The staff had never seen their beloved King, so excited, so motivated before. His son would soon be coming home and the King had been spending every spare moment in preparation for that very wonderful day.
Everything would soon be in order.
"Do you think Manley suspects what I am about to give him?" The King asked more than once.
"Not a chance, "Michal replied. "He couldn’t."
The King toured the grounds leisurely. Every rose bush had been carefully pruned earlier, and now was blooming profusely. All the other flowers were also at their brightest and gayest. He smiled in satisfaction then toured the orchards. Because of the ideal climate within the splendid walls of the kingdom, a remarkable phenomenon was taking place. The process of budding, blossoming and bearing fruit was going on continually. He plucked a choice apple and bit into it. It was perfect; so crisp and juicy.
The King walked over to another tree, taller and more impressive in some ways than any of the others so far. He stood looking into its branches with his hands clasped behind His back. The brightness of His countenance had dimmed somewhat, as He turned and walked away.
The lush green lawns undulated smoothly across the park everywhere he looked. He walked over to a herd of deer resting quietly near a patch of weeping willow trees. The buck got to his feet and nosed his hand. The King stroked him gently while the rest gathered around seeking attention.
Soon a noble looking male lion yawned, stretched, and sauntered over. The buck gazed at him, and they touched noses as if acknowledging they were both leaders in their own pack. As the lion shook his big, shaggy head, obviously seeking attention, the King indulgently rubbed his mane and tickled him under the chin. As he turned to go a tiny, golden bunny hopped on the lion’s back and lifted a paw to stoke the King’s face. His Majesty carried the cuddly bunny in His arms while continuing his leisurely tour. Wherever he went the animals would come to meet Him and were grateful for the attention they received.
The Beloved King returned to the impressive tree He had been examining earlier, and stood with bowed head. There are countless fruit bearing trees spanning these many acres, and only one like this. But this one he must not partake of. I do not want him to know, to comprehend and desire evil, and even overly much understanding of good would not be necessary. I must ask him to leave it alone.
Suddenly Gabriel was at His side. "Why don’t you root it out then, so it is not a temptation?"
The King’s eyes looked so sad. "If I root it out what would my son have to live for? Eventually all this beauty and serenity would be taken for granted if he didn’t choose it. Nay, He must choose whether He wants to keep what I have to offer or take His own way."
"But it is so hard on his Majesty," Gabriel whispered to Michal.
His fellow staff member nodded. "He knows what Manley will choose and it grieves Him deeply, but He loves his son too much not to give him the ability to make up his own mind".
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