The Prince Bride - Chapters 1
By Missy Crystal

Prince Charles was heir to the throne. At his christening, three of the four fairy protectors of the Kingdom (the kind with wings and wands) appeared to give him the customary blessings for a future king. The fourth fairy sister, arriving late from partying all night with the elves, mistakenly believes the baby is a girl and gives her the blessing of being a happy bride. Can the fairy magic be undone? Will the prince grow up to be a queen of one kind or another? Read the story and find out. This is not a typical TG story and, therefore, it is hard to categorize. Please do not be deterred.

Chapter 1. Prince Charles

Once upon a time, in a far off kingdom, the castle was buzzing like a beehive with preparations for a grand celebration. All of the nobility from far and wide soon would be arriving to attend the christening of King Henry's and Queen Charlotte's first born son and heir to the throne, Prince Charles. The royal pair had been trying for many years to conceive a child and, having finally secured the royal succession, no expense was to be spared to make this the most memorable event in the history of the kingdom. Barrels of wine were readied, dozens of sides of beef were roasting on spits, mountains of vegetables had been boiled, and the various royal craftsmen had been working for weeks on beautifully embroidered table cloths, silver dishes, utensils and serving vessels and gold candelabra to light the hall. Throughout the countryside, not a bolt of cloth, not a spool of thread could be found, as each family commissioned their tailors to design splendid outfits for the lords and ladies, vying to outdo each other as they made their grand entrance. The royal tailors had been busy too, weaving gold and silver thread into fabric that would be decorated with exquisite jewels, so that no mere noble would be more fashionable or more elegant than the royal couple.

Finally, all was ready. The gilded carriages, drawn by pairs of matched white horses with the finest silver decorated leather harnesses and feathered plumes on their bridles, rolled through the castle's gates to the foot of the stairs. Liveried footmen opened the doors and magnificently coiffed and dramatically made up women were assisted down, then escorted up the red carpeted palace steps by ushers in the finest brocade waistcoats and knee britches, the women's less ostentatious husbands and escorts following behind. Each was announced, entered, and was seated at long rows of tables piled high with savory foods. The wine goblets were filled by an army of servants, in plentiful supply, since any commoner would have given all that he or she owned to see such a sight and some did, bribing the royal quartermaster for a job. When all of the quests were seated, the orchestra struck up the royal march, a hush fell over the great hall and the King and Queen made their grand entrance. All of those in attendance, who had risen to their feet at the first notes of the familiar tune, bowed low, as they passed by, on their way to the royal table.

After they had seated themselves on their thrones, the Archbishop entered in a religious procession and advanced to a cradle placed in front of the King and Queen. When the entourage arrived, they bowed low. In contrast to all of the other extravagant decorations, the cradle was plain brown wood, with obvious signs of wear. It was the same cradle that had been used for christening the princes and princess of the kingdom for the last 200 years. The royal orchestra played softly as the royal nursemaid slowly and carefully carried the infant prince in her arms, escorted by a dozen royal household guards in splendid red, black and gold uniforms with gleaming gold and silver helmets, led by the Captain of the Guard. When they reached the cradle, the royal nursemaid gently placed Prince Charles inside and withdrew. The guards remained, bound to sacrifice their lives to protect their royal charge from harm. The Archbishop looked at the King, who nodded his approval, and he began the christening ceremony, ending with, "I hereby christen thee, Charles, prince of these lands and heir to the throne." He stood back, and there was a deafening salute from the audience, "Long live their Majesties, King Henry and Queen Charlotte. Long live His Royal Highness, Prince Charles."

The King and Queen rose in acknowledgement of their guests' respect. As if on cue, there was the sound of tinkling bells, a soft white glow and three fairies appeared, their gossamer wings fluttering and their sheer dresses, sparkling like a million diamonds. Each was in human form, perfect in every feature, although only about four feet tall, with long golden hair and small pointed ears. Each curtsied to the King and Queen.

"Congratulations, your highnesses," they said as a chorus. "We come to honor the ancient tradition of bestowing a gift on the heir to the throne."

They moved forward to stand by the cradle. Although fearless and dedicated to the Prince, the guards knew that the fairies meant no harm and, even if they did, that it would be both futile and deadly to interfere with these creatures, so remained rigidly at attention.

The king addressed the three fairies.

"Mistress Daisy, Mistress Rose and Mistress Iris, I and those Kings before me are forever in your debt. You are most welcome." A puzzled look came over his face. "But where is your sister, Mistress Buttercup?" His face fell. "Oh dear, has something happened to her? Is she not well? Is there anything I can do to help? Whatever I have is yours for the asking," he said in dismay.

The fairies proceeded as if nothing was amiss.

"Long ago," they recited, their small voices magically amplified so that the entire hall could hear them, "your ancestor, King Harold, the first of your line, did a great service for us. There was a wicked dragon who had taken up her residence in our woods and would not leave, despite our polite request that she live elsewhere. This was a serious breach of the peaceful way in which we magical creatures live and necessitated her removal by force. Although we have limitless power to affect the real world, our magic will not work on another magical creature. Therefore, we enlisted the aid of your forbearer and his knights. We abhor violence of all kinds, magical and mundane, but we were left with no choice. After giving the dragon fair warning, King Harold was sent to dispatch her. There was a fierce battle, all of his brave knights were slain and King Harold alone charged the dragon, lance lowered. His aim was true and he struck in the only spot where her armor can be pierced, directly over her heart. The wound was fatal, but in her death she struck out and caught the King with a deadly blow. Our woods were saved, but at a terrible cost." The fairies paused, to give the audience time to appreciate the sacrifice that had been made to protect their home. "It was then that we vowed to forever be the guardians of his home as he had been of ours. Ageless and timeless, we fairies are, and it is this promise we now keep by each bestowing upon the prince a gift that shall enable him to guide this Kingdom to a new age of peace and prosperity."

Having finished their presentation, the three fairies looked up at the King and Queen with vexed expressions.

"We apologize for Buttercup, your highnesses. She is in fact well. There is no harm that can come to us, but she has a terrible sense of time. She could be a century ahead or behind. We shall begin and I am sure she will sort it out and show up."

The King and Queen looked at each other, not knowing what to make of the strange excuse, but knew better than to question the fairies.

Daisy raised her wand and recited, "of all those qualities necessary for a king, none is more important than intelligence." She lowered her wand and touched it to the Prince's forehead. There was a bright light.

Rose raised her wand and continued, "without intelligence, a king cannot rule; but wisdom is necessary to guide its use." She lowered her wand and touched it to the Prince's forehead. There was a bright light.

Iris raised her wand and added, "a keen mind and sound judgment are necessary to rule, but they must be tempered by sensitivity to the needs of others. Head and heart together make a king." She lowered her wand and touched it to the Prince's forehead. There was a bright light.

The three fairies looked around impatiently and shook their heads. They held hands, closed their eyes and concentrated. Suddenly, there was a tinkling of bells, a soft white light and a fairy appeared, identical to her sisters.

To the amazement of the King and Queen and the guests, the fairy seemed to be unsteady on her feet.

"Hey, girls," she greeted her sisters informally, "what's up?" I was over at the elves' place. They just finished a new batch of their wine. Those guys really know how to show a girl a good time. They have this little trick they do with their… ." She caught herself. "Ooops. Heh. Heh. Forgot all about the christening. Let me just get myself together here. Oh, Oh. Where's my wand. Must have left it in one of those elves' rooms. Hard to party with it. Just about poked a guy's eye out. Be right back."

There was a tinkling of bells, a soft white light and Buttercup disappeared. A few seconds later, the process repeated and she was back holding her wand.

"Okay, got it. Now then," she turned to face the cradle. "Let's see. Fair of face, full of grace, loving and giving, caring and sharing, a happy bride she shall be." She lowered her wand.

Her sisters rushed her and tried to grab her arm before the wand touched the Prince, but they were too late. There was a bright light. Buttercup turned and her sisters couldn't stop in time. They crashed into each other and ended up in a pile on the floor.

When they finally untangled, Buttercup sat up. "What's the problem?" she asked.

"The problem is," Iris said sternly, "that the child is a prince, not a princess. You were supposed to give him, she emphasized 'him', courage. Really Buttercup, what in the world were you thinking?"

Buttercup looked puzzled. "Are you sure? I mean, did you check to see if she had a, well, you know," she demurred politely, "to make sure that she's a he?"

It was Daisy's turn to admonish her sister. "Yes, Buttercup, we're sure. The Prince is a boy."

Buttercup shrugged. "Oh well, look at the bright side. He'll get to wear a really pretty dress at his wedding and on his honeymoon, he can just relax and let his husband do all the work."

Rose folded her arms on her chest in exasperation. "Buttercup, humans are not as liberal about gender as we magical creatures. Boys don't wear dresses and they don't marry other boys."

Buttercup looked baffled. "Really? I'm sure they do at some time or other. Can't we put him to sleep for a few centuries like what's her name, that girl that stuck her finger on the spinning wheel? That worked out okay for her, as I recall. He can just chill until customs change and some prince who wants another prince who looks good in a bridal gown comes by to wake him up with a kiss. I can whip up a really nice designer number right now, so he'll be ready when the time comes. I'll even throw in the veil and some matching high heeled pumps. Okay?"

"No, Buttercup," Daisy scolded her, "it's not okay at all. The girl you're talking about was cursed. You know the rules. We can't put an entire kingdom under an enchantment, just because you made a mistake. See if you can reverse the spell."

Buttercup tried to concentrate. She closed her eyes, thought very carefully, raised her wand and touched it to the Prince. Nothing happened. She tried again. Nothing. And again. Still nothing. Finally she shook her head.

"Sorry, I was in a hurry and didn't pay attention," she admitted sheepishly. "I can't duplicate the spell and I'm afraid if I mess around with it, I may end up making things worse."

The King and Queen had been following the conversation in shocked silence. Finally, the King got up his courage and spoke to the fairies.

"Kind fairies, we are and always will be grateful for all that you have done for us, but please explain to me what will happen to the prince?"

Iris spoke up. "We are not sure your majesty. All magic is unique. It never works the same way twice. You were given the gift of intelligence at birth, so was your son; but it does not mean that you and he will think alike. There are many ways for intelligence to express itself. The magic finds its own direction. All that can be done is for us to wait and see."

"So there is a possibility that the spell will not act in a way that will make the Prince a bride, is that right?" the Queen asked the fairies hopefully.

"Anything is possible," agreed the fairies optimistically. "Only time will tell."

"Well then," inquired the King, using his gift of intelligence, "is there a way that you fairies could cast a spell that would offset Buttercup's gift. Give him virility or something that will make him manly."

The fairies sighed and Rose replied, "no your majesty, I'm afraid not. Once a spell has been cast, it cannot be influenced or undone, except by the person who cast it. Buttercup has already tried and been unsuccessful. For us to intervene would be dangerous. Magic is hard to explain and harder for non-magical folk to understand. It does not follow the rules of your world. For one thing, each magical creature has their own unique magic. Not just differences in magic between elves, pixies and fairies, but even between the four of us. Our magical fields are attuned to us and when we cast a spell, even though we each may cast the same spell, it has different magical components. Think of two chefs, each with their own recipe for the same kind of a cake. Their cakes may look identical and they will both taste like cake, but the subtle differences in their ingredients and cooking techniques mean that the cakes will not be exactly the same."

"It is those differences that prevent us from changing another's magic," continued Iris. "In terms of your world, my magic key will not fit Buttercup's magic lock, so I cannot release her spell. Not only does it not work, but interfering with another's magic, even for a good reason, always has dire consequences." Iris looked up and saw that, even with his superior intellect, the King was having trouble following the intricacies of magic and the Queen was completely confused. "Let me give you a practical example, your Highnesses. Daisy gave the Prince the gift of intelligence."

The King and Queen nodded in agreement.

"Let us pretend, and I need to be very careful, because it does not take much to cast a spell," she held her wand pointing down and close to her side, "that I want to undo that gift by casting a spell to make him dumb. Magic is a force, somewhat similar to lightening in your world, and, like a lightening bolt, once it is discharged, it has to go somewhere. My spell has no power over Daisy's spell, but it cannot dissipate, so it must act in some other way to accomplish its purpose. The word 'dumb,' has two meanings. One is stupid, but the other is unable to communicate. The spell could, therefore, make the Prince dumb, as in not being able to speak or write. He would be smart, but appear to be an idiot, because he could not communicate with anyone. That is just one of many possibilities, and magic usually prefers to work in subtle ways; but it could also take the easy way out. It could kill him, since if he is dead, he would no longer be smart. As you can see, however it works, the results are harmful.

The King and Queen's downcast looks sadly expressed their understanding.

"We are sorry Majesties," all four of the fairies said in chorus, "but there is some hope."

The King and Queen looked up in eager anticipation of the good news.

"This again is a function of magic," said Daisy. "Each of the gifts given to the Prince was a blessing,"

"Even Buttercup's gift, although inappropriate, was a blessing," added Rose.

"When good spells are cast, they inevitably produce good results," continued Iris.

"Although the magic chooses its own direction," finished Buttercup, "one way or another, the Prince will live happily ever after."

"I do believe that it would be better if the guests forgot this unfortunate incident," said Rose.

"No need to spoil the festivities," added Iris.

All four fairies waved their wands in the air.

"Farewell, your Majesties," the fairies said in chorus.

There was a tinkling of bells, a soft white light, and then the fairies were gone.

The King, never at a loss for what to do in a crisis, stood, raised his glass and said, "A toast to Prince Charles. The fairies have assured us that he will live a happy life." He drank and so did the Queen and the guests. "Let us enjoy his christening. He clapped his hands for music."

The band struck up a cheerful tune, dancers appeared and began to entertain the guests while they feasted and drank. Within a short time, all but the King and Queen had put aside their concerns for the future of Prince Charles.

The next day, the King and Queen pondered over what to do.

"If the fairies could not do anything, dear," observed the Queen, "then I do not see how we can change the outcome. Moreover, the fairies said that magic takes its own direction. We don't even know what outcome we are trying to prevent. They agreed that it was possible for Buttercup's blessing not to happen or not to happen the way she said it would; perhaps even more so, because she was," the Queen looked around cautiously, to see if there might be a fairy around who would be offended, "drunk. Maybe the reason Buttercup couldn't undo her own spell was because she got it wrong in the first place and it didn't take."

The King smiled. "As always, my dear, you are most thoughtful and your argument is extremely persuasive. However, one thing you overlooked is the limitation that magical creatures have on trying to undo someone else's magic. They did not try, because they might do more harm than good. Since we will not be using magic, we are free to try and try I will. No son of mine is going to be a bride, if I can help it."

The Queen shrugged. "As you wish, your Majesty. Do you have a plan?"

"Yes," replied the King. "I do have a plan, but I am sure you will not be happy with it."

Fearing the worst, but respecting the fact that he was both her husband and the King, she asked cautiously, "what is it?"

"The boy cannot grow up as a girl, if he does not know what a girl is," he said confidently.

"I guess that's right," agreed the Queen, "but one half of the world is female, so how do you intend to prevent him from learning about girls? I do hope you're not planning on locking him in the dungeon, until he is old enough to marry. I won't hear of that."

"No, of course not," replied the King indignantly. "You know that sensitivity is one of my gifts, I could not be so heartless. He is my flesh and blood too you know. However, you are partially right. We do need to isolate him from the female half of the world. I will have the west wing of the palace renovated to house him and a staff to attend to him. I will build a high wall around the fields and garden on that side of the castle. He will only be cared for by men, until he is of age to be married, at which time he will be introduced to a suitable princess. Brilliant, if I do say so myself."

"Dear, there is one small detail you have overlooked. I am a woman."

"I haven't overlooked that detail, my dear. That is the part I said you would not like. You must not have anything to do with him, until after he is married. I'm sorry, but we all must make sacrifices, if we are to undo fairy magic."

"You can't be serious," his wife protested. "I am not giving up my baby to be raised by men. No. You may be the King, but I am Charles' mother. You cannot deprive me of him. It is not fair, it is not just, it is not right and I will not allow it. No! No! No! No!," she said repeatedly, stamping her foot for emphasis.

The King looked at his wife compassionately. He loved her deeply and would do nothing to hurt her. He also knew how long she had looked forward to having a child. Still, he was convinced that this was the only way.

"My dear wife, mother of my child and love of my life," he began, "you are correct. I would do nothing to hurt you or without your consent. While the boy is a baby, you may see him in the nursery, after he is asleep, and when he gets older, I will construct a place from which you may watch him in secret, but you must agree of your own free will, for his own good, not to visit him. It is the only way and I believe you know this to be true."

The Queen was in tears. "Give up my baby," she sobbed. "Stupid fairies, I wish they never gave us their gifts. I don't care whether they hear me or not. They have done me a great injustice for which I shall never forgive them." She gave the King a cold look. "I love my child too much to deprive him of his only chance for a normal life. I will do as you say." She turned and left the room.

The next day, the Queen directed her staff to prepare a bedroom in another section of the castle and to move her things into it. Until she was reunited with her child, she would have no marital relationship with the King. As sad as the King was about the situation, he respected his wife's wish for separation.

The King directed the royal architect to carry out his plan. Prince Charles was isolated and the royal chamberlain was given the task of selecting a male staff to raise him. From that day forward, the child was to have no contact with anyone other than his care givers. Since a baby requires little more than to be fed, changed and held, all went well for the first few years. Even as a toddler, Prince Charles was content with the sheltered world his father had created for him. He had his toys, wooden soldiers, toy swords, sailboats and horse drawn carts with pretend wares, and he had his picture books of animals, although the illustrations were all of males.

At first, the Queen had come to the nursery at night, when her baby was sleeping. She was allowed to hold him, since it was doubtful that the contact would influence his development at that age. As he grew older, she could only watch him sleep peacefully and tuck the blankets around him. As the years went by, she watched him for hours at a time from the window of a room overlooking the garden where he played.

When the Prince was six, the King had the royal smith fashion a small suit of armor, sword, shield and other weapons, and had the castle's master at arms begin the Prince's military training. To the dismay of his instructors and his father, while he excelled at the footwork, he had no interest whatsoever in using the weapons. No amount of coaxing or threatening could inspire him to attack or defend himself. Nor did he show the slightest interest or aptitude for studying battle tactics. Finally, the King gave up and allowed him to devote himself to those studies at which he excelled. His gift of intelligence manifested itself by an insatiable curiosity, which made things extraordinarily difficult for the castle librarian, who was charged with finding books without references to women or the female of the species. That left geography and mathematics. He also showed an incredible aptitude for languages. Some of the staff had come from the surrounding kingdoms and the Prince quickly was able to converse with them fluently in their native tongue. Over the years, the King also invited some boys to play with the Prince, brought to the enclave blindfolded, but he showed little interest in their rough and tumble games.

Although the King was less than pleased with his son's march towards manhood, still he believed that he had successfully forestalled his feminization, except for two things. From about age six on, while the rest of his body continued to develop, his genitals did not. Although fully functional for going to the bathroom, his penis remained tiny. Even more disconcerting was the fact that, because of its small size, it was more convenient for the Prince to pee sitting down. Even so, the King reassured himself, he is still a boy. Then the magic revealed its direction. When the Prince turned twelve, his chest began to develop small mounds.

Since the Prince had long ago given up on his armor and, in the summer, often went shirtless, it was not hard for his mother to see that he was developing a woman's figure. He may have never seen a woman, he may not have known anything about them, but he was still becoming one. All of the King's efforts and her deprivation were for naught.

The Queen spoke with the King. "Your son is developing breasts," she told him.

"No, those are muscles. He has been working out," he insisted.

"Henry," the Queen replied patiently, "a woman knows breasts when she sees them and it will not be too long before he needs a bodice to contain them. Admit it Henry. You could not undo the magic any more than the fairies could. He is becoming more feminine every day."

Finally, the King conceded. "Yes Charlotte, you were right and you are entitled to say, I told you so," he admitted. "The magic has had its way and taught me a bitter lesson for my arrogance. I am extremely sorry."

The Queen took her husband's hands in hers and looked at him sympathetically. "Henry, I know what you did was out of your love for our son. I would not have gone along with your plan, if I had thought otherwise. However, there is no point in continuing with it. I want him back Henry, if not as a boy, then as a girl; but I want him and he needs me, now more than ever."

The King sadly shook his head. "I only wanted what was best for him, but you are right. The magic cannot be undone. You gave me my chance, now you shall have yours. Do as you wish Charlotte. The fairies promised us a happy ending. We shall see." He turned and slowly walked away.

The Queen gave great thought to the best way to introduce the Prince to the mother he had never known and to the idea that there was another sex, of which he was quickly becoming a member. She finally decided that it would be best to simply meet with him in her rooms. She sent for the royal chamberlain, explained the situation and told him to bring the Prince to her immediately.

Queen Charlotte gave great thought to how she would greet the son she had never known and who knew nothing of her. She practiced a number of different introductions. All were too formal. Her inclination was to take the boy up in her arms, but she worried how he would react to learning that he had a mother. Finally, she gave up and decided to let the magic take its course, whatever that might be. A few minutes later, there was a knock on her door.

"Come in, please" the Queen responded.

TO BE CONTINUED

The Prince Bride - Chapters 2, 3 & 4
By Missy Crystal

Chapter 2. Princess Charlene

Prince Charles was heir to the throne. At his christening, three of the four fairy protectors of the Kingdom (the kind with wings and wands) appeared to give him the customary blessings for a future king. The fourth fairy sister, arriving late from partying all night with the elves, mistakenly believes the baby is a girl and gives her the blessing of being a happy bride. Can the fairy magic be undone? Will the prince grow up to be a queen of one kind or another? Read the story and find out.

The door opened and Prince Charles entered. He was dressed in the style of the day for boys of his age, a white linen shirt with long sleeves and a high collar, dark wool knee breeches over white cotton stockings and black leather shoes with a silver buckle. His attire was quite simple compared to the frills and frippery worn by the gentlemen of the Court, a result, most likely, of the King's attempt to shelter him from all feminine influence. Even so, the clothes could not conceal the rounded contours that left no doubt tthe strategy had failed.

The Queen expected the prince to be shocked, but, to her surprise, he calmly surveyed the room, his eyes taking in the elegant fabrics, ornate furnishings, gilded appointments and elaborate decorations, all luxuries denied to him in the austere surroundings in which he had been raised by his all male care givers. Finally, his attention turned to her. He came forward and introduced himself with the customary etiquette.

"Good Morning. I am Prince Charles, son of King Henry. I am pleased to meet you."

The Queen remained seated.

"Good morning, Prince Charles. I am Queen Charlotte, your mother," she replied.

To her astonishment, the prince sat down beside her, looked into her eyes and put his arms around her. The Queen embraced the child that she had lost for so many years and could not control her tears. Through her flood of emotions, she wondered how it was that the boy could react so compassionately to someone he did not know and appeared so different from the men he did know. Whatever the answer, she enjoyed the comfort of holding him and the release of her sadness with his return. After a few minutes, the Queen regained her composure. She took a white lace handkerchief out of her sleeve and dried her eyes. Looking into the Prince's blue eyes and stroking his hair, cut short in the military manner, but even so, framing his face with soft golden curls, she poured out her heart to her son, soon to become her daughter.

"My dear, dear child, love of my life. I have longed for this day and, now that it is here, I have no words to express my happiness. Please forgive me. I so wished to make a good impression upon you. What must you think?"

Gazing back into the Queen's eyes, the boy spoke in a soft, sweet voice.

"I too have looked forward to this day. I have a memory, one that I have secretly cherished, of a kind and gentle presence that now I know was you."

The Queen suspected that it was from her time in the nursery, when she was allowed to hold her baby, and, as he grew older, her nighttime visits, when he seemed to be asleep."

"I am most curious," the prince went on, "about you and these surroundings, for I see that there have been parts of my education that have been neglected for some reason."

The Queen smiled and said, with a quiver of eager anticipation in her voice, "there are not one, but two sexes, male and female. You are male, a young male is called a boy, and I am female, a young female is called a girl. As I am older, I am called a woman and your father, the King, as he is older, is called a man."

"Yes, I know that I am a boy and that I will grow up to become a man like my father, the King, and those that have raised me, but the words you use, 'sex,' 'girl,' and 'female,' have no meaning to me. Please explain them."

The Queen thought about how best to introduce her son to the difference between male and female and the reason for their opposite, but complimentary, characteristics. The Prince waited patiently while she considered the best way to begin.

Finally, the Queen gave a sigh of resignation at the impossible task and said, "I am afraid that I cannot teach you in a morning the lessons of a lifetime. For reasons that you will come to understand, you have been kept apart from me and those like me from birth. When you are ready, I will explain, but for now let us enjoy each other's company. Would you like some tea and cake?"

"I would like some tea, please, but I do not know cake. It looks quite tasty. I should like to try it. The Prince paused. "Is it allowed, Sir? I would not wish to displease my father."

His mother looked at him lovingly.

"Up until today, you have been in your father's charge. You are now in mine. You my do as you wish.

The Prince's eyes went wide.

"Truly, Sir? Anything I wish?

"Yes," the Queen assured him, "anything, but one."

"And what is that, Sir?" the Prince inquired.

The Queen smiled.

"You must not call me 'sir'. I am your mother."

"Yes, mother," the Prince agreed, "I find that name much more to my liking as well."

The Queen rose and walked over to a table on which there was silver tea service and a tray of pastries. He skirt swirled and the multiple petticoats rustled as she moved. She served them both tea in delicate white china cups and cake on gilded plates with silver forks. The Prince took a taste of the cake and smiled.

"It is quite good, mother. Thank you for sharing it with me."

The Queen smiled back.

"All I have is yours to share, dear child."

To her surprise the Prince replied, "Then, may I dress as you? Your clothes look ever so much nicer and more enjoyable then mine."

"These are women's clothes," the Queen explained, "and for you to wear them would mean that those who see you would believe you to be female. Is that what you wish?"

"Must people believe me to be one or the other?" the Prince asked innocently.

"My dear, you are both, but as such you are special, the result of an enchantment."

The Queen decided it was time to tell her son the story of his birth, Buttercup's confused blessing and the efforts that were made to prevent his becoming a bride.

"Must a bride be a woman?" the Prince asked.

"Yes, my darling child, but a young woman is a girl and a girl of royal blood is a princess, not a prince," the Queen explained. "You will need a girl's name too. What shall it be? You are named in honor of my father, King Charles IV, and had you been born a girl, you would have been Charlene. Do you like the name, Princess Charlene?"

"Yes mother, very much so."

"Well then," the Queen said emotionally, "I christen thee, Princess Charlene. Long live Princess Charlene."

The Queen began to cry.

"Mother, is something wrong? I was told by my teachers that I must never shed tears."

"Women cry when they are happy, Charlene," the use of the Princess' name inspiring renewed sobs."

"May I cry too, mother?"

"Yes."

When the Queen and the Princess had composed themselves, the Queen went to her dressing table to repair her makeup. The Princess followed and watched with fascination as her mother sat before the mirror and expertly applied a variety of cosmetics from small glass jars with silver lids, finishing with touches from the gilded stopper of a gold filigreed glass bottle of rose scented perfume. The Queen turned to the Princess.

"Would you like to try?" She asked, sliding over on the cushioned stool to make room.

"Oh, yes, please," the Princess answered eagerly, sitting down next to her mother.

