The Boys with Stars on Their Foreheads
Laptiza, the Beauty of the Kingdom
Once upon a time, long, long ago, there was a generous and handsome emperor who ruled half the world. In his endless kingdom, lived a very beautiful woman, Laptiza.
Laptiza was a shepherd's daughter. Her shiny hair and smooth skin made her stand out in the entire kingdom. Everyone was enchanted by her beauty. Even the animals, birds, and trees.
Laptiza was not only beautiful, but also very generous. She cared for animals and everyone around her. But it wasn't just birds or animals; even the stars loved her very much for her beauty and generosity.
The Blessing of the Star Lin
One such star was Lin.
— Laptiza, you have a kind soul. We, the stars, have watched you from the sky and are fascinated by your beauty and your spirit. That is why we have brought you a gift.
— What gift?
— A blessing! In the sixth month of your marriage, you will be blessed with twin boys. They will be your star boys.
— Star boys?
— Yes! With a star on each of their foreheads. They will always be by your side to protect you. The stars will be their armor. No one will be able to harm them. They will be the most beautiful and wisest boys on earth.
The Emperor and Laptiza
Speaking thus, Lin disappeared into the sky. The next day, as Laptiza was leading her flock of sheep to a nearby pasture, she heard the sound of horses' hooves. She turned and was amazed to see that it was the emperor with a few soldiers.
As soon as the emperor saw Laptiza, he fell in love.
— What is your name?
— My name is Laptiza.
And that was that. The emperor dismounted his horse and spoke with Laptiza for a long time. The emperor fell in love with the beautiful shepherdess and asked her to be his wife. Laptiza, who was also impressed by the emperor, agreed.
Muric's Schemes
But it was not going to be easy. The emperor had a less-than-honest courtier, named Muric. He wanted his daughter to be empress. The emperor, unaware of Muric's intentions, trusted him greatly.
— But how can this be? This palace has a tradition that cannot be broken. She is a shepherdess! If she wants to marry you, she must offer you something valuable in return. Only then will it be a marriage between equals.
— But she is a shepherd's daughter. It's not fair to expect something valuable from her.
— Tradition is tradition, Your Majesty. I did not make these traditions, and as emperor, you are not allowed to disregard them.
— But...
Laptiza's Promise
— May I speak? I have something valuable to offer. In the sixth month of my marriage, I will be blessed with twin boys, each with a star on his forehead. They will be invincible and will always defend me and this kingdom.
— You don't say! And how do we know you're not lying?
— If it turns out to be a lie, then I will be thrown into the dungeon for the rest of my life.
— What? Laptiza, no!
— Forgive me, Your Majesty. Whether I am a shepherdess or an empress, a promise is a promise. I believe in my blessing and I believe in myself.
The Wedding and the Wait
The emperor agreed without hesitation. The wedding took place the very next day. The palace and the entire kingdom rejoiced and celebrated for days on end. Muric could no longer say anything to prevent the wedding, but he had no intention of accepting defeat by a shepherdess.
Months passed and soon the sixth month would arrive. Muric grew more and more restless.
Muric's Betrayal
Finally, he made his last move and conspired against his own kingdom.
— You want us to attack your kingdom? We will lose!
— Shhh! Yes, I know, but what does that matter? I promised you two sacks of gold. After you are captured, I will free you and give you your reward. Tomorrow is the last day of the sixth month. I must separate the emperor from the empress. Go!
The next day, the emperor received news that his people were under attack. He did not want to leave his wife, but it was his duty to defend his people.
— You must go, my dear. I will be fine.
Naturally, the attackers were captured, but as the emperor hurried back to his wife, Muric stopped him.
— Today is the last day of the sixth month, Your Majesty. The sun is about to set, and yet there is no sign of the boys with stars on their foreheads. A promise is a promise, isn't it?
— I don't care. She will not be thrown into the dungeon.
— I understand. The empress can retract her words, I suppose.
— No, I will not do that. This is a conspiracy against me and this kingdom. But until the truth is revealed, as I promised, I will have to live in the dungeon.
Everyone was in shock. All were surprised by the sudden turn of events. All, except Muric.
The Storm and the Transformation
That night, he crept out of the palace and went towards the sea.
— Ha ha ha! This is pure magic! How did you both grow in one day? Be quiet!
Those at the palace did not know that Lin's blessing had come true. The star had given the empress twin boys the previous night. Muric watched everything. Laptiza lay down with the boys beside her and fell asleep. And in the morning, she saw that the boys were gone.
Muric wanted the star boys to disappear, far, far away. He had already planned their fate. He placed the two children in a boat and mercilessly pushed the boat out to sea.
— Now my daughter will be empress and I will rule half the world! I will not let a shepherdess and two boys with stars on their foreheads ruin my plan!
The boat drifted for hours until it was caught in a storm. The waves were big and powerful, shaking the boat violently, but the boys laughed and enjoyed the adventure. Then, a giant wave appeared and pushed the boat into the swirling waters.
But instead of drowning, the boys with stars on their foreheads were transformed into two little fish. They happily jumped out of the boat and swam through the storm.
Muric Continues His Plan
Meanwhile, at the palace...
— I understand your pain, Your Majesty. But the people look to you with much hope. You must think of them! You must marry again!
— Muric, I will not marry again.
— Only, only for the people, Your Majesty! They are not the ones who lied to you. Why are they left without an empress?
— I don't know what to say.
— If you permit me, Your Majesty. Why don't you marry my daughter? She knows everything and will understand your pain.
— Ah, do what you want, Muric. I don't care.
Without losing another moment, Muric made all the arrangements. The wedding was to take place this very week.
The Talking Fish
A few days passed and the fishermen found two very shiny fish in their net.
— Let's take them to the emperor!
— Yes, he's getting married today! It will be the best gift!
— No, wait! Don't kill us!
— These fish talk?
— Yes! We are not just any fish. Please, don't kill us!
— But then what do you want us to do with you?
— Take a large bowl and fill it with fresh dew. After we swim in it, place us on the grass and let us dry.
— Huh?
— Huh?
The fishermen did as they were told. After all, they were talking fish. After they swam, the fish were placed on the grass to dry. And after they were thoroughly dry, the fish transformed into two young men. Both were handsome and had a star on their forehead.
— Who? Who are you?
— We are the princes. We are the sons of the emperor and empress Laptiza.
— Ooh! I knew our empress wouldn't lie!
— We must reach the palace before the wedding begins!
— You must cover your heads! No one must see your stars! We will take you to the palace!
The Truth Comes to Light
The palace was full of people. Everyone was waiting for the ceremony, but neither the guests nor the emperor were happy.
— Silence now! We all know that the emperor has decided to marry my daughter. Now we will... Wait! Wait!
— Who are they? And how dare you interrupt a man in my palace?
— We are your children, father! Your boys! The boys with stars on their foreheads!
— What? How is this possible?
— This man, your trusted man, left us to die at sea so he could make his daughter empress. He wanted to rule, but he forgot that we are blessed by the star itself. He cannot kill us!
