The Golden Rose, page 1
The Golden Rose
K. Crumley
The Golden Rose, ebook edition © K. Crumley, April 2011
Originally appeared in Full Armor Magazine, Fall 2011 edition
Dragondreamz Publications
Cover Illustration by Tracy A. McCann, 1999
Originally written in 1991
Rewritten 2010
Once there lived a beautiful girl named Nicola. She was not wealthy by any means; but her loveliness and caring nature had won her the heart of Grande Duke’s son, Xavier to whom she was betrothed. She loved him very much and had thought that they would always be happy together.
However, when their wedding day had arrived young Xavier did not show up at the Chapel. Instead he sent a Paige to relay the message to Nicole, telling her that he cannot marry her. For is family would disown him if he married a peasant; and he would thus lose his fortune and influence.
Nicola’s eyes filled up with tears at the sound of the Paige’s words. Her heart raced as her face felt flushed. Devastated, she murmured the words “Now my only chance for happiness is gone.”
“No child,” a kind voice said, “Don’t despair. Hold onto your faith. And you’ll be happy again soon enough.” It was the kindhearted Minister, who was supposed to perform the ceremony. Nicola always thought quite highly of him, “That’s easier said than…”
He shushed her, then handed her something. “Take this.” It was a small, red velvet satchel. “Plant these seeds in the deepest part of the forest. Then, every time you feel sorrow, shed your tears upon that spot. When the roses bloom you’ll find happiness again.”
The Minister’s words seemed uplifting, but Nicola found it hard to fight her doubts. She took into consideration that devoting her time to planting the seeds would take her mind off of her current grief, “Yes.” She said, “That must be what he meant.”
She did as he said, and with the tiny sack of seeds in her hand she immediately headed into the forest.
When she arrived at the deepest part of the forest, Nicola opened the small red pouch. In it were two seeds, both shaped like hearts. One was made of pure gold, and the other was sterling silver. She gave them a wary look, and then a snicker. “How can a plant grow from gold? Or silver?” She murmured. She decided to take a chance, and plant the gold one first…and then, she’d see what happens. “Miracles can happen, every day.” She said, fighting against doubt and sorrow looming in her mind. “And, I’ll never find out…if I don’t try.”
Nicola planted the seed in the dirt, and then covered it with soil. She sat and prayed that the seed would in fact grow into a beautiful rosebush. She also prayed that her sorrow over losing Xavier would end. She felt her heart break, as she thought of him. She began to cry…
As she wept, tears fell upon the spot where she planted the golden seed. Suddenly, an Angel of Heaven flew down and kissed the ground where her tears fell. A few moments later, a red rosebush sprouted up from the ground. In the center of the rosebush was a golden heart-shaped bud that had not yet bloomed.
“Thank you,” Nicola said, “This is the most beautiful rosebush I have ever seen.”
The Angel smiled, kissed Nicola’s brow and then flew back to Heaven.
Nicola went home that night, amazed at what she had seen.
The next day, Nicola returned to the center of the forest. Still feeling heartbroken over the love that she’d lost, she shed tears upon the rosebush. Her tears caused the roses to bloom. They were all bright crimson red, except for the rose in the center. It was pure gold, just like the seed it had sprung from.
The Angel appeared again. He kissed the rose, then said “This rose will soon bring you hope for love and joy.” Then, he departed.
Nicola was truly amazed at what she had seen. Her broken heart began to heal, filled with new-found hope.
The following morning, Nicola returned to the center of the forest. She was so delighted to see that the roses were starting to bloom. Each rose was bright red, except for the one in the center. It was pure gold, as if it had been created by the finest goldsmith in the kingdom. It appeared to be worthy of a princess to wear on a chain around her neck, or even a Queen. Nicola reached out, and touched it lightly. Its petals were soft, as any other rose. “This is truly a mystery to me…” She murmured to herself, “How can this be possible?”
“All things are possible,” a familiar voice said, “to those who have faith.” Startled, Nicola jumped back. Then, she looked up to see the angel standing there, smiling at her. Then, he kissed the rose and then said “This rose will lead you to a life filled with happiness, and love.” Then, he flew away.
