The Tale of Timeless Love
Once upon a time, in a quiet and peaceful kingdom named Seraphen, lived a humble baker named Eben. Eben was a lanky young man, with fiery red hair and eyes as green as emeralds. He was known throughout the kingdom for his heavenly pastries and a heart full of kindness. In the same realm resided a beautiful princess named Alina, whose beauty was celebrated across the borders. Her captivating blue eyes were often compared to the sparkling sapphire, and her laughter was likened to the chiming of silver bells.
Eben had seen Alina once, during the annual royal parade, and had since fallen in love with her grace, charm, and beauty. Unfortunately for him, Alina belonged to a different world, far removed from his warm bakery and humble life. Although Eben's feelings for Alina were strong, he was wise enough not to entertain unrealistic dreams.
One day, while Eben was on his daily chore of delivering bread to the castle, he discovered a golden feather near the royal garden. It was Alina's feather, a symbol of her divinity. Picking it up with gentle care, it glowed and transformed into a beautiful golden bird. The bird spoke to Eben and revealed that it was enchanted and could grant him one wish. Without a second thought, Eben wished to become a prince, hoping his newfound royalty would win Alina's heart.
The bird granted his wish, and Eben was transformed into a handsome prince. His fiery red hair turned into a sea of ebony, and the green eyes brightened like polished jade. Donned in royal attire with a crown placed adequately on his head, he looked no less than any prince. He then requested an audience with the Princess, which, due to his newly acquired status, was immediately granted.
His beauty and charm instantly captivated Alina, and they spent many days together, wandering through the royal gardens and enjoying sunset by the crystal-clear lake. As they spent time together, Alina fell in love with Eben's kindness and humility, a trait unobserved among other princes who sought her hand.
But the happiness was short-lived. On the day Eben planned to propose to Alina, the golden bird reappeared and revealed that Eben’s royal transformation was temporary and would vanish as the sun sets. In despair, Eben confessed his true identity and his love for Alina in front of the kingdom's council. The council was outraged, considering it a fraud act, while Alina remained silent, shocked at the revelation.
As the sun set, Eben transformed back into his original self, confirming the terrifying reality. The council demanded Eben’s imprisonment, while Alina requested a private conversation with him before any further decisions.
Anxious and heartbroken, Eben stood before Alina, who looked at him with a combination of surprise and pain. In a moment of silence, he confessed his pure love for her. Much to his surprise, Alina held his hand, revealing that she had also fallen in love with him. She confessed that it wasn't the ‘prince’ she was smitten by, but the humble and loving man he truly was. She suggested that they run away, start a new life where the truth of birth did not define their destiny.
As dawn broke, Alina and Eben disappeared from Seraphen, leaving behind a kingdom in despair. However, they found their happiness in a small neighboring kingdom where Eben returned to his passion for baking, and Alina lived her life as a commoner. Their love story echoed through generations, symbolizing that true love transcends boundaries, appearances, and social constructs.
No battles were fought, no dragons slain, yet Eben, the humble baker, and Princess Alina lived their happily ever after, their love still celebrated in tales sung by bards and poets across kingdoms.