There may be only one way for the prince to save the world... make that princess!

The Dagger of Heaven at the End of Time

I looked at my reflection in the two-and-a-half-meter tall burnished bronze mirror set into the wall of my bed chamber. I had to angle my head to counterbalance the convex nature of the image. In doing so, my newly coiffed hairdo of tight black ringlets fell across my face, defeating the effort. I swept my hands down the smooth flanks of my gown, made from the threads of cocoons containing unfortunate silkworms. My fingernails were covered in a pearly white polish. I examined them more closely by fanning out my fingers, palms away from me.

“You look lovely, my child. When you make your grand entrance in the royal court of The Western Kingdom, your tiara will be the pièce de resistance,” declared my tutor and Royal Astronomer, Merlyn, who was standing behind me.

“And what exactly is a piece of resistance, Merlyn?” I asked, annoyed that she seemed to enjoy confusing me with nonsensical words and phrases.

“It’s not important, dear child. Just a phrase from a dead language spoken on our home world.”

“Well, I wish you’d just stick to the language we use here and now on this home world. Do I have to wear these blasted high heels as well? The gown covers everything to my tippy-toes, Merlyn.”

“Yes, you do. Custom and ritual dress is very important. Now that you will be the Queen of both kingdoms....”