His words filled Nicola’s heart with hope.
Every day, Nicola returned to the center of the forest, to sit by her rosebush. She found much peace there, meditating and praying. She thanked God for the rose, and the hope and joy that it filled her heart with each day.
Then, one day she returned to the rosebush only to find that the golden rose was gone! Somebody had just plucked it, and taken it away. Nicola began to cry, and her hope was fading…for the Angel had told her that the rose would lead her to happiness and love. “Surely now, my hope of finding happiness is gone,” She wept.
Again, the angel appeared to her. “Hold onto your faith.” He said, “on the other side of the forest is a long path, that leads to a small kingdom called Zalian. Go there, and ask the king if he has seen your golden rose.”
Nicola dried her tears, and nodded. She had faith that the Angel’s words were true, and faith that she’d find her rose again. She quickly headed through the forest, and down the long path to Zalian…
Meanwhile, a lonesome prince sits by a window inside a large marble castle. In his hand is a rose made of pure gold. He asked himself, “How could it be possible to grow such a flower in the middle of the forest?”
Nicola had finally reached the gate to the kingdom of Zalian. She was not only tired but rather intimidated about meeting the King. She knew not what to say to him, but had Faith that God would put the words into her heart at the right time. An angel of the lord had led her to this place…and surely he would not mislead her.
She passed through the gate, took a deep breath, and bravely headed toward the castle. Then, Nicola knocked on its huge oak door. As it opened, The Palace Guard seemed surprised to see this meek, soft-spoken peasant girl standing in front of him. “I’m here to see the King,” she said.
“King Thomas?” The guard said, “What do you want to see him about?”
“My golden rose,” Nicola said. “The rose I planted in the deepest part of the forest.”
“My dear,” the guard said as he shook his head. “Go home, and plant another rose just like the one you’ve lost. For since the king’s son refuses to part with the one he found today, King Thomas has declared that anyone who comes to claim it.” He cleared his throat. “Shall be declared a thief, and thrown in the dungeon.”
Nicola gasped, and shuddered at the thought. “But it’s my rose!” She said, certainly the king and his son would understand…”
“Poor girl,” The Guard said, “You do not know King Thomas. He is reluctant to believe anything without irrefutable proof.”
Nicola sighed, as the guard closed the door. Irrefutable proof…she thought to herself, well I still have the silver seed.
She realized God would not have led her there if any harm would come to her. So relying on faith, she knocked on the door again.
“What do you want now, Foolish Girl?” The Guard said, “I told you that the king would never believe your story, nor will he let you have your rose—”
“Please, can I at least see the rose again?” Nicola pleaded.
“Well, um…”
“That’s all I ask. Just let me see it again. Let me see that it is well taken care of, and has not wilted.” she said, managing a half-smile. “Then I’ll be gone. I promise.”
The Guard nodded, “wait here.” He said, “I shall ask the king.”
Nicola waited patiently after a few minutes…and then, the Guard returned. “Sorry, dear child.” He said, “the king will not let you enter without undeniable proof that the rose was yours.”
“Not even to take a peek at it?” Nicola begged, “Just to see that it is all right, and in good hands?”
“The King suspects that you would sneak in, and attempt to steal it.”
Nicola thought for a moment; then she said “I have undeniable proof that the rose is mine. I have another seed, in my pocket. May I show it to the king?”
“Wait one minute,” The guard said again. He went back inside, and closed the door. Nicola relied on pure faith…she had no proof that the silver seed would grow another rose, just like the first one. It may grow just a silver rose, but she hoped would be proof enough. She also thought it may not grow anything at all…but she had to take a chance.
The guard opened the door, “Okay dear.” He said, “You may come in. You may show the seed to the king.”
He held the door opened for her, as she walked in. The peasant girl, entering the castle for the first time, felt a strange sense of bravery and confidence. She entered the throne room where the king sat stoical. He looked upon her with an expression of skepticism, and doubt. “Your majesty,” the Guard said. “This is Nicola, the young girl who came seeking the rose.”
“HER?” The king said, “Bah! Look at that tattered dress. She is a mere peasant. How could she possibly afford a rose made of pure gold?”
“Begging your pardon, your highness,” She said.