The Queen applied a hint of red lip color and a delicate touch of rouge to highlight her cheeks. On closer inspection, the Princess' eyebrows were perfectly arched and her blonde eyelashes needed no attention. Nor was there a need to hide any blemishes, as her complexion was flawless. She was offered a selection of perfumes and chose a light violet scent that complimented her youth. When the Queen had finished, a beautiful girl looked back at her from the mirror. The Queen was satisfied that she would be accepted at Court as Princess Charlene and all that remained was to find an explanation for her presence.

"Are you familiar with my kingdom, Dalmacia?" the Queen asked.

"Yes," the Princess replied and went on in great detail about its geography.

The Queen listened for a minute before it dawned on her that the Princess was speaking in Dalmacian. Her accent, grammar and vocabulary were perfect.

"Charlene, dear, how do you know so much about Dalmacia and speak its language so fluently?" she asked in amazement.

"When the King finally gave up trying to make me a soldier, there was not much for me to do, except read," the Princess explained. "The only books I had were geography and mathematics. I am quite clever with numbers and I enjoyed reading about the other kingdoms. Over the years, I had teachers who lived or traveled in those kingdoms and who spoke their language, which I learned."

"How many languages do you speak, Charlene," the Queen inquired.

"Six."

"Six!" the Queen said with surprise, "including our own."

"Oh, no, mother, I thought you meant other languages."

"That means each of the neighboring kingdoms. Do you speak them all as well as you speak Dalmacian?"

"Yes, mother."

"Your education has indeed proved fortunate. In order to explain the Prince's absence, a story was made up that he was sickly and had been sent to live with my family in Dalmacia, where the climate was better for him and there were healers knowledgeable in treating his condition. Unfortunately," the Queen said with a mock sadness, "poor Prince Charles is too ill to return and my family has sent a princess in his stead, who the King and I have adopted as heir to the throne. Welcome to you new home, Princess Charlene of Dalmacia."

"Thank you kindly, your Majesty," the Princess replied formally. "I do believe I shall be quite happy here."

Queen and Princess, mother and daughter, fell into each others arms and embraced lovingly.

"Now that is settled," the Queen said, taking the Princess by the hand and leading her back to the sofa, where they sat together, "we must arrange for a suitable wardrobe. I shall summon the royal tailor."

She rose and went to a bell pull against the wall, which she rang. A minute later, there was a knock on the door. The Queen opened it and directed an attendant to summon the tailor. She closed the door and returned to the sofa.

"Would you like to see the rest of my apartment, while we wait for the tailor to arrive?" she asked.

"Yes, mother, please."

The Queen took the Princess by the hand and brought her though an arched doorway covered by a tapestry curtain to her bedchamber. As was the Queen's sitting room, it was richly appointed with tapestries, carpets and art. Against one wall was a gilded bed of intricately carved dark wood with four tall columns at each corner supporting a purple and gold canopy and with a matching bedcover. Against the other walls were half a dozen beautifully decorated wardrobes, which the Queen opened to display her collection of dresses and accessories.

"Do you like these rooms," the Queen asked.

"Yes," the Princess replied.

"Then they are yours," the Queen told her.

"Oh, no, mother, please, I could not."

"You can and shall, my dear child," the Queen insisted. "During the time that you were," she paused, looking for the right phrase, "being educated by your father, he and I have been apart. Now that you have been returned to me, I shall return to him and he and I will once again live together as husband and wife. I will remove my personal things, but my apartment is now yours."

"Then I accept, but I do not know the words, "husband and wife."

"When a man and woman love each other, she becomes his wife and he her husband. They remain together for the rest of their lives, which is called marriage. If, after they are married, they have a child, then the woman becomes a mother, as I am your mother, and the man a father, as the King is your father."

"I see," said the Princess. "When I become a bride, I will be married and have a husband."

"Yes," confirmed the Queen.

"And then I will become a mother, like you, when my husband and I have a child."

"No, I am afraid not," the Queen said with a sigh. "The magic will make you a bride, but you are not able to have children."

"I do not understand."

"Although you appear to be a girl, you are still a boy inside. A boy cannot have a child," the Queen explained.

"That does not seem fair," the Princess complained.

"No, it is not fair," the Queen agreed. "From what the fairies told us, magic does not follow the rules of our world. It works in its own way to carry out the spell and even they cannot predict what will happen, except that, because you were blessed, there will be a happy ending. What it will be, we will have to wait and see."

The Queens discourse on the vicissitudes of enchantments was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"That must be the royal tailor," the Queen assumed. "Enter."

The door opened and in came an older man with grey hair and a well trimmed mustache. He was dressed in dark blue wool knee breeches with a matching waistcoat fastened with silver buttons, underneath which was a white shirt with a high collar. Except for the waistcoat, his attire was similar to that of the Princess. In his hand, he carried a slate. When he saw the Queen, he dropped to one knee and bowed his head.

"Rise Master tailor," the Queen directed."

The tailor stood up and his gaze fell on Princess Charlene, who was still sitting on the couch, which blocked all but his view of her head.

"Please come here," the Queen requested.

As the Princess moved towards them, the Queen saw the tailor give her an approving look and then, taking in her clothes, dismay.

"Oh my, your Majesty, this cannot be. No, no, no. Such a beautiful girl dressed as a boy. How could such a thing happen?"

The Queen, although not having thought of that contingency, countered quickly, "I am afraid that there was an accident during the Princess' journey here and the wagon containing her personal belongings was lost."

Shaking his head, the tailor requested permission to approach the Princess and, it being granted, he proceeded to study her with professional scrutiny.

"I regret, your Majesty, that I have nothing suitable. All of the dresses in my shop are designed for the ladies of the Court, whose figures are, how shall I say," he gave a polite cough, "more mature, and, even with alterations, would not do for the Princess." The tailor thought for a moment. "There is a dress, however, that I just made for one of my daughters. I do believe it would fit the Princess, certainly better than what she is wearing, although it is hardly of the quality to which I am sure she is accustomed. I can fetch it straight away and undergarments too."

"That is most kind Master tailor," the Queen said graciously, "but I could not deprive your daughter of her dress. Perhaps just a shift and robe for sleeping and then tomorrow you can begin on her wardrobe."

"Deprive?" the tailor asked with a smile. "For the Princess to wear her dress would make Elisse the envy of every girl in the village. I am afraid that I would have no peace in my household, were she and my wife to learn that I had not persisted, with the greatest deference and respect, of course, your Majesty."

"Well then, we should not wish to promote discord in your family, Master tailor. Your daughter's gift is gratefully accepted, on one condition."

"As you command, your Majesty."

"It is not a command, it is a request. That she present it to the Princess."

"My daughter, Elisse, to come here, to give the dress to the Princess herself, your Majesty? Yes, of course she will accept your invitation. By your leave."

The Queen nodded and the tailor backed towards the door, bowing until he bumped into it, then, reaching behind himself, found the latch and hastily departed.

Princess Charlene looked at her mother.

"How wonderful. I shall meet a girl. Will she be like me?"

"She will look like you, my dear, but she shan't be like you. She is a girl by birth and you are a girl by magic. However, I am sure you will find you have many things in common. Would you like more tea and cake while we wait for the tailor and his daughter to return?"

"Yes please, Mother."

Chapter 3. Elisse

Considering that the tailor had to return to his shop to get the dress, go to the village to collect his daughter and return to the palace, he must have set a travel record, for there was a knock on the Queen's door before they had finished their refreshments.

"Enter."

As before, the tailor came in and bowed. Behind him in the shadow of the corridor, the Queen could see a girl with a bundle of clothes. She motioned for her to come forward and the girl hesitatingly moved into the room, shyly remaining behind her father. The Queen judged the girl to be fourteen or fifteen. She was petite, about the Princess' size, despite their age difference, with long dark hair tied back with a red ribbon, dark eyes and a pleasant face. It was obvious she had not had time to prepare herself, as she was in the white blouse and long grey skirt, both covered by an apron, worn by the village girls for doing their household chores. Nor, thought the Queen, could she have done so, since she probably had only the one dress. Princess Charlene rose, walked over and spoke to her.

"It is most kind of you to bring me your dress. As you can see, it will be much appreciated. May I have it?"

The girl timidly reached forward and handed the Princess the bundle, which she accepted.

Princess Charlene looked towards her mother, who was watching with amusement.

"You name is Elisse, is it not?" the Princess said pleasantly.

"Yes, if it please your Highness," the girl responded softly and dropped into a curtsey, a form of respect that the Princess had not seen before. She remained in that position with her eyes downcast.

"Elisse," the Princess continued, "I come from a far away kingdom and I am not familiar with your fashions," the second part of the statement being true. Would you please assist me in dressing?"

The Queen had not considered that her new daughter had never worn a dress before or the multiple layers of underclothes beneath it and would need assistance with the intricacies of feminine apparel. It seemed a practical request and she nodded her approval.

If being in the presence of the Queen was not enough, being asked to attend a princess was overwhelming. The poor girl couldn't move. The Princess, gently took her by the arm and guided her towards the bedroom. Coming to her senses, Elisse realized her breach of manners by allowing the Princess to carry the bundle of clothes, while she went empty handed. Gathering her courage, she politely requested its return. The Princess handed it to her and they disappeared into the bedchamber.

In the bedchamber, Elisse nervously opened the bundle and spread out the garments on the bed. She was too polite to question why the Princess was dressed as a boy and waited quietly while she began to undress. Having worked in her father's shop, she could not help but observe that the Princess was nicely proportioned and was sure that the dress would fit her. Anticipating the removal of the last of her clothes, Elisse turned to find a proper undergarment and, when she turned back, her eyes went wide and her mouth dropped open. The Princess, unaware of the difference between the sexes or the attendant modesty, was puzzled by the girl's reaction.

"What is wrong, Elisse?" she asked innocently.

Elisee, quickly regaining her composure, turned away.

"I am sorry, your Highness, I did not mean to be rude," she apologized. "It is just that, well, I was not prepared to see that you are not a girl."

"Oh dear," the Princess lamented, realizing that she had disclosed her secret, "how is it that you could tell."

"I do not understand, your Highness. Did you think that I would not know the difference? I am the second oldest in a family of six. I have two younger brothers, who I have helped raise. I can recognize boys' privates."

The Princess sighed.

"As you have discovered, Elisse, I am not who I seem. This all comes as a surprise to me as well, but, until today, I was kept apart from my mother and all females, because my father, the King, believed that by doing so, he could prevent an enchantment that was placed on me at birth, that, even though I was born a boy, I am to become a bride.

"I am sorry, your Highness," she said sincerely.

Returning to the task at hand, Elisse reached behind her and held out the undergarment.

"Please put this on, your highness. It is not proper for me to see you undressed."

The princess stepped into the pantaloons and tied a knot in the ribbon at the waist to hold them up.

"Shall I cover myself on top as well?" she asked.

Elisse turned.

"No, your Highness, from the waist up you are a girl," she explained.

Noticing the knot, Elisse approached the Princess.

"A bow would be much prettier, your Highness. May I tie one for you?"

"Your assistance would be appreciated, as I have no experience dressing myself as a girl, but I do not understand your words. What do 'pretty' and 'bow' mean?"

Undoing the knot and retying it, Elise explained, "pretty means pleasing to look at and is used to compliment a woman or a girl on her appearance. You are pretty, your highness," she said with a smile, "and a bow is a way of fastening a ribbon with two loops, so."

"I am sorry, Elisse. I did not mean to embarrass you. I thought that that it was the swellings on my chest that made me a girl, since mother and you have them too."

"The swellings are called 'breasts', your highness. Girls are not born with them, as I would think you were not. Little girls resemble boys in that regard. They grow as we get older, some larger, some smaller." Elisse looked down. "Mine are small, but shall get bigger, I hope. Yours, if I may be so bold, having worked in my father's shop and fitted many of the young ladies of the Court, are quite well developed for your age. There would be no doubt by those who saw you in a dress that you are a female."

"That is most comforting, Elisse. Perhaps we should complete my dressing, since I would not want the Queen to think anything is amiss."

Elisse obediently picked up a camisole and helped the Princess into it, again tying the ribbon at the neck in a bow. Next were black stockings, followed by a long white linen petticoat.

"A village girl does not dress as finely as the daughter of a lady and so my dress has only one petticoat. Your mother's dress and those of more fashionable design have many," Elisse explained. "However, having no experience as a girl, it may be easier for you to learn to manage your skirt in this."

Finally, Elisee held out the dress. It was of fine wool, pale blue in color, long sleeved, with a white bodice which defined the waist and accented the bust. The dress was slipped over the Princess' head and the bodice laced tight. Silk slippers completed the ensemble. Elisse approached the Princess and made some final adjustments, fussing with the skirt to fluff out the petticoat, smoothing the sleeves and retying the laces. She made a circle, inspecting how the dress hung in back. When she was finished, Elisse stood back and nodded her approval.

"You are ready, your Highness."

Princess Charlene turned to leave, then stopped.

"Elisse, it would be best if what you saw and what I told you was kept to yourself."

"On my oath, your Highness, your secret is safe with me."

Elisse moved forward to page the curtain. The Queen was at her desk, making a list of the clothes for the Princess. The tailor was watching attentively while she wrote. Both turned at the sound of the Princess entering and looked admiringly at the beautiful girl who appeared. Elisse had discreetly remained behind to gather up the old clothes.

"You have done well, master tailor," the Queen complimented him. "Simplicity suits the Princess. Let her not be bound," the Queen said with amusement at her pun, "by the fashion of the Court. Stays and corsets are a confinement she neither needs nor should suffer."

"Yes, your Majesty. It appears that Elisse's dress fits her well and needs little alteration. The tailor made some notes on his slate. I have the pattern and can have most of the items on your list by tomorrow."

"Please, do not set yourself to such a task," master tailor. "The princess can wear but one dress at a time. There is no hurry."

"Your Majesty, I could not rest knowing that the Princess lacks proper attire for every occasion. Should she wish to ride or entertain or dine in royal company, for her to have but one dress would be a breach of my duty as royal tailor that I could not abide. Your soldiers would gladly give their lives in your service. A night without sleep for me and my apprentices and a few dozen needle wounds are of no consequence."

"Well said, master tailor. You shall do me one additional task. Should any of the ladies of the Court complain of the delay in your completion of their commissions, you are to inform them that the Queen has commanded their attendance at the next royal function naked. Should they wish otherwise, they may petition for my favor."

Had the tailor not been constrained by his position, he would have burst out laughing. Looking around to compose himself, he saw that Elisse had entered and was waiting patiently.

"By your leave, your Majesty. Come Elisse, we have much work to do," her father told her as he bowed low and backed towards the door.

Elisse curtseyed to the Queen and followed.

"Please wait," the Princess spoke out.

Elisse and her father came to a halt.

"Mother, Elisse has been most helpful. You have said I may do as I wish and I wish her to remain with me."

The Queen gave the Princess a curious look and raised an eyebrow, suspecting that there was more to her request than just convenience.

"Master tailor, would you allow Elisse to join the royal household as handmaiden to the Princess? There would be a stipend of one gold crown a month for your loss of her services."

Both father and daughter were in shock. It was unheard of for a commoner to serve as the handmaiden to a lady of the Court, let alone a Princess, and a gold crown a month was a fortune for tailor who was lucky to end up with a few silver for a week's work. Nor did one refuse a royal appointment. The tailor bowed, signifying his approval.

The Queen turned to Elisse.

"Do you accept the position," she inquired.

"I do, your Majesty," she answered without hesitation.

"Then it is done. Would you wait outside for a moment, master tailor. I wish to speak with Elisse."

After the door closed, the Queen turned to Elisse and said sternly, "are you privy to the Princess' secret?

Elisse stood silent.

"Answer me or forfeit your life," the Queen threatened her.

Elisse remained silent, tears forming in her eyes, confirming the Queen's suspicion.

"Mother, no. Elisse has done no wrong," the Princess spoke in her defense. "It was I who exposed myself to her, knowing no better. She has sworn an oath to me and it would be unjust to punish her for honoring it."

The Queen's face softened and she smiled.

"I am sorry to have frightened you so, Elisse, but I needed to be sure of your loyalty. I am most pleased that my daughter has found herself a companion."

Elise dropped into a curtsey.

"Your Majesty, I am a simple village girl. I know nothing of life here in the palace. With the greatest respect, would the Princess not be served better by someone of noble birth?"

"The Princess would be served best by someone she can trust," the Queen replied. "Do you want the position?"

"With all my heart, your Majesty."

"Summon your father," the Queen directed.

Elise began to back towards the door.

"Wait, Elisse," the Queen told her. "I am sure I will be seeing a great deal of you and it serves no purpose for you to be constantly bobbing up and down and walking backwards when we are in private. In public, you will, of course, show the customary respect."

"Yes, your Majesty," Elisse answered, making a small dip.

She walked to the door, opened it and bid her father to enter.

"Master tailor, Elisse will have a room near the Princess. She may return with you to collect her things. Of course, she will also need a wardrobe suitable for her position."

Elisse's eyes went wide. Her house was comfortable, but modest, and she shared a straw filled mattress in the loft with her two sisters. The thought of moving to the palace and the luxury of her own room had never occurred to her, nor had she expected the exchange of one dress for many. What pleased her the most, however, and for which she would have gladly given up all the rest, was to devote herself to the enchanted boy for whom she felt such great compassion. She could not believe her good fortune.

The Queen went to a cupboard and took out a pouch, which she handed to the tailor. Here are twenty gold crowns, one year's wages for Elisse and an additional eight as an expression of our gratitude. I shall hear no protest. I will not destitute your family on our account and your dedication and generosity has served the Princess and me far better than you know. She smiled at Elisse who made a mini-curtsey in response, to the puzzlement of her father. The Queen opened a large gold box decorated with jewels and took out a ring which she strung on a gold chain.

"Mistress Elisse," the Queen addressed her as she would an adult, "this ring carries the royal coat of arms. It shows you to be under our protection, to possess it otherwise is an offense punishable by death, and gives you indisputable authority to carry out your duties, as well as entrance to the palace and command of the royal guards in the course of your service."

She walked over to Elisse, who bowed her head as the Queen fastened the chain around her neck.

"You may go," the Queen directed.

Elisse looked at the Queen, who nodded, confirming that she was permitted to dispense with formality, and walked to the door, opening it for her father, much to his astonishment. The two departed, closing the door behind them.

Chapter 4. A Whole New World.

"Are you angry with me?" the Princess asked her mother.

"After all of these years apart, there is nothing that you could do, my darling, that could ever make me cross with you and, in fact, I do like the girl," the Queen assured the Princess. "Besides, I am certain that this was not a coincidence, but the work of the magic in furthering its purpose, which I have learned through experience not to question. Now then, changing the subject, I must see your father and report to him the events that have taken place. My staff will begin to remove my personal belongings. This would be a good time to acquaint you with the palace library."

"I will do as you say, but what is a 'library', please, mother?"

"I am sorry, Charlene. I had forgotten your seclusion for all these years. A library is a place where books are kept."

"More books on geography and mathematics?"

"More books than you can imagine about everything in the world of which you know naught."

"Oh, mother, please. Let us hurry. I cannot wait to see such a wonderful place. May I read them all?"

"Even with your gifts, my sweet Princess, it will take you more than a day, but yes, they are yours to read as you will."

The Queen and the Princess left and walked through the palace, accompanied by the royal guards stationed outside her apartment, who had fallen in behind them.

"Mother, must these men accompany us? Are we in danger?"

"No, Charlene, the Kingdom is at peace and we are quite safe. Perhaps, in days gone by it was not so and the custom has continued. As you will come to understand, there are traditions that must be respected, of which one is to be escorted by the royal guards. Besides," the Queen asked provocatively, "do you not find them handsome?"

"In truth mother, I have grown up surrounded by men in uniform, who encouraged me to fight and to study ways in which to kill not one, but many. I have no fondness for those who make war."

The Queen pondered as to whether the Princess' aversion was to soldiers in particular or men in general. The Princess' tutors were adults, who were understandably formal when educating a Prince, even more so when carrying out the King's plan to prevent his son's feminization. Perhaps when Charlene was older, she would be attracted to young men. The magic would see to it when the time came for her to be a bride, the Queen expected.

When they reached the library, they paused as one of the guards came forward to open the door for them, bowing as they passed and taking up a position at the entrance with his companion, after they entered. The Queen motioned to the librarian, who quickly approached her, stopping at a respectable distance and kneeling.

"Master librarian, this is my adopted daughter, Princess Charlene of Dalmacia. She has come here to assume the place of the Prince, who has been living there and unfortunately is too frail to make the journey home," the Queen announced, starting the story to explain the Princess' sudden appearance that would be spread quickly by palace gossip.

The Queen turned to the Princess to see her amazed expression at the thousands of books which lined the walls of the library from floor to ceiling.

"Truly, mother, it shall take me more than a day to read them all," the Princess agreed.

"I must be off," the Queen told the Princess, "but you may remain."

"Attend me," the Queen directed the royal guards, in deference to the Princess' dislike of the military. "The Princess is quite safe here," she assured them.

After the Queen departed, the Princess addressed the librarian, who was still bowed down before her.

"Rise, Master librarian," she directed him.

The librarian stood up, although averting his eyes from the Princess.

Making the best of the situation, the Princess inquired, "Are the books arranged in some order?"

"Yes," your Highness, "all of the books on the same subject are together in alphabetical order by title. Should you require one, I shall get it for you. We have quite a selection of poetry and stories which you might find entertaining."

"Master librarian," the Princess rebuked him, "I am here to learn. What books do you have about women?"

"Women, your Highness? I regret we have none, as that has not been a matter of scholarly interest."

"Then do you have books about sex?" the Princess inquired naively, remembering one of the words her mother had used in reference to women, although not in the context in which the librarian took it.

Caught in the dilemma of how to respond to a question by a Princess about a subject that was not spoken of in polite company, let alone to a child, the librarian stammered, "Not as such, your Highness. We have books about animal breeding, but not about people, as such writing would not be proper."

"Misinterpreting the librarian's answer, the Princess replied, "I shall start with those. Bring them to me."

The librarian hesitated.

"If you would like to seek the Queen's permission, I can send for her," the Princess threatened the librarian, although it was not in her nature to truly cause him trouble.

The librarian, concluding that discretion was the better part of valor in this instance, invited the Princess to a seat at a long oak table and hurried off to find the books. He returned after a few minutes holding four volumes. He placed the books before the Princess and backed away.

When he reached a respectful distance, he explained to the princess, "these are about breeding horses. Two are in our language, one is in Dalmacian and one is in Crinthish. You did not specify, so I brought them all. We have three more volumes on cattle breeding, one of which is in Silasian, and two on poultry breeding, both in our language. Do you want them too?"

"No, these will be sufficient for now. You may return to your duties," the Princess told him.

The Princess opened the first book in the stack and found it was the one in Dalmacian. Although she had learned the language conversationally, she had never seen it written. Many of the words were familiar, but some were not and she quickly put it aside. From the time she had been old enough to sit in a saddle, she had been trained in horsemanship, one of the few outdoor activities she enjoyed, and so the book in her own language was understandable. However, it only described the characteristics of different breeds and was of no interest to her. The other book in her language did, however, have anatomical illustrations of male and female horses. Comparing the stallion to the mare, the Princess understood how it was that Elisse easily recognized her as a boy, although the book assumed that anyone breeding horses would be familiar with mating them, so the functional part of the difference remained a mystery.

The Princess could have completed her education by consulting medical texts, had she known such books existed or had she understood that the difference between males and females was more than visual. Then again, what she had just learned was sufficient for her present needs. Rather than read more about livestock, the Princess decided to correct the all male history of the kingdom which she had been taught. She beckoned to the librarian, who quickly approached and assumed the customary respectful position.

"Are there books about the history of this kingdom?" she asked him.

"Only one, your Highness. It is in many volumes, each chronicling the reign of one king, from the first until the present, although the last volume is, of course, incomplete," the librarian explained. "Long live King Henry," he added as a precaution.

"Does this history include the Queens?"

"I have not read it, so I do not know for certain, but I would expect there to be a reference to the kings' mothers when tracing their lineage," the librarian speculated, his answer reflecting his traditional chauvinistic view of women's role in society.

The Princess asked him to bring her the first volume.

"I apologize, your Highness, but those books are locked away."

"Do you have the key?"

"Yes, your Highness, but I do not have authority to open the vault."

"Who does?"

"Only the King and the Chamberlain, your Highness."

"What about the Queen?"

"The Queen, your Highness, for what reason?"

"Must the Queen have a reason to be obeyed?"

"No, your Highness," the librarian conceded.

"Must I?" the Princess challenged him.

Pausing to consider the certainty of being punished for his refusal to obey a royal command, as compared to the possibility of being punished for his compliance, the librarian reluctantly agreed.

"No, your Highness, I will get the book for you. By your leave."

The Princess dismissed him and the librarian backed away.

While she was waiting for him to return with the book, the Princess decided to explore the library. As she was examining one of the shelves, the door opened and an old man entered. He had white hair, a bushy white beard and was dressed in black robes and a soft cap, which she recognized from her own teachers as the garb of a scholar. He paid no attention to the plainly dressed girl and went to one of the shelves, selected a book and sat down at the table. The Princess, inquisitive by nature, went over and greeted him.

"I do not wish to be disturbed. Go away," he said brusquely.

The Princess, noticing that he had a Norvigian accent, spoke to him in that language.

Just then, the librarian returned with the precious first volume of the royal history, which he nearly dropped when he saw the seated figure before the Princess. He rushed over and admonished the man.

"Sir, have you no respect. Kneel before Princess Charlene," doing so himself.

The man, realizing his serious breach of etiquette and the serious consequences of insulting a member of the royal family, slid off his seat and onto his knees.

"Forgive me, your Highness. I was not aware that this kingdom had a Princess and meant no offense," he hastily apologized. "I am Cedric de Gothsburg and I have journeyed here to study philosophy."

"In truth, there was not a princess of this kingdom until today and it was I who spoke to you. Under the circumstances, your mistake is understandable and your apology is accepted." the Princess said with a reassuring smile."

"You are most gracious, you Highness. May I be of service?"

"You can explain philosophy to me, Master Cedric, as my education has been lacking in certain respects."

"I expect that you were not troubled with learning philosophy, because the reasoning required is complicated and serves women naught in their domestic endeavors, your Highness" Cedric replied, thinking himself to have artfully excused the Princess from having to trouble her pretty head.

To his amazement, the Princess disagreed.

"I am not aware of any difference between men and women by reason of which one would be less than the other," an observation which, unbeknownst to the scholar, the Princess was uniquely qualified to make.

Knowing better than to argue with a Princess, the scholar expounded on the subject, expecting that the girl would soon become bored, allowing him to get off his knees, which were beginning to ache from contact with the cold stone floor, and return to his studies.

"Philosophy, your Highness," he lectured, "is the use of reason and logic to explain the natural world. For example, as I had said, philosophy teaches us that women, by their nature and constitution, are suited to being mothers and wives, and men, by their strength and wit, to provide and protect them. The proof is that babies have a natural affinity for their mothers and women have no aptitude for war," the scholar concluded authoritatively.

"Perhaps so, master scholar, or perhaps babies recognize the sensibility of their mothers in remaining safely at home and the foolishness of their fathers in risking their lives to kill those with whom they have no quarrel for a cause of which they know naught. Have philosophers so inquired of them?"

"Your Highness, none can speak to a baby."

