His green eyes glittered like glass , his hands were as the claws of a crab . When he caught sight of the prince he uttered piercing yells , which shook the walls of the palace . The prince took no notice , but continued his advance on his knees towards the throne . When he had almost reached it , the king broke out into a laugh and said : ` It has been very lucky for you that you have been able to make me laugh . Stay with us in our underground empire , only first you will have to do three things . To-night it is late . Go to sleep ; to-morrow I will tell you . ' Early the following morning the prince received a message that Kostieï was ready to see him . He got up and dressed , and hastened to the presence chamber , where the little king was seated on his throne . When the prince appeared , bowing low before him , Kostieï began : ` Now , Prince , this is what you have to do . By to-night you must build me a marble palace , with windows of crystal and a roof of gold . It is to stand in the middle of a great park , full of streams and lakes . If you are able to build it you shall be my friend . If not , off with your head . ' The prince listened in silence to this startling speech , and then returning to his room set himself to think about the certain death that awaited him . He was quite absorbed in these thoughts , when suddenly a bee flew against the window and tapped , saying , ` Let me come in . ' He rose and opened the window , and there stood before him the youngest princess . ` What are you dreaming about , Prince ? ' ' I was dreaming of your father , who has planned my death . ' ` Fear nothing .
You may sleep in peace , and to-morrow morning when you awake you will find the XXXXX all ready . '
bee death empire father palace park prince sight walls window