Fairy tales for young and old ~ English version

The Brave Princess

 Once upon a time, in a kingdom where the sun kissed the hills with golden light, there lived a princess named Victoire. Unlike the other princesses of neighboring realms, Victoire had an aversion to elegant dresses, makeup, jewelry, and the grand balls that were so often held in her father's castle. She found solace in the comfort of male attire, which allowed her the freedom to move and breathe without the constraints of corsets and petticoats.

Princess Victoire's heart was wild and untamed, much like the winds that roared across the kingdom's vast plains. She longed not for the adoration of suitors at grand balls but for the thrill of the unknown, the stories that lay hidden in the uncharted corners of the world.

One night, driven by a restless desire for adventure, Victoire donned her favored disguise—a tunic and trousers of no particular distinction—and slipped away from the castle. She ventured into the wilderness, guided by the whispers of the night and the shimmering constellations above.

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Victoire's journey brought her to an ancient tower, veiled in a mist that seemed to hum with old magic. Atop this lonely spire was confined Princess Amanda, whose voice, pure and haunting, drifted down from her high prison. Amanda had been placed there by her own parents, who, frustrated by her refusal to accept any prince's hand, had decreed that she would remain locked away until someone brave enough could slay the dragon that guarded her and thus earn her hand in marriage.

The dragon was a creature of nightmares, its scales as hard as forged steel and eyes that glowed with the fires of the abyss. It was said that its roar could shatter stone and its breath could ignite the heavens themselves.

Undeterred by the beast's fearsome reputation, Victoire approached the tower. With a heart full of courage and a spirit that yearned for victory, she challenged the dragon. The battle was fierce; the air was filled with the clash of steel and the dragon's infernal cries. Yet, with a combination of wit and valor, Victoire found a way to best the creature, striking it down in a final, decisive blow.

With the dragon vanquished, Victoire ascended the tower to find Amanda, whose beauty was matched only by her wisdom and grace. Their eyes met, and in that moment, a love that was both profound and undeniable blossomed between them.

Together, they journeyed back to the kingdom, their hearts entwined with a bond that no decree could sever. Upon their arrival, Amanda's parents were faced with a truth they could not have foreseen—their daughter had indeed been rescued, but not by a prince. Instead, she had fallen in love with a princess, the very one who had freed her from her captivity.

The King and Queen, seeing the genuine love and happiness in their daughter's eyes, knew they had no choice but to relent. They gave their blessing for Princess Amanda to marry Princess Victoire, and the kingdom rejoiced, for true love had triumphed.

And so, Princess Victoire and Princess Amanda were wed in a ceremony that was spoken of for generations to come. They ruled their kingdom with kindness and strength, inspiring all those who dreamt of love and adventure, proving that sometimes, the most enchanting fairy tales are those that defy expectation.