Prince Alfred and a Touch of Fitness by Hillcrest Christian College

Prince Alfred and the Torch of Fitness

By We Wrote This Book

Copyright Published by We Wrote This Book, Hillcrest Christian College, 21 Bridgman Drive, Reedy Creek, QLD. Claudia Branson, Fleur Hammersley, Joel Luxton, Amelie Miles, Hayley Oakley, Matthew Sabot, Kaleb Wren. Authors: Claudia Branson, Fleur Hammersley, Joel Luxton, Matthew Sabot, Kaleb Wren Illustrators: Amelie Miles, Hayley Oakley

All rights reserved. This book is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism, or review, as permitted under Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. Enquires should be made to the publisher. Dedication This book is dedicated to all the kids around the world who are going through cancer. We admire you all so much and commend you for all your perseverance. Claudia: This book is also dedicated to my dad, who is going through his own fight with cancer. I wrote my chapters of this book with you in mind and I’m so thankful for all the support you’ve given me. Thank you for inspiring me to be myself and helping me develop a passion for writing.

Chapter 1 – A Bribe Prince Alfred lazed on the plush sofa, gazing at the grand TV in the penthouse. If only my life was as perfect as those celebrities, he thought. He turned to his ragged teddy bear tucked under his arm. “I wish I could be like you Bobby… you don’t have to worry about fitness, and royalty, and... ugh, this sucks!” he groaned. Soon, he would either make the royal family proud, or embarrass the monarchy completely. He really hoped it would not be the latter. But he couldn’t ignore the truth; he was extremely unfit. And he had been asked to carry the Olympic torch, on behalf of the royal family, in the Brisbane 2032 Games’ Opening Ceremony. Alfred could hear murmurs of the conversation in the parlour between his parents and the awful food scientist. He despised her, with her bowls of fruit salad and rolls of organic sushi. She had spent a week trying to convince Alfred to eat healthily, exercise and rest properly, all to no avail. Alfred did not regret his ignorance; he hated fruit, he loved the couch, and he did not want to leave the hotel penthouse. Despite his stubbornness, she did not give up, wanting to please his parents and, if she were to be successful, have her business’s popularity promoted greatly. In the next room, the food scientist gritted her teeth and faked a smile. Alfred’s parents were very kind, but they didn’t want to force their lazy son to do anything. It was all she could do to hold her tongue and stop herself sharing her opinion on the royal family’s parenting. The food scientist sighed and nodded politely, wishing she hadn’t started this pointless conversation, like every time she had visited the penthouse in the past week. “I will go and chat to Prince Alfred now, your majesties. Thank you for your time.” Finally, she stood and excused herself. “You’re welcome Amanda. Thank you for doing this,” The parents nodded graciously. “I hope he will listen to your knowledgeable suggestions.” The food scientist bowed her head, then sighed and left. She entered the living room, and just before she shut the door she boomed, “Good morning, Prince Alfred. I do hope you are enjoying your day, and that I’m not intruding on anything,” making sure his parents heard her respectful comments. Then she closed the door and snarled, “or, maybe I don’t care, Alf-head.” Amanda was sick of asking kindly, “would you like some fruit?” or, “would you come for a walk with me?” He did not even consider her question, but simply answered “Nope”. And she was frustrated. But she could not give up. So, she needed a new strategy. Something that could make Alfred listen and leave him no choice but to finally obey. He needed a new source of motivation, a reason to try, a bribe. But what did he value so much that he would do anything for it? “So, did you like the fresh pineapple granita that I made for you yesterday?” Amanda asked, already knowing his response. “Didn’t eat it,” he grumbled, not taking his eyes off the TV. “You know what, I’m done with this. If you’re not gonna listen, I’ll make you listen,” the food scientist snapped. Then, before he could stop her, she snatched his bedraggled teddy bear and held it above her head, wrinkling her nose.

“If you want this back, you need to eat, exercise, and sleep exactly how I tell you to,” demanded Amanda. “And only when you complete your torch-carrying leg to my expectations and standard, will you receive your disgusting little friend back.”

