The Princess and the Lion
Once upon a time, there lived a merchant who had three daughters. He loved them very much, especially the youngest, Amelia, who was his favorite.
One day, when he was about to leave on a long journey for his work, he asked his three daughters what gifts they would like him to bring back.
— I would like a beautiful set of shining pearls. — I would like a set of sparkling diamonds. — Dear father, I would like a beautiful singing nightingale. — Very well, my children. If I manage to get them, then you shall have them.
He said goodbye to his daughters and left.
The Search for the Nightingale
The merchant bought pearls for his eldest daughter and diamonds for his middle daughter. He searched everywhere for a singing nightingale, but all was in vain.
This worried him, as Amelia was his favorite, and he didn't want to upset her at all. His travels led him to a forest.
He walked and walked until he found a wonderful castle with a tall tree beside it. In that tree sat a nightingale singing melodiously.
— Ah, I've found you just in time. Climb the tree and take the nightingale for my daughter.
The Lion's Promise
Just as the servant approached the tree, a lion leaped from behind it and roared so loudly that the leaves trembled.
— Who dares to steal my nightingale? I will eat the thief. — I beg your pardon, O mighty lion. I did not know the bird was yours. Please, spare my life. I will give you a great deal of money to redeem my mistake. — Nothing can save you except the promise that you will give me the first thing you meet upon your return home. If you agree, I will spare your life and give you the bird. — But, but what if it's my Amelia? — Do not worry. It is not necessarily your daughter who will greet you. It could also be a cat or a dog.
Amelia Accepts Her Fate
The merchant was convinced. He took the nightingale with him, made a promise to the lion, and set off back home. When the merchant arrived home, his youngest daughter, Amelia, ran to him and hugged him tightly.
After seeing that he had brought her the nightingale, she was filled with joy. The merchant couldn't help himself and began to cry.
— My dear Amelia, it cost me dearly, for I had to promise the lion prince that I would send him the first person who greeted me. I greatly fear that when he sees you, he will tear you to pieces.
The merchant explained everything that had happened.
— Oh, father, a promise is a promise and must be kept. I will go to the lion prince. — No, please, he will kill you. — Nothing can change what is written for me. Haven't you taught us that, father?
The merchant was taken by surprise.
— Don't worry, father. My heart tells me that everything will be alright. And the heart is never wrong. Something you taught us.
Amelia's Journey
The next day, Amelia left for the forest, while her father and sisters cried and bid her farewell.
— I hope the lion prince will have mercy on her and that we may see your sister again.
The lion was actually an enchanted prince. By day he was a mighty lion, just like all his subjects, and by night they would all return to their human forms.
When Amelia arrived in the forest, she was politely welcomed and taken to the castle in a golden carriage pulled by lions.
The Enchanted Prince
When Amelia entered the castle, she was greeted by a large group of lions who had brought her many gifts.
— Welcome, my beautiful queen. I see your father kept his promise, and I am glad that it was you who greeted him, for you are so beautiful. I would be honored to have you as my wife. — I am very flattered, but I cannot share your joy, for I fear you are a lion.
Just then, a moonbeam entered through the window, and the lion prince magically transformed, and before Amelia now stood a handsome prince.
— I am actually a prince, and we are all under a spell that makes us lions by day.
Amelia smiled, for she was happy and in love with the lion prince.
The Wedding and the Curse
Amelia agreed to marry the prince, and the wedding was held shortly after with a grand