“RUBBISH!” The king said, “Such things are impossible.”
“But, it’s true!” Nicola said, “Just look.” She reached into the pocket of her skirt, and pulled out the little satchel. She placed the seed into her hand, and held it out for the king to see. “See. It grew from a seed just like this, only golden. This is the second seed the Minister gave me.”
“Hmm.” The king said as he eyed it skeptically. “You must be the daughter of some silversmith, who could make such things for you…so that you can go around and play these games. And, fool us into believing that you can grow roses made of gold.
“Guard,” He said, “I’ve heard enough of this! Take her to the dungeon.”
Two guards came in and grabbed Nicola’s arms. As they tried to drag her out of the throne room, she shouted, “But I have proof!” She continually protested, “I can show you. Let me prove it.”
At that moment, the king’s son ran downstairs. “Father, what is this ruckus?” He had in his hand Nicola’s rose. “Who’s that girl?” He said, stopping dead in his tracks.
Prince Scion smiled at her.
“The Rose,” Nicola said, as she saw him. “My Golden Rose.” She smiled, glad to see that it was indeed in good hands. The hands of a handsome prince.
“Father, let the girl go.” He said, “She has clearly committed no crime here.”
“Hmph!” The king said, “she came here with some crazy story about planting the rose, in efforts to steal it from you!”
“I did not!” She protested. “You may ask the guard at the gate if you don’t believe me. I only asked that I could see the rose, to make sure that it was okay. I see that it’s fine now and that it has not wilted. The prince is worthy of the rose, let him keep it. I’ll go now.”
“How do we know that by setting you free, you’re not going to use the seed to trick anyone else?” King Thomas said.
“I have no need to trick anyone,” She said. “I just want to go and plant it, and grow another rose. Let me go. Please.” She pleaded.
“Absolutely not!”
“Father!” The prince pleaded, “Release her! This is ridiculous!”
Nicola struggled to get free, from the guards. Prince Scion tried to pull one of the men away that had a firm grip on her right arm, and as he did so the seed slipped from her hand. Realizing this, Nicola burst out “Oh my gosh! Where did it go?!”
It had fallen right on a crevice between the flagstone tiles of the floor. King Thomas got up from his throne and set his foot right on top of it. Then he ground it into the floor with his boot, pushing it down into the crevice.
“There!” He said, “Now no more of this nonsense. As you wish son. Guards, let her go.”
Nicola fell to her knees, trying to peer down into the crack in the floor. It was absolutely irretrievable. She began to cry, her tears falling onto the floor. The kind prince helped her up. “It’s gone!” Nicola cried, “gone.”
Suddenly, voices could be heard. “What was that?” The Prince said.
“I hear singing!” One of the palace guards exclaimed. “Beautiful singing!”
“Silence.” The king ordered, “Stop that music!”
The ground rumbled slightly. The music grew louder, and the throne room was filled with an ethereal light. Out of the crevice between the tiles shot a tiny plant. A rosebush had just started to sprout. “What? NO!” The king said, leaning forward for a closer look. “That is not possible!”
Suddenly the throne room was filled with angels, singing the most beautiful sweet sound. Nicola dried her tears, and smiled. The Rosebush grew up from the floor; even larger than the first.
Soon, the angels surrounded it. They kissed every tiny bud. Nicola smiled, as hope again filled her heart. She knew what would happen next.
Indeed, gold and silver roses came into full bloom all over the bush.
The solemn old king’s eyes grew large. Then, the corners of his mouth started to turn up. “HA!” He exclaimed, “Lovely! Just lovely! But how can this be?”
“Miracles happen every day, King Thomas.” An angel said to him. “You just have to open your heart, and believe.”
***
A few months later, the King was pleased to hold a grand royal wedding in the Throne Room, which by now had become famous for its rosebush of gold and silver that grew right up from the floor.
The roses remained in full bloom, for the wedding of Prince Scion and his beautiful bride Nicola. And the angels sang them a lovely chorus as they became man and wife.
And, of course…
They lived happily ever after in the spirit of Faith, Hope and Love.
K. Crumley, The Golden Rose
Thanks for reading the books on GrayCity.Net
