The Queen of Puzzles has always been a peculiar and
eccentric woman. Even before she had the throne she was odd. The only thing
stronger than her love of the strange was her love of art. “Why not combine the
two?” She inquired to herself one day. “Why not create something extraordinary
and beautiful?” She sat on her throne, as usual, and called to one of her many
servants. “Fetch me the finest painter in the kingdom- no, the land!” She
exclaimed. “And bring them to me.” Nodding in understanding, the servant ran
off to call on a search for the best artist in the land.
After a
few months of work, the servant returned to the land, accompanied by a young
and poor artist. She was very beautiful and talented, but she didn’t have much
money or supplies to create her masterpieces. That’s why finding her took so
long. She didn’t have many pieces of work to show people, so she wasn’t noticed
as an artist. Legs slightly shaking, the young artist entered the castle and
bowed to the queen. “Your majesty,” she quietly said. “I am here to create a
fine piece of art for you, is that correct?” The Queen of Puzzles smiled at the
shaky girl.
“Yes,
now please and stand and come with me. We have work to do.” The queen stood and
took the girl’s hand and led her to a room dedicated to art. The queen sat down
on a chair and waited as the servants came in, bringing tea and cakes for the
two. “We have the supplies ready for you, my dear.” The queen mused.
The
young artist sat down with a meek, “Thank you, your majesty.” Sitting down in
front of the canvas, the artist and the queen readied themselves for the
painting. “Do you have anything in mind, your majesty?” The girl asked.
“Just
make it beautiful, extraordinary, and something that captures my true essence.
Make me something that the world has never seen.” The shy artist nodded in
understanding and began her work.
Hours
slipped by as the artist finally finished the last few touches to her
masterpiece. “It is done, your majesty.” She said. “I do hope you find it
suitable for your greatness.” The queen stood and walked over to where the
artist sat, leaning over her shoulder to stare at the art. A gasp escaped the
queen’s lips as she straightened up and put a hand over her mouth. The artist
shook in fear. Has she done something wrong? No, she was almost certain that
she had. The painting really was like no other painting seen before. The limbs and
fingers looked bent, and her face looked split in two. The clothes crossed and
the colors used for the portrait were odd and almost looked random. ‘Not fit
for a queen at all,’ the artist thought. ‘The queen will have my head for
this..’
“It’s
perfect!” The queen shouted with glee. “It’s beautiful, extraordinary, and
captures my true essence. This is a piece of art never seen before!” The artist
was baffled, yet grateful by the queen’s comments.
“You do
not find it insulting, your majesty?” She asked.
“Heavens
no, child! It is simply outstanding! You have done a fine job.” The artist
smiled at her kindness.
The
painting was hung up above the queen’s throne proudly. The young artist was
moved into the castle and continued to make art for the royal family. The
painting was titled, “The Queen of Puzzles.” A painting that truly did fit the
queen’s reputation and title.
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