Once upon a time, in a kingdom nestled between misty mountains, there lived a kind-hearted princess named Lily. Though she was loved by her people, Princess Lily often felt lonely, for her father, the king, was always busy, and her mother had passed away when she was very young.

One day, while walking by the royal lake, Lily noticed something unusual—a beautiful silver swan, shimmering in the sunlight, was gliding across the water. Intrigued, she approached the swan, and to her surprise, it spoke.

“Dear princess,” said the swan, “I am enchanted, cursed by a wicked sorcerer. Only a heart as pure as yours can break the spell.”

Touched by the swan’s words, Lily asked, “How can I help?”

The swan explained, “You must give me something most precious to you, without expecting anything in return.”

Lily thought for a moment. She had many jewels and treasures, but they were not what she valued most. Then she remembered the locket her mother had given her—the only memory she had of her. With a heavy heart, but out of love and kindness, she gently placed the locket around the swan’s neck.

The moment she did, a flash of light filled the air, and the swan transformed into a young prince!

“Thank you, Princess Lily,” said the prince. “Your selfless gift has broken the curse. I was trapped in that form by the sorcerer, and only true kindness could free me.”

The prince and Princess Lily became dear friends, and eventually, their friendship blossomed into love. Together, they ruled the kingdom with wisdom and kindness, and they always remembered the day the silver swan brought them together.