`` Ah ! '' answered Violet sadly , `` do you not know that beneath the flowers ' bright leaves there beats a little heart that loves and sorrows like our own ? And can I , heedless of their beauty , doom them to pain and grief , that I might save my own dear blossoms from the cruel foes to which I leave them ? Ah no ! sooner would I dwell for ever in your darkest cell , than lose the love of those warm , trusting hearts . '' `` Then listen , '' said the King , `` to the task I give you . You shall raise up for me a palace fairer than this , and if you can work that miracle I will grant your prayer or lose my kingly crown . And now go forth , and begin your task ; my Spirits shall not harm you , and I will wait till it is done before I blight another flower . '' Then out into the gardens went Violet with a heavy heart ; for she had toiled so long , her strength was nearly gone . But the flowers whispered their gratitude , and folded their leaves as if they blessed her ; and when she saw the garden filled with loving friends , who strove to cheer and thank her for her care , courage and strength returned ; and raising up thick clouds of mist , that hid her from the wondering flowers , alone and trustingly she began her work . As time went by , the Frost-King feared the task had been too hard for the Fairy ; sounds were heard behind the walls of mist , bright shadows seen to pass within , but the little voice was never heard . Meanwhile the golden light had faded from the garden , the flowers bowed their heads , and all was dark and cold as when the gentle Fairy came . And to the stern King his home seemed more desolate and sad ; for he missed the warm light , the happy flowers , and , more than all , the gay voice and bright face of little Violet . So he wandered through his dreary palace , wondering how he had been content to live before without sunlight and love . And little Violet was mourned as dead in Fairy-Land , and many tears were shed , for the gentle Fairy was beloved by all , from the Queen down to the humblest flower . Sadly they watched over every bird and blossom which she had loved , and strove to be like her in kindly words and deeds . They wore cypress wreaths , and spoke of her as one whom they should never see again . Thus they dwelt in deepest sorrow , till one day there came to them an unknown messenger , wrapped in a dark mantle , who looked with wondering eyes on the bright palace , and flower-crowned elves , who kindly welcomed him , and brought fresh dew and rosy fruit to refresh the weary stranger . Then he told them that he came from the Frost-King , who begged the Queen and all her subjects to come and see the palace little Violet had built ; for the veil of mist would soon be withdrawn , and as she could not make a fairer home than the ice-castle , the King wished her kindred near to comfort and to bear her home . And while the Elves wept , he told them how patiently she had toiled , how her fadeless love had made the dark cell bright and beautiful .
These and many other things he told them ; for little Violet had won the love of many of the Frost-Spirits , and even when they killed the flowers she had toiled so hard to bring to life and beauty , she spoke gentle words to them , and sought to teach them how beautiful is XXXXX .
care dew flower gratitude light love mantle palace prayer sounds