“Your mother is a foolish woman, as well as dishonest,” answered Bud; “and you shall both be severely punished. Tellydeb,” he continued, addressing the lord high executioner, “take this man to prison, and see that he is fed on bread and water until further orders.”
“Not so!” exclaimed a sweet voice near the king; and then all looked up to see the beautiful Lulea, queen of the fairies, standing beside the throne.
Every eye was now fixed upon the exquisite form of the fairy queen, which shed a glorious radiance throughout the room, and filled every heart with an awe and admiration not unmingled with fear.
“The magic cloak was woven by my band,” said the fairy, speaking so distinctly that all could hear the words; “and our object was to bring relief to suffering mortal—not to add to their worries. Some good the cloak has accomplished, I am sure; but also has it been used foolishly, and to no serious purpose. Therefore I, who gave the cloak, shall now take it away. The good that has been done shall remain; but the foolish wishes granted shall now be canceled.” With these words, she turned and lightly lifted the shimmering magic garment from the lap of the princess.
[Illustration: “‘I WISH,’ GRAVELY ANNOUNCED BUD, ‘THAT I MAY BECOME THE BEST KING THAT NOLAND HAS EVER HAD.’”]
“One moment, please!” cried Bud, eagerly. “Cannot I have my wish? I waited until I could wish wisely, you know; and then the cloak wouldn’t work.”
With a smile, Lulea threw the cloak over the boy’s shoulders.
“I wish,” announced Bud, gravely, “that I may become the best king that Noland has ever had!”
“Your wish is granted,” returned the fairy, sweetly; “and it shall be the last wish fulfilled through the magic cloak.”
But now Zixi rushed forward and threw herself upon her knees before the fairy.
“Oh, your Majesty—” she began eagerly; but Lulea instantly silenced her with an abrupt gesture.
“Plead not to me, Queen of Ix!” said the dainty immortal, drawing back from Zixi’s prostrate form. “You know that we fairies do not approve of witchcraft. However long your arts may permit you to live, you must always beware a mirror!”
Zixi gave a sob and buried her pretty face in her hands; and it was Fluff whose tender heart prompted her to raise the witch-queen and try to comfort her.