree house as she cried out in fear? Or maybe he’d be finding that darn wolf that kept scaring the sheep at night.

Yes, a quest would be quite exciting on such a dull, rainy day.

“Noble,” his father said as he looked at him sternly. “I need you to pay very close attention to me now, okay Son?”

“Yes, Daddy. I am listening,” Noble said as his heart raced at the speed of Rocinante towards the chicken coop.

“Noble, when I was a boy of about your years, my father came to me and told me of a secret quest that I would begin that would change the course of my life.” Noble’s father looked at him intently as he continued.

“The quest was to be the pinnacle of my experience as a young prince. Its fulfillment is what set me apart from every other prince. Only at its completion was I awarded knighthood and named Prince Charming.

As Noble listened, wide-eyed, he grew tense with anticipation at the revelation of such a quest. His heart began to thud in his ears and his extremities quaked with adrenaline.

“What is this quest, Daddy?” He whispered so quietly he couldn’t tell if he’d thought it or uttered it aloud.

“Well, Sweet Boy, there is a time in every young man’s life that he begins to show that he is ready to begin his life’s purpose. For some, it is when they achieve a great and difficult task. For others, it is simply reaching an age that requires great responsibility. And yet, for boys, such as you, it is when they begin to exemplify characteristics of the King himself.”

“The King!” shouted Noble.

“You think I act like the King?” he half asked and half exclaimed as he jumped to his feet and clapped his hands.

As his daddy chuckled, he took Noble by the shoulders and carefully searched his vast, blue eyes.

He tenderly said, “Yes, Noble. As I watch you seek challenges and give every effort to conquer them for the good of those around you, I am aware that you, my son, are ready to begin your quest.”