"And so, you do not know for certain."

The scholar suddenly realized that he was losing a philosophical debate with a child, although taking some comfort that she was a princess, and, anxious to get up, as well as recognizing the political benefit of humoring her, agreed.

"There must be more to philosophy than that of which we have spoken and I would also like to practice my Norvigian. Would you visit me tomorrow afternoon for tea and cake? I had it with my mother, the Queen, this morning and it was quite tasty."

"Me, your Highness? Come to visit? Tomorrow afternoon? For tea and cake?" sputtered the astonished philosopher. "Yes, of course. Thank you, your Highness."

Returning her attention to the table, the Princess declared, "the librarian has brought me a special book which I wish to read. You may return to your studies as well."

As the Princess opened the book's black leather cover with an elaborate gold royal crest, she noticed that Cedric remained kneeling. The Princess looked down at him.

"You may rise, Cedric."

"I cannot, your Highness, for it would not be proper for me to stand while you are seated or to sit in your presence, as I now know better."

"I see. Well, I cannot remove the royal history book. It was most difficult to persuade the librarian to get it for me and I am sure that he would be most distraught, if I made off with it. However, I do not see why you cannot borrow a lesser book."

The Princess beckoned to the librarian, who hurried over and joined the scholar on his knees.

"It seems that none can use the library when I am here and here I must remain to read this book. Therefore, Cedric shall take out his book."

The librarian's eyes went wide.

"You Highness, please, it is not permitted."

"Have we not already had this conversation?" the Princess reminded the librarian. "On my order, you shall make a record of the book and Cedric shall give his pledge to return it. As it is the property of the King, I am sure he understands the consequences, should he not keep his word. As I expect to spend a great deal of time here, this will allow those who wish to use the library not to be inconvenienced."

Having learned the futility of arguing with the Princess, the librarian conceded, creating the first lending library. The scholar gratefully accepted the offer, signed the paper, thanked the Princess, and backed towards the door with his book.

The Princess returned to her reading. Of greatest interest was the complete story of how the four fairies came to be the protectors of King Harold's descendants, bestowing on his heirs those gifts, but one, which she received. Perhaps, the Princess thought, smoothing her skirt and feeling the softness of her petticoat against her legs, she had gotten the better blessing.

TO BE CONTINUED

The Prince Bride - Chapters 5, 6 & 7
By Missy Crystal

Prince Charles was heir to the throne. At his christening, three of the four fairy protectors of the Kingdom (the kind with wings and wands) appeared to give him the customary blessings for a future king. The fourth fairy sister, arriving late from partying all night with the elves, mistakenly believes the baby is a girl and gives her the blessing of being a happy bride. Can the fairy magic be undone? Will the prince grow up to be a queen of one kind or another? Read the story and find out.

Chapter 5. Mother Knows Best.

Queen Charlotte found the King in the Council chamber. He was anxious to hear of her reunion with their son and dismissed his advisors, so that he could speak with her in private. Once they were alone, he instructed the royal guards outside the door to permit no one to enter.

King Henry, fearless in battle, stood nervously before his wife, anticipating her anger at the harm he had caused by keeping the Prince from her. Instead, to his astonishment, delight and arousal, in that order, the Queen put her arms around him and gave him a passionate kiss. When she finally released him and he regained his power of speech, he expressed his joy at the resumption of their marriage and his surprise at her ardor under the circumstances.

"Henry," the Queen said happily, "the Princess is a delight. She is everything I could have hoped for in a daughter."

The King was totally bemused, Prince Charles having been delivered to his mother only a few hours ago.

"What princess are you talking about, dear?" he asked the Queen.

"Princess Charlene, of course," the Queen answered with a laugh. "That is the name we have chosen. The magic has undone your efforts of the last dozen years in less than a day. Charlene's personality is convincingly feminine and, to my surprise, she has taken to wearing a dress as though she had worn one all her life."

"You have put the Prince in a dress, Charlotte?" the King asked incredulously.

"No, Henry, the Prince put himself in a dress and, upon learning of the fairies' enchantment, has accepted his becoming a bride. You have kept him from me in hopes that it would turn out differently, but there is no doubt, by outward appearance and by temperament, he is a girl. I agreed to try it your way and I have cried myself to sleep in the loneliness of my bed as the price of my concession. Now I shall mend my heart and yours, dear husband," she said lovingly.

The King, anxious to get his wife back in his bed, knew when to leave well enough alone.

"If, as you say, the Prince has been changed so quickly by your feminine influence, then I shall defer to your raising him to be a Princess. I must say, however, I am quite confused as to how one refers to a boy who has become a girl."

"Henry," the Queen cautioned him, "if Charlene is to be accepted as a Princess, then none must know of her origin. While in your care, she learned a great deal about my kingdom, even to speak its language, and we have agreed that she will present herself as having been sent by my family to take the place of the Prince, who will remain with them, because of his health. You will see for yourself that she is, to all appearances, a girl and that all will treat her as such, if we do. Does that answer your question, dear?"

"Yes Charlotte," the King said, shaking his head at the conundrum, "I will pretend he is a she."

It was the Queen's turn to shake her head.

"No, you must not pretend!" she insisted. "The magic has transformed her and you must accept it. As the fairies told us, there is no way to prevent it and there is no way to undo it. You have a daughter, Henry, and with our help or without it, as you have seen, she will be a bride. In fact, the magic has already provided Charlene with a companion upon whom to model herself, a delightful young girl from the village named Elisse."

"The magic, Charlotte?" the King asked skeptically. "What makes you think it would choose a commoner to be an example for him, I mean her. If he, I mean she, is to learn to present herself properly, then she should have a girl of noble birth who is schooled in Court etiquette."

"Yes, of course, dear," the Queen humored the King, "a young woman from a good family. One who has been brought up to practice the intrigues and politics of the Court for her own advancement would be best to keep the Princess' secret."

"You are right to deride me, Charlotte," the King said contritely. "The next time the fairies appear to bestow their blessings, I should beg to exchange wisdom for common sense. I will trust to you and the magic."

The Queen smiled and took her husband's hands in hers.

"The more I see of the magic, the more I am sure that things are as they were meant to be and that, as the fairies promised, there will be a happy ending. There will certainly be one for you tonight my dear," she said with a saucy wiggle and a wink, "but I still have much to attend to before we become reacquainted. I wish you to meet the Princess and shall arrange for her to dine with us. Until then, my dear, a small token of my affection."

The Queen moved forward, sliding her arms around the King's waist, pulling him towards her and pressing her breasts against his chest. Given that the King was wearing tights, his amorous anticipation was not difficult for her to detect. She gave him a kiss on the lips and then released him.

The Queen turned in a swirl of petticoats and exited. Arriving at her apartment, she found the servants packing her belongings in brass bound wooden chests, of which half a dozen were already stacked by the door, waiting to be transported to the King's quarters. Upon the Queen's entrance, one of the women stopped her work, curtseyed and asked whether certain items were to stay or go. As the Queen was finishing her instructions, the door opened and Elisse entered. Although she had gone to the village to collect her things, the Queen saw that she carried nothing with her. Upon seeing the Queen in the presence of others, Elisse observed the formality of a deep curtsey.

The Queen beckoned for her to rise and approach.

"How is it, Elisse, that you return with naught?" she questioned her.

"If it please your Majesty, I have but the clothes I wear and a comb and brush, which I share with my sisters and have left for them."

"Have you no nightclothes or undergarments?" the Queen asked curiously.

"Oh yes, Your Majesty," Elisse replied, "but my father said that I should also leave them for my sisters, as he would provide new ones when he delivered the wardrobe you ordered for me. I can return home and gather those items, if you would rather not go to the expense. They are well cared for, my mother being an excellent laundress and my father having taught me to sew."

"My goodness, Elisse, your concern for the royal treasury is commendable, but I do believe we can afford to have you properly dressed, as we do the rest of the palace staff. Although, come to think of it, I do not know if we provide them with pantaloons and shifts. Perhaps you will step out and so inquire of the guard" the Queen said with a laugh.

"As you wish, Your Majesty," Elisse said obediently, curtseying and backing towards the door.

"Stop, Elisse, I was making a jest," the Queen acknowledged. "It is of no consequence and there is no need. Your father is quite right." She paused in thought and then added, "as you have left your toilet articles, so you have reminded me that the Princess is without hers. I shall make sure that you both have the necessary items for your grooming. Now that is settled, would you like to see your room?"

"Yes, if it please Your Majesty, very much so," Elisse said enthusiastically.

The Queen went into a bedchamber with Elisse following at a respectful distance and moved aside a tapestry covering one wall to expose a door. She opened it and went inside. Upon entering, Elisse found a bed with what looked to be a down mattress covered with white linens, a wood stand with a white china pitcher and basin on it and a door underneath, which she assumed held a container for her personal needs, a large carved wood wardrobe and, best of all, a small dressing table with a mirror, beneath which was an upholstered stool. There was a window with heavy curtains in a red material with green floral embroidery to keep out the drafts and a small fireplace for warmth. On the floor were thick carpets with intricate designs. In size, the chamber was larger than the common room in her house in the village, where the entire family gathered. Elisse was delighted with her room and the good fortune that had come to her.

"May I speak, Your Majesty," Elisse inquired?

"Of course, Elisse, there need be no formality between us in private. Now then, you were going to say?"

"I was going to say, your Majesty, that this is the most beautiful room I could imagine, but I see only the one door. Is there no way for me to come and go without disturbing the Princess?"

"For the protection of those who reside within, none may enter without passing by the guard at the door," the Queen confirmed. Looking into Elisse's eyes, she added, "As none may approach the Princess without passing by you. The ring with the royal coat of arms which you wear gives you the power to act on the King's behalf. To disobey you is an affront to the Crown; but, be warned, for with authority comes responsibility and, once reported, the offense is punishable by death without excuse or exception."

Elisse's eyes went wide and she turned white.

"Oh, no, Your Majesty, please, I am but a simple village girl and have no experience in such matters," she pleaded. "I have great affection for the Princess and would give my life for her, but not the life of another. I could not."

"Elisse," the Queen reassured her, "it is for those very reasons I have placed my confidence in you. If I am mistaken, then you may return to your home without consequence. Do you so choose?"

"No, Your Majesty, I could not leave the Princess, she needs me. I shall do what I must," Elisse confirmed with resignation.

The Queen nodded her acceptance.

The first thing that you must do then," the Queen directed her, "is to go to the library and bring back the Princess to prepare her for dinner with the King, and yourself as well."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Elisse replied with a small curtsey. Then it struck her that she had been included in the invitation."

"Me, Your Majesty," she said in shock, "meet the King? Please Your Majesty, I am not presentable." She pointed to her apron. "I am dressed for keeping house."

"I know my husband, Elisse. Clothes mean naught to him, for he has seen his fill of finely dressed ladies and gentlemen of no worth. It is you and not your apron with which he will be concerned and well pleased, I am sure. Trust me in this."

"I could not but trust you in all things, your Majesty."

Elise made a mini-curtsey and started for the door, then stopped and turned to address the Queen.

"Your Majesty, I am sorry, but I know not what a library is or where to find it."

"A library is a room with many books," the Queen explained patiently. "Ask the guard at the door to escort you there. He knows the way."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, I shall do so," Elisse replied politely.

Chapter 6. Sergeant Ulrich.

Elisse went back through the bedchamber and sitting room to the corridor door and opened it. On either side were two royal guards in blood red tunics with two rows of shiny brass buttons and black pants with a gold stripe on the side of each leg, tucked into polished black leather boots. On their heads were black peaked caps with gold braid, the same as on their shoulders and around their waists was a black leather belt, with a large rectangular brass buckle embossed with a design of crossed swords. Hanging from the belt at their side was a sword in a brass scabbard.

Both guards came to attention as the door opened and Elisse stepped out. She had no preference, but the one on the right had three gold stripes on his sleeve, two pointed down and one up, the other only two pointed down, so she chose him.

"Please take me to the library," she requested.

The guard studied the plainly dressed girl for a moment, saluted, and set off quickly down the corridor. Elisse, having shorter legs, trotted after him.

After they had gone a short distance, Elisse asked him, "is it permissible for me to speak with you, Sir?"

"Yes, my Lady," the guard answered. "I am at your command."

"Then please slow down."

"As you wish, my Lady," the guard responded, reducing his pace.

Catching her breath, Elisse introduced herself.

"I am no lady, Sir, but Elisse from the village, the eldest daughter of Franc the tailor."

"Not 'Sir', my Lady. That honor is for those of noble birth," the guard advised her. "I am Ulrich, son of Thad the farmer," he continued, "but when I put on this uniform, I am Sergeant Ulrich of His Majesty's Royal Guards. You, by the ring you wear around your neck, are a lady and so shall all address you in my presence or answer for it. Nor do you need to say 'please,' as I serve the Crown whose authority you carry."

"Your guidance is most appreciated, Sergeant Ulrich, as I have no experience in these matters. Until today, my ambition was to be a good wife and mother. Instead, I find to my surprised I am handmaiden to the Princess."

"What Princess would that be, my Lady?" Ulrich inquired.

"Why Princess Charlene, of course," Elisse answered. "Do you know of any other?"

"I know of none, my Lady."

"Do you know all that goes on in the palace, Sergeant Ulrich?" Elisse asked defensively.

"No, my Lady, not all, but I would know of a princess, as my duty is to guard the royal family."

Elisse had not been present when the Queen and the Princess made up their story of her arrival from Dalmacia and so had no way to know the official explanation. Being an honest girl, she told the truth of sorts.

"She is new and perhaps you have not yet been told."

"Of course, my Lady, as you say," Ulrich conceded politely.

By the time their conversation ended, they had reached the library. Ulrich stopped and opened the door, then stood to attention and saluted.

"I know that I need not, but I see no reason why authority should excuse ill manners. Thank you, Sergeant Ulrich. Please remain, as we will need to be guided back."

Elisse entered the library. As the Queen had said, there were many books, but they meant nothing to her, as she had never learned to read. Looking around the room, she saw the Princess seated at a long table. Elisse walked towards her and stopped. She curtseyed and waited patiently, not wanting to interrupt her. When the Princess did not recognize her presence, she spoke softly.

"Your Highness."

There was no response, so she spoke louder.

"Your Highness."

The Princess turned her head and, seeing Elisse, stood up.

"Elisse!" the Princess exclaimed happily, motioning for her to rise and approach. "How nice of you to keep me company. Shall I have the librarian bring you a book? There are many to choose from."

"No, thank you, your Highness. I am to bring you back to get ready to dine with the Queen and King."

"Excellent, for I do so want to show my father my pretty dress. Will you come too, Elisse?"

"The Queen has invited me, your Highness, although I am uncomfortable to go as I am," Elisse admitted, holding out her apron for emphasis. "If I could wait but a day, my father will have something proper for me to wear to meet the King."

The Princess thought for a moment.

"Let us exchange clothes then. You shall go in your dress and I in what you have on. That will solve the problem."

"No, your Highness. It will not solve the problem," Elisse insisted, "for I have made a gift of it and shan't take it back. It is yours and you must wear it. I will not hear otherwise." Realizing that she had just scolded the Princess as though she was one of her little sisters, she put her hand over her mouth and fell into a curtsey. "I am sorry, your Highness. I spoke disrespectfully. Please forgive me."

"Get up, Elisse. You did no wrong. Quite to the contrary, you must be strict with me, if I am to learn what I must know. I will not hear otherwise," the Princess pretended to scold her back. "Now, let us go."

Elisse rose and started for the door.

"Wait, Elisse. I must return this book."

The Princess beckoned to the librarian, who, although attentive to his royal guest, had busied himself, so as not to intrude on her conversation. Getting his attention, he came over and knelt down.

"I am returning the book to your safekeeping. I shall require it tomorrow." In keeping with the story of her arrival from Dalmacia, the Princess added, "I must say that I am disappointed about how little is recorded in your history of this kingdom about the Queens. I shall speak to King Henry about it, for I am sure Queen Charlotte would not take kindly to being mentioned only as his wife. Good day, Master librarian."

The Princess turned and followed Elisse to the door, which she opened. They went into the corridor, where Ulrich was waiting. He drew to attention at their arrival.

"Your Highness," Elisse introduced the guard to the Princess, "this is Sergeant Ulrich."

Being more used to orders than introductions, it took Ulrich a few moments to realize that the ordinary looking girl standing next to Elisse was the Princess. When the recognition came to him, he started to kneel, but in his haste he forgot to swing his scabbard out of the way and it stabbed against the floor, throwing him off balance. He tried to recover, but could not and ended up sprawled on the floor at the girls' feet.

The Princess, amused by the poor guard's embarrassment and remembering Cedric's similar reaction, turned to Elisse and jested, "I really must start wearing a crown, so that people will stop injuring themselves when they meet me."

Elisse, wishing to spare Ulrich further embarrassment, pretended not to have noticed. Ulrich quickly righted himself and, properly adjusting his weapon, was back on his knees.

"Rise Sergeant," the Princess commanded. "Forward," she directed, recalling her own military training.

Ulrich rose and, remembering that Elisse could not keep up, set off at a slow pace.

On their way back, Elisse whispered to the Princess, "is not Ulrich quite dashing, Your Highness?"

"That is the same question my mother asked me about the guards who escorted us here. Are women required to comment on the appearance of men in whose company they find themselves?" the Princess questioned Elisse. "If so, I suppose I will have to learn, although I find nothing appealing about soldiers, having been raised to be one, as I told my mother."

"There is your Highness," Elisse spoke softly into the Princesses ear, "a natural attraction between women and men. Not every woman finds it so, I expect, because there are those who remain unmarried, but most look forward to being wed when they are of my age. You are young yet, your Highness, and girls do not become so interested until they, well, I can not tell you, as it is not discussed, you will have to ask you mother about it, although I do not believe that it will happen to you. My little sisters have not found boys to their liking," Elisse laughed. "You would think from the way they treat them, they were enemies, but that will soon change, as I think that it must for you, if you are to be a bride."

By the time Elisse had finished her explanation, they had reached their destination. Ulrich opened the door and stationed himself beside it, coming to attention and saluting, in a much more impressive ending than beginning. Elisse started to enter, but stopped when the Princess turned to address Ulrich.

"Sergeant, Mistress Elisse finds you pleasing and, as we will need a guide until we become familiar with the palace, I appoint you to that post. Of course, a Princess should have an officer for an escort, so inform your commandant that you have been promoted to lieutenant. That will be all Lieutenant Ulrich," the Princess dismissed him.

Ulrich was overcome, first by the unexpected disclosure of Elisse's favor and then by his sudden promotion to a rank that he had never dared to aspire. Elisse was also overcome by the Princess's candor, blushing as she followed her into the apartment, closing the door on the stunned Ulrich.

Looking at the color in Elisse's cheeks, the Princess apologized. "Oh dear, Elisse, have I done something dreadful. It would seem so. I am not very good at being a girl yet. What shall I do to set it right?"

Regaining her composure, Elisse assured the Princess that it was not dreadful, just not proper for a girl to tell a boy of her feelings.

"I am sorry, Elisse, but I am confused. How is it that you are to find a suitable husband if you cannot tell a man that you like him and why is it that you can not tell him so? Will you be punished by your parents or will he be offended by your interest in him?"

"Your Highness," Elisse began, fussing with her apron while trying to find the best way to explain the romantic games that girls played, "there is no penalty, as such, but boys are not kindly disposed towards girls who are bold. We show our interest by acting in more gentle ways. A glance in their direction," Elisse demonstrated, looking coquettishly back over her shoulder, "a little smile," she briefly turned up the corners of her mouth, or a look," Elisse pouted prettily and batted her eyes, "are enough encouragement."

"I do not understand why it is so, but I shall follow your directions in such things. Must I practice or shall it come to me as I gain experience as a girl?"

"Well, your Highness," Elisse said, beginning to feel more comfortable with the Princess, "I expect I shall have to flirt with all of the young men in the palace, so you will learn to do it properly."

"Not to be outdone, the Princess replied, "I assume that what you have just described is called flirting and I command that you do it to all the young men we meet."

Both the Princess and Elisse broke into girlish giggles.

Upon composing herself, Elisse returned to more practical matters.

Chapter 7. A Girl Like Me.

"It is getting late and I should prepare you for dinner with the King and Queen. We will have to make do as we are. I shall brush your hair and in place of a crown, which we lack, a comb or clip will do, if I can find one."

Looking around the room, Elisse saw the Queen's dressing table and went to it. There was an ornate silver brush and a number of silver topped glass jars and small bottles with elaborate stoppers left by the Queen, but with which preparations she had no experience. In one corner was a small chest, which Elisse recalled being the one from which the Queen had taken the chain and ring which she wore.

"The Queen has left us a brush," your Highness, "and perhaps an ornament in the chest. May I open it?"

"Of course, Elisse, you need not ask. I am in your care."

Elisse opened the lid and found a collection of jewelry. She had some familiarity with gems from those that were occasionally sewn on the noble ladies' gowns and knew of their worth, but paid them no mind, searching for something for the Princess to wear in her hair. Towards the bottom, she found a gold clip in an intricate floral design. Taking it out, a chain came with it. As she worked to untangle it, she saw that attached to the chain was a gold pendant in the shape of a flower with what she recognized as a pearl enclosed by the petals. The Princess saw the necklace and asked to wear it. Elisse fastened it around her neck, the flower resting perfectly on her chest. She then brushed the Princesses hair and fastened the clip with the pin, removing and replacing it, until she was satisfied with its position.

"There," Elisse said, standing back and surveying her handiwork. "You are indeed quite pretty, your Highness, and the necklace you have chosen suits you well. We are ready."

"Would you not like to wear something from the chest, Elisse? And my mother put something from one of the jars on my lips. Would you like some of that? Oh, and something that smells nice too from one of the bottles, the tall one with the silver gilt stopper, I believe."

"It is not for me to wear jewelry, your Highness, and I am afraid I have no knowledge of the paint used by ladies on their face or of perfume, as the scent is called. The ways of the palace are much different than the village."

"Fancy ways and pretension suit me not either, Elisse. I am quite content to be a girl like you. Let us go."

Elisse went to the door and opened it. She was hoping that Ulrich was still staioned there, but the guards had changed. She directed one with three stripes like Ultrich to take them to the King's quarters. He saluted and marched off, the two girls following behind. After passing down many long corridors and taking many confusing turns, they arrived at a door outside of which were stationed two more of the Royal Guards. Their escort saluted, turned smartly and left. One of the guards knocked on the door and a soft voice from within bid them enter. Summoning her courage, Elisse followed the Princess.

The room into which they entered was large and appeared to be for receiving visitors. It was elaborately decorated with paintings and tapestries on the walls and rugs on the floor. In the center was a large, ornate table on which stood a gold four branched candelabra with long wax tapers and along the walls were double sconces with more candles, all extravagantly lit, providing a soft yellow light. Along three of the walls were a number of upholstered settees and armchairs and set into fourth wall was a large fireplace with a crackling fire providing warmth against the evening's chill and more light. Above the fireplace mantle hung a large ax and a sword crossed behind a shield with what Elisse recognized as the same royal coat of arms as on her ring. Taking all of this in, Elisse's eyes turned to the Queen, standing next to the table. She was dressed in a beautiful pale blue gown accented with white lace, long sleeves, flaring at the wrist, also trimmed with lace, with a full skirt and a cutaway lace trimmed bodice that exposed her chest. A very daring ensemble, compared to the styles with which Elisse was familiar, but then the Queen could do as she pleased and her dress was obviously meant to please. Around her neck was a string of sparkling blue stones set in gold links, beautifully accenting her dress. Her hair was done up and adorned with more sparkling blue stones set in two large gold combs and her face had a trace of color on the lips and cheeks. Elisse was overwhelmed by the Queen's appearance, as the expression on her face left no doubt.

The Queen, however, had eyes only for her daughter. As soon as the Princess entered, she viewed her approvingly and then moved forward to embrace her. They remained entwined, with the Princess enjoying her new freedom to express emotion. Finally they released.

"Elisse, you have indeed done well. I quite approve."

The Queen's eyes fell to the Princess' necklace.

Turning to Elisse, she asked, "how could you have possibly know that was my necklace when I was a girl? It was a gift from my mother and to see it on my own daughter brings tears to my eyes."

Elisse shook her head.

"I take no credit, Your Majesty. The necklace selected itself, being drawn out with the hair clip which I took from your chest and catching the Princess' eye."

"A most curious coincidence, indeed," the Queen observed. "One among many it appears. Shall we go?" she requested, directing them to a doorway.

Elisse and the Princess followed the Queen into another large room, this one with a long table covered with a white linen cloth on which stood two large four branched silver candelabra's. The table held an assortment of meats on silver platters, some of which Elisse recognized and others she did not, steaming vegetables in silver bowls and glass carafes of red wine. Each place was set with a white china plate painted with the royal coat of arms, a sparkling crystal goblet and silver utensils. As Elisse looked along the table, her eyes came to the head, where a man was sitting in a high backed chair, with a carved crest embellished with gold. He was dressed in purple and wore a gold crown set with jewels. Realizing that this was the King, Elisse dropped into a deep curtsey.

The King stood when the entourage entered the room. He saw what at first glance he took to be two ordinary girls with the Queen.

"My dear, where is Charles? Dinner is getting cold."

"Charles, will not be coming, Henry. He has been detained in Dalmacia, due to his poor health. Princess Charlene has replaced him as heir to the throne."

At that cue, the Princess spoke up.

"Hello, father, do you like my dress? Isn't it pretty? It was Elisse's and she has let me wear it. She did my hair too. She is quite good at being a girl, but then I suppose it is because she was born that way. I am still learning, but I do believe I shall be quite good at it too."

The Princess spun around, her skirt flaring in a perfectly feminine display and then, as earlier demonstrated by Elisse, she gave an innocent smile and fluttered her eyes. The King's jaw dropped and it was all the Queen could do to control her laughter, as he stood with his mouth open in astonishment.

"I take it you approve, dear," the Queen said, breaking the silence.

"Who, how, what?" The King sputtered at a loss for words. "It cannot be, come here, Charles, let me look at you," he finally got out.

"No Henry," interrupted the Queen. "We agreed. Charlene is a girl and must be so addressed and treated. To do otherwise will only make it harder and increase the risk of discovery that will spoil everything. You saw once what mischief is done when the magic is displeased. Please do not provoke it, as I could not bear to lose my child again.

"Yes, Charlotte, you are quite right," the King agreed. "It is just that, well, in truth, I was expecting a boy in a dress and not the girl I find before me. I am not pleased with the situation, as I would much prefer to have my son as he was born, but, as that is not to be, I will have a daughter." Turning to the Princess he told her, "Your dress is quite becoming and you look quite lovely in it, Charlene. I hope that you will find happiness on the path on which you have been set by the fairy's mistake."

The Princess, although untrained, made a perfect curtsey and replied, "thank you father. I am quite content to be a girl," adding naively, "you should try it. Perhaps the Queen will loan you one of her dresses as Elisse has done for me."

The King scowled at the Princess's suggestion and the Queen put her hand to her mouth at the thought of His Royal Highness in petticoats. Eager to change the subject, the King turned his attention to Elisse, who remained supplicated during the conversation.

"Rise, child, and approach," the King directed.

Elisse got up and moved towards the King, her head bowed.

"Chin up, I wish to look upon you," the King ordered.

As Elisse was short and the King was tall, she had to crane her neck to look him in the eye.

