Long ago, in the heart of Africa, there was a mighty kingdom ruled by a wise old king. This king had only one son, Prince Tunda, a brave young man loved by all for his kindness and courage.
One day, the king called Prince Tunda to his hut and said,
> “My son, I am growing old. It is time for you to choose a wife, for a man without a wife is like a tree without fruit.”
But the king did not want his son to marry just any maiden. He wanted him to marry a woman who had a pure heart and could care for the kingdom. So, he summoned the elders and announced a test:
> “I will gather six virgins from the six corners of our land. They will stay in the royal compound for seven days. By the end, my son must choose the one whose heart shines the brightest.”
The news spread far and wide. Parents brought their daughters, and six maidens were chosen. Each was beautiful in her own way:
Amina — gentle and shy.
Kesa — wise and quiet.
Lindiwe — cheerful and full of laughter.
Zuri — proud and sharp-tongued.
Neema — kind and caring.
Fatima — bold and fearless.
On the first day, the prince greeted them with a feast. On the second day, he asked them to help cook for the villagers. Some grumbled, but Neema and Amina cooked with joy and served everyone with warm smiles.
On the third day, he took them to the river to fetch water. Zuri refused, saying it was work for servants. Fatima fetched water but mocked the others for working too slowly.
On the fourth day, he asked them to care for an old blind woman living near the palace. Kesa spent hours telling the old woman stories, while Neema washed her clothes and cleaned her hut. Lindiwe brought fruits and made her laugh.
On the fifth day, Prince Tunda hid his royal clothes and dressed like a poor traveler. He went to each maiden, asking for food. Only Neema and Amina shared their meals without knowing who he was.
On the sixth day, he asked each maiden what she would do as a queen. Zuri said she would build a big palace for herself. Fatima said she would command everyone to obey her. Kesa said she would advise the prince wisely. Lindiwe said she would make everyone happy. Amina said she would care for the sick and feed the hungry. Neema said, “I would serve my people like a mother serves her children.”
On the seventh day, the king called everyone to the great courtyard. Drums beat and villagers gathered under the baobab tree. Prince Tunda rose and spoke:
> “My father, elders, and people — beauty fades, but a kind heart never dies. Among these six, Neema has shown me what true goodness is. She shall be my wife and queen.”
The people cheered. Neema’s parents wept tears of joy. The other maidens were given gifts and thanked for their time.
Prince Tunda and Neema were married under the full moon. They ruled the kingdom with love and wisdom, and their story was told for generations — a reminder that a pure heart is the greatest treasure of all.
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Moral of the Story:
True beauty lies in kindness, humility, and the willingness to serve others.