Chapter 2 – “I’m a prince, not a stupid marathon runner!” “Why would you do that? What is wrong with you?!” the slothful, young boy cried. His eyes darted towards the woman’s hazel eyes. An anguished frown was painted upon his pale face, and his brow began to furrow. However, the food scientist just stared back at him blankly, chewing on her dried fruit protein bar. She always seemed to have one at her disposal, which Alfred regarded as unusual. Her circular glasses sat upon the bridge of her nose, and her white laboratory coat embraced her slender figure. She’s the strangest person I know, he thought. “I did it for your own good, Alf-head, you know how important the torch carrying is. This is Brisbane’s first time hosting the Olympics, such a momentous occasion!” Amanda exclaimed. “I don’t want to lose my job, and you don’t want to embarrass your entire family. If you weren’t so lazy, I wouldn’t need to steal your toy!” She glared at the boy; he was only young, but he had no choice but to run the torch leg. The boy’s face was a picture of disgust at Amanda’s statement. He despised the thought of even going outside. It was a terrible idea to make him carry the torch, in his opinion. His azure eyes glistened in the light, despite the dark bags that sat underneath after watching TV late into the night. He scooped out his chip packet as Amanda continued to lecture him. “Hey, don’t eat that now! You’re going to the ceremony tomorrow!” she groaned. The food scientist grabbed a dried fruit protein bar and handed it to him, taking the chips. “As I was saying, not many people get asked to participate in such an important event, it is an absolute honour!” “Yeah, well maybe they should have asked someone who actually wants to do this,” Alfred groused. “I’m a prince, not a stupid marathon runner!” “Alfie, it’s nothing compared to a marathon, it’s literally a one-hundred-meter jog!” As the pair continued arguing, Alfred dreamed of his dear teddy bear. He wanted to cuddle his fluffy, chestnut companion. He wanted to spill his thoughts to someone who would listen without interrupting every second. But he couldn’t. He could only watch Amanda grip Bobby like she was holding a piece of garbage. A sense of solitude crept upon on him as the realisation that his only friend was gone began sink in. Since he had arrived in Australia, the only company he had was an inanimate object. Other than that, he just had loneliness, his ever-present acquaintance. He felt tears form in his eyes. His gaze slid down to his shoes. He couldn’t bear to look at Amanda, she was a despicable monster in his eyes. “Can I please have Bobby back? He’s my only friend…” Alfred mumbled softly. Amanda pretended to ignore the boy. His stubborn behaviour revolted her. She was beginning to lose the little patience that she had for the young boy. She hated how Alfred had so much, and still complained. “You listen here, you spoiled brat. If you want your ragged so6

called ‘BFF’ Bobby back, you’re going to need to participate in this torch relay,” hissed Amanda. “And until then, he’s mine.” Alfred couldn’t process what he had just heard. Amanda’s malicious remarks played on repeat in his mind, like a broken record. Although it hurt for Alfred to hear, he realised that he actually was a lazy, spoilt boy. The spoilt prince shrugged reluctantly. “Alright,” he sighed. “Let’s start training.”

Chapter 3 - Training As the pair approached the sleek limousine, Amanda asked Alfred where he wanted to train. “I don’t know!” exclaimed Alfred in exasperation. “You’re meant to be my coach!” “Well, we could go to the beach,” suggested Amanda. “They will cover the stadium path in sand, so you need to practice running on it.” “But I hate the beach!” whined Alfred, “Once I got stung by a blue bottle, and the lifesaver just made it worse!” “That was one experience, I am one-hundred percent sure that it won’t happen again.” Alfred’s expression didn’t change. “Well, then we’ll go to the gym in the stadium; I heard that they have brand new, state of the art equipment!” Amanda recommended as they stepped into the fancy car. It contained flat screen televisions, tinted windows, and extremely comfortable leather recliners. As Alfred’s hand shifted to the backrest and footrest controllers, Amanda swiftly swatted it away. “Use your muscles to hold yourself up, lazybones,” the food scientist instructed. “This should be easy, and fun. You said getting chosen to carry the torch was a great honour! This has brought me no pride; I hate it!” Alfred groaned. Amanda sighed and turned to the driver. “How about we go to the stadium?” She looked over her shoulder at Alfred. “After all, that’s where you will end the relay.” When they arrived at the stadium, the prince worriedly looked out the window at the colossal building towering above him. After scanning for paparazzi, the chauffeur swiftly opened the door of the limousine and Alfred and Amanda climbed out. As they approached the entrance, Alfred was trying to come up with ways to steal Bobby back from the food scientist, until a booming voice queried. “Can I take a selfie with you?” The young prince looked up to see a tanned, blond man in a navy-blue security uniform. The boy looked at Amanda for advice on what to do, but her eyes were transfixed on the guard’s spotless face, her cheeks bright red. “Uh, sure.” Alfred stuttered. With Amanda watching on, the guard posed with a smiling Alfred, his outstretched hand holding the camera. “Thanks,” beamed the guard, “I’m gonna get so many likes.” “S-see you later!” squeaked Amanda, biting another protein bar as they walked into the Gabba stands. As Alfred’s crystal eyes gleamed with pride, Amanda snapped, “Don’t think you’re special because you have different blood. Now run a lap or you won’t be seeing Bobby again!” “Alright,” sighed Alfred, reluctantly jogging on the rough track while thinking, when I’m King, I’ll make sure that I’ll never have to run again. I can’t wait to go back to my couch and watch TV with Bobby. When the young prince finally reached Amanda again, she lifted Bobby with a sinister grin. “One more lap, then you can have a rest,” she sneered. Alfred powered on, tears filling his eyes. He had never done anything as physically demanding as this before. When he reached Amanda again, Alfred puffed, “Can I go back to the hotel now?” 8

