` Is the prince dead ? ' faltered Muffette , growing white and cold . ` No , no ; but -- oh , how can I tell you ! ' And he sank down on a pile of cushions while his wife and daughter knelt beside him . At length he was able to tell his tale , and a terrible one it was ! There had just arrived at court a huge giant , as ambassador from the dragon by whose help the king had rescued the queen and Muffette from the crystal palace . The dragon had been very busy for many years past , and had quite forgotten the princess till the news of her betrothal reached his ears . Then he remembered the bargain he had made with her father ; and the more he heard of Muffette the more he felt sure she would make a delicious dish . So he had ordered the giant who was his servant to fetch her at once . No words would paint the horror of both the queen and the princess as they listened to this dreadful doom . They rushed instantly to the hall , where the giant was awaiting them , and flinging themselves at his feet implored him to take the kingdom if he would , but to have pity on the princess . The giant looked at them kindly , for he was not at all hard-hearted , but said that he had no power to do anything , and that if the princess did not go with him quietly the dragon would come himself . Several days went by , and the king and queen hardly ceased from entreating the aid of the giant , who by this time was getting weary of waiting . ` There is only one way of helping you , ' he said at last , ` and that is to marry the princess to my nephew , who , besides being young and handsome , has been trained in magic , and will know how to keep her safe from the dragon . ' ` Oh , thank you , thank you ! ' cried the parents , clasping his great hands to their breasts . ` You have indeed lifted a load from us . She shall have half the kingdom for her dowry . ' But Muffette stood up and thrust them aside . ' I will not buy my life with faithlessness , ' she said proudly ; ` and I will go with you this moment to the dragon 's abode . '
And all her father 's and mother 's tears and prayers availed nothing XXXXX move her .
So as besides for from in of till to with