The Kindness of Lily In a distant kingdom, surrounded by lush meadows and glimmering streams, lived a kind young woman named Lily. With skin as fair as moonlight, hair as dark as a raven’s wing, and eyes that sparkled like the stars, Lily’s beauty was renowned throughout the land. But her true beauty radiated from her generous heart and gentle spirit, which drew the admiration of all who crossed her path.
In the castle nearby resided her stepmother, the Queen, a woman consumed by vanity and envy. The Queen owned a magical mirror that revealed the truth. Each day, she would gaze into it, asking, “Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?”
For years, the mirror would respond, “You are the fairest, my Queen!” This delighted the Queen, who craved admiration and envy from all. However, she remained oblivious to the growing bond between Lily and the villagers, who adored her for her kindness and humility.
One fateful day, as the Queen prepared for a royal event, she asked her mirror the same question. But this time, the mirror replied, “You are fair, but Lily is fairer still.”
Enraged by jealousy, the Queen’s heart darkened with fury. How could a mere girl outshine her? Consumed by her obsession, she devised a wicked plan to eliminate her rival. She summoned her loyal huntsman and commanded him to take Lily deep into the enchanted forest and leave her there forever.
The huntsman, however, was a good-hearted man. Unable to harm the innocent girl, he led Lily into the forest but then set her free, urging her to flee and never return.
Confused and scared, Lily wandered deeper into the woods, her heart heavy with sorrow. As twilight approached, she discovered a quaint cottage nestled among the trees. It was charming and inviting, adorned with flowers and surrounded by a vibrant garden.
Curious and weary, Lily knocked on the door. When no one answered, she stepped inside. The cottage was warm and cozy, filled with the scent of fresh herbs and baked goods. To her surprise, she found seven tiny beds, each belonging to the cottage’s owners—seven guardians of the forest.
These guardians were magical beings, each representing a different element of nature: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Light, Shadow, and Spirit. When they returned home that evening, they were astonished to find Lily in their cozy abode.
“Who are you?” one guardian asked, his eyes twinkling with kindness.
“My name is Lily,” she replied, sharing her tale of woe. The guardians, touched by her story and her gentle spirit, welcomed her with open arms, offering her a place to stay.
As the days turned into weeks, Lily and the guardians grew close. She helped with their tasks, cooked meals, and shared laughter. Together, they nurtured the garden, creating a sanctuary filled with joy and love. Each guardian taught her their secrets, and she discovered the magic of the forest, where every creature and plant thrived in harmony.
Meanwhile, the Queen, fueled by her obsession with beauty, consulted her magic mirror once more. To her fury, the mirror confirmed, “Lily is still the fairest of them all.” Consumed by rage, the Queen devised a more sinister plan to eliminate her rival.
Disguised as an old beggar, the Queen ventured to the cottage, carrying a basket filled with beautiful, glimmering fruits. She presented Lily with a dazzling red pomegranate, claiming it was a gift from the heart.
“Take a bite, dear child,” the Queen coaxed, her voice dripping with deceit. Lily, unaware of the danger, took a bite of the fruit and immediately fell into a deep slumber.
When the guardians returned home, they were heartbroken to find Lily lifeless on the floor. They gathered around her, tears streaming down their faces, vowing to protect her and waiting for the day she would awaken. Each guardian took turns standing watch, using their powers to shield her from any harm.
News of Lily’s misfortune spread throughout the kingdom. A brave prince, enchanted by tales of her kindness and beauty, journeyed through the enchanted forest to find her. He had heard of her gentle spirit and the bond she shared with the guardians, which tugged at his heart.
When he reached the cottage, he was struck by the sight of Lily, surrounded by the guardians who kept vigil over her. Drawn by an inexplicable force, the prince leaned down and gently kissed Lily’s forehead. The moment his lips touched her skin, a magical light enveloped the room, and Lily’s eyes fluttered open.
With a gasp, she awoke, and joy filled the air. The guardians rejoiced, celebrating the return of their dear friend. The prince and Lily’s eyes met, and a bond of love formed between them, strong and unwavering.
The guardians, knowing the Queen would not relent, devised a plan to confront her. They called upon the creatures of the forest, who united to protect Lily from the wicked Queen. Together, they created a barrier around the cottage, ensuring no harm could come to her.
When the Queen arrived, furious and determined, she was met by the guardians and the creatures of the forest. In a moment of reckoning, the Queen realized that her envy had blinded her to the true beauty of kindness and love.
Overcome by remorse, she stepped back, understanding that true beauty lies not in power or appearances but in the compassion we show to others. With a heavy heart, she left the forest, vowing to change her ways and seeking to mend her broken heart.
Lily, the prince, and the guardians returned to the kingdom, where justice prevailed. The villagers celebrated their bravery and kindness, and Lily was honored as a beloved figure, ruling with grace and wisdom alongside her prince.
And so, the tale of The Kindness of Lily reminds us that even in the face of darkness, love, friendship, and kindness can conquer all, and that true beauty shines brightest from within.
Moral:
True beauty lies in kindness and compassion. Even in the face of envy and darkness, a loving heart can illuminate the world and transform the lives of others.
Recent Stories
The Story of the Silent Deer
The Star Keeper and the Dream Painter
The Pied Piper of Hamelin
