Prince Leo wasn't like the other princes in the Kingdom of Asteria. He didn't care much for grand balls or shiny armor. Leo loved wandering through the royal gardens, talking to the bumblebees and collecting smooth, grey stones. He felt most at home amongst the quiet things.
One evening, while gazing at the stars, Leo noticed something was wrong. A tiny star, usually the brightest in the sky, was dim and flickering. It barely shone at all! He asked his wise old tutor, Master Elmsworth, about it. “That’s Lumi,” Master Elmsworth explained. “Lumi is a very young star, and she’s lost her sparkle. It happens sometimes when stars feel forgotten or sad.”
Leo’s heart ached for Lumi. “Can we help her?” he asked. Master Elmsworth smiled. “Stars need kindness to shine, Prince Leo. And sometimes, a little reminder that they are loved.”
Leo decided he would send Lumi a gift. But what could a prince send to a star? He didn’t think jewels or gold would help. He remembered how much *he* loved the smooth, grey stones he collected. They weren’t flashy, but they were comforting to hold. He carefully chose seven of his most perfect stones and, with Master Elmsworth’s help, built a small, shimmering tower in the highest part of the garden, pointing directly at Lumi.
Then, Leo did something unexpected. He began to tell Lumi stories. He told her about the busy bumblebees, the fragrant roses, and the funny way the royal cook always sneezed when making blueberry pie. He told her about all the good things in Asteria, and how much joy they brought him.
Night after night, Leo shared his stories with Lumi. He didn’t expect an immediate reply, but he continued, driven by his kindness. He imagined Lumi listening, and that was enough. He wasn’t trying to impress her; he simply wanted to share a little happiness.
Slowly, very slowly, Lumi began to brighten. At first, it was just a tiny flicker, but each night, her light grew stronger. Leo noticed that the other stars seemed to shine a little brighter too, as if they were cheering Lumi on.
Finally, one evening, Lumi shone with her full, brilliant sparkle! Leo clapped his hands with joy. Master Elmsworth explained, “Lumi wasn’t sad because she lacked light, Prince Leo. She was sad because she felt unseen. Your kindness reminded her how special she is.”
Leo smiled. He learned that even the smallest act of kindness, a simple story or a thoughtful gift, could make a huge difference in someone’s world – even a star’s world. From that day on, Prince Leo continued to look after the stars, always remembering that true beauty shines from within, and that everyone deserves to feel loved and remembered.
As Leo drifted off to sleep, he looked up at Lumi, twinkling brightly. He knew that even a little prince could make a big difference, one kind story at a time. And that, he thought, was a very good thing indeed.