King Alaric and the Day in the Fields

King Alaric has never wondered where his bread comes from, until farmers petition for mercy on a poor harvest and he decides the work cannot be hard.

A king who swaps clothes with a farmer for a day and learns what hard work means

In the green kingdom of Valdoria, there lived a king named Alaric. He wore a crown of gold, a cloak of deep blue velvet, and boots so polished that he could see his own face in them. Every morning, servants brought him warm bread, honey, and fruit on a silver tray. Every evening, he sat at a long table and ate more food than he could finish.

King Alaric was not unkind. But he had never once wondered where his bread came from.

"Bread comes from the kitchen," he once told his advisor, quite sincerely.

One autumn, the royal council met to discuss the harvest tax. The farmers of Valdoria had sent a petition.

"Your Majesty," read the advisor, "they say the harvest was poor this year, and the tax is too high. They ask for mercy."

Alaric frowned and drummed his fingers on the arm of his throne. "Poor harvest? I've seen the granaries. They're full. The farmers simply don't want to share. What is so hard about growing wheat? You put a seed in the ground, and it grows. I'd happily do it myself."

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Quick answers about King Alaric and the Day in the Fields

What is King Alaric and the Day in the Fields about?

King Alaric has never wondered where his bread comes from, until farmers petition for mercy on a poor harvest and he decides the work cannot be hard.

Is King Alaric and the Day in the Fields free to read?

Yes. Every story on RapidTale is free to read in the browser, with no sign-up and nothing to install.

How long does it take to read?

This story runs 1 chapter — most readers finish in one sitting, and you can stop and return to any chapter using the contents list.

Who wrote it?

Nimra Khan — original fiction published on RapidTale.