The Unwelcome Gift

On the eve of a royal Christmas feast, Bebelle—a small, ungainly kitchen boy—quietly carves a scepter from a scrap of firewood, etching into it the words Justice, Mercy, Verity, Lowliness, Devotion, Patience, Courage, and, above all, Love. While the court dazzles with glittering gifts, only Bebelle’s humble offering holds the power to reveal what kingship truly means. Along the way he is aided by Shreve of the Fields, a radiant wanderer whose gentleness startles the royal household, and tested by disappointment when the court rejects his gift. In a final, luminous encounter, Bebelle discovers that true royalty is measured not in gold, but in the virtues one has carved into the heart. Tender, timeless, and quietly thrilling, The Unwelcome Gift is a perfect holiday listen for families and anyone who cherishes stories of grace and courage. Todd Richards’s warm, expressive narration brings the bustling palace, the wintry woods, and Bebelle’s brave spirit to life—reminding us that love crowns the least expected among us.