The Ticking Clock
“This, however, was an affair of the state.”
That’s how George MacDonald describes the childless situation of the king and queen of Lagobel in his fairy, The Light Princess. They didn’t have an heir to the throne. This is already a problem for a royal household, more so when the surrounding kingdoms are bursting with princes and princesses, and even more so when the king’s own sister has been eyeing the throne.
At some point, the crown will pass—but to whom?
Perhaps another kingdom will try to absorb Labobel. Perhaps they will do so by force. Perhaps the jealous sister will even orchestrate such a takeover.
But then, a daughter is born.
And the king wastes no time in seeking out spiritual protection for his child. He calls upon the priest to christen her at once. There’s no time to waste.
That is the opening verse for the opening song in the musical:
Eighteen years I’ve waited
A daughter came at last
The kingdom has an heir
The crown can safely pass
Fetch the silver basin
Bring the cross of gold
Let us get her christened
Before the day grows old