Destiny’s Dance
There once was a prosperous kingdom tucked away behind a dense forest, known as Elistra. Ruling this realm was King Eldin, a wise and noble leader, loved by all for his kindness and just decisions. However, his heart held a deep sorrow; his dear queen had passed away long ago, leaving a void filled only by their daughter, Princess Elara.
Elara, radiant and intelligent, had inherited her mother's beauty and her father's unending kindness. But her 18th birthday held a dark secret unknown to her. Before she was born, a prophecy was voiced saying that on her 18th year, that side she had inherited from her mother, would bring about a devastating curse that could only be lifted if she found true love before sundown of her 18th birthday.
As the dreaded day approached, King Eldin, in his despair, decided to reveal the prophecy to Elara. He was hoping for her wisdom to unravel the solution. As Elara digested this chilling news, her determination grew. She announced a grand ball, inviting every eligible bachelor in the kingdom and beyond.
The day of the ball had arrived and with it Elara's 18th birthday. The castle was buzzing, brimming with lively music, exquisite food and beautifully dressed attendees. Yet, Princess Elara’s heart pounded with anxiety as the sun slowly sank.
As the grand clock chimed eight, a stranger draped in a cloak arrived, his identity concealed. Intrigued, Elara watched as this man made his way to her. A sense of familiarity swept over her as the stranger took off his cloak. It was Ethan, a castle guard, far below her royal status. But status was the least of princess’s concerns at the moment. Their friendship had always been strong. Was their friendship perhaps a hidden love?
Indeed, as they danced under the glimmering chandeliers, Elara realized her love for Ethan. Her heart pounded harder not out of fear, but love. It was then, Elara confessed her love for him and Ethan, dumbstruck initially, confessed his love too. The sun was inching dangerously towards the horizon, but Elara didn’t hesitate. She held Ethan close, and there in the middle of the grand hall, kissed him. The whole room fell silent.
As their lips parted, the grand clock chimed nine. Elara waited for something, anything to happen. A moment passed, then two, and then a sigh of relief washed over her. She was not cursed.
The prophecy had come true. Elara had found her true love before sundown. The castle erupted into cheer as the king, overjoyed, announced Ethan's newfound royalty. Ethan and Elara, hand in hand, promised each other a lifetime of love. And in the kingdom of Elistra, they sang and celebrated for days, the princess who dared to challenge her destiny and the guard who was brave enough to love his princess.
The heir of Elistra and the guard, broke all the norms of societal hierarchy, showcasing a profound love that went down in the history of the kingdom, narrated as a legend in the years to come. Thus, the tale of their love taught everyone that love knows no bounds, and true love indeed holds the power to break the strongest of curses.