The Prince Fell in Love with Her Voice… But When She Removed Her Mask, the Entire Palace Froze
The prince gathered 99 masked young women from every corner of the kingdom and swore that he would marry the one whose voice captured his heart. But when the chosen girl removed her mask, the entire palace froze in horror at what they saw 😱
The prince had long been known throughout the kingdom not only for his wealth and title, but also for his unusual stubbornness.
He had already turned twenty-five, and neighboring kings and dukes constantly offered him brides from the noblest families. Yet not a single young woman had managed to win his heart.
Some were beautiful, others were intelligent, and still others came from ancient noble bloodlines. But every time, after meeting them, the prince would simply smile politely and say:
— No. She is not the woman I am looking for.
The courtiers were beginning to worry.
The king was growing old, and the heir to the throne still showed no desire to marry.
One day, during another grand ball, the prince suddenly announced his decision before the entire court.
— I love music more than anything else in the world. I want my future wife to be able to sing in a way that touches the heart. Therefore, I am announcing a special competition.
The guests immediately fell silent.
— In one month, young women from across the kingdom will arrive at the palace. And I swear that I will marry the one whose voice is more beautiful than all the others.
A murmur swept through the hall.
But the prince raised his hand and continued:
— To make everything fair, each participant will perform while wearing a mask. I do not want to see faces or clothing. I will listen only to the voice.
The news spread across the entire country.
Daughters of wealthy families, counts, princes, and influential merchants began arriving at the palace. Each dreamed of becoming the future princess.
On the appointed day, the enormous throne room was filled with guests.
The prince sat upon an elevated platform. In front of him stood a stage.
One by one, the young women stepped onto the stage wearing identical masks.
The first sang beautifully. The second sang even better. The third amazed many of the guests.
But the prince simply listened calmly and shook his head.
— Next.
This continued for several hours.
One young woman burst into tears on stage after being rejected. Another ran out of the hall covering her face with her hands.
A third could not hold back her tears and left the palace with her family.
When the ninety-eighth participant finished her performance, many believed the prince would once again choose no one.
But then the doors opened.
The final young woman entered the hall. She wore a simple dark mask. No jewels. No expensive ornaments.
No one paid much attention to her. The guests began whispering.
— She will probably fail too.
— All the best singers have already performed.
— She doesn't stand a chance.
The young woman slowly walked onto the stage.
Silence filled the hall. Then the music began. And the young woman started to sing.
After just a few words, people began exchanging astonished glances.
Her voice was so beautiful that it seemed as if it was not a human singing at all, but a magical bird from a fairy tale.
Some guests stopped breathing in amazement. Even the musicians nearly forgot to play their parts.
Even the guards at the doors listened without taking their eyes off her. And for the first time that day, the prince leaned forward on his throne.
He could not take his eyes off the stage. With every passing second, his eyes shone brighter.
When the song ended, absolute silence filled the hall.
Then loud applause erupted. People rose from their seats. Some women wiped tears from their eyes.
The prince slowly stood up. For several seconds, he looked at the young woman.
Then he declared loudly:
— I have made my choice.
The hall fell silent once again.
— I will marry you. Remove your mask.
An excited whisper spread throughout the palace. Everyone wanted to see the lucky young woman.
The girl carefully raised her hands.
May you like
And removed her mask.
When they saw what had been hidden beneath the velvet mask, the entire palace—and even the prince himself—was completely shocked
