The fairy knelt on a tree stump and scanned the lush meadow. He relaxed here often, watching the gentle swaying of the tall grass, but today was not a day for relaxation and he was looking for a different kind of movement.

“Any sign of them, Your Highness?â€?, a voice asked from below.

“Not yet Twila.â€?, the prince replied.

“I told you they wouldn’t come!â€? another voice said. “They wouldn’t dare stand against Prince Peety von Mishnon!â€?

Peety smiled at the bravado but knew Drasi would come. He would not allow this insult to go unanswered.

“Easy, lads,â€? Peety cautioned. “They have a long walk.â€? Then, as if on cue, Peety saw the odd movement he was looking for.

“It’s them,â€? he said, jumping down. “Wait here.â€? Peety took a few steps forward to meet the approaching group.

Drasi broke away from his own group and walked to the prince. “Prince Peety, you have embarrassed my family and angered me. Why not marry my sister? Is she too far beneath you?â€?

“The truth is,â€? Peety said, “I love her too much to marry her.â€?