In the heart of a green forest stood a marble fountain where a young princess often played. Her favorite toy was a golden ball that sparkled like the sun as she tossed it high.

One day, her golden ball slipped from her hands and fell into the deep fountain water. The princess leaned over the edge, weeping as the ripples closed above her precious toy.

Suddenly, a frog lifted his head from the water. “Why do you cry, lovely princess?” he croaked. She told him her sorrow. “I can fetch your ball,” said the frog, “if you promise to be my friend and let me share your food and bed.”

The princess nodded quickly, thinking only of her toy. The frog dived deep and returned with the golden ball. She snatched it from him and ran home, laughing all the way.

That evening, while the princess dined with her father, a gentle knock sounded at the grand hall door. “Open, dear princess,” croaked a familiar voice. “Remember your promise.” The princess turned pale.

The king listened to the frog's tale and said kindly, “A promise must be kept, even to a frog.” With trembling hands, the princess opened the door and let him hop inside.

The frog hopped up beside the princess, ate politely from her golden plate, and thanked her with every bite. Though her heart trembled, she did not turn him away from her supper.

At bedtime, the frog said, “Now, let me rest upon your pillow.” The princess wept in fear, but her father’s voice echoed in her mind: “Keep your word.” So, she lifted the frog gently to her bedside pillow.

When dawn light touched the pillow, the frog was gone. In his place stood a young prince, kind-eyed and smiling, transformed by the princess’s true heart.

He told her of a wicked witch’s curse that could only be broken by a true promise freely kept. “Your kind heart has freed me,” he said softly to the princess.

A magnificent golden carriage, drawn by four white horses, awaited them. Their loyal servant Henry wept with joy, for the iron bands around his heart, a part of the curse, had finally broken with a song.

When they returned to the fountain, it sparkled again in the sunlight. The princess smiled at its clear water, whispering, “A promise kept is a promise that blooms.”