Once upon a time, in the magical land of Cordova, there lived a king and queen. They were the kindest and fairest rulers that had ever came to be, and their people loved them so. The entire kingdom rejoiced greatly over the news of the birth of the baby princess. On the day the princess was born, the stars covered the entire night sky in a way that wasn't seen before.

The queen gasped at the beautiful sight, cradling her baby gently. "Dear, look at how the stars have filled the night sky. It is almost as if they are in celebration of our new baby girl as well." She tickled the baby's nose, making her coo with delight. The king, regal as ever, stood beside his wife, transfixed on his new daughter. "Even the heavens are in awe of you, little one." He stroked her head gently.

The queen looked back at her husband, putting a gentle hand on his arm. "We must name her a name befitting of the stars..." The queen gasped, getting the perfect idea. "Lyra. Princess Lyra." She decided. The king chuckled. "What a beautiful name for a beautiful girl." They both walked together and opened the doors to their balcony, looking down at the entire kingdom that was standing outside, awaiting the naming of the new princess.

"Behold the heir of our kingdom, Princess Lyra!" The king bellowed. The entire crowd cheered, approving of the name and of the princess.

Princess Lyra went on to grow up in grace, beauty, and kindness. She had developed a love for singing, taught by her mother, and performed regularly at the kingdom's performance arena as the lead woman in all their shows. She would regularly grace the kingdom with her presence in the town squares, oftentimes handing out flowers to all the little children. The entire kingdom adored her, and she adored them.

Although on special days, Princess Lyra went off into the forest to have a day alone, just to herself. She could do whatever she pleased - pick the wildflowers, watch all the wildlife, and sing to her heart's content. These days came occasionally, so she deeply cherished each one she had. Although on this particular day, she would encounter something even more special.

Lyra was walking around in the forest, some of the animals following her at a close distance. To them, she was a regular, and they were very comfortable around her. She carried her woven handbasket casually on her arm, filling it with as many flowers and berries as she could find. She smoothed the creases on her royal gown, which was a beautiful pastel pink with white lace around the bottom.

Lyra stopped by a large tree with a large stump right next to it. She sat on the stump, making sure to make room for all of her animal forest friends. A little bunny curled up in her lap, making her smile. She stroked it and sighed. "Today is my last day coming to the forest for a long while. I am getting older and I am having to take on more duties as a true princess to the kingdom." The animals all made sad faces.

"Oh no, please don't be upset! In fact, I am very much looking forward to my new duties. I love to help mother and father, and I love to help our people. Why, I simply cannot wait until I can do more good." The animals regained their happy expressions, all very impressed with the princess's selflessness. "Although, there is one thing..."

Lyra frowned slightly. "I do wish that I could have a happily ever after with my one true love. Mother and father have never spoken about any betrothal, saying that I should focus on my duties as a single princess before meddling in the affairs of marriage." She stroked a baby deer that had sat on her right side. "I very much appreciate that they are going to let me look for my own husband and marry for love. But sometimes, I wish that I could behave like other girls when it comes to suitors."

"I have seen so many maidens in the kingdom go on fun excursions with their true loves, as they always tell me the details with all sorts of glee." This should tell you how close the citizens regarded Lyra. "But, I wish that I could partake in the fun too." She sighed, and broke out into a smile. "Why am I grousing and fussing on this lovely day? I must make the most out of it!" She looked at her animal friends with wonder in her eyes. "Shall we visit the Fairy Falls?" She asked. All the animals stood up eagerly, excited. Lyra stood up and twirled around, heading north. "Off we go!"

She sang a merry tune as she headed for her favorite place in the forest, the Fairy Falls. It was a beautiful waterfall falling from one of the tallest mountains in the kingdom, leading into a pool that shimmered so brightly it put the stars to shame. Flower-covered vines hanging from huge trees covered the waterfall, acting as a kind of entrance to the falls. It was an old legend that if you made a your heart's deepest wish into this fountain, a fairy would come and grant your wish for you - hence the name, Fairy Falls. Everyone regarded this as just a child's tale. Everyone except for Lyra.

Ever since she was a young girl, Lyra believed in the fairies of the falls. She one day wished she would make her heart's deepest wish and be granted it by one of the fairies. However, she had nothing to wish for. Now, as a young woman, Lyra finally had a wish.

Lyra parted the flowered vines gently, revealing her favorite area of the forest. She ran in, sitting right beside the cliff where the water fell, her skirt flowing around her. Some of her animal friends went through the vines, but would always stay a ways away from the falls out of fear of falling. To Lyra, the fear of never having her wish come true was worse.

"I am much different from the young girl that used to come and sit by the falls 10 years ago. I am now a young woman, 20 years of age, and today is the last day I will be able to visit these waters for a very long time. My royal duties await me, and I must spend a great deal of time learning how to properly care for our kingdom." She clasped her hands together, resting them on her chest. "That is why it is finally time for me to make my wish."

All the animals gasped, shifting closer to Lyra. This was a momentous moment!

Lyra closed her eyes, an eager smile spreading across her face. "I wish, with all the desire in my heart, to have my one true love find me and for us to live happily ever after." Lyra pulled one of the wildflowers from her basket and gently dropped it into the waterfall to solidify the wish. Lyra stood up and peered over the falls. "I do hope my wish comes true." She sighed.

Suddenly, a flying bird rushed past her, knocking her basket right out of her hands. She yelped, losing her balance. She tried to steady herself, but it was too late. She lost her footing and started falling right towards the edge of the cliff into the falls. Lyra screamed as she felt herself fall, reached out her hands to the land.

She closed her eyes tight before she felt her hand being grasped tightly, stopping her fall. "Young maiden! Are you alright?" A deep voice worriedly called out. "Yes! But please, pull me up!" Lyra begged, her voice still maintaining its kindness. The person took hold of her other hand and effortlessly pulled her up to the cliff. She stood onto the land, running until she fell to her knees a ways away from the waterfall.

She turned back to look at her savior and gasped. It was a tall man with light brown hair, very handsome, dressed in royal clothing. His piercing blue eyes were only one of the many charming features he possessed. He rushed over to her side, offering his hand to her. "My lady, are you alright?" He asked. Lyra took his hand, standing up. She brushed off the dirt that now stained her dress.

"Why, yes I am, all thanks to you. How can I ever repay your act of life-saving kindness?" The handsome stranger smiled. "There is no need. I am just glad you are safe." He clasped her hands in his, stepping closer to her. "What is your name, fair maiden?" Lyra felt herself blush. "I am Princess Lyra, of the Kingdom of Cordova." The man's eyes went wide. "Princess! Oh, my lady!" He released her hands and dropped one knee to the ground, bowing his head out of respect.

Lyra gasped. "Oh no, please, arise. I am nothing but a fellow human." She helped him up. The stranger looked at her with a look of fondness. He could already tell what an amazing and kind human being she was. "If the princess wishes." He said. He pushed his red cape aside and smiled at Lyra. "I am Prince Edward of the Kingdom of Rilan." Lyra gasped again. "The prince!" She curtsied deeply. Prince Edward bowed back to her. They both were respectful of one another.

"Yes, I believe we are trading partners. It is so nice to finally make the acquaintance of the lovely princess." The prince straightened and so did Lyra. "It is my duty to escort you back home and make sure you get there safe. My horse is just through the vines. May I?" Princess Lyra smiled and nodded. "Yes, of course. You have all my thanks." The Prince extended his arm to her and Lyra put her arm on his, resting her hand on his.

They walked together to his horse. Before they left, Lyra took one last look at the falls, smiling brightly.

Her wish had indeed come true.