Princess Poppy wasn't like other princesses. She didn't love sparkly gowns or fancy balls. Princess Poppy had a very special gift – she could *feel* everything! A tiny pebble in her shoe? She knew it instantly. A slightly lumpy cushion? She could tell! This made finding a comfortable bed a real challenge.
One day, a letter arrived from Princess Lily of the Sunstone Kingdom. Princess Lily was traveling to visit, and she was very excited. But a terrible storm blew through the kingdom, and the royal guest room was a mess! The beautiful feather mattress was soaked, and the silk sheets were tangled.
“Oh dear!” cried the Queen. “Princess Lily will be here tomorrow! What will she sleep on?”
Poppy knew she had to help. She tried the mattress in the blue room, but it had a tiny spring poking out. She tried the mattress in the green room, but it was too firm. She tried the mattress in the yellow room, but it smelled faintly of beeswax. Nothing felt quite right.
The royal servants brought piles of blankets and pillows. Poppy carefully felt each one. Some were too scratchy, some were too fluffy, and some were just…not quite perfect. She started to feel worried. What if Princess Lily couldn’t sleep?
Then, Poppy had an idea! She remembered a huge pile of soft, downy feathers in the castle attic. They were meant for making new pillows, but Poppy thought…maybe…
She and the servants carried the feathers down and carefully filled a large, empty mattress case. They fluffed and smoothed and patted until it was a cloud of softness. Poppy gently pressed her hand into the feather bed. It was perfect!
When Princess Lily arrived, she was tired from her journey. Poppy showed her to the guest room, a little nervously. Princess Lily sank into the feather bed with a happy sigh.
“Oh, Poppy!” she exclaimed. “This is the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in! It’s like sleeping on a cloud!”
Poppy smiled. She realized her special gift wasn’t a problem at all. It helped her make sure everyone was comfortable and happy. She learned that being able to feel what others feel meant she could be a very kind and thoughtful princess.
That night, Poppy and Lily stayed up late, giggling and sharing stories. Poppy knew that even though she felt everything, the best feeling of all was having a good friend. And knowing she had helped make her friend’s visit a cozy one. Now close your eyes, little one, and dream of soft feathers and sweet friendships.