There was once an old king who was ill and knew he was dying. He summoned his most loyal servant, Faithful John, and said, "I have no worry except for my young son. Promise me you will be his guardian and teach him all he needs to know."
Faithful John promised, "I will not forsake him and will serve him with fidelity, even if it costs me my life."
The old king then gave a final warning: "After my death, show my son the entire castle and all its treasures. But you must never show him the last chamber in the long gallery, where hangs the portrait of the Princess of the Golden Dwelling. If he sees it, he will fall violently in love with her and face great peril." Having received John's promise, the king died peacefully.
After the mourning period, Faithful John showed the young king his inheritance but avoided the forbidden room. The young king, noticing this, demanded to see inside. Despite John's warnings about a curse, the king insisted. With a heavy heart, John unlocked the door. The king saw the magnificent portrait, fell in love instantly, and fainted.
Upon reviving, the young king declared his love for the princess and begged John for help. John devised a plan: they would use the kingdom's gold to create exquisite golden objects, pose as merchants, and sail to the princess's land.
Their plan worked. The princess, enchanted by the golden wares, was lured onto their ship. Once at sea, the king revealed his true identity and his love, born from seeing her portrait. Moved, she agreed to marry him.
During the voyage home, Faithful John overheard three ravens prophesying three dangers awaiting the couple:
1. A chestnut horse would appear; if the king mounted it, he would be carried away forever.
2. A beautiful but poisonous bridal gown would burn him to the bone.
3. During the wedding dance, the queen would collapse; only drawing three drops of blood from her breast could save her.
The ravens also revealed that anyone who warned the king of these dangers would turn to stone. John was torn but decided to save his master at any cost.
Upon arrival, each prophecy came true. Faithful John acted swiftly: he shot the magical horse, burned the poisonous gown with gloved hands, and saved the queen by drawing the three drops of blood. The young king, witnessing the last act without understanding, was enraged and sentenced John to death.
On the gallows, John explained everything. The king cried for pardon, but it was too late—John had spoken the secret and turned to stone.
The king and queen grieved deeply. One day, the stone statue spoke, saying it could be revived if the king sacrificed what was dearest to him. The king, remembering John's fidelity, sacrificed his two young sons, sprinkling their blood on the statue. Faithful John returned to life, then restored the children to life as well. The family was reunited and lived happily ever after.