The Child of Joy

Long ago, four magical kings each ruled a season. The most powerful was the amiable winter king. His magnificent residence was adorned with glistening icicles, snowflakes, and ornaments, attracting visitors from around the world.

He’d once had a lovely wife named Elaina, who had been admired by all. The royal couple badly wanted a child and were expecting, but tragically the queen died before she could give birth. The king was so heartbroken that he froze the season, causing winter to continue forever! His fellow kings tried to persuade him to release his winter grip upon their season, but so deep was the king’s grief that winter remained.

One day, a young orphan girl wandered up to the castle. Teeth chattering and tears spilling down her cheeks, she pulled on a palace guard’s uniform, begging, “Please, sire, a blizzard buried my house. I am hungry and cold.”

Moved with compassion, the guard swooped the girl into his arms and carried her to the king. “Transfer her to the guest chambers and feed her will, then order her to leave!” the king said harshly.

“But she has no home. Please let her stay longer,” the guard pleaded.

“Depart,” the king ordered. The guard carried her down the marble hallway to an ancient staircase leading to the guest rooms. He opened the most luxurious room of all and tucked her into a bed with fluffy pillows and warm comforters.

When she woke up, the girl found a table full of luscious food. She ate until she was full. Then, wishing to thank the king, she picked a bouquet of snow lilies and skipped to his chambers.

Kneeling before the king, she handed him the flowers and whispered, “Thank you. You have saved my life.”

The king’s heart lightened, for he had given the same flowers to Queen Elaina before she died. Suddenly, he realized how much the girl resembled his queen. The girl told him her story, and he undid the spell, hoping the girl would consent to be his daughter.

She agreed, and her royal name became Princess Crystal of Winter.