Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

Princess Leesa was riding up to the castle on her palomino named Charity. As she galloped along, she looked behind. Following her was a knight – a white knight; he was her guard. If she ever needed help, she need only ask and he would help her.

Today was a special day. A banquet was going to be held in honor of Princess Ella’s 18th birthday.

Leesa rode up to the castle, left Charity at the stable and went to her bed chamber. When she reached her chamber she found on her table a heart shaped basket. The basket was filled with beautiful pale-pink rose buds. Tied to the basket was a note that read:

Princess, The Basket is for you to save and give to your Prince when he comes. Keep it and guard it; do not give a single bud away. If you do each bud will loose its fragrance and will soon wither away and die. If you keep them safe, they will be as pure and bright for your prince as they are now.

~ Your Faithful guard.

The Princess took the basket from the table and placed it on a shelf near the window. “There,” She thought to herself. “That will keep it out of harms way.”

That evening during the party, Princess Ella stopped to talk to Leesa.

“Did you notice that man over in the corner?” Ella whispered in Leesa’s ear. “I think I would like to be acquainted with him.”

“I have noticed him,” Leesa said. “But not for his looks. Have you not noticed how he treats the ladies? I fear, though he may be handsome, he has no true character.”

“Oh Leesa,” Ella said with a sigh and a lofty air. “You are so childish.” Then she turned to go and said softly to herself, but loud enough for Leesa to hear. “I believe I shall give him one of my buds.”

“One of your buds!” Leesa exclaimed in shock. “Why Ella, did not the guard tell you that they are only to be given to your prince when he comes?”

“Of course he did, silly.” Ella said with a slight sneer. “But who believes such a thing? If I don’t give them away, I fear they will wither. What would I have for my prince? Just a basket full of withered old roses.” Ella stalked away leaving Leesa in bewilderment.

Leesa thought about what Ella said for a moment, but only for a moment. Leesa believed the words of her faithful guard. She was going to keep the basket for her prince.

After the party that night, Leesa asked for her father to come see her in her chamber. Her father willingly came, for he had noticed during the party that something seemed to be troubling her.

“Father,” Leesa said going over to the shelf where she had placed the basket of roses just that morning. “You know of this basket that my guard gave me?”

“Yes, dearest.” He said walking over to her and placing his arm around her.

“I wish you to keep it for me.” Leesa said handing it to him. “I do not want to give it away to the wrong person, and I know you will help me.” The King took the basket and squeezed his daughter affectionately. “I am glad you want it to be safe. I will keep it for you, until your wedding day. Then we shall together give it to your prince. Are you willing to trust me to do whatever is necessary to keep it safe?”

“Oh yes Father.” The princess said, returning her father’s hug and planting a kiss on his cheek.

Princess Leesa diligently kept her heart, following her father’s wise words even when it was difficult. Through every trial, when she was tempted to give her roses away, her father was right there next to her, as was her Faithful Guard. When her wedding day did come, her basket of roses were as fresh and beautiful as they were when she had received them.

As for Princess Ella, when her prince came, she had nothing to give him but a heart shaped basket and one withered rose. She truly wished she had done as her guard had told her and kept every rose for her prince.