“I didn’t say you were done!” snickered the food scientist while crunching another protein bar. “Get down and do 20 push ups. Now!” Groaning with pain, Alfred kneeled on the ground, wishing to be let free from the burden Amanda had cast upon him. With all his strength he completed the push-ups, his forehead sweating furiously. Exhausted, the boy collapsed onto the ground unable to get up. “What are you doing-” chastised Amanda until she was disrupted by a crowd of reporters and security guards flocking to the fallen prince. “Prince Alfred, do you want to pose with these weights?” A reporter interjected, “We would like to take some photos and interview you.” “Sure,” grinned Alfred smugly, putting on his most confident face. As the photographers began setting up their tripods, a figure approached them. “Alfred?” Amanda questioned. “Is that your brother?” Alfred’s big brother, Carlos addressed the closest reporter. “I would like to have an interview ma’am.” As he spoke as the reporters all turned to him, immediately taking pictures, and asking him questions. A short reporter who was following along at the back of the crowd approached Alfred and asked, “How do you feel living in your brother’s shadow?” Alfred’s mind was a blur. Tears welled up in his eyes as Amanda walked towards him an annoyed expression displaying on her face. “Let’s go for a run and continue training, Prince Alfred.” Amanda commanded, with a disgusted look at the cameras pointed to Prince Carlos, but Alfred noticed a trace of jealousy in her eyes. “Okay, Amanda,” he replied, and let her guide him back to the limousine.

Chapter 4 – The Run Alfred was glad that they had decided to run in the city. It was undoubtedly easier than the hot and humid beach with its marine landmines of stinging pain. Those pesky blue bottles are always hanging around when I’m here, Alfred thought to himself. The sun glistened in the mauve twilight sky, the clouds a fluffy white. Even the murky rivers across the city were intoxicated and transformed by the sun’s warmth and kindness. Amanda’s idea to go for a run was crazy, but I suppose it wasn’t that bad in the end, he thought to himself. “Hurry up, we need to be back to the stadium in time for the ceremony.” She stated as she dragged Alfred’s arm, beckoning him to speed up. Alfred sighed at her attitude. His own mother had always treated him like a darling little prince, and let him have his own choices. With Amanda, it was always ‘do this’ and ‘do that’ and ‘hurry up, spoilt prince’. “I’ll be waiting outside.” Amanda’s glasses dropped into her hand as she clasped them as they jogged down the grey pathway. In winter, the propellor-like seeds sprinkled on the heads of those that waltzed under the Norway maple trees. The alluring scent of the fresh pastries being created in the nearby bakeries filled the chilly air, holding Alfred in a trance. Alfred and Amanda had started to pick up their pace, occasionally glancing over at the tall modern buildings across the river that they jogged beside. “You’re way better that when we met. I remember your family telling me about how you would always fall when you run.” Amanda glanced across at Alfred, acknowledging his success, then she fixed her eyes ahead and admired the beautiful yet modern scenery. “What do you mean ‘you would always fall when you run’? I’ve always been amazing at running, especially when I was younger. I was known as the runner, to be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever not won a running race.” Alfred’s smirk and face of pure pride started to make Amanda laugh. Because of this, Alfred’s facial expression changed to a mix of frustration and anger. But he knew why Amanda was laughing. He had barely run a single race his whole life. “I’m not ready!” He wasn’t wrong, but he was close to mastering his balance and control and had become much less clumsy than he had been a few years ago. He had nearly overcome his biggest fear. Amanda pulled out her driedfruit protein bar from her backpack and took a little nibble. Alfred’s pace started to slow. He stopped and turned to Amanda.

“Do you think I’ll fall?” His question was serious, but he had lost all hope in himself. Amanda pulled out a special item from her backpack, a ripped chestnut bear. Alfred’s face lit up as his cloud of darkness disappeared. “I’ll give it back to you, but only after you have ignited the Olympic cauldron, succeeded on your mission, and you will have completed the purpose for you coming here.” Alfred nodded in response, unconfidently. They arrived at the stadium gates and said their goodbyes. ‘It’s your time to shine, Alf-head, go and make this all worth it.’

