Reading story

A week had passed since Thalior's proposal, and the excitement of our engagement buzzed through the halls of Aeloria's palace. Preparations for the engagement ceremony, scheduled for a month from now, were well underway. The palace staff worked tirelessly, transforming the Great Hall into a place of unmatched splendor.

Rich tapestries depicting the history of our kingdom adorned the walls, and tables were being set with the finest silver and crystal. Yet, amid this whirlwind of activity, my mind was focused on a more immediate event—the Festival of Aeloria, which would commence in a week's time.

The festival was a time-honored tradition, celebrating the magic and beauty of our kingdom. It brought together nobles and commoners alike in a grand celebration of unity and joy.

This year's festival was particularly special to me, as it was the last one before I would ascend to the throne alongside Thalior. My father and I had spent countless hours planning every detail, ensuring that it would be a celebration to remember.

I stood in my father's study, poring over the final plans with him. The room was filled with the scent of aged parchment and ink, the familiar trappings of royal business. King Aldric, ever the embodiment of wisdom and grace, looked up from the document he was reviewing.

"Elowen, my dear," he said, his voice warm and encouraging. "You've done an excellent job organizing the festival. I'm proud of you."

"Thank you, Father," I replied, a smile touching my lips. "It's important to me that everything is perfect. The people deserve a celebration that will lift their spirits."

"They do," he agreed, his eyes softening. "And you, my daughter, are the heart of this kingdom. Your love for our people shines through in all you do."

His words filled me with a sense of pride and responsibility. Aeloria was my home, and its people were my family. Ensuring their happiness and well-being was my duty and my joy.

Later that day, I decided to visit the village to see how the preparations were coming along. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and the lively buzz of activity as villagers hung garlands of flowers and colorful banners along the streets.

The aroma of freshly baked pastries and spiced cider wafted through the air, making my mouth water.

I walked through the village, greeting the people with warm smiles and words of encouragement. Their faces lit up with joy at the sight of me, and it filled my heart with warmth to see their happiness. Children ran past me, their laughter like music, and I couldn't help but smile.

As I made my way through the village, I stopped at the local orphanage. The stone building was modest but well-kept, a testament to the care and dedication of those who worked there. The headmistress, a kind woman named Matilda, greeted me at the door with a deep curtsey.

"Princess Elowen," she said, her eyes twinkling with affection. "It's a pleasure to see you. The children will be overjoyed."

"And I am overjoyed to see them," I replied, stepping inside. The orphanage was filled with the sounds of children's laughter and play. The walls were decorated with colorful drawings, and the air was warm and welcoming.

The children gathered around me, their eyes wide with excitement. They were beautiful, each one a precious soul deserving of love and care. I knelt down to their level, smiling at their eager faces.

"Hello, everyone," I said warmly. "How are you all doing today?"

"Good, Princess Elowen!" they chorused, their voices filled with joy.

"I thought I might read you a story," I said, holding up a beautifully illustrated book. "Would you like that?"

"Yes!" they exclaimed, clapping their hands with glee.

I took a seat in a large, comfortable chair, and the children settled around me, their eyes shining with anticipation. The story I had chosen was an old Aelorian legend, one that my father had often read to me when I was a child.

"Once upon a time," I began, "in the ancient kingdom of Aeloria, there was a brave and noble knight named Sir Aric. Sir Aric was known throughout the land for his courage and kindness. He had a loyal steed, a magnificent white stallion named Silverwind, and together they embarked on many adventures to protect the kingdom from harm."

The children listened with rapt attention as I continued the tale. "One day, Sir Aric heard of a terrible dragon that had been terrorizing a nearby village. The dragon, a fearsome creature with scales as black as night and eyes that glowed like embers, had been stealing livestock and frightening the villagers."

"Sir Aric knew he had to help," I said, my voice filled with the drama of the story. "He mounted Silverwind and set off towards the dragon's lair, a dark cave at the edge of the Enchanted Forest. As he approached the cave, he could hear the dragon's roars echoing through the trees."

The children's eyes widened, and I smiled, drawing them deeper into the story. "Sir Aric was not afraid. He called out to the dragon, challenging it to show itself. The ground shook as the dragon emerged, its massive wings casting a shadow over the knight. But Sir Aric stood his ground, his sword gleaming in the sunlight."

"'Why do you terrorize these people?' Sir Aric demanded. 'They have done you no harm.'"

"The dragon lowered its head, its eyes sad and weary. 'I am not a creature of evil,' it said. 'But I am cursed. Long ago, a wicked sorcerer cast a spell upon me, transforming me from a noble prince into this monstrous form. I lash out in anger and pain, for I long to be free of this curse.'"

"Sir Aric listened to the dragon's tale and felt a deep compassion for the creature. 'I will help you,' he vowed. 'Together, we will find a way to break this curse.'"

"With the dragon as his ally, Sir Aric embarked on a new quest. They journeyed through the Enchanted Forest, across shimmering rivers, and over towering mountains, seeking the sorcerer who had cast the spell. Along the way, they encountered many challenges, but their bond grew stronger with each trial."

"Finally, they reached the sorcerer's castle, a dark and foreboding place surrounded by thorny brambles. Sir Aric and the dragon fought their way through the sorcerer's minions, their courage and determination unyielding. At last, they confronted the sorcerer, who sneered at their approach."

"'You think you can defeat me?' the sorcerer taunted. 'You are but a knight and a beast.'"

"'We are more than that,' Sir Aric replied. 'We are friends, and our bond is stronger than your dark magic.'"

"With those words, Sir Aric and the dragon attacked. The battle was fierce, but their combined strength was too much for the sorcerer. With a final, desperate cry, the sorcerer was defeated, and his dark magic shattered."

"As the sorcerer fell, the dragon's form began to change. The scales fell away, revealing the noble prince beneath. The curse was broken, and the prince stood before Sir Aric, his eyes filled with gratitude."

"'Thank you, brave knight,' the prince said. 'You have freed me from my torment. Your courage and kindness have saved me.'"

"Sir Aric smiled, his heart filled with joy. 'It was not just my courage,' he said. 'It was our friendship that gave us the strength to succeed.'"

"And so, the prince and Sir Aric returned to Aeloria, where they were hailed as heroes. The kingdom prospered, and their story became a legend, a reminder that true strength lies in the bonds we share and the kindness we show to others."

I closed the book, and the children burst into applause, their faces glowing with happiness. Their joy was infectious, and I felt a deep sense of fulfillment.

"Thank you, Princess Elowen!" one of the children exclaimed. "That was the best story ever!"

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," I said, my heart swelling with love for these precious children.

A small hand tugged at my sleeve, and I looked down to see a little girl with big, hopeful eyes. "Princess Elowen," she said shyly, "will you stay with us a little longer?"

Her request tugged at my heartstrings. The children at the orphanage held a special place in my heart, and I wanted to spend as much time with them as I could. I glanced out the window at the setting sun, knowing that my duties awaited me, but at this moment, nothing seemed more important than bringing joy to these children.

"I would love to stay," I said softly, smiling at the girl. "Let's make the most of our time together."

The children cheered, and I settled back into the chair, ready to share more stories and moments of happiness with them. In this small corner of Aeloria, surrounded by laughter and love, I felt truly at peace.