The Frog Prince and the Promise of Friendship

Once upon a time, in a grand kingdom surrounded by deep forests and glistening lakes, there lived a beautiful but lonely princess named Ella. She often spent her days wandering through the palace gardens or playing with her favorite golden ball. The ball was her most treasured possession, and she never went anywhere without it.

One warm afternoon, Princess Ella decided to venture into the nearby woods. As she walked, she tossed her golden ball high into the air, laughing as it sparkled in the sunlight. Suddenly, her ball slipped through her fingers and rolled into a deep, dark well.

“Oh no!” cried Ella, peering into the well. The golden ball was far beyond her reach. She sat beside the well, tears streaming down her face.

“Why are you crying, Princess?” came a croaky voice. Startled, Ella looked around and saw a small green frog perched on a stone near the well.

“My golden ball is lost in the well, and I don’t know how to get it back!” she sobbed.

The frog tilted his head and said, “I can help you retrieve your ball, but you must promise me something in return.”

Ella wiped her tears and asked, “What do you want, little frog?”

“I want to be your friend,” said the frog. “Let me eat from your plate, drink from your cup, and sleep on your pillow.”

The princess frowned at the idea of a slimy frog in her room but agreed quickly, thinking he wouldn’t actually follow through. “Yes, yes, I promise! Just get my ball back!”

The frog smiled, dove into the well, and emerged moments later with the golden ball. He placed it at Ella’s feet.

“Thank you!” she exclaimed, snatching the ball and running back to the castle without looking back.

The next evening, as Ella dined with her family, there was a knock at the door. A servant entered, looking puzzled. “Princess, there is a frog at the door who says you made him a promise.”

Ella turned pale. She told her father, the wise king, what had happened. He frowned and said, “A promise is a promise, my daughter. You must honor your word.”

Reluctantly, Ella let the frog into the dining hall. He hopped onto the table and said, “I’ll eat from your plate, Princess, as we agreed.”

Disgusted but bound by her promise, Ella pushed her plate toward him. The frog ate happily. Later, when it was time for bed, the frog followed her to her room. “I’ll sleep on your pillow, as you promised,” he said.

Ella grimaced but placed the frog gently on her pillow before lying down. The next morning, when she woke up, the frog was still there, staring at her with his big, kind eyes.

Days turned into weeks, and Ella found herself growing fond of the frog. He was kind, wise, and a surprisingly good listener. One evening, as they watched the stars together, the frog said, “You’ve kept your promise, Princess Ella. Thank you.”

Before her eyes, the frog began to glow. A swirl of golden light surrounded him, and when it faded, a handsome young prince stood in his place.

Ella gasped. “Who are you?”

“I am Prince Theodore,” he said with a bow. “I was cursed by a witch and turned into a frog. The curse could only be broken by someone who kept a promise and showed true kindness.”

Ella smiled. “You’re not just a prince—you’re my dearest friend.”

Prince Theodore grinned. “And I hope to be more than that.”

The two became inseparable, their friendship blossoming into love. Soon after, they were married in a grand celebration, and the kingdom rejoiced. Princess Ella and the Frog Prince ruled with kindness and wisdom, proving that even the smallest promises can lead to the greatest happiness.

And so, the tale of The Frog Prince ended happily ever after.