After studying her carefully, the King turned to the Queen and proclaimed, "indeed Charlotte, I would exchange this girl for all of those useless ladies who clutter up my Court, were it possible. I am quite pleased, as you had foreseen." Turning back to Elisse, the King warned her, "You understand that the future of my kingdom is in your hands."

Looking up at the King, Elisse answered him, "I am devoted to the Princess and will allow no harm to come to her, on my oath and on my life, as I have so pledged to her and to the Queen, but her future is not mine to manage, Your Majesty."

The King nodded his agreement.

"Charlotte, I do not know how Elisse has come to us, by accident or design, but I would have none other for the Princess. My kingdom is in good hands and she shall be rewarded, an estate I think. I know of one baron in particular who has been an annoyance for years and I am most anxious to dispossess."

"Henry, dear, your approval is most gratifying and your generosity commendable, but the poor girl has not been here but a day. Do you not think we might wait, so she can concentrate on the Princess and not on managing an estate, having just arrived from the village?" the Queen suggested.

"You are correct, as usual, Charlotte," the King conceded, then, turning back to Elisse, inquired, "if not for you, then your family, Elisse. What shall I do for their benefit?"

"If it please your Majesty, we are satisfied with what we earn by our work. My father is the royal tailor, as was his father and his father before him and so shall my second eldest brother be, my older brother having been called to serve in your army. My sisters look forward to having their own husbands and homes, when it is their time. They are content, Your Majesty, and I would tempt them not to lead a life for which they are not suited. Nor, with respect Your Majesty, could I or my family profit from another's misfortune, deserved or not. As for me, to serve the Princess, the Queen and the King, is reward enough. I too am content, your Majesty."

The King looked at Charlotte.

"Must I constantly be schooled by women?" he complained good naturedly. "This is most frustrating. I shall have to take up my defective blessings with the fairies, for with their gifts I understand little of what good, honest people think." The King sighed. "I am in your debt, Elisse, both for your service and for your lesson in humility. "Now then," the King announced, "it is time for us to eat, please be seated. I have dismissed the staff for our privacy, so I am afraid each of us will have to serve himself, urr, umm, herself," the King corrected his choice of pronouns.

"If I may, your Majesty, as the eldest girl I served my family their meals and I would be pleased if you would allow me to work for my keep by serving you," Elisse offered.

"Your keep is earned by your attention to the Princess," Elisse, "but your offer is graciously made and graciously accepted."

"Although some of the food is known to me, Your Majesties and Princess, many I do not know and will need your guidance to suit your taste. If you would, your Majesty, please tell me what I may bring to you."

"Princess Charlene is the guest of honor and so she should be served first," the King said with a smile.

The Queen smiled too at her husband's acceptance of the Princess by use of her name and the correct gender in his directions to Elisse.

Elisse turned to the Princess, who replied, "What is it girls eat, Elisse? You may bring me some of it."

"Girls eat the same things boys eat, Your Highness," Elisse explained, "except less, as we need to fit into our dresses without bursting our laces. As to a choice, that would be for your mother to make."

Queen Charlotte beamed at Elisse's considerate deferral to her in making decisions for her daughter, acknowledging her satisfaction with a nod and a smile.

"I would recommend the roast fowl," Charlene, "some greens, I think, and a slice of the white bread with the wonderful cheese that is made here."

Elisse had no trouble recognizing the foods that the Queen had picked out for the Princess, as her father occasionally received poultry from villagers who had something to mend that needed his expertise, and greens were common, as was bread and cheese. She placed a small portion of each on the Princess' plate and then turned to the King.

"Your Majesty?" she inquired.

"I favor the roast venison, Elisse, you should try some, it is quite tasty, and a turnip, some of the greens and bread and cheese."

"Might the roast venison be this meat, Your Majesty?" Elisse questioned, pointing to one of the platters, "as I have not seen such before."

The King nodded and Elisse added a large helping of the foods to his plate.

"Your Majesty, what may I serve you?" she asked the Queen.

"The same as the Princess, Elisse."

Finally, it was Elisse's turn. Although not wishing to offend the King by ignoring his recommendation, the meat looked unappetizing, sitting in a puddle of bloody juices, and she did not want to be embarrassed by taking food she could not eat.

"If it please your Majesty," she said diplomatically, " being used to simple meals, the meat might be too rich for my taste and I would prefer the fare on which the Queen and Princess sup."

"As you wish, Elisse. I am sure there will be time enough for you to acquire a taste for it, but you must try the wine. It is the finest in the kingdom. Fill the Queen's and the Princess' goblets as well and we shall have a toast."

"I have never sampled wine, Your Majesty and know not what is a toast," Elisse admitted.

"Well," the King observed, "tonight is the first of many unexpected things, to which you enjoying our fine wine shall be added."

"Elisse, dear," the Queen cautioned, giving her husband a disapproving look, "the King has been overly enthusiastic in his recommendation of the wine. It is an intoxicating beverage and, for one who has no experience, can cause more ill than good. Try but a taste, until you become accustomed to its influence."

"Thank you, your Majesty, I shall follow your advice."

Elisse picked up one of the carafes and filled the King's goblet, then the Queens, pouring only a small amount for herself and the Princess.

The King raised his glass and proposed, "to Princess Charlene, may the magic truly bring her a happy ending, as the fairies have promised."

The King took a drink, as did the Queen. Mindful of the warning, Elisse and the Princess took small sips and both made faces.

"Wine takes some getting used to," admitted the King, "try it with food and you will find it more to your liking."

Elisse waited politely for the King and Queen to begin eating and noticed them tucking a linen cloth into their neck or, in the Queen's case, her bodice, and using a knife and fork, instead of their fingers. Although her mother had a large fork in the kitchen for holding hot food and a large carving knife for butchering, most of their meals were stew of some kind, eaten with a spoon. She did her best to copy their table manners. As the meal went on, she took small sips of the wine and did find that it went better with the food.

After having finished the meal, the King inquired of Elisse whether she had enjoyed it. She did not answer, resulting in a more urgent question.

"Elisse, is something wrong? You may speak freely."

Encouraged by the wine, Elisse answered, "your Majesty, the meal was better than any which I have ever had and I am most grateful to share your table, but," she paused.

"But what Elisse? Do go on."

"It is just, well, it is just that you have so much and there are those in the village who send their children to bed hungry."

The King rose and said angrily, "why have I not been told of such conditions in my kingdom! How can this be that there are those who go without" he questioned, "and what kind of King must I be to have cared more for the affairs of state than the condition of my subjects?" Trying to understand, he asked Elisse, "why is it that the men do not work and earn a living for their families?"

"Your, Majesty, not all are able," she explained. "Some have been injured, others have been unlucky. I know them, your Majesty, they are good, hardworking people who want little for themselves and suffer greatly. Thom the woodcutter struck his leg with an axe and the wound has festered. He will most likely die of it and his wife and children will be forced to beg or worse. My father is charitable and gives what he can, outworn clothes from his customers that he has mended, and my mother gives food, when there is some to spare, but it is not enough. Thom is but one of many in need." Pausing and looking sadly at the King, Elisse apologized, "I hope that you do not find me to be disrespectful, your Majesty. I know only of my one village, which is of little importance compared to the many over which you rule."

Looking across the table, the King saw that Elisse's concern for her fellow villagers had brought sympathetic tears to the Queen and the Princess.

The King shook his head.

"Elisse, you need not be concerned. It is my advisors who I shall take to task." Turning to the Queen, the King agreed, "there is indeed more to the fairies' enchantment then meets the eye, Charlotte, for I am now convinced that you are right in believing Elisse has come to us through no accident. The Princess has already brought good fortune to the kingdom by her selection of a companion and I am now satisfied that this is but the start of the happy ending to come."

The Queen smiled and nodded her concurrence.

"I would set things right," the King continued, "but cannot trust those of my Court to put the needs of others who are less fortunate before their own comfort. There is but one in whom I have complete confidence, my Queen, and so I commission you to do what is necessary to provide for the common welfare of my subjects. Woman's work for sure." Then the King broke into a broad smile and clapped his hands together, announcing, "I have just the estate of a particular baron to serve as the royal asylum for the sick and poor. He will be most anxious to keep his title and his head in exchange for contributing to such a worthy cause." Turning to Elisse, the King asked her, "I assume that you would have no qualms about such an arrangement?"

"I know not of qualms," Your Majesty, "but I would not have done to him what I would not want done to me. Instead, should not the people build their own estate and by so doing be employed and have pride in what they have done in your name?"

The King looked vexed.

"Charlotte, this young woman is impossible. First she pains my conscience and now rightly chastises me for abusing my power."

Elisse gave the Queen a frightened look, who shook her head and smiled reassuringly, knowing her husband's sense of humor.

"I order her to leave immediately with the Princess and not to return until tomorrow night, as I believe that there is a promise made earlier that needs to be kept. Goodnight Princess Charlene and Elisse. You both have my approval and my affection."

The Queen looked lovingly at her husband and, catching his eye, gave him a romantic look that left little question that she was prepared to make up for lost time, which, being a dozen years, would occupy them until morning.

The Princess and Elisse returned to their apartment, where they got ready for bed, Elisse supervising the Princess as she disrobed, neatly folding the dress and petticoats, then herself undressing, until both were in their pantaloons and camisoles. Elisse then showed the Princess the nighttime beauty routine, cleansing her face of the cosmetics the Queen had applied and brushing her hair until it shone.

"Goodnight, your Highness," Elisse said softly, picking up a candlestick to light the way to her room.

"Elisee, please stay with me," the Princess requested.

"You do not wish to sleep alone, your Highness?"

"I have slept alone for as long as I can remember. I am so pleased with you, I do not wish for you to go."

"I do not know if it is proper for me to sleep with you, your Highness."

"Do you sleep alone at home, Elisse?"

"No, Your Highness, I share a bed with my two younger sisters."

"Then is it because I am a boy that you will not sleep with me?"

"No, Your Highness, it is because you are a Princess."

"May I not be your sister, Elisse? I would like that greatly. I could command you, you know," the Princess said petulantly.

"Yes, Your Highness, you could, but sisters do not command each other."

"Nor I you, Elisse."

"Into bed then little sister and make room for me."

The Prince Bride - Chapters 8 & 9
By Missy Crystal

Prince Charles was heir to the throne. At his christening, three of the four fairy protectors of the Kingdom (the kind with wings and wands) appeared to give him the customary blessings for a future king. The fourth fairy sister, arriving late from partying all night with the elves, mistakenly believes the baby is a girl and gives her the blessing of being a happy bride. Can the fairy magic be undone? Will the prince grow up to be a queen of one kind or another? Read the story and find out.

Chapter 8. True Love

Under the influence of the magic and with the guidance of Elisse, Princess Charlene blossomed. Even the most critical ladies of the court could find no fault about which to gossip and all else were captivated by her grace, poise and charm. As she enjoyed meeting foreign visitors, practicing her languages with them and learning about their countries, word of the beautiful princess spread quickly. In return, inquiries came from other kingdoms seeking alliances by marriage. All were politely declined by King Henry, who professed that the Princess was too young for consideration of such proposals.

One morning, as the Princess' sixteenth birthday approached, she remained in her apartment, instead of going to the library. Elisse, who would not relinquish her domestic duties and passed the time while the Princess read by housekeeping, expressed her concern.

"Is something wrong, Princess? Are you ill?"

"No, Elisse," the Princess assured her as she sat down on the settee and arranged her skirt, "all is quite well, but I wish to speak with you and so have tarried. Please come and sit by me."

Curious as to what could be of such importance that it would keep the Princess from her usual routine, Elisse joined her.

"Dear Elisse," the Princess began, holding out a red velvet covered box, "I have a gift for you."

"Your Highness, please, it is not necessary."

"Of course it is not necessary, Elisse," the Princess agreed with a smile. "If I was obliged to do it, then it would not be a gift. Besides," the Princess reasoned with her, "it is not for your pleasure that I do this, but for mine. Would you be so cruel as to deny me?" the Princess added with mock sadness.

"I have taught you too well the feminine arts, your Highness," Elisse conceded, shaking her head. "You know I can deny you nothing."

"Then open the box Elisse," the Princess said eagerly, holding it out to her.

Removing the lid, Elisse saw a gold chain with a flower pendant, the petals of which held a pearl. She immediately recognized it as the one that had come from the jewelry box on the night she had first dressed the Princess.

"Your Highness, please, I cannot accept this," Elisse protested. "It was a gift to the Queen from her mother, as it was a gift from your mother to you and as you must give it to your own daughter."

"Elisse, what you saw when I first undressed before you has not changed," the Princess reminded her. "I shall never have a daughter. It is you on whom I must depend to provide me with nieces and nephews, a task too long postponed on my account. We each have our magic which must take its course. Mine is to be a bride and yours, the greater, to be a mother. There is in that regard, I believe, a handsome young lieutenant who is quite taken with you."

"Please, Your Highness, do not send me away."

"Send you away, Elisse? As the pearl in the pendant is clasped by the petals of the flower, so you are the pearl held forever in my heart," the Princess comforted her. "Not a day goes by that I do not have occasion to ask myself what Elisse would do if she were I. You are, of course, to remain here in the palace and, for that reason, I have another gift. As you know, the Queen moved to these quarters when the King took me away from her. As she has returned to him, so I wish to be closer to them. These rooms are now yours. Your bedroom should make a most convenient nursery."

Elisse could find no argument to contradict the Princess' decision and so her eyes filled with tears. The Princess moved to tears herself, put her arms around her constant companion and best friend and the two shared the tender moment. When each had exhausted their emotions, they separated.

"Although I am reminded that sisters do not command sisters Elisse, there is one order to which I believe you will not object. Upon my departure, you are to invite Lieutenant Ulrich in and obtain a proposal. I shall be quite cross if you are not betrothed on my return," the Princess pretended to admonish her."

"I am your obedient servant," Your Highness," Elisse retorted, "but may I have your permission to wait on my royal commission of motherhood until after the wedding?"

Both girls broke into laughter and hugged each other. The Princess then went out, leaving the door open

"Lieutenant Ulrich, would you please come here," Elisse called to him.

The Lieutenant responded immediately. Ever vigilant when it came to the Princess and Elisse, he looked around suspiciously, hand on his sword. Seeing no danger, he stood to attention, awaiting his orders.

"If I was in distress, Ulrich, would you come for me?" Elisse asked, addressing him informally.

"Were we separated by a convention of dragons, my lady, they would be in peril for their lives, need I reach you."

"I see no dragons, Ulrich. Might we attempt my rescue without them?"

"Are you in danger, Lady Elisse?"

"Yes, Ulrich, for my heart has been taken captive and only you can free it. As I recall, you were most awkward when you first met the Princess. Perhaps this would be a good opportunity for you to practice kneeling, do you think not?"

"Yes, my Lady, I could think of none better."

Ulrich placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, tilting it backwards and got to his knees, looking up at Elisse.

"Elisse, I have loved you since I first saw you and would have you as my wife, if you would accept me."

"And I, dear Ulrich, would have none but you for my husband. Luckily, the dragons are still absent, so you may kiss me without interference."

Ulrich rose and took Elisse in his strong arms. Bending down while she stood on her toes, their lips met.

The King and Queen were delighted with the news of Elisse's engagement to Ulrich. They offered the couple a royal wedding, but, true to their natures, they preferred a private service with only their families in attendance. On their wedding day, all were present in the royal chapel. The Archbishop entered and proceeded to the altar. When his preparations were completed, he signaled to the orchestra. There was a blare of trumpets, announcing the entrance of the royal family. As Ulrich was a Royal Guard, the King had chosen to wear his own military uniform, a red tunic with two rows of gold buttons, festooned with gold braid, black trousers with a gold stripe and polished black boots. On his head was a gold crown set with gems that glittered in the light from the hundreds of candles which brightly lit the room. The Queen was elegantly attired in an emerald green long sleeved dress with a full skirt ballooned out by a half a dozen petticoats. The low cut bodice was embroidered with gold thread in an intricate floral design and displayed on her neck, ears, wrists and fingers were literally the crown jewels. On her head she wore a gem studded coronet. It was the Princess, however, who captured everyone's attention with her natural beauty as she demurely followed behind her mother and father. She had chosen a dress in a light green which coordinated with her mother's, but was more understated. The bodice was higher and fitted tightly with gold laces, complimenting her figure. Her long, wavy blonde hair cascaded around her shoulders and was set off by a plain gold tiara.

The men knelt and the ladies curtseyed as the King, Queen and Princess passed by on their way to the dais behind the altar, where they seated themselves on gilded thrones upholstered in purple. The King nodded to the orchestra, which stuck up a military air. All eyes turned to the door from which the royal family had entered, as the traditional approach to the altar from the rear of the chapel was prevented by the need for the guests to face the King while in his presence. Ulrich marched in, knelt when he came before the King, stood and saluted, as the King was also his commander-in-chief, and took his place beside the altar. All eyes turned back to the door, as the band began the traditional wedding processional. There was a chorus of oohs and ahhs from all assembled, as Elisse appeared. Her dress, designed and lovingly sewn by her father, was made entirely of white lace, yards and yards of the fabulously expensive fabric made into a voluminous skirt which swirled in a cloud of petticoats atop which was a fitted bodice with a high neck and long sleeves. Her head and face were covered with a traditional white lace veil, secured by a wreath of white flowers and in her clasped hands she carried a bridal bouquet. Elisse had not wanted such an elaborate gown, but the Princess insisted that she would not be married in any dress, but the one Elisse had worn, insuring that it would be fit for a princess. As usual, the Princess got her way, although, in truth, it was a concession that all brides would gladly make.

Once she arrived at the altar, Elisse took her place beside Ulrich and the service began. Each plighted their troth and Ulrich slipped a plain gold band on Elisse's finger. The Queen had also offered to commission a fine ring as a wedding gift, but on that Elisse had her way, despite the Princess' cajoling.

"While my dress we may share, little sister," Elisse gently chided the Princess, "my wedding ring shall not part from my finger."

The ceremony concluded with the Archbishop placing Elisse's hand in Ulrich's, symbolizing their union. Ulrich then turned, lifted his wife's veil, and tenderly gave her the first of a lifetime of kisses. The orchestra resumed the wedding processional and the newlyweds exited, stopping on their way to pay their respect to the King. Once they had gone, the King rose and addressed the guests. "Although Elisse and Ulrich would not accept our offer to make them a royal wedding, they cannot deny my hospitality," he announced jovially, "and so, you are all invited to a reception in their honor. The pages will direct you to the hall." The King then extended his arm to the Queen and escorted her out, the Princess following behind them.

Once the royal family had left, the guests were led to a large hall, down the center of which was a gigantic table that could seat dozens, but was set for the number of guests. At the head of the table was an elaborate chair on either side of which was a smaller ornate chair, the right slightly larger than the left. At the other end of the table were two other chairs of more importance than the rest, each with a white cushion and decorated with white ribbons, the seats of honor for the newly wed couple. All stood in attendance on their majesties entrance, which was heralded by the trumpets. The men knelt and the women curtseyed as the royal procession took their places. The King then gestured for all to rise.

"Although our time at court is filled with ceremonies, none pleases us more than the celebration of the marriage of two who have served us faithfully and whom we hold in great regard. In their honor, you are today relieved of all formality. Please be seated and enjoy your meal."

The King then sat, but the guests hesitated, giving the Queen occasion to speak.

"It is most difficult for us to enjoy our dinner, if the guests stand while we eat, and the offense shall be in your disregard of our invitation to join us, by which the service of our meal will be delayed. My husband can be quite cross with those who have caused his food to cool, and so I advise you, for your own good, to sit," the Queen said with a smile, to put the guests at ease.

All took their seats. The King then gestured and a convoy of waiters made their way to the table bearing platters of roasted lamb, beef, fowl and fish, bowls of steaming vegetables, loaves of freshly baked bread with tubs of creamy butter, trays with an assortment of savory cheeses and carafes of the finest wine in the kingdom. When all of the goblets were filled, the King stood and raised his, the guests quickly following.

"I propose a toast to the bride and groom. May Ulrich and Elisse live a long and happy life filled with the joys and blessings of marriage." Still holding his goblet aloft, he continued, "and to their mothers and fathers, by whom they were raised, our gratitude, for they please us well."

The King then signaled to the orchestra, which commenced a traditional romantic tune, upon which cue, Ulrich and Elisse made their entrance. Ulrich still wore his uniform, but Elisse had changed into a more modest white dress, to protect her bridal gown from distress during the meal, as it was yet to attend a royal wedding. The couple walked slowly, arm in arm, to the end of the table, the King completing his toast upon their arrival at the place of honor.

"To Ulrich and Elisse," he repeated, taking a swallow of wine.

"Long life and happiness," all echoed, drinking a libation.

The King seated himself and motioned for all to follow. His plate was filled and the banquet began. The children, used to the small portions and the limited fare of their frugal parents, sampled all before them, expecting that never again in their lives would they have such a feast, and royal belly aches were guaranteed by the assortment of pies, pastries and confections which followed. Their parents, although recognizing the consequences of their offspring's gluttony, indulged them, both in deference to the King and in recognition that, indeed, it was a once in a lifetime occurrence. When all had eaten to bursting, the King again rose, the guests struggling to their feet in response.

"A wedding celebration would not be complete without gifts, and so it pleases us to bestow upon the bride and groom these tokens."

The Queen then stood up.

"Elisse, might I have your presence," she requested.

Elisse came forward and curtseyed.

"When you first entered the service of Princess Charlene, you were given a symbol of your authority which now needs to be returned."

Elisse understood that the Queen meant the ring with the royal coat of arms on the gold chain which she wore. Although she had never removed it, her duty as a wife would conflict with her commitment solely to the princess and so it was proper for her to relinquish it. She reached behind her neck, unfastened the chain and handed the necklace to the Queen.

Smiling, the Queen then produced a small purple velvet covered box. Opening it, she explained to Elisse, "Although the necklace served its purpose, such jewelry may prove tempting to tiny hands when dangled over a cradle."

Elisse blushed and looked over to the Princess, who returned a nod and smile.

"Please accept this replacement," the Queen said, opening the box, removing a brooch and holding it for Elisse to examine.

In deference to Elisse's taste, it was of simple design, a miniature gold shield with the royal coat of arms intricately inlaid in silver. Elisse's eyes were filled with tears by the renewed expression of royal confidence and confirmation of her continued service to the Princess. The Queen stepped forward and pinned it on Elisse's dress, appropriately above her heart. Elisse returned to her seat to a round of applause, her family filled with pride at the award of such an honor.

The King then rose.

"Lieutenant Ulrich, front and center," he ordered.

Ulrich came forward and knelt.

The King beckoned and a long polished wood box with fancy gilt fittings was brought to him. Opening the box, he withdrew a sword.

"Your dedication as protector of the Princess has been commendable, Lieutenant Ulrich, but for such a duty, not any blade will do."

The King motioned for Ulrich to stand and when upright, handed him the sword. As would any soldier, Ulrich admired a finely crafted weapon and even a cursory look showed this to be the finest he had ever seen. The scabbard was of tooled black leather and the tip was capped with a gold dragon. The hilt was covered in matching black leather, bound with gold wire, and the guard continued the dragon design, the gilded tail extending across the bottom of the hilt to form the cross guard and the body extending up the hilt, the head and mouth curved backward, to form a hand guard. It was the pommel, however, from which Ulrich could not take his eye, as inset into its flat gold top was the same royal coat of arms bestowed upon Elisse. Since Elisse was seated behind him, he could not turn to look at her, but he was sure the dragons were her design and, had he been able to do so, he would have seen that she had a smile which, were it any wider, would have done damage to her cheeks.

"I take it that you find the sword acceptable," the King asked casually, full knowing the answer from Ulrich's expression. "You may speak."

"Your Majesty," Ulrich replied with humility and uncharacteristic eloquence, "I would guard the Princess with a wooden stave, should it come to that, and give my life in her service, for which duty I need no encouragement or reward; but wielding this weapon it will ne'er come to that, for I shall have no match, much to the pleasure of my bride, who seems to favor my return. I am greatly honored."

"Well said, Lieutenant Ulrich. It has been my observation that a husband should have authority equal to his wife and so you too are permitted to display the royal coat of arms, as is she; but it has also been my observation," the King counseled, turning to look at the Queen, "that discretion in its exercise is necessary, should you wish to produce a goodly supply of heirs."

The Queen, understanding her husband's reference to his insistence on carrying out his plan for thwarting the magic and their resulting separation, nodded her agreement at his deference. The adults in the audience smiled knowingly at the King's sage marital advice.

"Might I have the sword for a moment, Lieutenant," asked the King, although such a request was one not to be denied.

Ulrich knelt and offered up the sword across his two hands, which the King accepted. Drawing the sword from its scabbard, something only he could do, as it was a capital offense to unsheath a weapon inside the palace, he held the polished blade aloft, then gently brought it down, first on Ulrich's left shoulder then on his right.

"Arise, Sir Ulrich."

Although steadfast in battle, Ulrich could not mobilize his legs to stand. The King patiently waited while Ulrich composed himself and, finally regaining his strength, he got to his feet.

"You are Elisse's knight, of that there is no doubt, and she should have none less."

He returned the sword to its scabbard and replaced it in its box, closing the lid. He handed the box to Ulirch and, looking to the end of the table, the King told him, "I believe that there is a beautiful young woman waiting to bestow a kiss, who, for both your sakes, should not be kept waiting. You are dismissed."

Ulrich saluted, wheeled around and marched to his bride, carefully placing the fabulous gift on the table before her. Taking her in his arms, he accepted the expression of her affection and pride for an exceedingly long time, to the great enjoyment and eventual applause of their families.

Chapter 9. Love and Marriage.

At the end of the evening, the newlyweds were sent off with the customary congratulations and well wishes, farewells were said and the rest of the guests departed. The King and Queen retired and, when in bed, recounted the celebration.

"I do so enjoy weddings," the Queen commented. "They are such happy occasions."

"Yes, dear," the King agreed, "and, speaking of weddings, you know that Charlene is now of age. I cannot keep putting off the proposals from neighboring kingdoms. It is time I selected a prince for her to marry."

"Do you think that is wise, Henry? Charlene is quite headstrong and I do expect she will want to select her own husband. Nor do I think it prudent for us to intervene, as the spell appears to find its own direction."

"Perhaps you are right, dear," the King acknowledged, "but how then is she to meet her prince? Our marriage was arranged and it has been most satisfactory."

"Most satisfactory, Henry, after all of these years? That is how one refers to a meal, not a wife. Am I no more than that?" the Queen challenged her husband.

"Oh, for heaven's sake, Charlotte, I did not mean that you were most satisfactory. I mean, well, of course you are most satisfactory. I mean, you're more than most satisfactory," the King sputtered. "I love you. If I quested my whole life, I could find none better. I was only trying to say that there was nothing wrong with our parents making the choice for us. Are you not pleased?"

"You recovered well, my love," the Queen relented, snuggling close and giving her husband a kiss on the cheek. "Indeed, I am pleased, but my pleasure is of no importance. It is the magic with which I am concerned. What if your choice is not its choice? Might it not dispose of the prince in some dire way to make things right, as the fairies warned us can happen when a spell is contradicted? Dare we risk it?"

"Your intuition has been good," the King acknowledge, "and I have no reason to doubt it now, but how then is the princess to find a husband? Shall we wait for the magic to bring her one? What if we are wrong and none come? How then will she be a bride?"

