Hopeful
a Tiny Kingdom story about Prince Dingus and the possibility of lunch
The royal family had been travelling that day, and somewhere along the way they stopped for lunch at a little restaurant.
Prince Donder, already fourteen and well acquainted with the importance of a good rest, had settled beneath the table and fallen asleep. One of the dogs who belonged to the restaurant had taken up a place nearby and seemed quite content to keep him company.
Prince Dingus had other priorities. He sat beside the Queen and watched her eat. There was nothing subtle about it.
Every now and then, the Queen looked down and found her small prince looking back at her. Dingus said nothing. He simply remained where he was, watching with the kind of concentration he usually reserved for matters of considerable importance.
The Queen knew that look and smiled to herself. Dingus was hoping.
Perhaps something might fall. Perhaps she might suddenly remember that she had brought a small prince with her who had, quite possibly, never been fed in his entire life. Perhaps a tiny piece of whatever she was eating might find its way in his direction.
Dingus was prepared to wait and see.
Eventually, the Queen gave in and broke off a little piece to give to him. His tail wagged.
Beside them, Prince Donder slept on, his unexpected companion still nearby, while Dingus remained close to the Queen. After all, lunch was not necessarily over.