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Once upon a time in a small Italian kingdom, there lived a kind and beautiful girl named Angelica. She was the daughter of a poor farmer who worked hard from dawn to dusk. Though they had little money, their small cottage was always filled with laughter and warmth. Angelica helped her father in the fields and sang while she worked, and her voice was so sweet that even the birds stopped singing to listen. Everyone in the village loved her, for she was gentle, polite, and always ready to help others.
One morning, while Angelica was fetching water from the river, she noticed a golden fish struggling in the shallow water. Its shiny scales glimmered in the sunlight. Feeling pity, she gently lifted the fish and placed it back into the deeper part of the river. Before swimming away, the fish raised its head and spoke in a soft voice, “Dear Angelica, for your kindness, you will soon find great happiness. Remember, never forget to thank those who help you.” Angelica was astonished to hear a fish talk, but before she could say anything, it disappeared into the water.
A few days later, the King of the land, who was known for his wealth and pride, decided to visit that very village. He had heard of the villagers’ fine crops and wished to see them himself. When he rode past the fields, he noticed Angelica working among the flowers. Her beauty was unlike anything he had ever seen. Her golden hair shone like sunlight, and her eyes were gentle and bright. The King stopped his horse and asked her name. Angelica blushed and bowed politely. “I am Angelica, your Majesty,” she said softly.
The King could not forget her face. He returned to his palace and told his ministers that he had met the most beautiful girl in the kingdom. The courtiers laughed, for they thought it strange that a poor farmer’s daughter could attract the King’s attention. But the King sent messengers to bring Angelica to the castle. When they arrived, her father was nervous, fearing they had done something wrong. But Angelica went with them bravely, her heart filled with curiosity and fear.
When Angelica entered the grand hall, the King was struck again by her grace and simplicity. He asked her to stay in the palace and teach music to the young ladies of the court, for her voice was as sweet as a nightingale’s. Angelica agreed, and soon her songs filled the palace corridors with joy. The King listened to her often, hidden behind curtains, so he could enjoy her voice without making her shy. As weeks passed, he began to admire not only her beauty but also her kindness and wisdom.
However, not everyone in the court was pleased. The Queen, who was proud and jealous, noticed the King’s growing affection for Angelica. She began to despise the girl and searched for ways to disgrace her. One evening, during a grand banquet, the Queen invited Angelica to sing before the guests. Angelica sang with such feeling that even the Queen’s heart softened for a moment. But when the applause filled the hall, jealousy returned to the Queen’s mind like a dark cloud.
The next day, the Queen sent for Angelica and said with a cold smile, “If you are as clever as you are pretty, prove it. Go to the forest and bring me a cloak made from the feathers of every bird that flies under the sun. Do not return without it.” Angelica bowed and left quietly, though her heart was heavy. She wandered into the deep forest, wondering how she could ever fulfill such an impossible task. Just as she sat down to cry, she heard a familiar splash in a nearby stream.
It was the golden fish she had once saved. “Why are you crying, Angelica?” asked the fish. She told it about the Queen’s cruel demand. The fish smiled and said, “Do not fear, kind one. You helped me when I needed it; now I shall help you.” It flicked its tail, and suddenly, before her eyes, appeared a shining cloak woven with the feathers of every bird—red, blue, green, gold, and silver. It glowed with light and shimmered like the rainbow. Angelica thanked the fish with tears of joy and carried the cloak back to the palace.
When the Queen saw the cloak, her eyes widened in surprise. She could not believe that Angelica had succeeded. Pretending to smile, she said, “You have done well, my dear. But now I have another small favor to ask. Bring me a basin filled with the water that makes old people young again. Without that, your task is not complete.” Angelica trembled. She did not know where to find such magical water, but she bowed and set out again, praying for help.
She walked for many days and nights through forests and valleys until she reached a silver mountain where a stream sparkled like crystal. But a fierce dragon guarded it, roaring whenever anyone came near. Angelica hid behind a rock and wept. Just then, the golden fish appeared once more, its scales shining like sunlight. “Do not cry, Angelica,” it said kindly. “Take this shell. Fill it with the water while I distract the dragon.” The fish swam into the stream and splashed so loudly that the dragon turned away in anger. Quickly, Angelica filled her shell and fled down the mountain.
When she returned to the palace with the basin of magical water, the Queen was furious but hid it with a smile. She thought of one more cruel test. “Now,” she said, “bring me the most precious jewel from the center of the sea. Only then will your duty be done.” Angelica bowed again and set out, though her heart was breaking. When she reached the shore, she sat down and cried into the waves. “Oh, my golden friend, where are you?” she whispered sadly.
The sea bubbled, and the golden fish appeared for the third time. “Angelica, your heart is pure, and your patience has been great. Take this pearl,” said the fish, placing a glowing jewel in her hand. “It is the most precious jewel in the sea, but use it wisely. Remember always to stay humble and kind.” Angelica thanked the fish and promised never to forget its help. She returned to the palace, holding the pearl close to her heart.
The Queen could no longer hide her jealousy. She presented the pearl to the King, pretending she had sent Angelica only to test her loyalty. But the King had already learned the truth from his servants. He turned to Angelica and said warmly, “You have proved not only your beauty but your courage and goodness. From this day forward, you shall be my Queen.” The Queen’s face turned pale, and she fled from the hall in shame. The courtiers cheered, for they had all come to love Angelica for her gentle heart.
The wedding took place with great joy. The King and Angelica were married under golden arches covered with flowers. People from all over the kingdom came to celebrate. Even the birds seemed to sing louder, and the sky shone brighter. Angelica wore the feather cloak given by the golden fish, and it sparkled like the sunrise. The King declared a day of peace and happiness, and no one in the land went hungry that day.
Years passed, and Angelica ruled beside the King with grace and wisdom. She never forgot her humble beginnings or the golden fish who had helped her. Every year, she visited the river and dropped pearls into the water in gratitude. The villagers, who once knew her as a farmer’s daughter, now called her “The Queen of Kindness.” Her songs still filled the palace, and even the old Queen, who had fled far away, was said to have softened her heart after hearing tales of Angelica’s mercy.
One spring morning, while walking by the river with her husband, Angelica saw a flash of gold beneath the water. The golden fish appeared one last time and spoke gently, “Your kindness has brought joy to many, Angelica. The world remembers those who give more than they take. Farewell, my Queen.” Then it vanished forever into the sunlight dancing on the water. Angelica smiled and whispered a prayer of thanks.
From that day onward, the river was known as the “Golden Stream,” and travelers said that anyone who drank from it would feel their heart grow lighter. Angelica and the King lived many happy years, ruling with justice and love. Their kingdom flourished, and songs of the golden fish and the kind-hearted Queen spread far and wide. Whenever people spoke of true beauty, they did not talk of faces or riches—they spoke of Angelica, the girl who helped a fish and found a kingdom.