“Once, I was called Princess, daughter of the dawn and keeper of the silver springs. My voice sang with the wind, and flowers bent to hear my laughter. But pride, or fate, or some cruel jest of the heavens, set me upon a road no maiden should tread. Clad in a man’s raiment, I sought to prove my worth, and thus the curse found me. The moon bore witness as my hands grew strong, my frame hardened, and my song turned to thunder. Now I stand before thee as Făt-Frumos, hero of the wide world, forged of magic and memory. In my heart still dwells the maiden’s mercy, yet in my arms the strength of kings. Think not the change unmade my soul—for whether as daughter or son, I am the same flame, burning against the dark of this world.”