The Blind Princess

Once upon a time, in a kingdom far away, lived a princess named Elara.

Elara was known throughout the land for her beauty. Her skin was as pale as moonlight, and her hair was as dark as the midnight sky. But unlike the other children in the kingdom, Elara had never seen the sparkle of a star or the color of a rose. From the time she was born, her world was painted in darkness.

Despite this, Princess Elara was full of joy. She loved the melody of songbirds in the morning, the sweet perfume of blooming jasmine, and the warm hug of the afternoon sun. Most of all, she loved helping others. Whenever someone was sad or in trouble, Elara was the first to offer a kind word or a helping hand.

One afternoon, while taking a walk in the royal gardens, Elara heard a sound that made her pause—a ragged, weak cough. She tilted her head, listening closely. The sound was coming from beneath the branches of a great oak tree.

"Is someone there?" Elara asked softly. "Do you need help?"

A frail, crackling voice replied, "It is me, kind child. I am an old traveler, and I haven't eaten in days. Could you spare a crumb for a weary stranger?"

Without hesitation, Elara followed the sound of the voice. She reached out carefully until her fingers brushed against the rough wool of an old woman’s shawl.

"Please, come with me," Elara said gently, offering her arm. "I will take you to the castle kitchens. We will make sure you have a warm meal."

The old woman nodded, grateful. Although Elara could not see, she could feel how the woman trembled with weakness. She guided the stranger back to the castle, where the servants prepared a hearty feast of hot soup and fresh bread.

After the old woman had eaten her fill, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a stone that hummed with energy. She placed it in Elara’s hand.

"My dear child," the woman said, "this is a magic gem. Because you showed kindness to a stranger, it will grant you one wish."

Elara held the gem tight. She could feel a strange, comforting warmth spreading from the stone into her palms. She thought for a moment, then smiled.

"Thank you," Elara said. "I wish for every sick child in this kingdom to be healed."

The old woman gasped. "Are you certain? Do you not wish to see the world? You could wish for your own sight to be restored."

Elara shook her head. "My world may be dark, but I can feel love and warmth. The sick children in the village feel only pain. I want them to be well again so they can laugh and play."

The old woman was deeply moved by the princess’s selfless heart. "You are truly special, Elara," she whispered. "Your wish shall be granted."

Suddenly, the gem erupted with a dazzling light that flooded the entire castle. The magic swept across the kingdom like a warm breeze. In every house and cottage, fevers broke, coughs vanished, and sick children jumped from their beds, healthy and strong.

But the magic had one more surprise.

Elara blinked. For the first time in her life, the darkness faded. Colors rushed in—blues, greens, golds, and reds.

"I... I can see!" she cried out.

Because Elara had chosen to help others instead of herself, the magic gem had given her a double blessing. It granted her wish, but it also rewarded her sacrifice by restoring her sight.

For the first time, she saw the vibrant flowers she had only ever smelled. She saw the cute squirrels she had only ever heard. And best of all, she saw the happy smiles on the faces of the people she loved.

From that day on, Princess Elara lived a life even happier than before. She continued to spread kindness wherever she went, her heart shining just as brightly as the world she could finally see.