The Hidden Kingdom in the Clouds

Curious in heart, Lily was an adventurous girl. She delighted in staring into the heavens and wondering what was beyond the fluffy white clouds. She was lying on the lawn, seeing the clouds drift by one bright afternoon when something strange happened: a golden stairway started to spiral skyward!

Lily inhaled profoundly and started the first brilliant stride, with wide eyes, and an eager heart. The planet below vanished into a gentle, foggy haze as she ascended ever higher. She gasped when she got to the top; before she stood a great kingdom drifting amid the clouds!

The realm glowed with cotton candy trees, rainbow-colored bridges, and golden towers. Birds with glittering plumage sang melodic tunes, and fluffy white animals—like living clouds—drifted happily through the air.

“Welcome, Lily,” a gentle voice said. She looked to see a lad with silver wings. Prince Aero is here in the Hidden Kingdom in the Clouds. We have patiently waited for you.

Surprised, Lily asked, “Waiting for me.”

“Absolutely! Prince Aero said the golden staircase was only found by a real dreamer. And we will need your assistance. The missing Crystal of Light is eroding the magic of our kingdom.

Lily’s eyes gleamed with enthusiasm. “I would be of assistance. Where ought we to begin?

Lily followed Prince Aero to the Crystal Cavern, where brilliant stars hovered all around. “The Storm King took the Crystal of Light and kept it under cover in his dark fortification toward the heavens.

Lily and Aero, resolved, shot skyward on a cloud ship. Dodging lightning bolts, whirling through whirling winds, and at last arriving at the soaring citadel encircled by whirling storm clouds, the trip was exhilarating.

Inside, a gigantic creature fashioned of thunder clouds, the Storm King yelled, “You dare enter my fortress?”

 Lily bravely. “To be powerful, you do not have to steal the light. Real power is derived from compassion.

The King of the Storm hesitated. Nobody had ever talked to him in such a manner. His booming voice softened, and he sighed. “I was lonely, so I just grabbed the Crystal. Others would notice me if I could regulate the brightness.

 Lily graced and grinned. “You don’t have to take anything to be visible. You may be friends with us.

Emoved by her words, the Storm King returned the Crystal of Light. Once Lily put everything back in its proper position, the kingdom shone golden. Laughing permeated the air as flowers bloomed mid-air, and the sky shone in pink and blue.

Prince Aero congratulated Lily as the people of the Hidden Kingdom applauded. “Your help saves our planet. You are always quite welcome here.

Lily walked upon the golden stair once more as the sun sank. She descended one final glance at her new buddies. The staircase vanished when she touched the ground, leaving just a warm golden glow in the heavens.

Was it simply a dream? Indeed, but Lily fell back on the grass, and a lovely, fluffy cloud drifted down and nestled next to her. Knowing that magic was real—and occasionally all it required was belief—she grinned.