“Flower of Love”

Author’s Note: This is a Take Ten to Write story and has not been proofread for errors. If I feel inspired or if there’s interest in the story, I’ll post a revised, edited, and extended version at a later date. Happy reading!

Prompt: “Love dies only when growth stops.” – Pearl S. Buck

I can’t let it die. My whole kingdom is depending on me. I just can’t let them down.

If only my father hadn’t died. If he were still alive, I wouldn’t be in this mess. Honestly, I don’t know the first thing about gardening, yet here I am, in charge of my kingdom’s only source of love.

I’ve heard the same speech more times than I can count. “If the flower dies, so does love.”

At the moment, I’m feeling the exact opposite of love for this stupid flower. I don’t understand why I’m the only one allowed in this room. Why couldn’t I just get one of the servants to take care of the plant? The kingdom would probably be safer that way.

But no, none of the servants have even peeked inside this room before. No one outside of the royal family has ever seen the flower.

I’ll admit: it’s beautiful. If only it wasn’t responsible for the love of the entire kingdom. And if only I weren’t the one responsible for it.

Final Comments: Ugh the sentences were so short and choppy in this one.

Overall Rating: 😣