500 Words 2023: read a finalist's story from the 8-11 category

<500 Words< Finalists< 8-11

This story was chosen as a top 50 finalist for 500 Words 2023.

Remember, spelling, punctuation and grammar are not taken into account for a 500 Words story, therefore all the top 50 stories have been published how they were submitted.

A Royal Day by Hussaiin S.

The King sat by the fire reading his letters under a warm light. A letter caught his eye with a blood red SKULL stamp. Charles tore the letter open and read, " Give us your Crown, or else…!" Yet another hoax letter, he thought. A cold winter breeze swept over his shoulder and he wondered if the maid had forgotten to close the window. Charles closed the latch, and slid into bed and drifted away.

The same day, in a little, peaceful place called Derby, Adam turned 11. He'd also won a BBC competition for writing a short story. His prize, was a trip to Buckingham Palace where he would get to spend a day with the King. He fell asleep dreaming about it.

A week later, the King stood outside Buckingham Palace. Adam stepped forward and gave a nervous courtesy and delivered the greeting he'd been rehearsing, "Honour to meet you, Mr King Sir, thank you for inviting me" The King did not smile.

The butler read out the program, and Adam made a quick mental note:9am - Tour of Palace (basement cellar off limits, Kings orders)11am - Tea with King (hopefully with cake)1pm - Walk in Royal gardens with King and dogs3pm - Meet French ambassador (bonjour, ca va, oui oui)5pm - They've had enough, time to go home

After the tour, Adam was marched into the tea room with military precision. A buffet of cakes, biscuits, scones and finger sandwiches were layed out. Adam knew a lot about the King; his habits; his routine; his style. So, when the King hardly noticed nor spoke to him, he found that very strange. The King added to suspicions when he used his left hand instead of his right when he drank his tea. Adam asked "Are you ambidextrous?" the King was offended, "No, I don't play Tetris!"

At 1pm, Adam's suspicions grew. Whilst out walking with the King, Adam noticed the Jack Russell Spaniels, Jack and Russell, barked angrily at the King and approached him with caution as if they were unfamiliar and confused by him. So was Adam, something did not add up. Adam asked for a quiet word with the Butler and made some plans in preparation for 3pm.

The French Ambassador was very friendly and Adam managed a small conversation with him in both English and French. When the French Ambassador spoke to the King in French, the King mumbled gibberish in reply which was not French nor English! It was common knowledge that the King could speak fluent French!

As planned, the French Ambassador kept the King talking until the Police arrived. The imposter was arrested and the real King Charles was retrieved from the off limits cellar in the basement intact. The friendly monarch thanked Adam.

At 5pm, Adam left with a special VIP invitation for another day's visit which he was delighted about. The Imposter King left with handcuffs and a gift from the French Ambassador, "A complete Idiots guide to learning French".

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