The Rose of Princess Soha

The Rose of Princess Soha

BY:Khan

Long ago, in the ancient land of Yemen, there ruled a kind and just king. His heart overflowed with compassion, and his people loved him dearly. He was known not only for his wisdom but also for the fairness with which he treated everyone—from the noblemen in his court to the poorest farmer in his kingdom.

The king had four daughters, each blessed with beauty, grace, and intelligence. Yet among them, the youngest, Princess Soha, shone like the morning sun. Her eyes sparkled with innocence, her smile was pure and gentle, and her heart was filled with kindness. But her beauty became the cause of envy for her elder sisters. They could not bear the admiration Soha received, and in their hearts, jealousy began to bloom like a poisonous flower.

One day, the king had to travel abroad on an important mission. Before leaving, he called his daughters to his chamber. “My dear children,” he said lovingly, “I will be away for some time. Tell me what you desire, so I may bring back gifts for each of you.”

The eldest daughter asked for glittering gold ornaments, the second requested rare gemstones, and the third wished for fine silk from distant lands. Finally, the king turned to his youngest, Princess Soha. “And you, my little one,” he asked, “what would make you happy?”

Soha smiled softly and said, “Father, I do not want gold or jewels. I only wish for a single rose—a rose so fresh and fragrant that it reminds me of your kindness and love.”

The king was touched by her simplicity. He blessed her and promised to fulfill all their wishes.

Weeks passed. The journey was long and full of trials. When the king finally reached the foreign land, he bought the jewels and silks for his elder daughters—but in his busy schedule, he forgot them in a merchant’s shop. However, as he was leaving the city, he remembered Soha’s humble wish. On his way back, he stopped by a garden and plucked a single red rose for her.

When the king returned home, his daughters rushed to greet him at the palace gates. The elder three eagerly looked for their treasures, but their faces fell when they saw that he carried only one small flower in his hand. “You brought nothing for us?” they cried angrily. “Only a rose for her?” They turned their faces away in pride and stormed into their chambers, forgetting all respect for their father.

The king sighed deeply, hurt by their unkindness. He then walked quietly to Soha’s room. The young princess was sitting by the window, tears in her eyes. When she saw her father, she stood up and bowed lovingly. The king handed her the rose and said, “My dear child, I may have forgotten the others, but I could not forget you.” Soha smiled through her tears and said, “Father, this rose is worth more to me than all the jewels in the world.”

The king was moved. He placed his hand on her head and said gently, “My child, in this world, no treasure is greater than the love and respect of one’s parents. Those who honor their parents will always find blessings in life.”

Some months later, the king had to travel abroad again. This time, he asked his daughters once more what they desired. The elder three repeated their demands for riches and luxury. But Princess Soha remained silent. When the king asked her why, she replied softly, “Father, I wish for nothing but your safe return. I do not want to ask for anything that might trouble you.”

The king smiled proudly at her answer, his heart swelling with love.

On his way home from this second journey, the king took a shortcut through a dense forest. The trees whispered in the wind, and the air grew cold and still. Suddenly, a dark shadow passed overhead—a giant bat with glowing red eyes. But this was no ordinary bat; it was an evil sorcerer who had taken this dreadful form.

With a shriek, the bat swooped down and seized the king. The creature carried him deep into the forest and locked him in a cave. The king cried out for help, but no one could hear him.

However, fate had other plans. A brave young prince who happened to be hunting nearby saw the bat’s monstrous shape in the sky. Realizing the danger, he drew his shining sword and rode after it. When he reached the cave, he found the bat guarding the entrance. Without hesitation, the prince attacked. The bat lunged at him, but the prince’s sword struck swiftly, cutting through the creature’s neck. The evil sorcerer fell dead, and the spell was broken.

The prince freed the king and escorted him safely back to the palace. When the king’s daughters heard the news, they came running to their father, their faces pale with guilt. They fell at his feet and wept. “Father,” they said, “we have been ungrateful. Forgive us for our disobedience.”

The king’s heart softened. He forgave them and embraced all his daughters. Yet, in that moment, his gaze rested on Soha with deep pride. “You,” he said tenderly, “are my greatest treasure. Your kindness and respect have brought blessings upon this family.”

From that day forward, harmony returned to the palace. The sisters loved one another again, and peace filled the kingdom. As for Princess Soha, her rose never wilted—it remained as fresh and fragrant as the day her father brought it home, a symbol of love, humility, and the power of honoring one’s parents.

And so, dear children, remember this: true beauty lies not in jewels or wealth but in a heart that respects and loves its parents. Those who serve their parents with sincerity will always find happiness and success in life.


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Moral:
Respecting one’s parents is the greatest virtue. Their blessings can turn even a single rose into a garden of joy.