Phaethon and the mourning Heliades

Daring greatly vs Staying the course

Spring

Coiled and urgent among the thorns. 

Canny M. Mole and the Bulbsearch

Pitted against the Imperial Guard. 

Dogged Guardsmen.

Beetles, of course, are the most diligent of sentinels.  Who else to guard the Emperor's tulips?