She knew not that by her entrance into the Borderland the cruel spell had been broken by which the Earth Fairy had so long compelled her to flee from Prince Radiance. She only knew that she felt helpless, and almost without life. And indeed the Princess was now in great danger, for away from the Fire, no Fire Fairy can live for long.
Over Prince Radiance the Borderland possessed no evil power. He arose unharmed from the stones and looked anxiously about him for his Princess. So almost extinguished was her fairy flame that at first he did not see her, and his heart was rent by fear lest the Wind had carried her away from him forever.
But presently he descried her lying there, as if unable to proceed further, and hope rose again in his breast. In haste he took forth the Veil of Disenchantment—in haste he ran to her holding it securely in his hand. He reached her, he bent above her, and she did not stir.
“At last my White Flame,” he cried, in an outburst of joy, “at last you flee from me no more.”
He cast the mystic Veil over the flame of the Princess. Like a web of gossamer it settled slowly upon her, and the Prince, scarce daring to breathe as he watched it, saw the Wise One’s promise instantly fulfilled.
At his feet, visible in her true form, lay a creature so beautiful, so charming as none had ever seen the like before. The Veil of Disenchantment, in touching her, had changed to a marvelous robe, soft and silvery, that swept in shining folds from her head to her feet. Over her shoulders and down to her knees streamed the silken splendor of her hair; pale gold it was, and finer than the finest floss. Her delicate red lips were closed, her eyes fast shut.
Prince Radiance fell on his knees before her and touched her gently. “White Flame,” he whispered, “dear White Flame, awake and speak.”
The Princess lay there pale and still, giving no sign that she had heard. The Prince laid his hand on hers, but felt no glow of life.
In wild alarm he cried aloud, “White Flame! White Flame! Awake—awake!”
Still the Princess made no answer, and though he tried by every means he knew to revive her, his efforts were all in vain.