The Legend of Princess Evelina
Once upon a time, in a kingdom far away, there existed a beautiful ornate chest revered and treasured by everyone who ever set foot in the kingdom. No one knew of its powers, for it lay dormant in the grandest room of the mightiest castle, guarded by the fiercest of sentinels.
Despite the mystery, people from across the lands came to glance at the chest, for there were tales. Tales of an ancient prophecy which suggested that upon the chest opening, it would bring forth unparalleled wealth or devastating calamity to the kingdom. And thus, the chest remained untouched.
The kingdom thrived under the rule of a virtuous king who loved his people, ruled with fairness, and stood firmly in wisdom's path. The king, however, was growing old and had a single regret—his one and only daughter, the Princess Evelina didn't possess his love for adventure.
Princess Evelina was unlike any princess you’ve heard of in folklores. Every tale of Evelina’s timidness danced on the lips of her kingdom. She was skittish at heart, and adventures and challenges unnerved her. Yet, she held a spirit more compassionate than any ever known, and a grace enviable by even the queens of the highlands.
"Compassion and timidity are sisters, aren't they, dear father?" she would often whisper to the king. And the king, with a knowing smile, would reply, "Bravery is another sister, my dear."
One day, during one of the usual sighting sessions of the chest, the people around noticed it stir. The chest that lay dormant through countless ages gave a slight quiver. Fearful gasps echoed throughout the grand chamber. And then, the faintest of voices broke the silence, sounding almost as a whisper:
"Only the one weary of courage and full of kindness may set me free."
The king, who was present, immediately understood the prophecy. But he fell silent, for he knew that his daughter, Princess Evelina, was the chest's chosen, a proposition both exciting and dreadful at once.
The king returned to his chamber and called for Evelina. He knew his frail heart would shatter if something happened to Evelina. But he also understood that destiny was calling his daughter. The moment that the ancient prophecy foretold was very likely here. And so, this had to be Evelina's adventure and hers alone.
When told of the prophecy, Evelina fell silent. Fear curled its cold fingers around her heart, but her father's faith in her warmed her from within. She finally gathered her resolve, deciding to embrace her journey.
On the advent of the full moon, the grand chamber filled with the kingdom's well-wishers, all intrigued. With shaky legs and sweaty palms, Evelina ventured towards the chest. Her heart pound heavily against her ribcage while her fearful gaze fixated on the mysterious chest. As she extended her hand towards the chest, it tremored violently, and a blinding light engulfed the room.
Seconds turned into agonizing minutes. As the light subsided, the crowd gasped. There stood Evelina, knees trembling, but eyes shimmering with an unidentifiable calm. The chest lay wide open, the prophesied calamity nowhere in sight. Instead, what people saw left them awestruck.
The ornate chest was filled with the kingdom's lost treasures, artefacts undisturbed from the past, and the biggest of them all - The Elixir of Eternal Youth.
Princess Evelina had not only opened the chest but through the journey, opened herself to bravery. She was no longer a damsel of fear; she had turned into a beacon of courage, inspiring every individual in her kingdom.
Among the cheers of her subjects and the tears of pride in her father's eyes, Evelina realized how her adventure had shaped her. The prophecy had indeed come true. The kingdom saw unparalleled prosperity, and Evelina, the once timid princess, had discovered her latent bravery. Thus, went the legend of Princess Evelina and her incredible adventure.
So, my dear friends, remember, even the most timorous hearts hold the mightiest bravery within themselves. All it takes is an adventure to unearth it.