"There may be a way," the Queen suggested, "for I believe that it is the end, not the means, of which we must be careful. So long as the choice is Charlene's to make, we may offer her suitable princes to consider. I think a grand ball, to which those who wish to court her are invited, would do. If all who are eligible are there, then surely the enchantment will do the rest."

"It is a good plan indeed, Charlotte, for I suppose that, under the circumstances, her being a bride is more important than the diplomacy of who she marries. Please make the arrangements, although there is one matter of concern to me."

"What is that, Henry?" the Queen inquired.

"Charlene is a perfect daughter, so much so that it has been many years since I gave thought to her true nature. Although we have always assumed that she would marry a prince, how do we know for certain that her taste, well, given that she was born a boy, that she is interested in men? I have never seen her show any such interest, although perhaps it is something a girl confides to her mother. Has she?

"No," the Queen replied, "she has not."

"Would it not then be an embarrassment to invite the princes and send them all away, if Charlene is not of that mind? Should you not inquire before we do so?"

"Me, Henry?" the Queen asked with dismay. "I was innocent when I came to you and know only how to please my husband. Might we not find a woman of experience to advise the Princess in that which wins a young man's heart and in so doing discover her romantic preference."

"Charlotte, have you lost your senses? You want Charlene to consort with a common prostitute? I will not hear of such a thing," the King objected.

"Really, Henry, of course not. I meant a lady of the Court, one of good family and breeding, but who, well, I have heard rumors of such things, is generous with her affection and, to retain her station, would be discreet. Do you not know of such a woman, dear?"

"Me, Charlotte? I too must protest. Although, in truth, I cannot claim innocence on our wedding night, I have kept my marriage vow and there has been none other, even during our years of separation."

"I am sorry, Henry dear," the Queen apologized, "for I meant it not as it sounded, but only that men speak more openly about their affairs then women and so thought that you would be privy to such conversations."

"Perhaps amongst themselves the men of the Court so boast, but my disdain for such ungentlemanly behavior is no secret and so they avoid discussing their amorous exploits in my presence for fear of incurring my displeasure."

"Well, then, Henry, it would seem that it is I who must find a suitable instructress for the princess and so I shall inquire. For now, dear," the Queen whispered provocatively in the King's ear as she slid her hand under his nightshirt, "I believe a reward for your fidelity is in order."

TO BE CONTINUED

The Prince Bride - Chapters 11 & 12
By Missy Crystal

Prince Charles was heir to the throne. At his christening, three of the four fairy protectors of the Kingdom (the kind with wings and wands) appeared to give him the customary blessings for a future king. The fourth fairy sister, arriving late from partying all night with the elves, mistakenly believes the baby is a girl and gives her the blessing of being a happy bride. Can the fairy magic be undone? Will the prince grow up to be a queen of one kind or another? Read the story and find out.

Chapter 11. Lady Marlyne

The next morning, the Queen began her search by questioning the servants, who she expected would know the palace gossip. Indeed, with her royal assurance of confidentiality, they were eager to tattle, leading her to conclude that promiscuity was the favorite pastime of the court. Only one woman, however, was consistently mentioned as having the unusual combination of popularity and respect, and so the Queen sent for her.

Lady Marlyne was in her dressing gown, considering which of her admirers' dinner invitations to accept, when a maid brought her a note that had just been delivered by a messenger. One more boring offer to wine her, dine her and do her she thought as she began to open it. Then she recognized the royal seal. She reasoned that it would have been brought by a guard, were it to take her to task for some transgression, so it must be of a social nature. Breaking the seal and unfolding the paper, she read: HRH Queen Charlotte requests your presence in her chambers at 1 of the clock this afternoon. Recalling that she had just heard the tower bell strike eleven, she ran to her closet to find a dress for the occasion.

"No, no, no," Lady Marlyne conversed with herself while searching her wardrobe, "none of these will do for an audience with the Queen. Have I no purpose for dressing, but to arouse the passion of men? What will she think of me, if I go with my tits hanging out like a cow? The note was delivered and so she will be told. Therefore, I must keep the appointment. Oh well, I will have to make do. Perhaps, ah yes, a blouse under the dress will serve to cover me. Do I have something demure? I think not. Wait. Yes, yes, yes!" she exclaimed elatedly, rummaging through her wash basket and holding up a white linen long sleeved man's shirt with a ruffled jabot. "How convenient," she mused, "that he could not retain his passion until unclothed." Putting on the shirt and the dress over it, which covered the stain her lover would not have wanted his wife to find, she looked in the mirror, turning side to side. "Most attractive," she complimented herself, fussing with the jabot. "I may start a fashion trend."

Lady Marlyne spent the remainder of the morning coifing her hair and applying her makeup, much more sparingly than if her rendezvous was with a man. When she was satisfied with her appearance, she gave her face a few finishing touches with the powder puff, dabbed on some scent and departed. As it was some distance, she wanted to leave herself plenty of time, lest she keep the Queen waiting, an offense not worth risking. Approaching the royal reception hall, she heard the tower bell strike one o'clock. Upon entering the hall, Lady Marlyne crossed the large, opulently decorated room, obviously intended to impress visitors, and stood before a secretary impeccably dressed in royal livery seated in an ornately carved high backed chair behind an exquisite gilded desk. He examined the invitation, beckoned for a page and directed him to escort Lady Marlyne to the Queen's quarters. Accompanied by the page, Lady Marlyne passed through an opening in front of which two royal guards were stationed and followed him down a long corridor, making a number of turns, until they reached a heavy wooden door with ornate polished brass fittings. The page knocked and the door opened. To her surprise, it was the Queen herself who was standing before her. The page bowed low and backed away until he was out of sight.

"Lady Marlyne," the Queen greeted her cordially, "it was so good of you to come on such short notice. I hope that I have not inconvenienced you?"

The question was purely rhetorical, for none would admit to being put out by a royal invitation.

"Not at all, your Highness. To be summoned to attend the Queen at any time is an honor," Lady Marlyne replied tactfully as she dropped into a deep curtsey.

The Queen nodded her acceptance of the compliment, bid Lady Marlyne rise and motioned towards a luxurious pale green silk upholstered settee, before which was set an engraved silver tea service on a low gilded table which also held an elaborately worked silver three tiered stand piled high with delicious looking pastries and confections.

"Please do come and sit, for I wish to speak with you about a matter of great importance. Would you care for some refreshment?"

Lady Marlyne was frozen by the Queen's invitation to socialize like equals.

"My dear Marlyne," the Queen reassured her, "please do not stand," the Queen smiled at her play on words, "on ceremony. In public, respect is accorded and enforced. In private it is tedious. Do join me."

The Queen went over and sat on the settee, arranging her skirt and patting the cushion next to her. Lady Marlyne followed and stood beside the small table.

"Your Highness is most gracious. If I need not observe the usual formalities, then may I at least serve you tea?" Lady Marlyne asked politely.

"Yes, you may," the Queen agreed.

"How does you Highness prefer her tea and would she care for something to eat?" Lady Marlyne inquired, pouring a small amount of the strongly brewed tea from the tea pot into a white china cup with a delicate floral design and adding hot water from a heated kettle on a stand.

Once the social amenities had been observed, the Queen spoke what was on her mind.

"Lady Marlyne, I have chosen you for a very delicate matter, because of your," the Queen paused, "unique qualifications."

Lady Marlyne looked at the Queen, shrugged and replied, "you need a woman of loose morals?"

Although she expected to be rebuked for her candor, instead the Queen said pleasantly, "no, Marlyne. From what I have heard, the Court is full of those. I need a woman who can keep a secret. If have misjudged you in that regard, you are free to go and nothing will be said of our meeting, you have my word."

"And you have mine," your Highness.

"Very well then, but be assured that your life is forfeit, should you reveal what I am about to tell you, regardless of the reason or excuse. Given the penalty, you may wish to reconsider and I will not think less of you, for none should be commanded to accept such a responsibility."

"Should I betray your confidence, I would deserve no less," your Highness. "Please continue."

The Queen nodded her satisfaction and explained, "many years ago, when Prince Charles was born, there was an unfortunate mistake which has caused the King and me great anguish as his parents. You have seen the Princess, have you not?"

"Yes, on many occasions. She is a most beautiful and charming young lady."

"She is a most beautiful and charming young man," the Queen corrected her.

"Your Highness is testing me?" Lady Marlyne questioned. "I have seen young men who, for amusement or pleasure, transform themselves into females. As convincing as they may be, they cannot compare to the Princess."

"Yes," the Queen agreed, "except when fairy magic is involved. It would be best if I told you the whole story."

The Queen then proceeded to explain the confused blessing, the King's futile effort to prevent its influence and their concern for the wellbeing of both the Princess and the Kingdom, should the enchantment not be fulfilled.

Lady Marlyne listened attentively and, when the Queen had finished, replied, "I am deeply sorry, your Highness, for it is indeed an unfortunate state of affairs, but I do not see how I can be of assistance."

"In fact," the Queen said with a smile, turning Lady Marlyne's words around, "it is exactly your assistance with an affair of state that we require. For the Princess to become a bride and fulfill the enchantment, she must wed a prince. Normally, her marriage would be arranged by the King, but the fairies warned us that the magic chooses its own means to its end. It cares naught for our politics and, if the King was to choose wrongly, whatever corrective action the magic might take could be dire, even deadly. We dare not risk it. Instead, we have decided to hold a grand ball to which all of the eligible princes from the neighboring kingdoms will be invited. The Princess will select one of them for her husband, which choice, we hope, will be as the magic intends."

"That seems like a good plan," Lady Marlyne agreed, "but I still do not see how I can be of assistance."

"We," the Queen hesitated, "well to be frank, we don't know if the Princess likes men, since she was born male. She has shown no inclination in that regard and we hoped that someone with your experience might determine her preference."

Lady Marlyne had respectfully averted her eyes during their conversation. Gathering her courage, she turned to face the Queen, to be sure that there was no misunderstanding as to her assignment. "You wish me to consort with the Princess?"

Queen Charlotte stood and said softly, "For the Princess' sake and that of the Kingdom, I need to know whether she would be receptive to a prince as a suitor. Please spare me the details."

"I am your obedient servant," Lady Marlyne replied with a curtsey.

"No," the Queen said, motioning her to rise. "I have more than enough servants. You are my confidant, Countess Marlyne."

It took a moment for the Queen's words to register. Her eyes went wide.

"If it please your Highness, I need no reward for my service.

The Queen shook her head and said with a smile, "it would not be proper for me to send someone of lesser estate. I will inform the Princess that the Countess Marylyne will call on her at seven this evening and you shall report back to me tomorrow morning. You have my leave."

Her sincere protest having been dismissed, Lady, now Countess, Marlyne, knew better than to persist. She curtseyed once more, backed to the door and opened it. The guards came to attention as she exited and one of them fell in beside her, as a stranger was not allowed to roam the corridors unattended. Upon reaching the doorway to the reception hall, the guard came to a halt and did an about face.

Chapter 12. Husbands and Lovers.

Countess Marlyne hurried from the Palace and returned to her apartment. Once inside, she began her preparations. Browsing through her wardrobe, she picked out a revealing dress that men found enticing, although she doubted that the Princess would have the same fondness for breasts, since she had her own. Then again, they were not hers by nature, but by magic, so perhaps there was a difference. In a few hours, she would know the answer.

Laying the dress across her bed, the Countess called for her maid and directed her to bring hot water. The maid returned with a copper kettle and emptied it into the white porcelain washbowl on the washstand, tempering it with water from the companion ewer. After satisfying herself that she would not offend, the Countess opened a chest and picked out her finest undergarments of white linen, trimmed in eyelet lace and gathered at the waist, leg and arm openings with pink ribbon. White stockings with pink ribbon ties and black leather shoes with silver buckles completed her ensemble. With the assistance of her maid, Countess Marlyne dressed and then sat at her dressing table, where she carefully applied her makeup and did up her hair, securing it with two silver and tortoise shell combs. Looking through her jewelry box, she selected a gold link chain with a sparkling pendant which nestled just above her exposed cleavage. Standing, she surveyed herself in the mirror and gave a nod of approval.

By the time the Countess finished her preparation, the sun was setting. After a final primp, she found a purse, dabbed on some floral scent from a glass vial, replaced the stopper, put the vial in her purse, took a cloak, both for modesty in traveling and warmth against the chill night air, and left for her appointment. She heard the tower bell ring six as she crossed the courtyard. Walking slowly, so as not to arrive disheveled, she still reached the royal reception hall with time to spare. Familiar with the procedure from her audience with the Queen that morning, she presented herself to the secretary.

"Lady," she paused to correct herself, "Countess Marylyne. I have an audience with Her Royal Highness Princess Charlene."

The secretary politely asked her to take a seat. She selected a richly upholstered side chair and waited patiently. On the first stroke of seven, the secretary called for a page to escort her. She stood and, asserting her feminine prerogative, kept him waiting while she disciplined her dress, tugging, smoothing and adjusting, until she was satisfied. She then nodded to indicate her readiness and they set off. Upon arriving at the Princess' apartment, the page knocked on the door. As the servants had been dismissed to insure privacy, it was the Princess who greeted her. The page paid his respect with a deep bow and withdrew.

Although Countess Marlyne had seen the Princess numerous times at court, it was always from a distance. In her presence, she was taken by the Princess' beauty. Her flawless face was framed by a cascade of blonde curls which fell to her shoulders. Her figure, although more girlish than womanly, in keeping with her age, was perfectly proportioned and unmistakably feminine. All together, there was an alluring air of innocence about the Princess that made her both demure and desirable. There was no doubt in Countess Marlyne's mind that any man to whom the Princess was introduced could not help but fall in love with her at first sight. The confusion that such magical charm would cause for a boy being raised as a girl explained why the Princess had been kept away from men.

The Countess' preoccupation with the Princess' appearance was interrupted by a soft, gentle voice politely reminding her that she was still standing in the doorway.

"Countess Marlyne, might you not find it more comfortable to visit with me inside?" the Princess asked.

Countess Marlyne entered and the Princess extended her hand, directing the Countess' attention to a table set for diner.

"Please, do dine with me." Then with a small exclamation of dismay, the Princess apologized, "Oh dear, I hope you have not supped. Mother did not say whether you were expecting a meal. I have had the kitchen prepare a variety of foods you may enjoy and there is some most delicious wine from the royal vineyards. It is made just for my father and he is quite partial to it," she said with a girlish giggle. "There are sweets too, quite delicious."

The Countess could not refuse a royal invitation, even if she was not hungry, which she was, having forgotten about eating in her preparation for the evening.

"I would be pleased to accept your hospitality, your Highness," the Countess replied, walking to the table and standing by a chair, courteously waiting.

The Princess joined her at the table. After the Princess sat down, the Countess seated herself. The Princess selected small portions of the fish and fowl, a few spoonfuls of vegetables and a slice of bread. She filled her goblet with wine from a carafe. The Countess did the same. Watching the Princess as she took dainty bites and small sips, dabbing her mouth frequently with the corner of her napkin, the Countess remarked to herself that by her manners too, she was unquestionably feminine. It was the Princess who initiated the conversation.

"Mother has told me that you have many suitors. How to be familiar with a man is a part of my education that has been lacking, although through no fault of mine," the Princess stated with a pretty pout. "Do you know, Countess Marlyne, that there are no books on the subject? But you will tell me, won't you? That is why you have come, is it not?"

"In part to tutor you, yes, your Highness, and in part to discern your feelings on the subject," the Countess replied candidly.

"How is it that you have found none of your many suitors suitable?" the Princess asked naively, with a tiny giggle at her wordplay.

"The Queen was overly complimentary, your Highness. The men are not my suitors, but my lovers. Most are already married or have commitments that prevent them from freely choosing a wife, even if I were to prefer one to another. As it is, each has some qualities which I find attractive, but one not more so than another.

"Why would these men seek your company when they have wives or are betrothed?" the Princess puzzled. "And why would you prefer the husbands of others to having one of your own? Do you not wish to have a family?"

"As to your first question, your Highness, it is customary that marriages are arranged for social or financial advantage, as your mother's was and yours would be, were it not for the enchantment. Once married, it is the wife's duty to bear her husband's children, but there is no need for her to take pleasure in it. To the contrary, innocence is considered proof of chastity, so mothers withhold knowledge from their daughters for fear that it may be taken for lack of virtue. When such naivety is brought to the marriage bed, often it is to the wife's relief that she submit to her husband no more than necessary to produce heirs. By her indifference, it is I who enjoy her husband's affection and generosity."

"I am fortunate indeed then to have your instruction, Countess Marlyne, so that my prince will be both husband and lover," the Princess said appreciatively.

"As to your second question," Countess Marlyne continued, "when I was young, I allowed myself to enjoy the company of a stable boy. By itself that indiscretion might have gone unnoticed, but my being with child could not. My father considered it a disgrace. When I gave birth, my baby was taken from me. I have never seen him," the Countess said regretfully. "I lost not just my child, but also my opportunity for marriage, for confidence in purity of the bloodline requires a virgin bride. My father, seeing no benefit to my continued support, sent me off to the palace as a lady in waiting. It was not long before the gentlemen of the Court noticed me. As there is not much to do, I found their company to be agreeable and so I pass the time."

"I am most grateful that you would share such a confidence with me, Countess Marlyne. I shall speak with my father. I am sure that with his resources he can find your son," the Princess said reassuringly.

"Please, your Highness, although your sympathy is appreciated, I comfort myself by believing that the baby suffered no misfortune on my account. The truth could mend or break my heart. Some wounds are best not reopened."

"As you wish, Countess Marlyne, and, by your disclosure, I believe you have answered my third question as well." Tactfully changing the subject, the Princess suggested, "let us repair to the settee and resume our conversation about being with a man. Do fill your goblet and come sit with me."

The Princess rose, seated herself and arranged her skirt. The Countess sat down next to her. Again, it was the Princess who spoke first.

"Although I have found no books on women, I have studied animal husbandry and have learned how to breed all manner of livestock. I assume the process by which babies are made involves the male mounting the female, although the writers seem to assume that from that point on the animals do not need direction. How is it that beasts know what I do not?"

The directness of the Princess' question and her casual reference to rutting animals caught the Countess off guard. She took a swallow of her wine to gain her composure and then answered.

"Creating babies requires no special knowledge, your Highness. For a woman, all that is necessary is for her to be docile and the man then does what is necessary by his nature, no different from the bull, the stallion and the ram." The Countess took another swallow of wine. "The question to which you seek the answer is not how to make a baby, but how to make love."

"Might you instruct me then, Countess? You will find that I am a most apt student. I speak six languages, seven if you count our own. I know of the history and geography of all the neighboring kingdoms, I can do sums and I have had many conversations with visiting philosophers and scholars."

"One can describe a piece of fruit by color, texture and whether it is sweet or tart, but to know the flavor of an apple, one must taste it. So too, the art of making love, your Highness, is not one that can be put into words. It must be experienced."

"Then might we try, Countess?" the Princess asked enthusiastically.

Taking the opportunity to carry out her commission, the Countess gave the Princess the choice of roles.

"Shall I be the man or the woman?"

"Since I am to be a bride and a bride is a woman, then you must play the part of my prince." The Princess pondered her decision for a moment and then equivocated, "unless, of course, you find such pretense to be disagreeable. Please do not acquiesce to such an intimate request by reason of obedience."

"I have no preference," the Countess assured the Princess.

"How shall we begin?"

"One begins, your Highness, by becoming acquainted. Nothing easily gained is greatly valued and so you must postpone physical intimacy, if you wish for love and not lust."

Countess Marlyne turned to the Princess. The Princess, most astute, took the cue, casting her eyes down and batting her long, silky eyelashes.

"Oh do, my dear prince, tell me of your country, for I have heard of the beautiful blue ocean on which your ships sail to distant lands. Have you ventured to sea?"

The Princess paused, raising her eyes, parting her lips in an encouraging smile and gazing at the Countess in seeming rapt anticipation of her response. To her surprise, Countess Marlyne found herself so charmed that she felt compelled to satisfy the Princess' curiosity. It took her a moment to realize that this was most likely the magic's influence and that, in fact, she knew nothing about the subject. She returned the smile.

"Well done," Lady Marlyne complimented the Princess. "Would that we had more time to practice romantic conversation, but we must accomplish in a night the lessons of a lifetime of courtship, or perhaps courtesanship, for, with all my experience, I have encouraged naught but indecent proposals. I am sure you will fare better."

The Princess' smile faded.

"You do yourself no service by such talk, Countess. Though I lack experience, it takes little to understand that she who seeks naught finds naught."

The Princess moved over and placed her arms around the Countess, gently comforting her. In response to her tender expression of affection, the Countess leaned forward and returned the embrace, their cheeks touching. As they untwined, their lips brushed and lingered. Drawing the Princess to her, the Countess surrendered to the most perfect kiss. When they finally parted, the Countess fell back in a near swoon, fanning herself with her hand.

"Oh dear," the Princess exclaimed in dismay. "Perhaps if I loosen your laces, you will regain your breath," she offered, innocently placing her hands against the Countess' bodice with the contrary result.

The Countess let out a low moan, which dissuaded the Princess from further unintentional erotic ministrations. Sitting back, she waited while the Countess recovered.

"You need no instruction from me, your Highness," the Countess complimented her. "The fairies' magic serves its purpose well. Were we to continue, I fear my heart could not bear our separation and I too would seek your hand."

The Princess' eyes went wide.

"Is such a thing possible?" she asked. "Can a woman marry another? Have I been mistaken in believing that I must wed a prince to be a bride?"

"No, your Highness. I spoke emotionally, not practically." The purpose of marriage is to secure the wife's fidelity, so that the husband's estate can pass with assurance to his legitimate heir. The union of two women would be fruitless in every sense."

The Princess looked serious as she considered the Countess' answer for a minute and then she nodded her understanding.

To lighten the conversation, the Countess jested, "And besides, were we to wed, I believe it is I who would naturally be the bride."

"Then the ceremony would be most confusing," the Princess retorted, "for my wedding dress has already been fashioned." My companion Elisse wore it for her nuptials and, by my argument to persuade her, so too shall I be wed in it.

Both women broke into laughter.

TO BE CONTINUED

The Prince Bride - Chapters 13 & 14.
By Missy Crystal

Prince Charles was heir to the throne. At his christening, three of the four fairy protectors of the Kingdom (the kind with wings and wands) appeared to give him the customary blessings for a future king. The fourth fairy sister, arriving late from partying all night with the elves, mistakenly believes the baby is a girl and gives her the blessing of being a happy bride. Can the fairy magic be undone? Will the prince grow up to be a queen of one kind or another? Read the story and find out.

Chapter 13. Tea and Sympathy.

Countess Marlyne arose early the next morning in anticipation of her audience with the Queen. The acceptance she had received upon their first meeting emboldened her to dress as was her usual custom, and so she favored fashion over modesty in her selection of attire.

"Yes, the décolletages blue dress with the silver embroidered bodice and the grey kidskin shoes with silver buckles will do nicely," she thought to herself.

Selecting the complimentary undergarments, she put on the dress and was assisted with the fastenings and laces by her maid. After doing up her hair, applying her makeup and choosing her jewelry, she preened before the mirror and then settled herself on the divan in the drawing room, awaiting the arrival of the Queen's messenger. Upon the first stroke of nine by the tower bell, there was a knock on her door. It was answered by the maid, who ushered in a visitor.

Countess Marlyne was expecting to receive a note as before and was surprised that the messenger would insist on delivering it in hand, even more so when she realized that the caller was a woman. Her dress was of light blue wool with black piping and laces, austere by palace standards, and her dark hair was braided into a chignon held in place by a single polished wood comb, a practical style not worn by women of the Court, but favored by those of the village. She wore no cosmetics and had but two simple pieces of jewelry, a gold wedding band and a brooch worn over her left breast. Upon closer scrutiny of the design on the brooch, the royal coat of arms, there was no doubt as to the young woman's identity, although, up to now, the Countess had only seen her from afar in the company of the Princess.

"Lady Elisse," Countess Marlyne greeted her cordially. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" she inquired.

"The Queen would like you to attend her at your earliest convenience," she said, although such an invitation was not one to be postponed for other than the most dire circumstances. "I also wished to offer you some words of comfort, for the Princess has told me of your loss."

It took a moment for the Countess to realize what Elisse mean. Remembering that she had told the Princess of the heart breaking consequence of her affair as a young woman, her face registered surprise.

Observing her reaction, Elisse assured her, "the Princess and I have no secrets. I apologize if I have caused you any dismay in speaking of it."

Countess Marlyne shook her head.

"I only asked the Princess not to repeat it to the King. I trust her judgment and, knowing the secret to which you are privy, I trust your discretion."

"Countess Marlyne," Elisse began earnestly, turning to face her and taking her hands, "I was born in the village and expected that I would live out my life there, as did my family for as many generations as memory serves. When the Princess was returned to her mother, my father, the royal tailor, was summoned to provide her with suitable attire. Having none at hand, he offered her a dress he had made for me and the Queen considerately granted me the privilege of delivering it. By what coincidence was it, I later wondered, that not only was I the same size as the Princess, but that I was of the proper temperament to accept with my whole heart a boy who was to be a girl. And by what coincidence, I wondered as well, was it that my husband to be, for whom my love knows no bounds, was awaiting my arrival? I have come to believe that the magic has the ability to shape both past and future to fulfill its purpose and, having done so, compensates those whose lives it has altered."

Elisse looked into Countess Marlyne's eyes and said compassionately," I have done all that I can do to teach the Princess to be a girl. I believe that you were chosen to teach her to be a woman and so prepared, although cruelly it would seem. If I am right, then all that has happened to you was by the magic's design. The fairies assured the King and Queen that a blessing always turns out well, so I am told, and I cannot but believe that such an enchantment would see that no harm befell an innocent baby. I have the greatest confidence that your child is well and prospers."

Countess Marlyne looked back at Elisse tearfully.

"Thank you, Lady Elisse, for your kind words which do give me comfort."

Elisse nodded her head gently in recognition.

"I could do no less, Countess, for it is but this very cycle of the moon that I did not stain myself," Elisse revealed, patting her stomach gently, "and so, by yet another coincidence, we two servants of the enchantment are bound."

Countess Marlyne could not control herself, but moved forward and embraced Elisse with soft sobs of both joy for her and relief for herself. Elisse sympathetically wrapped her arms around the countess and allowed her to release her emotions. When she felt the Countess' breath return to a regular rhythm, she let go and stood back.

"We should go," she reminded the Countess.

"Are you to accompany me, Lady Elisse?"

"Yes," Elisse answered with a smile.

"Then please let me repair my appearance. It would not do for Her Majesty to see me in such a state. I shall only be a moment," the Countess told her as she turned. "Well, perhaps a few moments," she said lightly as she hurried to her boudoir.

Upon her return, Countess Marlyne carried a shawl to provide a more modest appearance in public and a purse. As they left her apartment, Elisse politely took her arm. They walked in silence, appearing to be two friends out for a stroll, so as not to arouse the curiosity of those wags in the court whose daily fare was intrigue and gossip. Upon arriving at the palace, Elisse took a different route from the one leading to the reception hall. She approached an archway beside which two royal guards were stationed. Upon her arrival, they came to attention. Elisse nodded and passed by. After a number of confusing turns through corridors and up a stone staircase, they arrived at what Countess Marlyne recognized as the door to the Queen's apartment, with the customary two guards stationed outside. Elisse knocked on the door to announce their arrival and the door was opened by the Queen, upon whose recognition the guards knelt and Countess Marlyne dropped into a curtsey. With a wave of her hand, Queen Charlotte bid them rise, nodded to Elisse, signaling her dismissal, and then motioned for the Countess to enter, closing the door behind her.

