The Princess and the Pea

In a kingdom nestled between rolling hills and sparkling rivers, there lived a wise and kind-hearted king. His greatest desire was to find a worthy princess for his beloved son, Prince William. The king wanted his son to marry a princess who possessed not only beauty but also a heart as pure as gold.

To fulfill his wish, the king devised a plan. He sent his royal messengers to far-off lands, inviting princesses from across the realm to come and stay in the grand palace. Each princess would be tested to determine her true nature and suitability to become the future queen.

Princesses from distant lands arrived at the palace, each one hoping to win Prince William's heart. Among them was Princess Isabella, known for her striking beauty and grace. Another was Princess Elara, whose laughter was as enchanting as the birds' songs. And then there was Princess Lila, whose eyes sparkled with kindness and empathy.

The grand palace was adorned with elegance and luxury, fit for a royal gathering. But the king had a secret plan in mind, one that would reveal the true character of each princess.

One stormy night, as raindrops pattered against the windows, a knock echoed through the palace halls. The door swung open, revealing a young maiden dressed in rags. Her name was Princess Amelia, and she had lost her way in the rain.

The king's heart swelled with compassion. He welcomed Amelia into the palace and offered her shelter from the storm. Despite her humble appearance, Amelia carried herself with grace and dignity.

As the night wore on, the storm intensified. The king's plan was set into motion. In a quiet chamber, a single pea was placed beneath twenty mattresses and twenty feather beds. Princess Amelia was led to the room, unaware of the test that awaited her.

The next morning, the king and his advisors eagerly gathered to see the results of their test. Princess Isabella complained of discomfort and a restless night's sleep. Princess Elara mentioned a slight ache in her back. Princess Lila confessed to tossing and turning.

But when it was Amelia's turn, a smile graced her lips. "Your Majesty," she said, "I slept peacefully, as if cradled by a soft cloud."

The king's heart skipped a beat. He ordered the mattresses to be lifted, and there, beneath them all, was the single pea that had caused such discomfort to the other princesses.

The truth was clear – Princess Amelia was the one. Her sensitivity and kindness were evident, as only a heart of true compassion could have felt the tiny pea beneath the towering stack of mattresses.

Prince William and Princess Amelia fell in love, their hearts entwined by the genuine bond they shared. The grand palace celebrated their union with a magnificent feast, and the kingdom rejoiced in the discovery of a princess whose inner beauty surpassed all.

And so, the wise king's plan had succeeded. He had found a princess who possessed not only outer grace but also an inner depth that resonated with true royalty.

As the years passed, Prince William and Princess Amelia ruled the kingdom with fairness and love. Their reign was marked by compassion, understanding, and the timeless lesson that true beauty lies within the heart.

Questions:

• Why did the wise king want to find a worthy princess for his son, Prince William?

• How did the king test the princesses who came to the palace?

• How did Princess Amelia's reaction to the pea beneath the mattresses reveal her true character?

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