After the fairy wind's mischief, Ellen was never left alone. Everyone held her tightly so she couldn't float away. She was tied to her bed and carriage. She was carried everywhere.
Her poor parents couldn't stop worrying. One day the king was counting his money.
"My gold coins have weight," he thought sadly. "Yet my daughter weighs nothing at all."
A moment later the king heard someone crying. It was the queen.
The king hurried to her. "What's wrong, my queen?"
"It's our child," the queen said. "Ellen is so light. What if we lose her again?" She blew her nose.
"It's a big worry," the king said glumly. "And what will happen when Ellen gets married and has children? Our kingdom will be filled with floating babies!"
"I have an idea," the queen said slowly.
The king smiled. "You always have good ideas, my queen. What is this one?"
"You could visit your sister," she said.
The king coughed nervously. "Visit Lady Agnes?"
"Yes. Tell her we're sorry. We didn't mean to forget her invitation," the queen said. "And then you must beg her to remove the spell. Please, dear!"
The king sighed and patted his wife's shoulder. "Dry your tears. I'll go tomorrow."
The next morning the king went to visit Lady Agnes. A servant brought tea.
"I . . . er . . . " The king fumbled with his napkin. "I hope you're well, Agnes. I came to talk to you about something important."
Agnes narrowed her eyes. "Yes?"
"It's the spell," the king said. "You were angry I forgot to invite you to the baptism. So you put a spell on Ellen. And now the princess is—"
"A spell?" Agnes laughed loudly. "How ridiculous! As usual, you're much too impatient, brother. Your silly daughter will grow out of her lightness someday. You just need to be patient—and mend your ways."
"Mend my ways?" the king said. "What do you mean?"
"Work on being a better person," Agnes sneered. "I'll tell you where to start. Treat your older sister with more respect!"