"Countess Marlyne, you are most timely," the Queen observed appreciatively. "I am anxious to know of your inquiry and you have accommodated me by your promptness. I am well pleased. Do sit," the Queen motioned to the settee, before which was the stand with tea and cakes, "and take some refreshment." The Queen seated herself and Countess Marylyne served. When they had settled, the Queen turned to Countess Marlyne. "Have you discovered how the Princess feels about men?" she inquired.

Not wanting to keep the Queen waiting by indulging in social amenities, Countess Marlyne replied, "the Princess was most eager to learn how to gain the affection of a man and, knowing of my experience in such matters, sought my guidance. Upon my proposal, she confirmed her preference."

"What was it that you proposed, Countess, and what was it that she preferred?" the Queen questioned.

"I proposed marriage," your Highness," Countess Marlyne answered truthfully.

"Marriage?" the Queen repeated skeptically. "Knowing that the Princess must be a bride and so marry a prince to fulfill the enchantment, for what reason would you make such a proposal?"

"The Princess is charming. Whether by her nature or magic, I know not. You and the King see her as a daughter and, by their youth when they first met, Elisse and the Princess have grown up as sisters. All others cannot help but fall in love with her. As we could not both be brides, it was her prerogative to claim that role. She did so choose, as I expected the enchantment would direct, and so her preference for a male partner was confirmed."

"A most clever ruse, Countess," the Queen complimented her.

"Not a ruse, your Highness. The Princess' innocence makes insincerity impossible."

"You would have married the Princess, had she accepted?" the Queen asked incredulously.

"No, had it come to that, for reason need overrule passion to protect the innocent, as I have bitterly learned, your Highness."

Although not knowing the full import of the Countess' confession, the Queen agreed as to the general proposition of romantic restraint with a nod of her head.

"You are convinced, then, that there will be no embarrassment to the Kingdom by the invitation of royal suitors for the Princess?"

"Yes, your Highness, I am sure. But there is still a concern not yet considered."

The Queen looked puzzled.

"If I recall the blessing given by the fairy, as you repeated it to me, the Princess was to be a happy bride, is that correct?"

"Yes, those were the fairy's words" the Queen affirmed.

"No mention was made then of a happy marriage or a happy wife?"

"No, none," the Queen agreed.

"What then, your Highness, will happen when the Prince discovers that all is not as it seems on their wedding night?"

The color in the Queen's cheeks drained and she put her fingers to her mouth in consternation.

"Oh dear! We have for so long considered the Princess to be a girl that I had not given thought to how her husband would perceive her. I am at a loss," the Queen conceded. Then her dismay turned to hope. "The fairies assured us that a blessing, even one bestowed by mistake, always produces a good result. Should that not suffice?"

"I am not versed in the ways of magical creatures, your Highness," the Countess answered, "and therefore cannot say what outcome their kind would consider sufficient or whether they are familiar enough with our customs to realize that a marriage can be annulled, if not consummated. What then of the happy bride?"

The Queen's optimism faded and her face fell.

"Is there no solution to our dilemma, Countess?" the Queen asked earnestly. "Must I report to the King that I have failed and so there shall be no wedding for fear of reprisals when the truth is revealed? You are so clever in such affairs, can you think of nothing?"

"There is but one way to know how a man would feel about courting the Princess, your Highness."

Once again, the Queen looked hopeful and then frowned as she realized the implication of the Countess' suggestion.

"Countess, such a liaison is impossible," the Queen argued, waiving her hand in dismissal of the idea for emphasis.

"I meant no offense, your Highness," Countess Marlyne responded quickly. "I too care for the Princess and would make no proposition that could compromise her virtue, but, with all due respect, I do not believe that under the circumstances the Princess' virginity is in danger."

The Queen paused and reflected.

"My reaction was as a mother, Countess, not as a Queen who must put the welfare of her Kingdom before the chastity of her daughter. Your suggestion was offered sincerely, for which there should be no reproach. However, I doubt the King would be of like mind and for me to arrange or even approve of such an affair would be worth my life, despite his affection."

"Then leave it to me, your Highness. You have asked me to determine whether the Princess is suitable for marriage and, if I exceed my authority, then the ax shall fall on my neck, not yours."

"You would sacrifice yourself for me, Countess?" the Queen queried.

"Yes, your Highness, I would," the Countess assured her. "My life is of little value; a succession of meaningless affairs and wasteful self-indulgences. My demise in your service would be a far better end."

"Your offer is much appreciated," the Queen replied, "but I cannot accept it, for there is no honor in allowing you to be punished in my stead."

"Please, your Highness," the Countess entreated. "It is my commission, for the execution of which, in either meaning, I alone am responsible. With all due respect, I do not need nor do I seek your permission to tutor the Princess in the amorous arts, however it is accomplished, and so you remain blameless. Were it otherwise and should you suffer for a plan of my devising, I could not live with myself and so there would be two deaths where one would suffice. Again, with all due respect your Highness, you must promise me that you will not intervene on my behalf."

"Very well, Countess," the Queen conceded. "You have my word. But know that you have a friend like no other. Upon the completion of your task, ask what you will and it shall be granted, if it is within my power or influence."

"You are most generous, your Highness, but I have seen that position and wealth bring no comfort to the heart. Your friendship is reward enough." Returning to the problem at hand, Countess Marlyne observed, "If I am to do what is necessary, then I should be off. Please tell the Princess that I have arranged to complete her education and would like to see her in my apartment to sample the fruit of which we spoke at seven of the clock this evening. By your leave, you Highness."

The Queen smiled at the cryptic message, rose and bid the Countess to do the same with an upward gesture of her right hand. The Countess dropped into a respectful curtsey and took the liberty of turning away as she headed for the door.

"Wait," the Queen ordered.

The Countess stopped, puzzled by the Queen's unexpected outburst. Had she changed her mind, she worried.

"There is something you will need, if you are to be carry out your plan," the Queen paused, "whatever it may be," she added in furtherance of their understanding.

Moving from the sofa to her desk, she removed something from a small chest and returned.

Standing before her, the Queen requested, "please do sit and present your back, so that I may fasten this around your neck. As it is for my convenience, there is no offense taken."

Although the Countess had already disavowed any need for compensation, she could not decline a royal gift and so returned to the sofa, adjusted her skirt beneath her and sat sideways, so that the Queen could come up behind her. By the rustle of the Queen's petticoats, Lady Marlyne could tell that she had moved forward and then felt a light touch as a chain was strung about her neck and clasped.

"This royal symbol served its last mistress well, Countess Marlyne, until I replaced it with a more formal setting."

"Following the chain down with her hand, the Countess came to a ring. Turning it upwards, it took a moment for her to recognize the design as the royal coat of arms. Remembering the brooch worn by Elisse, she observed, "this belonged to Lady Elisse."

"Yes, Countess, it was hers, to insure that there would be no interference with her care and protection of the Princess as she underwent her transition. It shall again serve to promote the Princess' welfare, as I doubt you could do that which must be done without some proof of your authority."

Recognizing the truth of the Queen's concern, Lady Marlyne discretely tucked the ring into her cleavage, leaving only the fine gold chain exposed, no different than any other piece of decorative jewelry.

"A resting place which many in the Court would envy," the Queen suggested.

The countess returned a smile, curtseyed again as an expression of her gratitude and departed. Upon her exit, one of the guards stationed outside the door fell in beside her and delivered her to the reception area.

Chapter 14. Sir Reginald

The Countess hurried back to her apartment, dropped her cape and purse on the settee and went to her desk, where she penned a note. Calling her maid, she directed her, "Jeana, you must take this message to Sir Reginald, the Commandant of the Palace Guard. I am not sure where you will find him. Start at the Guard's headquarters and seek him out. Do not tarry and do not detour. Return immediately once you have made your delivery. Should he question you about my request, you are to tell him you know naught but to do as you were bid. Do you understand?

The maid confirmed her instructions, curtseyed and left. Countess Marlyne went into her bedroom to freshen up in anticipation of Sir Reginald's arrival. When she was satisfied with her appearance, she settled herself on the settee with a book of poetry. It had been before noon when the maid left and tower bell had already tolled one when she returned.

"Well?" Countess Marlyne asked expectantly, upon the girl's entry.

"Please do not be cross, you Ladyship. I did try my best, honestly, my best, I swear upon my oath I did, but the Commandant's orderly, he, he" she stammered, "he wouldn't grant me entry. He said that I could only see the Commandant if I was on official Court business. I," she hesitated nervously, "I gave him the note to give to Sir Reginald and told him it was important. He said he would deliver it. He said he would deliver it," she repeated, nodding her head for emphasis.

"I am not cross, Jeana. To the contrary, you did well to place the note in the hands of Sir Reginald's orderly. In fact, to show my appreciation, you may take the rest of the day off and the evening as well. Do not return until after the tower bell tolls ten tomorrow morning."

The maids eyes lit up at the through of being released from her chores for a full day, as vacations were not permitted the servants.

"If it pleases you, your ladyship, I will spend the night with my sister. It has been ever so long since I saw her. May I be of service before I leave?"

"No, Jeana, you may go. No, wait," the Countess ordered. Feeling generous, she went to her purse and took out a silver coin. "This is for you to buy your sister some sweets, as it is not polite to impose, even on a family member, without a proper gift."

"Thank you, your ladyship," the maid said gratefully and curtseyed. No further conversation being necessary, she turned and hurried to the kitchen, where she gathered her things and left by the back door.

The Countess returned to the settee and took up her reading, patiently awaiting the arrival of Sir Reginald. As the tower bell struck the half hour and then the hour, she began to worry that he had not received her note, or worse, that he had taken it as some trivial social invitation of no urgency. She rose and began to pace in a swirl and rustle of petticoats. The tower bell struck the half hour and still no Sir Reginald. Then, just as the Countess had conceded the failure of her effort, there was a knock.

"Reginald," she greeted her guest upon admitting him. She looked around to assure herself that he was alone and closed the door

He was the picture of a soldier. Tall, ruggedly handsome, with dark close cropped hair and steely eyes, mutton chop whiskers running into a neatly trimmed mustache and impeccably dressed in his red, blue and gold detailed Royal Guard's uniform, brass buttons gleaming and boots polished to a mirror shine. It was no wonder that he was irresistible to the women of the Court, regardless of their age or marital status, a situation of which he was quite pleased to take constant advantage.

"Lady Marlyne, I shall not take kindly to being summoned on a whim," he warned her.

"Really Reginald," she replied confidently, "have we not been acquainted long enough for you to know that I am not one of those self-indulgent doxies who curry your favor. I assure you, it is a matter of greatest urgency. Please do take a seat and I shall explain. And," she added, as she preceded him to the settee," it is not Lady Marlyne, but Countess."

"Marlyne," he responded sternly, "you go too far. Such pretense is an offense from which even our friendship will not protect you, were I to take it seriously."

"I have a right to the title, Reginald," Countess Marlyne insisted. "It was bestowed upon me by the Queen when she enlisted my service and it is the completion of that mission for which I need your help."

"Marlyne, mind your tongue! You go too far," Sir Reginald threatened upon her mention of the Queen, placing his hand on the hilt of his sword.

"Reginald," the Countess replied quietly, "you have my parole that I will neither attack you nor try to escape, if you would but listen to what I have to tell you. Afterwards, should you still be of a mind to take me into your custody, I will not resist. Might you not give me that courtesy?"

"Very well, Marlyne," I will listen," Sir Reginald conceded, "but do not tax my patience."

"Will you sit then Reginald? It is quite awkward to have a conversation when you are looming over me. If you wish to search my person," she offered with a smile," you may assure yourself that I have no weapon and so may be confident of your safety while in my company."

Sir Reginald seated himself. Countess Marlyne drew the ring from its concealment and held it out.

"Do you recognize this device?" she asked him.

Expecting it to be a trinket, Sir Reginald glanced at it briefly. It looked familiar and he reached out to take it in his hand for a closer inspection. Studying it, he recognized the royal coat of arms and dropped the ring, as though it had suddenly turned red hot and burnt his fingers."

"Marlyne, how came you by this!" he demanded, jumping to his feet and drawing his sword menacingly. "Theft of royal property is punishable by death."

"Yes, I know," the Countess answered calmly. "So too is disobedience to one who rightfully posses it. If I have deceived you," Countess Marlyne reasoned with him, "there is time enough for you to take action. If I am truthful, then you will have not only done yourself a disservice, but the Kingdom as well. Choose, Reginald. And do sheath you sword while contemplating."

Sir Reginald had a pained expression on his face while he pondered the alternatives. As a dedicated soldier in the service of the Crown, he was honor bound to obey anyone who exercised royal authority, as the ring conferred, without question. In that regard, the Countess was right.

"Very well, Countess Marlyne," Sir Reginald replied, graciously recognizing her title, "how may I serve you?"

Accepting his concession, Countess Marlyne began, "Reginald, what I am about to tell you is a state secret known only to the royal family. If you think it odd that I have been entrusted with it, I too find myself at a loss to understand the unexpected turn of events. However, as you will come to hear, there is fairy magic involved and so our lives are influenced it would seem. You know of Princess Charlene, I expect," she continued, pausing for his reply."

"Yes, of Course, Marlyne, umm, Countess, as she is under the protection of the Royal Guard, as is the King and Queen and high Court officials."

"You know too of Prince Charles?"

"Yes, although he has been gone from the Kingdom since his birth."

"No, Reginald, he never left. Princess Charlene is Prince Charles, transformed by an enchantment placed on him at his christening. That is the secret," Countess Marlyne revealed.

Sir Reginald shook his head.

"No, Marlyne, Countess, it is not possible. I have seen the Princess and she is a woman, of that I have no doubt, having more than my share of experience with that sex, as you well know. Moreover, in my youth, I was one of the Royal Guards who escorted the infant Prince and stood by as the four fairies gave him their blessings. All went well."

"No Reginald, one of the fairies believed the baby was a girl and gave him a blessing meant for a Princess, that she would be a happy bride. The blessing could not be undone and so, to prevent controversy, the fairies cast a spell on those present to believe as you do, but for the royal couple. In hopes of preventing the outcome, the King devised a plan to keep the Prince from all feminine influence. Reginald, do you recall in the past a section of the castle which was off limits?"

"Yes, the west wing of the palace was closed and the grounds appurtenant surrounded with a high stone wall. A detachment of Royal Guards secured the area. None were permitted in or out without royal permission."

"Were you not curious as to what was inside?"

"It was speculated that the King was protecting another ruler who had been exiled."

"Did it not seem a strange coincidence that the security was removed at the same time that Princess Charlene arrived?"

"A coincidence, yes, but no more. The Princess selected Lieutenant Ulrich as her protector and he had the good fortune to win the hand of her companion, Lady Elisse. He would certainly recognize any deception, as would she, but neither has so revealed."

"He would see what appeared to be a girl. Lady Elisse discovered the truth and was sworn to secrecy. This ring once was worn by her as authority to shield the Princess while she transitioned into womanhood."

"Even if this fantastic tale were true, Countess, what business is it of mine?" Sir Reginald questioned.

"The business is mine, Reginald, for I have been asked by the Queen to determine if the Princess, male by birth, would be receptive to wedding a prince, as she must in order to fulfill the enchantment. Should she not, then the King and Queen fear that there may be dire consequences for the Princess and perhaps the Kingdom too."

"From what little I know of them," Countess, "the fairies are clever creatures. Why should there be any doubt that they have provided for the ending foretold? Has the spell not already done so by turning the Prince into a princess, if what you have told me is true?"

"While the Princess may appear to all who see her as female, I am assured that," the Countess paused, considering her words, "her transformation is not complete."

Sir Reginald's eyes went wide in disbelief.

"You mean, she still has …," he paused discreetly.

"So I am told," Reginald, "which is why my business has become your business."

Sir Reginald shook his head in disbelief.

"Marylyne, Countess," he replied apologetically, "I am a solider. Such matters of magic are beyond my experience. I do not see how I can be of assistance."

"You are a man, Reginald, and so you are quite suited for the task."

Sir Reginald gave the Countess a puzzled look.

"I need you to determine how the Princess feels towards men and how a man feels towards her under the circumstances. I have made a preliminary inquiry and believe that all is well, but there is only one way to know for certain. To allow a Prince to wed her without such assurance is to invite disaster. Do you understand now?"

"I know that I have a headache greater than had I been felled with a mace," Countess.

"Reginald, as the Queen offered me the opportunity to decline for personal reasons, so I offer you. I need your experience as a man, freely given, not your obedience as soldier."

"Marlyne, Countess, I, I," Sir Reginald replied haltingly, "I have no experience in such matters. Would not someone who prefers such liaisons be better suited?"

The Countess shook her head.

"We cannot count on the prince who weds the Princess to favor men. Nor would I think that the Princess, feminine in all appearances, would care for such a husband. If I am wrong in both respects, then all is to the good. Otherwise, there is but one who can answer the question, Reginald. What say you?"

"Then my answer is yes, Countess," Sir Reginald said formally.

"I am pleased, Reginald, as I believe you too will be upon becoming acquainted with Princess Charlene. Please return here when the tower clock strikes half after the hour of seven and report back to me tomorrow morning.

Sir Reginald stood up. The Countess rose and looked up at him.

"The Princess was an innocent baby when the course of her life was changed. She is, Reginald, like a feather, unable to resist the forces that direct it. Judge her not by who she was born, but by who she has become."

Reginald looked down and his face softened for the first time in their conversation. He nodded.

"Well spoken, Marlyne," he replied familiarly. "I shall do so."

He stepped backwards, extended his left leg, bent at the knee, paged his sword back with his left hand, placing his right arm across his chest in a sweeping gesture, and bowed slightly.

"Until tomorrow then, Countess."

He turned smartly and walked to the door, letting himself out and closing it behind him.

TO BE CONTINUED

The Prince Bride - Chapters 15 & 16.
By Missy Crystal

Prince Charles was heir to the throne. At his christening, three of the four fairy protectors of the Kingdom (the kind with wings and wands) appeared to give him the customary blessings for a future king. The fourth fairy sister, arriving late from partying all night with the elves, mistakenly believes the baby is a girl and gives her the blessing of being a happy bride. Can the fairy magic be undone? Will the prince grow up to be a queen of one kind or another? Read the story and find out.

Chapter 15. Love is Blind.

Upon Sir Reginald's departure, Countess Marlyne set about preparing for the Princess' arrival. Unaccustomed to housekeeping, she regretted the necessity of dismissing Jeana, but served passably well in her stead, tidying up the few items that had strayed from their usual lodgings and arranging the sideboard with a pair of crystal goblets, a decanter of her best wine and silver table service for two. She then gathered up her shawl and purse and left for the village market. Although the shopkeepers were unaccustomed to dealing with nobility, they gladly accepted her silver and she returned with a basket of tasty morsels, fruit, cheese and freshly baked bread, which she arranged on the sideboard. The tower bell tolled six by the time all was ready. Satisfied with her hospitality, she checked her appearance, making a few adjustments to her hair and makeup, and reposed on the divan, awaiting the arrival of the Princess.

The Princess, having been apprised by her mother of Countess Marlyne's invitation and understanding its import, had enlisted the assistance of Elisse in dressing for the occasion. She fluttered about her chamber, studying different ensembles, unable to make a choice, finally turning to her companion.

"Honestly Elisse," the Princess complained, vexed at her indecision, "I have read most every book in the library and none has the slightest advice on fashion. Would not such a work be of great use? Perhaps I will commission one, although it would be of no help to me when I need it most."

"I am afraid, dear Princess," Elisse teased her, "that only a woman could write such a book and, alas, our training is domestic, not scholarly. What could a man know of the intricacies of feminine attire?"

"Perhaps not all of those who are born male favor breeches, Elisse," the princess teased her back.

It took Elisse a moment to understand the innuendo and then both women broke into laughter.

"As you are familiar with what manner of dress pleases your husband most, I will rely on your judgment. Do choose one for me."

"I am afraid, Princess, that the attire my husband favors most is unsuitable for your purpose," Elisse continued with her teasing, patting her rounding belly, "unless shifts are now the style for entertaining."

"Knowing Countess Marlyne, I should think that whoever she has chosen for me would not be adverse to such informality, but I do think that propriety dictates a more modest introduction," the Princess retorted, getting in the last word, as usual.

"Well then, your Highness, you have dictated your own choice, if modesty is that which you desire. The pale blue brocade with silver detail is the most maidenly of all."

"Is that how one wins a man's heart, Elisse, with maidenly restraint?"

"My husband's heart was so won you Highness. The dragon device on his sword bears witness to its capture," Elisse confirmed, referring to Ulrich's offer to slay a dragon, should it interfere with their romance.

"What you have said rings true. I know naught of romantic love, but do believe that it must be freely given, as Ulrich's was to you and yours to him, not gained by artifice. I will wear the blue dress."

Elisse found the necessary undergarments, all of the finest quality linen, accented with lace and intricate embroidery. She assisted the Princess with her wardrobe, adjusting the petticoats and fussing with the ribbons, finally securing the bodice and tying off the laces. Black leather shoes with gilt buckles completed the ensemble. Since this was to be a clandestine affair, the palace hairdresser was not enlisted. Instead Elisse did up the Princess's long blonde hair and secured it with a pair of finely worked gold and silver combs for a look of understated elegance. The Princess' natural color and perfect features required no makeup for enhancement, but for a slight tinge to her lips and the restrained application of a light floral scent. Standing back to admire her efforts, Elisse was pleased with the result.

The Princess held out her skirt and spun around in a swirl of petticoats, looking coyly over her shoulder at Elisse.

"Do you think my mystery gentleman will find me attractive?"

"You are most beautiful, Princess," Elisse complimented her.

"You flatter me, Elisse," the Princess challenged her.

"You know me better, Princess."

"I know you best of all."

"We have yet to select your jewelry, Princess. Would you favor me by wearing this?"

Elisse held out a red velvet covered box. Princess Charlene immediately recognized it as the one holding the flower pendant she had given to Elisse.

"Elisse, I am most grateful, but a gift freely given cannot be reclaimed. It is yours and your daughter's when you have one. Please return it to your safekeeping."

"It is not for your pleasure that I do this, but for mine. Would you be so cruel as to deny me?" Elisse repeated the words spoken by the Princess when she bestowed the gift.

Recognizing the source, the Princess smiled and completed the discourse from long ago. "You know I can deny you nothing." She turned and Elisse fastened the gold chain from which hung the treasured flower pendant clasping a pearl.

As with the Princess and Elisse, Sir Reginald was carefully selecting his wardrobe. He was sure that Lady Marlyne, having somehow come into possession of the ring, had contrived to use it for her advantage, although he could not imagine what she hoped to gain by concocting such a story or enlisting his participation in her scheme. Did she really believe that he would not recognize an imposter or that he would show clemency for having been duped? Then again, he knew Lady Marlyne, or Countess as she now proclaimed herself, well enough to doubt that she was either frivolous or conniving. Better to be prepared, he concluded.

He called for his orderly and a basin of water to bathe. Admiring his whiskers in the mirror, he carefully trimmed his mustache and brushed his hair. Satisfied with his personal hygiene, he took out his dress uniform. Although impeccable, he instructed his orderly to poliwh the buttons, the clasp of his belt, helmet, and the fittings on his sword, until they gleamed and required that his boots be buffed to a mirror shine. Admiring himself in the mirror, making a final adjustment to his mustache, he left his quarters on the first tolling of seven.

Princess Charlene had also left at the first tolling of seven in the company of Elisse. The Princess had donned a hooded cloak to travel incognito. Although the guards fell in, she dismissed them and the two companions hurried to Countess Marlyne's quarters. Upon delivering her to the door, Elisse asked, "shall I return for you, Princess?"

"No, I am sure that I will be quite able to make my own way, should it be necessary," she assured her companion.

Elisse hugged the Princess, an intimacy long permitted between the two, and waited for the door to be answered. It opened and Lady Marlyne greeted them.

"Princess Charlene and Lady Elisse, please come in."

Elisse courteously declined the invitation and departed.

"We do not have much time. I have asked Sir Reginald to call at half past the hour and I do not want to be present when he arrives. There are refreshments on the sideboard and my maid will not return until the tolling of ten tomorrow. Enjoy your evening. I am sure that you will find it, how shall I say, educational," the Countess concluded with a knowing smile.

"Sir Reginald, Countess, the Commandant of the Royal Guards?"

"Yes, Princess, do you find him objectionable?"

"No, but he serves the King. Would not another gentleman better suit our purpose?"

"As you are aware, Princess, I am intimately acquainted with a goodly number of men. None do I admire more than him. I would trust him with my life and so I have, for he has threatened me with severe consequences, should I have deceived him into coming."

"Then I shall be sure to see that he is satisfied in all respects," the Princess replied suggestively, "but I detect your own affection for him. I should be remiss if I were to intrude on your relationship."

"In truth, I do have some affection for him, but he only fancies me among many. Do not be concerned, Princess, for a relationship must be acknowledged by both."

"If he does not see your true worth, Countess, then perhaps I am not the only one who requires an education. I am most anxious to meet this man who chooses quantity over quality."

"You are naíve, dear Princess, but I thank you for your compliment. My Sir Reginald" the Countess making light of the Princess' reticence, "is yours for the evening without regret, but I must be off. I will leave by the servants' door to avoid a confrontation."

"Countess," the Princess called after her, "please, what am I to do with him. Might not you leave me with some directions?"

"No, Princess, you need none. Let nature and the magic take their course."

Upon Countess Marlyne's departure, the Princess surveyed the room. Although not as lavish as the palace décor, it was tastefully appointed and very comfortable, obviously arranged for entertaining. As she completed her observations, there was a knock on the door. The Princess nervously called out, "please enter," not wanting to be seen from the corridor.

Sir Reginald, upon arriving at Countess Marlyne's quarters was fully prepared to castigate the perpetrators of the hoax. He boldly opened the door and strode in, hand on the hilt of his sword. Coming from the gloom of the corridor into the brightness of the room, it took a moment for his eyes to adjust and for him to recognize the person standing before him. There was no doubt, it was Princess Charlene. He reflexively dropped to his knee.

The Princess remembered that Countess Marlyne had mentioned his suspicion and daintily turned around to display herself, completing the circle to face Sir Reginald with an impish smile.

"May I assume you are satisfied that I am indeed Princess Charlene and therefore the Countess is in no danger of reprisal?"

The stunned Sir Reginald was speechless to find himself in the presence of the Princess.

"Please rise," the Princess addressed him. "Under the circumstances, I do not believe that such formality is necessary and I take your silence as confirmation of your satisfaction. If you would be so kind, I would enjoy a glass of wine and some conversation. Would you bring me one and join me?"

The Princess seated herself on the settee. Sir Reginald found the refreshments on the sideboard and poured two glasses, returning to stand before her, a situation he found extremely uncomfortable. Disregarding her earlier permission, he knelt and offered her the wine.

"Sir Reginald," the Princess challenged him, "do you usually entertain your women companions in that position? It would seem to be most uncomfortable and inconvenient."

