The Crown's New Jewel
by

Thomas

A story about Getting a New Brother
for your 5th Grader.

Queen Neena took in a deep breath as she sat on her throne, surrounded by the gentle glow of morning sunlight. She had always felt confident explaining royal matters to her kingdom, but today she trembled with excitement and questions. A messenger had just told her: a new brother would soon arrive, and everything was about to change.

Despite her adventurous spirit, Queen Neena suddenly felt anxious about sharing her life with someone new. She whispered to herself, “I’ve always ruled alone. Will I still be important when my brother arrives?” The very thought made her heart flutter like a bird's wings.

Determined to clear her mind, Queen Neena decided to explore the kingdom’s lively marketplace. Rows of colorful stalls lined the street, with merchants calling out cheerful greetings. The air smelled of sugared pastries and fresh fruit, reminding Neena of her childhood adventures.

She approached a friendly merchant selling woven blankets and asked, “Do you know anything about welcoming a new family member?” The merchant paused, then replied gently, “Your Majesty, it takes kindness and patience to learn how to share your time and space. But it can also be quite wonderful.”

Feeling a spark of hope, Queen Neena wandered further. She overheard villagers murmuring, “Will our queen forget us now that she has a brother?” Concern filled Neena’s mind, and she began to worry she might not meet the kingdom’s needs. She whispered, “I never want to neglect my people.”

Rather than accept their worry, Queen Neena spoke to them, her voice strong. “I promise I will still care for all of you. A new brother won’t change my love for this kingdom.” Even so, inside, she felt unsure how she would balance everything. Change was harder than she expected.

One villager stepped forward and said quietly, “Sometimes, talking to your family about your concerns helps. It’s not easy, but sharing your feelings can guide you toward understanding.” Queen Neena smiled and realized that perhaps reaching out to others was a powerful way to feel prepared for her new role.

Queen Neena remembered a time in her childhood when she had discovered a hidden garden behind the palace. She was terrified, yet also thrilled by its mystery. Now, facing the unknown of a new brother felt similar: scary at first, but filled with promise of a deeper bond.