The princess who never smiled

Once upon a time, in a shining golden kingdom, there lived a beautiful princess named Seraphina. She had everything — jewels, fine dresses, a palace full of gardens, fountains, and birds that sang every morning. Yet, there was one strange thing about her — she never smiled.

From the day she was born, not a single laugh escaped her lips. The king and queen tried everything to make their daughter happy. They brought jesters, magicians, musicians, and dancers from every corner of the land. But no matter how funny or talented they were, Princess Seraphina would only sit quietly, watching with her deep, serious eyes.

Her sadness became famous across the world. People began to call her The Princess Who Never Smiled. The king was heartbroken. He made a royal announcement:

“Whoever can make my daughter smile will be rewarded with gold, lands, and honor beyond measure!”

News spread to every village, and soon, travelers and tricksters began visiting the castle. Some told jokes, others performed acrobatics or sang silly songs. But still, the princess remained silent and calm.

One day, far away in a little village, there lived a poor young man named Tomas. He worked hard every day, carrying water, chopping wood, and helping his neighbors. Though he had little money, he always had a cheerful smile on his face. He loved to see others happy.

One morning, Tomas saw a tiny bird tangled in a thorn bush. He gently freed it, even though its sharp claws scratched his hands. The bird fluttered its wings and chirped joyfully. As it flew away, it dropped a golden coin at Tomas’s feet.

“Strange,” he thought, laughing. “Maybe I should take this to the king!”

With that single coin, Tomas set off toward the royal palace. Along the way, he met a hungry old woman. Seeing her weak and tired, he gave her half of his bread. Then he met a small boy crying because his toy cart had broken. Tomas used some string from his bag to fix it, and the boy gave him a bright flower in return.

By the time Tomas reached the palace, his clothes were dusty, his shoes were worn, but his heart was light. He stood before the great gates and bowed. “I have come to make the princess smile,” he said boldly.

The guards laughed. “You? You’re just a poor man!”
But the king, curious, allowed Tomas to enter.

The princess sat on her throne, as serious as ever. Tomas bowed and said, “Your Highness, I brought this golden coin. A bird gave it to me for being kind.”

He began to tell her the whole story — about the bird, the old woman, and the crying boy. As he spoke, he dropped the flower he had been carrying, and it landed right on his nose! He sneezed loudly, tripped over his own foot, and fell flat on the ground.

For the first time in her life, the princess burst out laughing! Her laughter was like music, soft and bright, echoing through the hall. Everyone stopped and stared — the miracle had happened!

The king and queen wept with joy. “You have done what no one else could,” said the king. “You shall be rewarded greatly!”

But Tomas shook his head and smiled. “Your Majesty, I don’t need gold. Seeing her smile is the greatest reward of all.”

The princess was touched by his simple heart. She said softly, “Then you have given me two gifts — laughter and kindness.”

Soon after, Tomas and Princess Seraphina became great friends. The palace grew warmer with laughter and joy, and the once-silent princess became the happiest person in the kingdom.

Moral: True happiness doesn’t come from wealth or luxury — it comes from kindness, humility, and a heart that knows how to make others smile.