The Tale of the Dead Princess
The Tale of the Dead Princess — an illustrated tales story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Tales.
Page 1
In the frost-rimed kingdom of Eldfrost, where icy mountains clawed at the sky, lived Queen Lyra, a ruler haunted by shadows. Her daughter, Princess Anya, possessed a beauty said to rival the northern lights, but a chilling prophecy foretold a grim fate. Anya, the hope of Eldfrost, was destined for a slumber from which none could wake her, a curse as cold as the tundra itself. Only the heart of true courage could break the spell, but could such bravery be found in a land touched by despair?
Page 2
"The prophecy chills me to the bone, Mother," Anya whispered, clutching Lyra's hand. Lyra squeezed Anya's hand, her own face etched with worry. "'When the rose of winter blooms, the princess shall sleep,'" she quoted, her voice trembling slightly, "'and only true courage can break the icy keep.'" Old Mara, the village elder, had seen it in the frozen mists above the tallest peak.
Page 3
"But what is 'true courage,' Mother?" Anya asked, her voice barely audible above the wind. Lyra sighed, her gaze drifting to the distant, forbidding Whisperwood. "Legends speak of a flower, a Sunstone Bloom, said to grow only in the heart of the Whisperwood," Lyra explained, "a forest where the shadows whisper secrets and the bravest hearts are tested." It was also said to contain untold dangers.
Page 4
Determined to save her daughter, Lyra entrusted Anya to Kai, a young huntsman renowned for his skill and loyalty. "The forest tests all who enter," Kai warned, his voice low. "Remember what the American president Franklin Roosevelt said, 'The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.' We face the unknown together, with courage and vigilance." They stood before the Whisperwood's edge, a gate of gnarled branches blocking their way.
Page 5
Deeper within the forest, a shimmering pool appeared, reflecting distorted images. "The Mirror of Lies," Kai murmured, drawing his bow. "It preys on your deepest fears." Anya approached cautiously, seeing her own reflection twist into grotesque shapes, whispering doubts and anxieties. "You are weak. You are helpless," the reflection hissed. "Turn back before it's too late."
Page 6
A guttural growl shattered the mirror's illusions. A massive shadow wolf, its eyes burning with malice, emerged from the trees, blocking their path. "It feeds on fear," Kai shouted, loosing an arrow. The wolf deflected the shot with unnatural speed, its shadow stretching out, enveloping Anya. She remembered old Elara's words about the Sunstone Bloom, "Its petals hold the light of truth." She would need it soon.
Page 7
Forced to retreat, Anya and Kai stumbled upon a dense thicket of thorny briars, blocking their way. "There's no going around this," Kai stated grimly, pulling out his sword. Remembering a lesson from her childhood, Anya remembered the properties of the blue tundra berries, "They dissolve ice and thorns with ease." Anya quickly collected the berries and crushed them, creating a potent solvent.
Page 8
Applying the berry mixture, the thorns withered, revealing a hidden path. At the path's end, bathed in ethereal light, bloomed the Sunstone Bloom, its petals radiating warmth. As Anya reached for it, the Shadow Wolf lunged, its fangs bared. Knowing what she must do, Anya held the bloom aloft, facing the creature. "You have no power over me," she exclaimed.
Page 9
The light from the Sunstone Bloom washed over the wolf, dissolving its shadowy form, banishing the darkness. Anya, clutching the flower, raced back to Eldfrost. As she presented the bloom to her sleeping mother, its petals brushed Lyra's cheek. A wave of warmth spread through the palace, the ice melting, the curse broken.
Page 10
Lyra awoke, her eyes filled with gratitude and relief. Eldfrost rejoiced, the kingdom reborn. Anya had learned that true courage wasn't the absence of fear, but the strength to face it, even when all seemed lost. The rose of winter, once a symbol of despair, now bloomed each year, a reminder that even in the coldest heart, courage can blossom.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Questions and answers
Read Wonder Tales on your phone
Wonder Tales is available on Android. Get Wonder Tales on Google Play.