"No, your Highness, but I have no experience in the protocol of entertaining a Princess," he confessed.

"Has Countess Marlyne explained the purpose of this appointment?"

"Yes, your Highness."

"Do you think it will be served by you down there and me up here?"

"No, your Highness?"

"Then should you not correct the problem?"

"Yes, your Highness"

Sir Reginald cautiously got up, so as not to spill his wine, and hesitatingly seated himself on the settee, as distant as possible from the Princess.

"There now, is that not more congenial and would it not be even more so, if you were not armed?"

"Yes, your Highness," Sir Reginald agreed, unclasping his belt, removing it and reaching over the back of the settee to drop it on the floor, so that the sword was out of sight.

"And do you not think that our conversation might be improved if you were to be more familiar by calling me Charlene. I assume that you refer to the other women of your acquaintance by their first names."

"You are the only Princess with whom I am acquainted, your Highness."

"Sir Reginald, this is tiresome. I command you to call me Charlene. There. You cannot be censured for obeying me."

"Yes, your High, Charlene."

"You see, Sir Reginald, we are making progress. If I am to properly receive my suitors, I must have some experience with a man and you are to provide it. Is that not your understanding of the purpose for which you are here."

"I, well, I, I," Sir Reginald stammered in response to the Princess' request for confirmation of his mission," I," he finally gave up and shook his head to clear it.

The Princess waited patiently.

"Your High, Prin, Charlene, I never expected that it would be as Lady, Countess Marlyne claimed. I am sorry, your High, Charlene, I was not prepared for your presence or your beauty. I am at a loss."

"There Sir Reginald, you have said that I am beautiful." She smiled charmingly. "A compliment is always appreciated, even by a princess. Have you been to war?" she asked, remembering Countess Marlyne's advice on first becoming acquainted by engaging in familiar conversation.

"Yes, I have," he answered.

"When I was a boy, my father wanted me to be a soldier. I'm afraid I was quite dismal at the use of weapons and paid no attention to my training in military tactics, to his disappointment and that of the Master of Arms, who feared for his reputation and his position. I have no affection for war."

It took Sir Reginald a moment to register the Princess' off-hand confirmation that she was male by birth. Recovering, he offered in return, "nor I Princess."

She looked at him incredulously.

"A soldier who cares not for combat, Sir Reginald, how can that be?"

"As an officer, I have ordered my men forward and watched as they were carried from the battlefield that night, when the sides gave respite to collect their dead. I have brought the news of their sacrifice to wives and children, whose grief wounded me deeper than any lance. I do my duty, Princess, but I take no pleasure in it. The glory of war is for bards and minstrels, not soldiers."

The Princess was impressed by the candor and ardor with which Sir Reginald expressed his feelings. Countess Marlyne did choose well indeed, she thought to herself. She reached over to him and sympathetically rested her hand on his. Sir Reginald felt a rush of warmth move through him and was captivated by the Princess' gentle assurance.

"Might I call you Reginald," the Princess requested, expressing her new found affection for him.

"Yes, please," Sir Reginald approved, becoming more at ease in her company.

The Princess continued, asking Sir Reginald about his family. They all served in the military for as many generations as was remembered. She asked about his experience in the Royal Guard. He told her of his campaigns and promotions, including his attendance as a young soldier at her christening. If the difference in their ages was of concern, she did not remark on it. She was curious as to his memory of the event and he recalled nothing amiss, but that it was so by way of a spell cast to conceal the mistaken blessing, according to Countess Marlyne. As the evening wore on and the wine in the carafe dwindled, the Princess sidled closer to Sir Reginald and cuddled against his arm, a liberty of which he did not complain.

"Reginald, would you think me bold to ask if you have any scars. I have read of such marks, but have never seen one. The women of the Court would certainly conceal any such blemish and I have been sheltered from the men."

"I do have scars, Charlene, but none which I could show without offense."

"Has Countess Marlyne seen them?"

"I, well, I, perhaps, she might, I mean, well, she," Sir Reginald equivocated.

"I take it she has."

"Yes."

"Would you show them to me, please?" she wheedled.

"I would have to remove my tunic."

"Might I help?" she asked, reaching up and undoing the first button at his collar and proceeding to the next, until they were all undone. "Oh my!" she exclaimed, playfully inserting her hand into the opening and caressing his chest, I did not know that men had fur."

The evening continued with the Princess making additional discoveries, completing her education as to the appearance and performance of male anatomy. An exhausted Sir Reginald awoke to the sunrise with the Princess' head on his shoulder. Upon his movement, she snuggled closer.

"Mmmm, Reginald, I had the nicest dream."

Fearful of provoking another amorous encounter, which he doubted he would survive in his weakened condition, Sir Reginald tried to move their activity in a more practical direction.

"Charlene, we must get dressed. Countess Marlyne will be returning soon."

The Princess reached up, drew his face towards hers and gave him a kiss, moving her hand over his chest and into his lap.

"I doubt that your trousers will fit. Perhaps I should help you," she suggested seductively.

"Charlene, I can't."

"Really? Should you not make a valiant effort before conceding defeat?" she appealed.

"I believe the troops will stand down of their own accord, if not provoked," Sir Reginald continued with her military metaphor.

"I am sorry to assert my superior rank, but I insist on a frontal assault."

"I thought you paid no attention to your training in military tactics?"

"Who said anything about military tactics, Reginald?"

When the tower bell tolled seven, Sir Reginald and the Princess had finally dressed themselves. Familiar with removing women's garments, Sir Reginald was less adept at restoring them, but managed to assist with the various fastenings and laces.

"Would you please accompany me to my chambers, Sir Reginald?" the Princess requested formally.

"I am at your command, your Highness," Sir Reginald acknowledged, bowing in deference.

He went to the door, opened it and stepped out, hand on hilt, making sure the passage was secure. The Princess waited for his approval and then followed him out. Once in the courtyard, the Princess requested his arm.

"Be of no concern," she assured him, "the public display of affection by the Princess for the Commandant of the King's Royal Guard will not diminish your reputation with the ladies of the Court."

"It was your reputation, not mine, of which I was mindful, your Highness."

"Let them think what they will. Their idle gossip concerns me not." Continuing with their walk, the Princess commented, "Countess Marlyne is indeed a remarkable woman."

"She is indeed," Sir Reginald agreed.

"She holds great esteem with my mother, the Queen, and with me. The two of you share a secret known only to the royal family. Is that not a significant coincidence?" the Princess pondered provocatively.

Upon that remark, they arrived at the Princess' chambers. The two guards stationed outside her door stood to attention and saluted. Sir Reginald opened the door and dropped to his knee as she entered. He rose and closed the door, returning to his quarters to take the first of many dousings with cold well water, to the bewilderment of his orderly. When he finally had composed himself, he went, as he was bid, to report to the Countess.

Chapter 16. Wedding Bells.

The Countess returned to her quarters on the toll of nine and surveyed its condition. The empty carafe and the disheveled settee confirmed the success of Sir Reginald's inquiry. Jeana appeared at ten and was directed to restore order. Countess Marlyne went to freshen up, anticipating the arrival of Sir Reginald. When he arrived, she dismissed the maid, sending her on an errand to fetch an item she intentionally left at the apartment of a friend, with whom she had spent the night.

"Well, Reginald, are you here to take me into custody?" she asked, toying with the ring on its chain.

"Yes, but not in the manner you mean, Countess Marlyne.

"I do not understand. Did things not go as we anticipated last night?"

"I cannot speak of it."

"Reginald, this is not the time for chivalry," Countess Marlyne admonished him. "The future of the Kingdom depends on whether the Princess is receptive to a male suitor and he to her. I need an answer."

"Were I a prince, I would claim her hand."

"You did not find the Princess'," the Countess paused, "difference to be a problem?"

"What difference would that be, Marlyne?"

"Her lack of," the Countess paused again, "what it is necessary for a woman to have for the purpose of conception, Reginald. I am certain you have some familiarity with that particular feature."

"The Princess is perfect."

"That was not my question, but it will serve as an answer. I take it then that you see no obstacle to her becoming a bride?"

"None, but for the rivalry between her suitors."

"Yes, well, I would hope that the magic is capable of accomplishing its end without placing her husband-to-be in jeopardy. Well done, Reginald. You have discharged your duty honorably and I am most grateful."

"I have one more task to perform."

"Arresting me, Reginald? I had thought my rightful possession of the ring was confirmed last evening. Am I mistaken?"

""It is not your person, but your heart that I have come for."

"Reginald, you talk in riddles."

"I wish to marry you, Marlyne, if you would have me," Sir Reginald proposed, dropping to one knee."

"Oh, for goodness sake, Reginald, do get up. You are acting like a moonstruck calf. The Princess has that effect, of that I know myself. I do have great affection for you, but think of your reputation. The Commandant of the Royal Guards has lost his senses and married the palace tart. That is what will be said of you, Reginald. I could not bear to be the cause of your dishonor."

"Those words would be spoken but once before their death by my sword."

"Reginald, that is very gallant, but you cannot dispatch the entire Court to protect a virtue long lost. I doubt the King would approve of you slaughtering his nobles and I would not allow you to perpetrate such carnage in my name. I am what I am. In truth, I have considered leaving the Court. If it would please you, then I shall be your mistress and have no other lovers."

"No, Marlyne, you will be my wife and it is I who shall have no other lovers. You have my solemn vow of fidelity. I have wasted my time with women of no merit and, having found one of worth, I shall wed her. You cannot dissuade me. If I must bear ridicule to be your husband, then so be it. I have no fear of words."

"Reginald, I cannot marry you, for I have already borne a child. It is not an admission I make easily, but you deserve to know the reason for my refusing your proposal."

Reginald laughed heartily.

"You find the disclosure of my shame amusing, Reginald?"

"A child, Marlyne? Only one? I have lost count of those doddering husbands who believe their sons and daughters to be their own. Marry me and I promise to be tireless in my effort to provide you with another child, my love."

"Very well, then Reginald, but know that I will hold you to your promise."

Sir Reginald moved forward to embrace the Countess. To his surprise, she stretched out her arms to hold him off.

"Really, Reginald, what kind of woman would I be to allow such liberties before you have given me a ring?"

"Oh, yes, of course, Marlyne. I, I, apologize," he offered contritely.

Extracting the ring from her cleavage, the Countess announced, "oh, wait, I have a ring after all, how convenient" and rushed forward to bestow a kiss of such passion that the stalwart Commandant's knees buckled. Seeking another, the Countess playfully placed her fingers on his lips. "All things in good time, dear Reginald. I must not be deterred from reporting to the Queen and do you not have your own duties to perform?"

The pair departed and Countess Marlyne hurried to the palace. Her display of the ring was enough to insure her immediate audience and the page promptly delivered her to the Queen's door. She knocked and the Queen herself admitted her. As before, they were alone and the Queen had set out tea and pastries. Dispensing with the social amenities, Countess Marlyne revealed the good news.

"I am pleased to report, your Highness, that the Princess is female in all respects but one, which does not seem to be cause for concern. I believe that you may proceed with the plans for inviting suitors."

"Countess Marylne, you have done a great service for us and I am deeply grateful. I have one other favor to ask of you."

"Anything, your Highness."

"The King has charged me with overseeing a charity for those of our subjects who are ill or destitute. As I will be engaged in preparing for the royal ball to which the Princess' suitors will be invited, I would like you to be my secretary in this endeavor."

"Gladly, your Highness, although I have an affair of my own to arrange, since I am to be wed," the Countess happily proclaimed.

"Oh, I am so pleased for you, Countess. Who is the fortunate man?"

"Sir Reginald."

"The Commandant of the Royal Guards?"

"Yes, your Highness."

"A handsome couple to be sure, you are to be married in the Royal Chapel and my gift to you shall be a wedding gown that rivals the one to be worn by the Princess. I would allow nothing less and will hear no protest. It is a royal command. Provide me with a list of your guests and I will see that they receive proper invitations."

"I have no family, your Highness."

"You have me and the Princess. The King himself shall deliver you and bestow a generous dowry. In fact, I have changed my mind. The wedding shall be in the Cathedral and all of the Court shall be required to attend. Let them see who is the favorite of the Queen."

"No, please, your Highness, no spectacle. A simple ceremony will suffice. Nor is a dowry necessary."

"As you wish, but for my convenience, you and your husband will take quarters in the palace, for I shall require your company, and you are to keep the ring, Countess, until a more suitable symbol of my favor can be fashioned."

As the Countess returned to her quarters, she realized the truth of Elisse's observation. The magic did indeed reward those who furthered its purpose.

TO BE CONTINUED

The Prince Bride - Chapters 17 & 18
By Missy Crystal

Prince Charles was heir to the throne. At his christening, three of the four fairy protectors of the Kingdom (the kind with wings and wands) appeared to give him the customary blessings for a future king. The fourth fairy sister, arriving late from partying all night with the elves, mistakenly believes the baby is a girl and gives her the blessing of being a happy bride. Can the fairy magic be undone? Will the prince grow up to be a queen of one kind or another? Read the story and find out.

Chapter 17. All's Well.

Hurrying through the palace, the Queen arrived at the Council Chamber. The King was seated on his throne pondering proposals for trade alliances with the neighboring kingdoms and the consequences of giving preference to one over another.

"Henry, all is well!" she exclaimed excitedly.

Lost in thought, the King had not noticed the Queen's arrival. Unaccustomed to being spoken to without leave, the King looked up, intending to mete out a severe reprimand for the disturbance. Seeing that it was his wife, his menacing look turned to a smile.

"Good morning, Charlotte dear. I'm afraid I missed what you said."

"All is well," the Queen repeated.

"I am delighted to hear it, dear, but might you elaborate as to what is all well?"

"Not what, Henry, who."

"Who then, Charlotte?" King Henry indulged his wife.

"The Princess, Henry."

"Has she been ill? Why was I not informed?" the King asked with concern.

"No, Henry, Charlene is in good health."

"Charlotte, please do me the favor of starting from the beginning. I have no problem with affairs of state, but my own family's affairs are a puzzlement."

"You wanted assurance that there will be no complaint when the Princess' husband learns of her true nature.

"Yes, I do recall having some misgivings and you offering to make an inquiry. Have you done so?"

"Yes, Henry, I have done so and we have concluded that all is well."

"We, Charlotte?"

"Countess Marlyne and I."

"Who is Countess Marlyne?"

"The woman who spoke with the Princess, Henry. Have you not been paying attention?"

"Yes, but I am still at a loss as to the Countess. Do I know her?"

"I would hope not, but you will meet her when she is wed."

"If I do not know her, why am I going to her wedding?"

"Someone with experience in romantic affairs was required, Henry. You professed to have no acquaintance with such a woman. If you do know her, then there is a reward I bestowed which needs to be returned," the Queen pretended to accuse her husband, knowing full well his honor would not permit deception. "And she is to marry Sir Reginald."

"The Commandant of my Royal Guards?" the King asked, eager to change the subject.

"Yes, him."

"I am most pleased for both of them, but could we get back to the Princess. This woman has determined that Charlene is receptive to a male suitor and therefore we may proceed with our plan to introduce her to eligible princes. Am I right?" he asked hopefully.

"Yes, Henry, you are right."

"How did she manage to do this, Charlotte," the King inquired, looking askance.

"I do not know, Henry," the Queen answered truthfully. "Suffice it to say that the Princess confided in her and I trust her."

"Why would the Princess confide in such a woman and why would you consider her to be trustworthy, Charlotte?"

"Up to now you have deferred to my judgment in these matters. Henry. I believe the magic has provided her, as it did Elisse. Need you know more, dear?" the Queen artfully avoided answering the question.

"No, Charlotte. I am still mindful of my last attempt at intervention," he answered contritely to the Queen's relief. "It is in your hands. I hope for all our sakes you are right."

"May I have your permission to begin the preparations for the royal ball, Henry?" the Queen requested."

"Of course, my dear, and spare no expense. Charlene can wed but one of the Princes and the others will not take kindly to being deprived of her hand. Let them at least return home impressed with our hospitality for the sake of our future relations with their kingdoms."

"I shall see to it, Henry, that the royal ball is unrivaled and that our guests are most lavishly entertained. Before I send forth the invitations, are their any of whom you disapprove?" the Queen asked deferentially.

"I dare not, Charlotte, for such an insult to another royal house would not go without retaliation in some form. Nor do I think it prudent to limit the Princess' suitors, if the magic is to have its way," the King cautioned.

"Yes, you are quite right, Henry," the Queen agreed, nodding her head. "All of the princes who are eligible must receive an invitation."

The Queen gave the King a smile, turned and departed. She hurried to the Chamberlain's office and conferred with him as to those kingdoms which had previously sought alliances by marriage. To her surprise, all of the neighboring kingdoms but Dalmacia, which was already allied by her own marriage, had inquired. Could it be a coincidence or was it more of the magic's furthering its purpose?

The Chamberlain estimated that it would take about a fortnight for the fastest messengers to deliver the invitations and return with the responses. It would take another fortnight for the princes to arrive, more if they were traveling by coach, as was most likely. Assuming that they would not set out immediately and estimating an additional month to prepare for their arrival, he recommended that the date be set for three months hence. That would also be the time of the fall harvest, when food and wine would be plentiful, as it had been an exceedingly good year for crops, the meadows were lush and the cattle and sheep fat. Was it another fortuitous coincidence or more of the good result promised by the fairies?

Five messengers were outfitted in splendid uniforms of blood red tunics with a double row of gleaming gold buttons, black riding breeches with a gold stripe and black leather riding boots. They were given the fastest mounts in the royal stable, saddled and bridled with lustrous black leather tack adorned with silver trappings. In their matching black leather saddle bag, embossed and gilded with the royal coat of arms, to signify that they were on the King's business, they carried a beautifully penned invitation on the finest parchment that read: Their Royal Highnesses King Henry and Queen Charlotte of Trimontaine request your attendance at a Royal Ball to vie for the hand of Princess Charlene. The favor of your reply is requested. Upon inquiry, the messengers were to inform the recipient of the other princes to whom invitations had been sent.

The day following the dispatch of the messengers, the Queen arranged for Countess Marlyne's and Sir Reginald's wedding. Upon their introduction the morning of the ceremony, the King was taken by Countess Marlyne's lack of airs and pretense and was pleased to accept the honor of delivering her to the altar. Sir Ulrich stood up for his Commandant, Princess Charlene and Lady Elisse served as bridesmaids and the Queen was matron of honor. Following the service, the King, Queen and Princess bestowed the same symbols of their favor on the bride and groom as were given to Ulrich and Elisse, a brooch with the royal coat of arms for Countess Marlyne and a finely crafted sword for Sir Reginald, the Countess choosing a rampant lion, representing her husband's courage, in place of Ulrich's dragon. Following the reception, the newlyweds repaired to their apartment where Sir Reginald indeed did learn the pleasurable difference between love and lust. Keeping his promise of tireless effort, one month later, Countess Marlyne happily informed the Queen that she was pregnant.

Chapter 18. The Princes.

Upon arrival of the messengers, all of the kings, coveting a union with Trimontaine, were quick to accept on behalf of their sons and so the messengers reported upon their return. To have one prince visit was an historic occasion; to have five princes at the same time was unprecedented. The Court was frantic with anticipation. Recognizing that four of them would go away empty handed, those of the nobility with eligible daughters schemed how to pander them in consolation.

Like it was for the Prince's christening years ago, an event still remembered, but not for the right reason, every craftsman and tradesman worked night and day, an army of maids furiously scoured the palace and their butler counterparts polished silver, gold and brass from dawn to dusk. Mountains of firewood were stacked to fuel the ovens and stoves that would feed the princes and their entourages, storerooms were overflowing and, by no means least, the Royal Orchestra practiced until the lips of the trumpeters were so raw that they had to refrain from kissing their wives goodnight. No wonder, as the conductor had threatened to run his baton through anyone who missed a note and under the circumstances the musicians doubted he was jesting.

The Royal Family was no less caught up in the frenzy of preparation. Queen Charlotte and Princess Charlene had to sit through multiple fittings of their elaborate gowns and even King Henry was cajoled into fashionable new raiment for the occasion.

"Honestly, Charlotte," he complained, "must we decimate the poor creatures of my forests to adorn my cape with fur? Their pelts make it unwieldy and when cloaked I appear to have been swallowed by a beast which has suffered some ill fortune to its hide," being unappreciative of its intricate design of sable and white.

"Henry, dear, it is a burden of your own making," the Queen made light of his complaint, "for do you not recall requiring an ostentatious display to impress the princes? As to those poor creatures for whom you are so concerned, this is fall and the stoat's white fur is its winter coat. Your royal pardon comes three seasons too late. Should their sacrifice be for naught?"

Just as the first frost of fall settled into the valleys, King Henry was informed that a contingent of mounted soldiers accompanied by a train of carts had crossed over the border from Norvigia. Within a few days, reports of other border crossings were received. Word spread quickly and those farmers and villagers on the routes to the palace stood shivering in the morning air awaiting a spectacle the likes of which had never been seen before and would never be seen again.

Traveling light and outdistancing their supporting caravan, Prince Johanus of Norvigia, and his troop of lancers, resplendent in their black and gold uniforms with plumed helmets and flowing capes, was the first to arrive. The Prince was invited into the palace and his soldiers were directed to a bivouac area nearby to set up camp once their supply wagons caught up. Although he had hoped to be welcomed by the Princess, he was instead greeted by the Chamberlain who escorted him to his quarters. Princess Charlene would, he was told, greet him at a reception once all had arrived. A brilliant military strategist, the Prince had prepared for such a contingency. He came from a kingdom known for its fine horses and had brought with him a mare for the Princess. Would she not ride with him?

The Princess excitedly accepted his invitation. That afternoon the mare was saddled and Prince Johanus stood by his own black stallion eagerly awaiting Princess Charlene's arrival. For many years, travelers to Trimontaine had returned with glowing accounts of the beautiful, charming and inquisitive Princess and he was eager to see for himself his future bride, since he was confident he would prevail. What appeared to be a young man dressed in a cavalry uniform approached and the Prince moved to challenge him.

"Good afternoon, Prince Johanus, I am Princess Charlene," she introduced herself. "The mare is most beautiful and I thank you and your kingdom for such a fine present. Does she have a name?"

The blue eyes, fine features, flawless complexion, red lips parted slightly to reveal white teeth, rounded figure and blonde hair tied back with a gold ribbon confirmed her identity. The Prince could not have been more stunned if his stallion had struck him in the head with his hoof. The Princess gently patted the white mare while awaiting his recovery.

Although they were peers, the Prince could not help but take a knee. Gazing up, he apologized, "I was not expecting you to be so attired, Princess, although it is most becoming," he added tactfully. "The mare's name is Dove. I hope she pleases you."

"She pleases me greatly, Prince Johanus. What say you Dove, shall we take flight?" she addressed the mare while mounting her. Dove pawed the ground and whinnied in acceptance of her rider's gentle hand on her reins. The Princess nudged her with her unspurred heels and Dove compliantly moved forward in an easy gait.

It took Prince Johanus a few moments to regain his composure. He quickly mounted his stallion and started after the Princess. She held Dove to a walk as he caught up and then moved her into a trot. As they cleared the palace grounds, she broke into a canter and then full gallop with Prince Johanus keeping apace. For the rest of the afternoon they rode through fields and woodlands, vaulting fences, hedges and streams, occasionally slowing to allow their mounts to get their wind and then racing off through the countryside. By the time they returned to the stable, Prince Johanus was determined to win the hand of Princess Charlene at all costs.

"Thank you again for Dove, Prince Johanus. She is most beautiful. Thank you too for your company. I do hope you were not put off by my appearance. Skirts are such a nuisance for sitting ahorse," the Princess said coyly, finally having a practical use for Elisse's lessons in flirtation."

"You are most welcome, your Highness," was the best he could muster in awe of a woman whose skill in equestration matched his own.

She turned and walked off, leaving the Prince to berate himself for his lack of eloquence and to consider kidnapping her if all else failed.

Prince Johanus hoped for another opportunity to be alone with the Princess, but his invitation to ride was postponed by the arrival of Prince Nehlsen of Crinthos. His gilded coach was preceded by a mounted military band heralding his arrival with thundering drums and blaring trumpets. The Prince, dressed in his royal regalia, befitting his position as Minister of State in preparation for his ascension to the throne, was greeted by the Chamberlain and shown to his quarters. He too was anxious to meet the Princess and had brought a gift that he calculated would catch her fancy. Would the Princess take custody of a puppy bred in the royal kennels?

Never having her own pet, the Princess enthusiastically agreed. They met in the Chamberlain's office, where Prince Nehlsen presented a cream colored spaniel with long floppy ears and a wavy silken coat. Completely taken by the puppy's big black eyes and affectionate disposition, the Princess held her gently, stroking her head and bestowing little kisses on her muzzle, an intimacy the Prince envied, having confirmed for himself the reports of the Princess' beauty.

"Her name is Merry, Princess Charlene, and I am Prince Nehlsen, your most humble admirer," he introduced the puppy and himself haltingly in Trimontese.

"I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Prince Nehlsen," the Princess greeted him in perfect Crinthish, to his amazement, making a polite curtsey while still cuddling the puppy, "and I am delighted with Merry. I do believe she will be a most comforting companion in my bed on cold nights," she added provocatively, continuing to practice her flirting.

"Merry is a most lucky dog," the Prince complimented the Princess, emboldened by her fluency in his language. "She requires but food, water, exercise and affection, Princess Charlene. She is a natural hunter when grown, so do not let her off her leash outdoors, lest on her return she rewards you with a rodent," the Prince bantered.

The Chamberlain discretely having left to allow the couple privacy, they conversed with Merry napping in the Princess' lap, waking occasionally to lick her hand. The Prince was amazed by the Princess' knowledge of animal breeding, although he would have been even more amazed if he knew the reason for her interest in the subject, and captivated by her familiarity with his kingdom. On his return to his quarters in the late afternoon, he calculated whether there was enough gold in his father's treasury to serve as an irrefusable bribe to the King, the bankruptcy of his kingdom of little matter if it would gain him the Princess' hand.

As the Princess had already broken with convention by keeping company with Prince Johanus and Prince Nehlsen before they were formally received, she felt it only fair to afford the same opportunity to the other princes, much to the disappointment of those two who already had their turn. Prince Louis of Silasia was the next to arrive. His kingdom was the only one bordering on the sea and he commanded the navy. Dressed in his gold braid festooned admiral's uniform and cocked hat, he presented the Princess with a fully rigged model of his flagship, the HMS Victory, carved in intricate detail from the white bones of a giant sea creature called a whale. The Princess was fascinated with the ship, having only read about such vessels. She passed the afternoon learning about sailing with Prince Louis's instruction facilitated by her command of Silasian. As their time together drew to a close, the Prince enticed her with the promise of commissioning the HMS Charlene. It would be the greatest ship ever built and carry them on a voyage to explore distant lands. Would her Highness care to continue her lesson in seamanship in preparation?

Following Prince Louis was Prince Wolfric of Wurthenborg. Although he was an engineer by education, overseeing his kingdom's royal construction projects, his passion was music. He presented the Princess with a rectangular box of polished wood that held a harp laid on its side, the strings of which were plucked by pressing on wooden blocks, which he called keys, arranged in a row at the front of the instrument. The Princess had a good ear and with the Prince's patient instruction, she learned to play a duet. Prince Wolfric enthusiastically offered to continue her lessons.

