The Beast and Her Handsome Saviour: A Tale of True Love
Once upon a time, in a radiant kingdom called Euphoria, joy and abundance thrived in every corner. Its name reflected the spirit of its people, and prosperity was woven into its very fabric. The kingdom was divided by a river known as Emma—a majestic body of water that separated the royal estate from the common people. Though the river was once a source of life and unity, the royals, in their pride, began polluting it, oblivious to the harm they caused.
The palace, nestled amid flourishing apple orchards, stood as a monument to luxury and grace. Within its golden halls lived the king, the queen, and their only daughter—Princess Emma—named after the sacred river. She was known throughout the land for her charm, intelligence, and a spirit as vibrant as springtime. As her eighteenth birthday approached, the palace buzzed with preparations for a magnificent celebration. Invitations spread across the kingdom, welcoming all to partake in the joyous occasion.
On the day of the grand feast, joy lit up the kingdom. But amidst the festivities, a tragedy unfolded. A gust of wind blew open the palace windows, and a thunderous voice echoed through the air. It was the anguished soul of River Emma.
“While you revel in abundance,” the river’s spirit cried, “my children suffer! The creatures of my waters perish, and none of you heed their cries. I curse this palace! All within shall be turned into lifeless objects—trapped in your own greed. And you, Princess Emma, shall become a beast—feared, hated, and forgotten!”
Terror gripped the palace as the guests pleaded for mercy. But the river soul remained resolute. Emma, tears streaming down her face, knelt and pleaded, “Please, let the others go. I will bear the curse alone.”
The soul, moved by Emma’s compassion, softened. “Though the curse cannot be undone, it may be broken. If someone learns to love you—not your beauty, but your soul—before the next blue moon, the spell will shatter.”
With that, the spirit vanished, leaving Emma transformed and the palace frozen in time.
Fifteen Years Later
In a distant village, a weary merchant lost his way in a dark forest. Hungry and weak, he stumbled upon an orange lying in the grass. Revived by its sweetness, he ventured forward and discovered a grand but strangely silent palace. Drawn by the warmth and richness inside, he entered and found a lavish feast awaiting. Famished, he ate his fill.
Just as he finished, thunderous footsteps echoed through the halls. A voice called out, “Hello?”
He turned—and gasped.
Before him stood a fearsome beast, with fur like shadow and eyes glowing like embers. He trembled in fear and begged, “Please, don’t harm me. I have a family. I’ll leave this moment!”
But the beast, calm and kind, reassured him. “You are safe here. Rest for the night. You may leave tomorrow.”
Relieved, the merchant slept peacefully.
At breakfast, the beast approached and gently asked, “Will you marry me?”
Startled, the merchant bowed his head. “Forgive me… but I am already married. I love my wife dearly.”
The beast’s eyes dimmed with sorrow, then blazed with anger. “You dare reject me? Then you shall remain here forever!”
The merchant did not resist. “So be it. I love my wife too much to betray her.”
Later, the beast, ashamed of her anger, wept alone. “What have I become?” she whispered. “He is innocent, yet I punish him…”
The next day, the merchant requested, “Please allow me to write to my wife and brother, to tell them I am alive.”
The beast paused, then asked curiously, “You have a brother?”
“Yes,” he replied.
“I will release you—on one condition. Send your brother to me.”
The merchant was stunned but agreed. He returned home on a magical cart, and shared the tale with his wife Anna and his younger brother, James.
Anna wept. James sat in thoughtful silence.
Two days later, James made a decision. “I will go.”
Though his brother protested, James insisted. When the magical cart arrived, James stepped aboard, determined to face the unknown.
The Arrival of James
At the palace, James explored the magnificent rooms in awe. Days passed, but he saw no sign of the beast. On the fourth day, after dinner, heavy footsteps returned. He turned and saw her—tall, fierce, yet strangely graceful.
Instead of fear, James felt curiosity. The beast greeted him, and he responded kindly. She invited him for a walk. Silent and reflective, they strolled the palace grounds. She was intrigued by his calm demeanor; he, by her mysterious nature.
Later, James stumbled upon a portrait of a beautiful girl with golden hair and eyes full of warmth. He was captivated. “Who is she?” he asked the beast. She remained silent.
That night, the beast asked softly, “Would you marry me, James?”
He replied gently, “I admire your heart… but I cannot marry someone I do not love.”
Though saddened, the beast respected his honesty.
As days turned into weeks, James continued to explore the palace. He often visited the room with the portrait, growing more drawn to the girl’s image. Still, the beast’s presence began to dominate his thoughts. Her kindness, her longing, her vulnerability—it moved him.
Eventually, James asked to visit his family. The beast agreed, but warned, “Return in a month.”
Back in the village, his brother proposed fleeing—or worse, slaying the beast. James grew furious and walked away to clear his mind. On his stroll, he met an old man tending chickens.
They talked. James asked, “Don’t you get lonely?”
The old man smiled. “Memories of my wife keep me company. Love doesn’t fade with age.”
Their conversation lingered with James. Before returning to the palace, he visited the man again. The old man told him a tale—of a cursed palace, a forgotten princess, and a soul guarding fate. James asked, “What about your son?”
“That’s for me to know and you to find out,” the old man replied.
True Love Awakens
As James neared the palace, the moon rose—blue and glowing. His heart raced. The beast was nowhere in sight.
He searched frantically, until he found her near the riverbank, lying still beneath the moonlight.
Cradling her in his arms, James sobbed, “Emma… I love you. Not for your face, but for your soul. Come back to me…”
A soft glow lit the sky. The river’s soul appeared.
“You have spoken the truth of love,” the spirit declared. “The curse is lifted.”
In a burst of light, the beast vanished—and standing before him was the radiant girl from the portrait.
Emma.
Tears fell as they embraced.
Back at the palace, time resumed. The king and queen returned to life, as did all the cursed souls. Joy erupted as the king announced Emma and James’s engagement.
Before the wedding, James visited the old man—but his cottage had disappeared. Only the memory of his words remained:
“I know you don’t believe me now, but you will—and I’ll be gone by then.”
Moral of the Story
True love sees beyond appearances. It values the heart, the soul, and the kindness hidden beneath. Only those who love selflessly can break even the darkest of curses.
