he said to himself , `` I am furious with the people who are carrying Celia off , but is n't that exactly what I did myself , and if I had not been prevented did I not intend to be still more cruel to her ? '' Here he was interrupted by a noise above his head -- someone was opening a window , and he saw with delight that it was Celia herself , who came forward and threw out a plate of most delicious-looking food , then the window was shut again , and Prince Darling , who had not had anything to eat all day , thought he might as well take the opportunity of getting something . He ran forward to begin , but the young girl to whom he had given his bread gave a cry of terror and took him up in her arms , saying : `` Do n't touch it , my poor little dog -- that house is the palace of pleasure , and everything that comes out of it is poisoned ! '' At the same moment a voice said : `` You see a good action always brings its reward , '' and the Prince found himself changed into a beautiful white dove . He remembered that white was the favorite color of the Fairy Truth , and began to hope that he might at last win back her favor . But just now his first care was for Celia , and rising into the air he flew round and round the house , until he saw an open window ; but he searched through every room in vain . No trace of Celia was to be seen , and the Prince , in despair , determined to search through the world till he found her . He flew on and on for several days , till he came to a great desert , where he saw a cavern , and , to his delight , there sat Celia , sharing the simple breakfast of an old hermit . Overjoyed to have found her , Prince Darling perched upon her shoulder , trying to express by his caresses how glad he was to see her again , and Celia , surprised and delighted by the tameness of this pretty white dove , stroked it softly , and said , though she never thought of its understanding her : `` I accept the gift that you make me of yourself , and I will love you always . '' `` Take care what you are saying , Celia , '' said the old hermit ; `` are you prepared to keep that promise ? '' `` Indeed , I hope so , my sweet shepherdess , '' cried the Prince , who was at that moment restored to his natural shape . `` You promised to love me always ; tell me that you really mean what you said , or I shall have to ask the Fairy to give me back the form of the dove which pleased you so much . '' `` You need not be afraid that she will change her mind , '' said the Fairy , throwing off the hermit 's robe in which she had been disguised and appearing before them . `` Celia has loved you ever since she first saw you , only she would not tell you while you were so obstinate and naughty . Now you have repented and mean to be good you deserve to be happy , and so she may love you as much as she likes . '' Celia and Prince Darling threw themselves at the Fairy 's feet , and the Prince was never tired of thanking her for her kindness . Celia was delighted to hear how sorry he was for all his past follies and misdeeds , and promised to love him as long as she lived . `` Rise , my children , '' said the Fairy , `` and I will transport you to the palace , and Prince Darling shall have back again the crown he forfeited by his bad behavior . '' While she was speaking , they found themselves in Suliman 's hall , and his delight was great at seeing his dear master once more . He gave up the throne joyfully to the Prince , and remained always the most faithful of his subjects .
Celia and Prince Darling reigned for many years , but he was so determined XXXXX govern worthily and to do his duty that his ring , which he took to wearing again , never once pricked him severely .
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