`` I love you already better than anyone in the world , '' she said ; `` but now it is time to go back to your father , and we shall hear what he says about it . '' So the Prince gave her his hand and led her out , and they mounted the chariot together ; it was even more splendid than before , and so was the whole company . Even the horses ' shoes were of rubies with diamond nails , and I suppose that is the first time such a thing was ever seen . As the Princess was as kind and clever as she was beautiful , you may imagine what a delightful journey the Prince found it , for everything the Princess said seemed to him quite charming . When they came near the castle where the brothers were to meet , the Princess got into a chair carried by four of the guards ; it was hewn out of one splendid crystal , and had silken curtains , which she drew round her that she might not be seen . The Prince saw his brothers walking upon the terrace , each with a lovely princess , and they came to meet him , asking if he had also found a wife . He said that he had found something much rarer -- a white cat ! At which they laughed very much , and asked him if he was afraid of being eaten up by mice in the palace . And then they set out together for the town . Each prince and princess rode in a splendid carriage ; the horses were decked with plumes of feathers , and glittered with gold . After them came the youngest prince , and last of all the crystal chair , at which everybody looked with admiration and curiosity . When the courtiers saw them coming they hastened to tell the King . `` Are the ladies beautiful ? '' he asked anxiously . And when they answered that nobody had ever before seen such lovely princesses he seemed quite annoyed . However , he received them graciously , but found it impossible to choose between them . Then turning to his youngest son he said : `` Have you come back alone , after all ? '' `` Your Majesty , '' replied the Prince , `` will find in that crystal chair a little white cat , which has such soft paws , and mews so prettily , that I am sure you will be charmed with it . '' The King smiled , and went to draw back the curtains himself , but at a touch from the Princess the crystal shivered into a thousand splinters , and there she stood in all her beauty ; her fair hair floated over her shoulders and was crowned with flowers , and her softly falling robe was of the purest white . She saluted the King gracefully , while a murmur of admiration rose from all around .
`` Sire , '' she said , `` I am not come to deprive you XXXXX the throne you fill so worthily .
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