A Tale of The Naked King

None was able to realize it!

Many years ago, there was a powerful King in the Orient. His subjects were very loyal and obedient; so obedient that they could not believe that the King could do any wrong. Over time they became the most loyal subjects. The King did not tolerate anyone who would question or even think about questioning any action of Him or his cabinet of ministers or his army generals.

Across the kingdom, in the schools, colleges, and universities of Neverland, the teachers were revered. The students never asked their teachers any questions. Nobody expressed their opinion on anything. In effect, everybody was obedient, compliant, and above all loyal and content. There was no hint of any thought to the contrary.

One day the King was in conversation with his Prime Minister. When asked by the King about the state of affairs of his kingdom, the Prime Minister replied, “Your Majesty, the subjects are very happy; there is peace everywhere. From shopkeepers to landowners, from school teachers to police, everyone is obedient and compliant to the rules. Everyone obeys your diktats, Your Majesty”.

The Prime Minister continued, “Your Majesty, no one asks questions in Neverland. The students revere their teachers. They do not ask questions. The patients prefer to die peacefully, even if they are not treated in the hospital. No one protests about the obscene cost of medicines. Everyone keeps quiet, whatever the situation. There is peace everywhere, Your Majesty”. The King seemed to be satisfied.

However, in His mind, the King was not so sure. What if there grows a tiny blade of questioning spirit from a crevice of the kingdom’s solid concrete governance? What if questions generate whispers and whispers may become a roar? Complacency may give rise to a future problem. There was a frown on the Royal forehead.

The King summoned the Prime Minister again. He declared his wish to tour the capital of his kingdom of Neverland. He would go around the streets with the Royal entourage to personally see and observe the faces of his compliant, loyal, and happy subjects. A day was fixed and the Royal tour was declared all over for the occasion.

On the appointed day, the King prepared himself well. He wore the diamond and emerald studded belt around his waist, from where the bejewelled sword dangled in its studded gold case. He put the invaluable crown on his head, shining like a mid-day Sun.

He asked his Prime Minister, “How do I look?” The P.M. replied, “You look majestic, incomparable, Your Majesty”!

The king boarded the Royal Chariot, drawn by six of the best white horses (the King despised the black) from the Royal stable. Instead of being seated on the throne, He preferred that day to stand erect with the crown dazzling on his head. The chariot was flanked by two of the Generals, also atop their white horses, a step back. This was followed by the Prime Ministerial mount and other cabinet ministers. Behind them were the soldiers — cavalry and foot soldiers, all bedecked ceremonially to mark the grand occasion. The Army band played “Long Live the King; Long Live Neverland”. Truly, it was a sight to behold.

Huge gates were put up at the entrance of the main streets. They were colourfully decorated and adorned with the Royal Insignia. The streets were lined by the subjects, who were all dressed up. After all, it is not an everyday affair. They left their calling for the day; their main task at hand was to greet the Royal procession, as they passed. So they chanted “Long live the King”, as the procession passed gently with full regalia. The atmosphere was filled with peace, contentment, and happiness all around. The King seemed to be mighty pleased.

As the Royal procession turned onto the third street around the central square of the capital, a five-year-old boy appeared suddenly from the cheering crowd of subjects. He came running almost in front of the Royal Chariot. Looking up to the King, the boy burst into laughter, saying “the King is naked…the King is naked”. Silence befell like a bomb from the sky. The military band stopped playing; the whole procession suddenly screeched to a halt.

The parents of the boy were mortally scared. In great fear, their feet got sunk onto the pavement, or so it seemed. Everyone was quiet and frozen for an eternity.

But what happened to the child? What happened to our Neverland? To find out, read the full story and a dozen other stories in:

Author’s Note:

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