The Thief of The Colors — Judith Mitchell

Young Princess Willa has the hereditary task of caring for the renowned gardens of her palace, set in a beautiful, prosperous land. She is devoted to maintaining these vast gardens. However, upon noticing seven bejewelled strangers who visit the palace grounds, she suddenly sees herself as they scornfully do - plain, unadorned, and in her drab work clothes.

Envy arises in Willa, and she runs off, blundering into a long-forgotten, overgrown clearing, where she rescues the legendary Garden Elf from certain death. The Elf rewards her, granting her one wish. Willa rashly wishes for jewels of all the colors of the rainbow. The Elf grants her wish and then vanishes in anger.

Willa's wish has major consequences for her and her kingdom.