The Magic Lute

Once upon a time, there was a princess named Lillian who lived in a palace with her father, the King. Lillian was a master of the lute, and on her twelfth birthday, the King invited her to the dining room. On the table before the King was a very old wooden box. The King took the box, stood up, then approached his daughter and embraced her, saying:

"God gave you to me eleven years ago, and I am grateful to Him for every day of these years."

Lillian replied curiously, "Why are you crying, Father?"

The King said, "Because this is the most important moment in your life. I have a gift for you, my dear."

Lillian eagerly responded, "A gift? Give it to me, give it to me!"

The King handed the box to his daughter. She opened it with excitement to see what was inside. When she saw what was inside, she hesitated and asked in amazement, "A lute?"

The King answered, "It is our family’s lute. The lute of your grandfather, whose music conquered this kingdom."

"Our family has passed this lute down from generation to generation on the twelfth birthday of each child. Today, this lute is yours, Lillian."

Lillian said, "It's magical!"

The King replied, "Some say that."

The princess asked, "But how do I use it?"

The King said, "Why don’t you try exploring it?"

Lillian began to play the lute. At first, she struggled, but it didn't take long for her to become a great musician. Over the years, her grandfather's lute could be heard throughout the kingdom at various gatherings. What Lillian loved most was playing for her father and friends at the palace.

Everything was fine until Lillian turned twenty-two. One day, she saw her father walking with a man with a long beard and asked, "Who is this, Father?"

The King said, "This is Shanki."

Lillian responded, "Yes, I know him. He’s the sorcerer, the enemy of our army for centuries."

The man said, "It’s a pleasure to meet you, dear."

Lillian asked, "What are you doing with him, Father?"

The King replied, "We have made a peace treaty to end this foolish conflict between our generations."

Lillian said, "Of course, I’ve heard about his son."

The King said, "Yes, and I was forced to marry you to Justin, Shanki's son, to complete the great alliance between our kingdoms."

The wedding ceremonies proceeded quickly to celebrate the great alliance between the kingdoms. The wedding was sad, without any melodies or music. Lillian asked, "Why is there no music?" and then took her lute to begin playing.

At that moment, Shanki stopped her and forcibly took the lute from her. She said, "What are you doing, sorcerer?"

Shanki said, "Do not play again, as Justin hates music."

The newlyweds arrived at the palace in a magical carriage. Justin showed Lillian around the palace. Suddenly, a talking mythical creature appeared. Justin said, "This is Jax, the talking mythical creature."

The princess said, "Nice to meet you."

Jax said, "Could you play for us? I’ve heard you’re a talented musician."

Lillian said, "You know the rules—no music inside the palace."

Justin said, "Alright, Lillian. I’m going to my studies. If you need anything, you’ll find me in the library." And Justin left.

Jax said, "Alright, Lillian. What will you play for us now?"

Lillian asked, "What about Justin?"

Jax said, "Forget about him. We’ll go to a place where he can’t hear us." He took the princess to the garden.

Jax and Lillian became best friends. Every day, while Justin studied, they would go to the garden in the afternoon and sing together. Justin proved to be a good husband, understanding, calm, and a good listener, discussing everything with Lillian. Lillian once asked, "Why don’t you like music?" but he never answered that question. He always changed the subject.

Thus, life continued in the same routine every day. One day, Lillian was playing the lute in her room with Jax. She said, "Justin has been studying for a long time."

Jax said, "He’s probably fallen asleep among the scrolls and manuscripts."

Lillian began to play and sing. Suddenly, the door burst open and Justin shouted angrily, "What’s happening here?" Jax fled through the window.

Justin said, "What did I tell you about music? It’s forbidden."

Lillian said, "I know, but it’s my passion and my life, and this is our family lute."

Justin tried to take the lute forcefully, but she resisted strongly. He took it with force, and the lute flew and crashed against the wall, breaking into several pieces. Lillian left the room, and Justin searched the palace until he found her in her favorite spot.

Justin sat beside her and said, "Do you know why I don’t like music? My mother, the queen, was a powerful poet, and her magical strength was in her beautiful songs. On the day she died when I was twelve, she was ill and played and sang just like you do. I can’t hear music without remembering her."

Lillian cried and said, "Why didn’t you tell me?"

Justin said, "I have a gift for you." He then presented her with a new lute.

From that day on, Lillian played music with joy and happiness. Music became a way for her to express her love for Justin and her beautiful memories with her mother. The couple lived happily, and Justin learned to embrace music as a part of his life and his wife’s life.

Thus, the magical lute became a symbol of love and understanding between Lillian and Justin, and its music continued to inspire the entire kingdom.