rieved though I am
to say farewell, I will obey you yet once more, and will listen to your
brother as I would to yourself. Only, I must have a proof that he loves
me as well as you do.'

'How should I not love you?' answered Sunlight; 'how should I not be
proud to serve a warrior such as you? Trust me, mistress, and you
shall never regret the absence of my brother. I know there will be
difficulties in our path, but we will face them together.'

Then, with tears in her eyes, the princess took leave of her old horse,
who galloped back to her father.

She had ridden only a few miles further, when she saw a golden curl
lying on the road before her. Checking her horse, she asked whether it
would be better to take it or let it lie.

'If you take it,' said Sunlight, 'you will repent, and if you don't, you
will repent too: so take it.' On this the girl dismounted, and picking
up the curl, wound it round her neck for safety.

They passed by hills, they passed by mountains, they passed through
valleys, leaving behind them thick forests, and fields covered with
flowers; and at length they reached the court of the over-lord.

He was sitting on his throne, surrounded by the sons of the other
emperors, who served him as pages. These youths came forward to greet
their new companion, and wondered why they felt so attracted towards
him.

However, there was no time for talking and concealing her fright.

The princess was led straight up to the throne, and explained, in a low
voice, the reason of her coming. The emperor received her kindly, and
declared himself fortunate at finding a vassal so brave and so charming,
and begged the princess to remain in attendance on his person.

She was, however, very careful in her behaviour towards the other pages,
whose way of life did not please her. One day, however, she had been
amusing herself by making sweetmeats, when two of the young princes
looked in to pay her a visit. She offered them some of the food which
was already on the table, and they thought it so delicious that they
even licked their fingers so as not to lose a morsel. Of course they did
not keep the news of their discovery to themselves, but told all their
companions that they had just been enjoying the best supper they had
had since they were born. And from that moment the princess was left no
peace, till she had promised to cook them all a dinner.

Now it happened that, on the very day fixed, all the cooks in the palace