Princess Lily was known throughout the kingdom for her beautiful dresses and sparkling tiaras, but not for her kindness. She often wrinkled her nose at muddy puddles and turned away from anyone who wasn’t perfectly presentable. One sunny afternoon, while playing near the royal pond, her favorite golden ball bounced… and bounced… and plopped right into the water!
Lily gasped. The pond was deep, and she couldn’t reach. Tears welled up in her eyes. Suddenly, a little green head popped up. It was a frog! “Excuse me, Princess,” croaked the frog, “I can fetch your ball for you.” Lily barely glanced at him. “Just… get it, please,” she said, not even offering a thank you.
The frog dove into the water and quickly returned with the golden ball. He held it out to Lily. “Now, Princess,” he said, “I have only one request. You must let me eat from your plate, sleep in your bed, and be your companion.” Lily, overjoyed to have her ball back, quickly agreed. She didn’t *really* think she’d have to keep her promise to a frog!
She snatched the ball and ran back to the castle, completely forgetting about the little frog. But that evening, a gentle tapping came at the castle door. It was the frog! He hopped right into the dining hall and looked expectantly at Lily. Remembering her promise, Lily reluctantly allowed him to eat from her plate, though she turned her head the whole time.
The frog followed her to her bedroom. Lily tried to ignore him, but he politely asked if he might sleep near her bed. Sighing, Lily allowed it. She tossed and turned, wishing the frog would just disappear. But as she lay there, she noticed the frog seemed…sad. He wasn’t asking for much, just keeping to his side of the room.
The next morning, Lily found herself thinking about the frog. She realized she hadn’t been very kind. She hadn’t even thanked him properly for retrieving her ball. She went to the pond and found the frog sitting on a lily pad. “I’m sorry,” she said sincerely. “I wasn’t very nice to you yesterday. I didn’t keep my promise with a good heart.”
As soon as the words left her lips, a bright light filled the air! The frog began to grow… and grow… until, standing before Lily, was a handsome prince! He explained that a wicked witch had turned him into a frog, and only a princess who could offer genuine kindness and keep her promise could break the spell.
Lily and the prince became the best of friends. She learned that true beauty isn’t about sparkling dresses or golden balls, but about kindness and keeping your word. She invited the prince to live in the castle, and they ruled the kingdom together, always remembering the lesson learned by the pond. Lily made sure everyone in the kingdom, from the grandest noble to the smallest servant, was treated with respect and kindness.
From that day on, Princess Lily wasn’t just known for her beautiful dresses, but for her beautiful heart. And every night, before she went to sleep, she would visit the pond and thank the little frog who had taught her such a valuable lesson. Remember, little one, kindness is a magic all its own.