The animals of the Green Meadow needed a new king. Their old leader, a very sensible badger, had decided to retire and spend his days napping. So, all the creatures gathered under the big oak tree to pick a new one.

Many animals tried to impress the crowd. The bear showed off his strength, and the peacock fanned his beautiful tail. Then, a playful Monkey started to dance. He did flips and funny walks, swung from a low branch, and made everyone giggle. "He's so entertaining!" chirped a little bird. "Yes, let's make Monkey our king!" hooted an owl, who usually wasn't so easily amused. So, they put a crown of flowers on Monkey's head, and he felt very grand.

A sly Fox watched all this. He didn't think Monkey was very kingly. "He's just a bit silly," Fox thought.

A few days later, Fox was walking through the woods when he saw a hunter's snare on the ground. It was a loop of rope, cleverly hidden, with a juicy red apple placed right in the middle as bait. Fox had an idea.

He hurried to find King Monkey, who was busy trying to teach squirrels how to juggle acorns (not very successfully).
"Your Majesty!" said Fox, bowing low. "I have found something wonderful, a special treasure hidden in the woods. It looks like a gift just for a king!"

Monkey's eyes lit up. "A treasure? For me? Lead the way, Fox!"

Fox led Monkey to the spot where the snare was hidden. "There it is, Your Highness," said Fox, pointing to the shiny apple. "A delicious treat, just waiting for you."

Monkey, without a second thought, reached for the apple. SNAP! The rope tightened around his hand, and he was caught in the trap!

"Help! I'm stuck!" cried Monkey, tugging at the rope.

Fox stepped out from behind a bush, a little smile on his face. "Well, King Monkey," he said, not unkindly, but with a clear point. "You want to rule over all of us, but you couldn't even spot a simple trap. A true leader needs to be wise and careful, not just good at making funny faces."

The other animals, who had heard the commotion and come to see, looked at the trapped Monkey and then at the Fox. They all began to understand that being a good king was about more than just being fun.

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