Chapter 5 – The Olympic Cauldron Perspiration dripped down Alfred’s forehead as he stood at the stadium entrance. Dark clouds filled his head, fogging up his thoughts. Adrenaline rushed through his veins, and his heart’s pulse quickened with each passing second. Alfred’s legs were boiled noodles, shaky and unstable. His hands were shaking, lips quivering. His hands ruffled through his hair every few seconds and his breathing started to grow faster. The prince’s posture wobbled and hunched with overwhelming nerves. He put his fingers into his mouth, biting his cuticles, then when they ran out, his nails. It was a bad habit of Alfred’s, and like most kids, he couldn’t control it. Black roses were blooming within Alfred’s mind, fear growing within him. Despite the nerves and doubt that engulfed Alfred’s mind, there was this odd sense of achievement present within his heart. The roars of the audience grew more and more audible as others ran their legs. Surely Alfred’s turn would arrive soon. The devil on Alfred’s shoulder chanted words of doubt into his ear, but for some reason the words didn’t stick. Of course, it frightened him that he might not live up to the public’s standards, but he felt peace. The training that he went through alongside Amanda seemed worth something now. More importantly, if he did this, he’d get Bobby back. The thought of holding his precious, beloved teddy in his arms again absolutely thrilled the young boy. He imagined all the new memories he would make with his favourite companion. And then time slowed to a snail’s pace. The crowd’s cheers pierced his ears like a new-born baby’s wail. Through his peripheral vision, a bright flame grew visible. It glistened in the midnight darkness, illuminating its surroundings. A young woman, no more than sixteen years old was carrying the torch across the sand. Her jogging speed was cautious, and she locked eyes with Alfred. Her blond hair shone in the fire’s glow, emphasising her brilliant curls. Her face was decorated in small, beige freckles that grouped together mainly upon her nose. Alfred’s teeth began to clatter as the young woman approached him. They exchanged glances, and Alfred was suddenly enchanted by the girl’s smile of encouragement and her deep, chocolate eyes. She mouthed the words, “good luck,” as she passed Alfred the torch. He smiled. Alfred’s grasp tightened upon the torch as he ran through the entrance of the stadium. The crowd’s applause grew louder the further he ran. Grains of sand shifted in his shoes, and the swift, cool breeze of the night brushed past his ear. He dashed across the pathway, the audience growing more audible with each step he took. This tingle was present within him, and he just couldn’t stop. The world was flying past the young boy. The Olympic Torch run was so exhilarating. The spoiled prince did not regret it one bit. It all felt so surreal to him, and he had learnt so much in the past few hours. He could see the Olympic cauldron in the centre of the stadium, just waiting to be lit up. Suddenly however, his perfect run ended, because of one miniscule issue. It all flashed before his eyes like a lightning bolt striking a metal pole. The world began to collapse before him as he felt his legs turn to jelly. The little pebble had cost him everything. Alfred juggled the torch in his hands and the crowd gasped. He stumbled a bit further, his face quickly transforming to terror. The boy felt tears forming in his eyes, turning from a light sprinkle to gushing waterfalls. His cheeks went reddish-pink, and his hair blew crazily in the cold, heavy winds. The laughter from the audience echoed in Alfred’s ears, whilst embarrassment flooded his mind. He felt lost. He had failed. But then, a hand gripped his arm. His head spun around and met with a familiar face. The women’s brunette hair fell onto her shoulders as she stared at the young boy through her circular glasses. “I think you could use a bit of help,” Amanda smiled, and with a sympathetic look she pulled him up. 12

Arm in arm, the food scientist and the prince raced across the dry sand. The Gabba was lit up with colourful and vivid lights. It was a beautiful wonder, and Alfred thought he gaze at the entrancing colours all night. He could just imagine how much better it would be if Bobby was with him. Amanda grinned at the small boy, proud at how far he had come. The two found themselves in the middle of the stadium, just twenty metres away from the Olympic Cauldron. The boy heard united voices in the crowd, chanting his name. He dropped Amanda’s hand and raced to the large structure. And with the sweep of his arm, he ignited the cauldron. Cheers from the crowd penetrated the atmosphere. The flame danced within the cauldron’s belly, the audience staring at it with absolute awe and interest. From under her coat, Amanda grabbed a soft and cute, although very old, toy. “Bobby!” Alfred cried with glee. “You deserve it, Alf-head!” Amanda exclaimed, smiling kindly. Again, the crowd began to applaud the boy in utter astoundment. Alfred felt joy, pride, and satisfaction, and the grin that had been hiding shone freely. Amanda looked at him, full of jubilance. “Amanda, can I ask you one thing?” Prince Alfred inquired, with a smirk forming upon his pale face. “Of course, your majesty. Ask me anything!” The food scientist answered, as they walked together towards the grandstands. “Can I go home now?”

THE END

It is the moment that Australia has been waiting for - the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. Lazy Prince Alfred has been asked to carry the Olympic torch in the Gabba stadium for the opening ceremony, representing the royal family. The prince isn’t prepared to give up his spoilt life, but there is one person who might convince him and save him and the royal family’s reputation. (Aimed for 10-14 years old)