This is a short story I wrote for NYC Midnights flash fiction contest early this year. I had 250 words. The prompt was a action and adventure story where someone was delivering something and I had to use the word forget. Thus “The Very Important Letter to The King and The Man Who Gets to Read It” came to be. I have done some edits based on feedback from the judges and went over the 250 word limit but nevertheless I had a good laugh writing this story.

It is on final bend of my journey that I meet my last foe. For a fortnight I have traveled with a note so important for the king that many had faced me in order to steal it. Pride swells in me as I deal the last killing blow upon my kingdoms enemy.

            Upon nearing the gates to the lavish castle that is my destination, I take the letter out of my pocket and hold it above my head like a key. The guards nod and I am led to the King’s lavish throne room.

            “Your majesty, your letter” I say kneeling.

            The King takes it and “hmms” and “ahhs” as he reads it. He hands it to me.

            “Your reward for this task is the knowledge within this letter.”

            “What an honor your majesty.” I say kneeling further.

Hard-Boiled Egg (Perfect)

Bring a pot of water to a boil

Put 6 eggs into the pot

Ensure eggs are completely submerged

Cover pot and simmer for 13 minutes

Put cooked eggs into an ice bath until cooled

            “I have risked my life…for eggs?”

            “Not just any eggs! The perfect hard-boiled egg!”  The King exclaims!

            “They’re…eggs!”

            “With no green ring!” The King says, taking the letter back.

            Perplexed, I go home, taking the knowledge of the recipe as the only payment I will receive.

It is only with an egg in hand, I realize that I forget how to make a perfect hard-boiled egg.