Last to arrive, although with no less pomp, was Prince Ayndrew of Estlund. Slight of build and mild in temperament, he had dedicated himself to academic pursuits. His kingdom boasted the finest university, over which he presided. Having heard of the Princess' invitation to visiting philosophers and scholars for colloquy, he brought no enticement but his intellect. While the tangible presents were greatly enjoyed by Princess Charlene, the opportunity to discuss philosophy and natural science engaged her completely. It was only when the candles had melted down to stubs that the Princess excused herself to rest. As far as Prince Ayndrew was concerned, he would wed the Princess or remain celibate, for no other woman would ever match her beauty and intelligence.

"I am at a loss, Elisse," Princess Charlene confided to her the next morning, "for in truth each of the princes has qualities which I find attractive. I cannot choose between them. What say you as to how your heart was won?"

"Our lives are set on different paths, but you have asked and so I shall answer that I knew when first we met that I wanted Ulrich's child." Elisee ran her hand lovingly over her swelling belly. "There is still the royal ball. The magic may yet reveal your prince in another way. Give it time little sister," she advised, using a term of endearment from long ago and giving the Princess a reassuring hug.

Once all of the Princes were comfortably settled, a reception was held in their honor. Upon arriving in the banquet hall, they greeted each other deferentially, the language barrier and their rivalry avoiding more than rudimentary conversation. When informed that all were present, the royal family entered. All eyes turned to the Queen and Princess, who were exquisitely dressed, coifed and bejewled, causing the ignored King to conjure up the amusing image of an onslaught of outraged stoats seeking retribution for the unnecessary deaths of their relatives. Proceeding to the head of the table, they took their places.

"Princes, we are pleased to offer you our hospitality," King Henry announced. "Although I know well your names, I call them not, lest the order be considered significant. Would that I had five daughters, for in truth I would welcome all of you as their husbands. As I have but the one, it is for you to win her heart and her hand without my influence or intervention." Princess Charlene demurely lowered her eyes, disguising her eagerness to fulfill the blessing by her marriage. King Henry, raising his goblet, toasted, "long life and happiness to Princess Charlene and good luck to you in your courtship of her."

The Princes were conversant enough in Trimontese to understand the King's words. They rose, raised their goblets and returned the toast, "to Princess Charlene," omitting the wish for luck to their rivals. The meal was then served and when all had their fill, the King and Queen excused themselves, leaving the princes and Princess to socialize. Princess Charlene retired to the drawing room where brandy and port were offered to the princes. Sipping their drinks, the adept Princess simultaneous carried on conversations in five languages. When the tower bell tolled twelve, she bid the Princes goodnight and retired. Elisee was waiting for her, as she would not allow anyone but her to undress the Princess, nor could she sleep until she received news of the reception.

"Well, Princess, are you betrothed?" she asked, although unlikely, but not impossible where magic was involved.

"No, Elisse, I am bewildered, for the more familiar I become with the Princes, the greater my fondness for them grows."

TO BE CONTINUED

The Prince Bride - Chapters 18, 19 & 20 (FINAL)
By Missy Crystal

Prince Charles was heir to the throne. At his christening, three of the four fairy protectors of the Kingdom (the kind with wings and wands) appeared to give him the customary blessings for a future king. The fourth fairy sister, arriving late from partying all night with the elves, mistakenly believes the baby is a girl and gives her the blessing of being a happy bride. Can the fairy magic be undone? Will the prince grow up to be a queen of one kind or another? This is the LAST CHAPTER and it is a SPOILER. To enjoy the story, I strongly recommend that you read it from the beginning.

Chapter 18. The Royal Ball.

The morning after the reception, the palace staff began preparing for the royal ball. In deference to the princes, the hall was decorated with the flags of their respective kingdoms crossed with the flag of Trimontaine, symbolizing the prospective union. To avoid any appearance of favoritism, the series was repeated along each side of the balcony which overlooked the hall and discontinued over the dais where the royal family would be seated. On the dais were the elaborately carved and gilded throne for the King and lesser, although suitably ornate, thrones for the Queen, to be seated on his right, and the Princess, to be seated on his left. The tapers in dozens of candelabra and sconces brightly illuminated the room and the two massive fireplaces at the sides of the hall were kindled for warmth against the night air.

The guests were preparing as well. An army of hairdressers were coifing elaborate hairstyles for the ladies and tailors were stitching pulchritudinous women into their gowns with heavy thread to avoid the embarrassment of an avalanche of bosom and belly, should the lacing on their bodices fail in mid-dance. Their husbands and escorts were no less vain, enlisting a battalion of barbers to shear and shave them. When all were satisfied with their appearance, they embarked in a fleet of carriages, coaches and other conveyances to the palace, each vying to impress the princes, although to no avail, as royal guests were not to be introduced until after all of the others had arrived.

The princes were also readying themselves for the evening. Their valets dressed them impeccably and adorned them with jewel encrusted gold medals and medallions for those in uniform and elaborate gold and gemstone chains of state for those in civilian attire. Cautioned not to overlook even the smallest detail, upon the pain of a death too excruciating to consider, every inch of their attire was scrutinized, adjusted and readjusted. When no further preparation was possible, they left their rooms and were delivered to the hall by two Royal Guards. Their arrival was heralded and they were ushered to a position of honor at the foot of the dais.

The King, Queen and Princess waited to make their entrance, together with their escorts. Sir Reginald and Countess Marlyne had the honor of attending the King and Queen. Of course, Sir Ulrich and Lady Elisse, had the honor of attending Princess Charlene. Observing that Marlyne's and Elisse's gowns conspicuously displayed their maternity, the King jocularly remarked to his wife, "I hope that their condition is not contagious," to which she replied, "I believe that with time a woman develops immunity, but then I have not been exposed to the source recently." "Hrrmph," was the King's response to being bested at humor.

Asserting his royal prerogative, the King, disregarded his earlier directive and wore his dress military uniform.

"Really, Charlotte," King Henry argued over his wife's criticism of his decision, "this is Charlene's affair and, as it was at the reception, so too my attire will go unnoticed tonight. Besides, Prince Johanus and Prince Louis will be in their military uniforms and so it would make them feel welcome for me to wear mine. There! Is that not good reason and am I not the King?" he added in the event his rhetoric had not been persuasive.

"Yes, dear," Charlotte conceded, "indeed you are the King, although one might mistake you for a general in your uniform," she got in the last word, but to no avail.

The Queen and Princess Charlene were in the most exquisite matching ball gowns of the finest brocade with bodices embellished with gold and silver embroidery in an intricate floral design, each flower set with a sparkling gem, their long skirts ballooned out with multiple layers of white linen petticoats. The Queen's neck, wrists, fingers and ears were adorned by an array of fabulous crown jewels and sparkling gemstones dotted the snood covering hair. Neither the King nor Queen opted to wear their crowns, which were heavy and cumbersome, this being a social affair and not one of state. Princess Charlene chose a plain gold diadem to confirm her royalty, as the ball was in her honor. A delicate gold chain necklace with pearl drops adorned her neck and, with her matching earrings, she was a vision of understated elegance.

When all were assembled, the trumpets signaled the beginning of the royal processional. The band joined in as the King and Queen, flanked by Sir Reginald and Countess Marlyne, and the Princess, with Sir Ulrich and Elisse at her side, entered the hall. The royal family slowly walked to the dais and seated themselves, their coterie stepping aside and joining the guests, bowing and curtseying in deference. With a nod of recognition from the King and an upward movement of his hand, all rose. Upon that cue, the band began the first dance. The King extended his arm to his wife and they took the floor. He bowed, she curtseyed, they joined hands and gracefully moved to the music. When the dance ended, all applauded. The King reclaimed his wife's arm and the couple returned to the dais.

The next dance was for the Princess and posed an unanticipated dilemma. When the music began, each of the princes approached and claimed her. The King judiciously solved the problem by calling for a bowl.

"Your Highnesses," he addressed the princes, "I believe each of you wears a ring different enough in appearance that you may recognize it among others. If you would place it in this bowl, the Princess will draw one out and he who owns the ring, will have the dance. We will proceed through two sets of six dances, as I too shall throw in my ring, for I am not yet ready to relinquish my daughter's hand."

Although the princes understood the gist, the Princess translated for them and each removed a ring and placed it in the bowl. The Princess closed her eyes and reached in, drawing a signet with the coat of arms of Crinthos. Prince Louis was delighted to have the first dance and led the Princess out onto the floor. The band began to play and the couple moved gracefully through the steps. The other princes, appearing to be politely waiting their turn, were wishfully imagining a humiliating misstep that would send their rival sprawling. No such misfortune occurred and when the music ended, Prince Louis returned the Princess to her throne. She continued drawing rings until each prince had had a turn, the King claiming the third round. The rings were then replaced in the bowl and a second round was drawn, although the King withdrew from the contest. As the tower bell tolled twelve, the remaining ring belonged to Prince Johanus, the other princes envying him the last dance. The King and Queen then bid the Court a goodnight and, accompanied by the Princess and their attendants, retired as they had entered. Upon their exit the guests departed and the royal orchestra congratulated themselves that none had suffered a fatal wound by their conductor.

"Well?" Elisse eagerly asked the Princess as she helped her undress.

"A hole in the ground from which water is drawn, I do believe," the Princess teased her.

Disregarding the Princess' attempt at evasion, Elisse asked more specifically, "have you chosen?"

She shook her head disconsolately.

"The magic has failed me, Elisse, or else I have not understood that which it would have me do. There must be something more, but I am at a loss to discover it. Have you no advice for me?"

"My father once asked me to bring him a skein of white thread. I searched the shop high and low, but could not find it. Returning, I admitted my failure and looking down it was before me on the table. All along I only needed to reach out my hand. Sometimes we make difficult that which is simple."

The Princess broke into a smile.

"You know the answer, Princess?" Elisse asked excitedly.

"No, not yet, but I know the question. Come Merry," she called to the puppy, "it is time for us to sleep. Goodnight dear Elisse," she happily dismissed her companion.

Chapter 19. The Happy Bride.

Early the next morning Princess Charlene hurried to her parents' apartment.

"Well, Charlene, which one of the princes has won your hand?" the King inquired. "I wager it is the dashing Prince Johanus," he answered his own question.

"No father, it is not Prince Johanus."

"Prince Louis?"

"No, father, it is not Prince Louis."

"Of course not, Henry, really," the Queen interceded, "it is the charming Prince Nehlsen."

"No mother, it is not Prince Nehlsen?"

"Prince Wolfric?"

"No, mother, it is not Prince Wolfric either.

Then it is Prince Ayndrew!" the King exclaimed elatedly, by process of elimination. "Congratulations, Charlene. I am sure you two will be very happy together."

"No, father."

"I am losing my patience, Charlene. You must choose one or I shall choose for you," the King threatened

"Henry, wait," the Queen pleaded. "Charlene is sensible and so let us hear her out. Why can you not choose?"

"Mother, would you deceive father?"

"Charlene, of course not, it is unthinkable."

"And so neither shall I deceive my husband."

It took the King and Queen a moment to comprehend the meaning of the Princess' scruple.

"Even if you told them," the Queen reasoned, "they would not believe you."

"They would," the King continued, "think it a ruse to send them away for some political purpose. Your honesty would do no good, Charlene."

"You are right mother. You too father," the Princess agreed. They would not take my word. They must see for themselves."

"What," the King raged, "absolutely not! I will not allow my daughter's modesty to be compromised and so dishonor our family and our Kingdom."

"Your son, Henry," the Queen reminded him. "Dishonesty or dishonor, choose the lesser."

The King shook his head.

"I cannot, Charlotte."

Turning to the Princess, he looked at her lovingly and said with a sigh of resignation, "Charlene, you are my child. Son or daughter, both or neither, it makes no difference. I love you. Follow your heart and be happy."

"My heart directs me to give a hug to my father," the Princess responded, moving to embrace him.

The Queen dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief.

Once her affection was bestowed, the Princess hurried to her apartment. Going to her writing desk and taking up a quill, she penned a note: HRH Princess Charlene requests your presence in the main salon at noon of this day. Folding the paper, she sealed the flaps and addressed it, then wrote another and another, until all of the princes had been invited. Calling for a messenger, she handed him the notes to deliver. The princess then set about preparing herself for the meeting.

At the appointed time, the princes arrived. Princess Charlene, making sure that she was there in advance to insure civility, greeted them. All were nervous with anticipation, believing that she was to announce her decision, eyeing their rivals and plotting by what means they might do away with them without being detected as they waited for her announcement.

"My dear princes, I am not yet ready to choose," Princess Charlene began in Trimontese with the expectation that all of them would comprehend her simple statement and so be reassured. "I would like to know you better and for you to know me. Therefore, I shall spend an evening with each of you in turn. I assure you that first, last or in between matters not. All of you will be given the same consideration and so I have decided to follow the sequence in which you arrived. Prince Johanus will call on me at the tolling of seven tonight. Is there anyone who does not understand what I have said?" she asked in each of their languages for confirmation. None responded. "The pleasure of your company is sufficient. Please bring me no tokens of your affection," she concluded.

Over the next five nights Princess Charlene entertained the princes. On the following morning, she again met with the King and Queen. They eagerly awaited her decision, encouraged by the Princess's beaming countenance that whatever difficulty she had making a choice had been resolved.

"Good morning mother. Good morning father," the Princess greeted them cheerfully.

"Good morning Charlene," they both greeted her expectantly.

They waited and finally the King's patience expired.

"Do not keep us in suspense, Charlene. Tell us which one you have chosen."

"I cannot father."

"You cannot tell us? What nonsense is this, Charlene?" the King demanded.

"I cannot tell you which one," the Princess qualified her reply.

"Your prince has asked you not to reveal it until he formally asks the King for your hand," the Queen suggested.

"No mother, it is not a secret. The answer to father's question is that I cannot choose one," the Princess reiterated.

Turning to his wife, the King complained, "Charlotte, this is what we get for indulging her all these years. I will not tolerate such disobedience."

"I do not think that Charlene is being disobedient, dear," the Queen responded calmly. "It is not in her nature. We have waited this long, a few more minutes will not make any difference. Give her the opportunity to explain," she wisely counseled.

The King nodded his assent.

"I choose them all," the Princess informed her parents.

It took the King a moment to comprehend what he had just heard and then his face turned dark with rage. Rising up, he pointed his finger and admonished the Princess.

"No woman can have five husbands. It is not legal. It is not moral. It is not," he paused in his tirade, "it is not possible. I will not permit it; the princes will not accept it; and their fathers will not recognize it." The consequence of such a proposal suddenly struck him and his eyes went wide. "You have not, you have not, you have not," he sputtered, "you have not told the princes, have you? They will return to their Kingdoms to report that our royal blood is tainted with lunacy. What of the enchantment then, Charlene? No Prince will have you and so you have doomed yourself and our Kingdom. Tell me that you have not spoken of this to any but us," the King implored her.

"I have spoken to my princes and all have agreed to wed me, father," the Princess replied.

"What! No. It cannot be. Charlotte, your daughter has disgraced herself and our Kingdom by accepting five proposals." The King fell back into his chair in dismay, holding his head in his hands.

"My daughter, Henry? As I recall, you had an equal part in her conception," she reminded him. "Nor yet is it time to despair. The magic circumvented your efforts to undo it and there is no reason to believe that it would allow itself to be defeated by Charlene's whimsy."

Turning to the Princess, the Queen asked her, "tell us please how you have come to this conclusion."

"Mother, you have yourself answered your question," she replied enigmatically.

"I'm sorry, Charlene, I do not understand."

"When father first released me to your care, you took me to the palace library. In making up for the education which was denied me when I was being raised as a boy, I read the royal history of our Kingdom. No mention was made of their queens, except as mothers. Is that not then the role which a queen most fulfill above all others and, if I cannot provide an heir to the throne, how then can I be a queen? That was why I needed to reveal my true nature. The question each prince was asked when we were together was would he marry me knowing that I cannot conceive a child?"

"I had expected that it was the magic's intention for only one of the princes to accept me as his bride and so the choice would be made for me. To my surprise and delight, by their love for me, all would abdicate and, by my love for them, I could not countenance it. Would the magic be so cruel as to taunt me with five princes who love me and who I love, but cannot wed? A broken heart cannot be the good result promised. So I reasoned that, if not one or none, then it must be all. Now do you understand how you have answered your own question, mother?"

"I do," the Queen acknowledged.

"Although the princes may all want to wed you, Charlene, what makes you think that they would share you?" the King questioned.

"Father," the Princess explained, "it came to me that I can wed my princes and, as our marriage cannot be consummated, they are released from their vows to take a queen who can provide them with an heir. They have all agreed to this arrangement and to return each year on our anniversary to visit and sit in council for the common good, as all are bound by my love. Five husbands shall make me the happiest bride in all the world.

The King and Queen both sat in stunned silence. Although it would seem to be impossible, neither could deny that the magic had fulfilled the enchantment in its own way. The King, concerned about the deterioration of relations with the kingdoms of the unsuccessful suitors, instead gained five alliances and so too did the princes' fathers, ameliorating their disappointment. The Queen, recalling the premonition of Countess Marlyne, that nothing was promised as to the Princess having a happy marriage or being a happy wife, remarked to herself that, although she would have both for but a night, it was a fair exchange for a happy bride. The Princess' parents looked at each other and nodded their agreement.

"Charlene," the King lovingly consented, "you have our blessing."

Upon the word 'blessing', there was the sound of tinkling bells, a soft white glow and fairy appeared.

"Bingo," she said.

Chapter 20. A Fairy's Tale.

"Mistress Buttercup, it is a pleasure to see you," the King greeted her politely, but with trepidation, remembering that it was her mistaken blessing that turned the prince into a princess and also concerned by the timing of her return. "Are your sisters to visit us as well and is 'Bingo' a means of summoning them?"

"No, King Henry, I am on my own and 'Bingo' is not a spell. It is the name of a game and also called out when a person completes their card and wins the prize. It will be a real money maker for the Church someday.

"Mistress Buttercup," the Princess elatedly added her greeting on learning of the fairy's identity, "I am so pleased that you have come so that I might thank you."

"You are most welcome, Princess, although I do believe your parents might have a different view of my blessing gone awry, for which deception I must apologize."

"Deception, Mistress Buttercup," the King asked incredulously, "how so and for what purpose, if I may inquire without offense."

"None taken, your Highness. It is not in our nature for fairies to lie, but things are not always as they are perceived. Did it not strike you as odd that a fairy would not be able to hold her wine? It was an academy award performance."

"I am sorry, Mistress Buttercup," the King apologized, "but I know not of the capacity of fairies for intoxicating beverages and what academy has bestowed an award on you for blessing the prince?"

Buttercup whacked herself in the forehead with her right hand, causing her antennae to vibrate, and made a face.

"Never mind, it's not important. The point is that the blessing was not made by mistake. It only appeared so. That is why you are owed an apology."

Recalling all of the tribulations that the blessing caused, the Queen entreated the fairy, "why would you do such a thing, Buttercup. Have we given some offense to you or your kind?"

"No, Queen Charlotte, to the contrary, it is because of a good deed performed by King Henry's ancestor and the fact that my sisters don't know when to leave well enough alone."

The King and Queen listened attentively as Buttercup continued with her explanation.

"You know of King Harold and his knights. How they died to save our woods from a dragon and how we fairies have forever after blessed his house. Well, I warned my sisters. I told them not to mess with the dragon. She must be removed they insisted. Why? Leave her alone and eventually she will get bored and go squat someplace else. The elves just built some really sweet condos at Oak Hill Park. We can move in there. They have hot and cold running wine and Jacuzzi's.

"What type of magical device is a Jacuzzi, Mistress Buttercup," the King inquired, provoking a glare from the Queen for interrupting the story.

"A Jacuzzi, you know, umm, a container filled with hot water, like what they do laundry in, but bigger. You sit in it to wash yourself and it blows bubbles up your … . Never mind, it's not important."

Buttercup paused to gather her thoughts and resumed her explanation.

"Would my stubborn sisters listen to me? No. Well, we cannot use our magic on other magical creatures, so they enlisted King Harold. Don't worry Buttercup, we mean no harm to the dragon. Once confronted, she will move on and all will be well. What mushroom have you girls been eating? Dragons have really nasty dispositions on their good days. They're a half ton of plated armor with teeth like daggers, razor sharp claws and really, really obnoxious breath. Nor were my sisters aware that it was a she dragon with a bad case of PMS.

The King, Queen and Princess looked blankly at Buttercup.

"You known, PMS, premature molting of scales, so she was in no mood to be rousted. Instead of politely departing, she decided to invite King Harold and his knights for lunch and they were the main course. It was no contest. Iron suits are the wrong sort of protection against a creature that breathes fire. It took about ten seconds to heat and serve. We just made up that business about there being a battle to honor King Harold's memory."

"How then did the dragon die, Mistress Buttercup," the King asked.

"Well, dragons are gluttons and they eat their victims whole, cows, sheep, horses, people. Mostly they're digestible, a bone or two, a hoof or horn to crunch, but a king and a dozen knights in full armor and their horses in battle dress gave her a terminal upset stomach. Served her right.

"That is indeed unfortunate, Mistress Buttercup," the King sympathized, "but what does that have to do with the prince becoming a princess?"

"Keep you tights on, I'm getting to that. Does he ever keep his mouth shut?" she asked, turning to Queen Charlotte.

Queen Charlotte shrugged noncommittally.

"Did you know that when a beast dies everything lets go?" Buttercup continued. "So we had a rotting reptile, a puddle of pee and a pile of poo on our hands, so to speak. Oh, and our magic doesn't work on other magic creatures or their waste products, dead or alive. Nice going sisters. Not only was there the smelly remains of the dragon cluttering up our woods, but their stupid plan had also left your Kingdom without a ruler and most of its knights gone. So we had to make a pledge to protect King Harold's realm and we've been babysitting his family ever since. Don't get me wrong, it's no big deal showing up every now and then to pop a blessing, but a problem has come up that requires us to put an end to it."

Buttercup surveyed the King, Queen and Princess to make sure they were paying attention.

"Over time, time longer than those of your world can imagine, our arcane scientist have been studying the lessening of our powers. It has been traced to the absorption of magic by your world, as sand soaks up water. At the last GLBT conference, oh, you would not know. G for the giants and large creatures, trolls, ogres and their kin; L for the little folk, pixies, brownies, leprechauns, they do not inhabit these parts, and others small enough to fit under a toadstool; B for the beasts, like dragons and unicorns; and T for the traditional magic folk, fairies, elves and gnomes to name a few. At the conference, it was decided that the only way to save our world was to seal it off from yours, but the promise my sisters made to be the protectors of your Kingdom means that we cannot depart. I'd gladly strangle them and put an end to it, as I was not in on the original deal, but magic creatures cannot do harm to others of their kind."

Buttercup looked up and said into the air, "just kidding, love ya," and then continued. "To solve the problem, we created this plan to turn the prince into a princess. Actually, it was my plan and it’s a doozy, umm, it's a really good one. Queen Charlotte, I know you have thought ill of us for depriving you of your baby and for that I apologize, but it was necessary for him to learn to be a boy before he became a girl. That training in the manly rather than the domestic arts has served her well, I believe."

"I was indeed angry with your kind, Mistress Buttercup, of that I make no pretense, but I have more than been recompensed by the joy the Princess has brought me."

"The Princess shares your good heart, Queen Charlotte, a quality that too serves her well for sure, and your forgiveness is gratefully accepted, but we have one parting gift to bestow, for you shall yet have a baby to care for."

Queen Charlotte and the King both gave Buttercup a startled look."

"Oh, no," she laughed, "you are to be its grandmother. It is the Princess who shall give birth to a son."

Buttercup turned to give the King a nasty look as he was about to speak.

"Okay, Hank," she challenged him, "you were about to say that the Princess is really a boy, so she can't have a baby, right?"

The King slid back on his throne.

"Let's get this straight. You see the little feelers up here?" She pointed to the antennae on top of her head poking through her pinkish hair. "They're useless, but really cute, don't you think?" Before he could agree, she continued, "and you see the little pointy ears and the wings, which I haven't any idea why we have, because we levitate, and the sparkly dress."

Buttercup paused, looked over her shoulder and asked rhetorically, "do you think this dress makes my butt look big, Charlotte? I mean what do little green goblins, whose women are about as attractive as the south end of a donkey going north, know about haute couture anyway? And do you know how embarrassing it is having a bunch of horny ogres looking up to catch a peek at your twat when you fly around? Hmm, then again… . Where was I? Oh, yeah."

Buttercup returned to berating King Henry.

"See the wand, the one that turns know-it-all kings into little green frogs?" Buttercup traced an arc in the air and little sparkles appeared. "Actually Charlotte," Buttercup digressed, "having a frog for a husband isn't such a bad thing. They're really portable. You can stick them in your pocket. Do your dresses have pockets? Well, an apron, whatever. And they have really long, flexible tongues, if you get my drift. What do you say?"

Buttercup winked at the Queen.

"Thank you kindly, Mistress Buttercup," the Queen played along, "but I have become accustomed to my husband in his present form and would prefer he remain so."

"As you wish, Queen Charlotte. So, umm, oh yeah, right. When a fairy says someone is going to have a baby, then you better start buying diapers. Got it?" she chided the King, who remained cowed.

"Here's the drill," she told Princess Charlene. "On your wedding nights," Buttercup paused and again looked up and spoke into the air. "You hear that Petunia, 'wedding nights', plural. You hooked that little servant girl up with just one sissy prince."

Buttercup turned to the King and Queen.

"Heh, heh, sorry, it’s a fairy thing. We tend to be a mite competitive." She looked up and made a rude gesture. "Heh, heh, well more than a mite."

Returning to Princess Charlene, Buttercup instructed her, "on your wedding nights, you're going to have to spit the first load from each of your husbands into the magic receptacle. After that, Sweetie, you're good to swallow."

Buttercup once again turned to the King and Queen, both of whom were blushing.

"What? Like you two never. Oh, yeah, King I'm-Smarter-Than-The Fairies had to make love to his pillow for a dozen years. We told him, don't mess with the magic, it always causes problems, but no, he wouldn't listen. Actually we knew he wouldn't, men never listen. I don't know what it is with them. I mean like last week I had a date with this troll." Buttercup gave Queen Charlotte a big grin. "They're hairy, they're smelly, they're ugly, they're dumb as rocks, but whoever said size doesn't matter never dated one. They can go all night too. Okay, so we're wandering around the enchanted woods looking for his cousin's cave. He grows these really groovy psychedelic mushrooms. Whoa. Anyway, after an hour I say to him, we're lost. No, he says, I know where we are. Okay, I say, where are we? It's right over the next hill, he insists. Finally I say to him, ask a wood nymph. No, they're dumb. Yeah, not like you dung for brains I wanted to say, but the bigger the creature the more sensitive, go figure. A crying troll is really pathetic and having damp fur makes them smell even worse. Anyway, I finally get directions from a wood nymph and by the time we arrived, all the best hors d'oeuvres were gone."

Buttercup paused to regain her concentration during which Princess Charlene observed, "the magic receptacle seems to be absent, Mistress Buttercup."

"Oh, yeah, right, sorry."

Buttercup took her wand, made a circle in the air, it turned black, as if it were a hole, she reached in, rummaged around and out came a crystal globe encased in an intricate web of gold filigree with a short neck and an elaborate gold stopper in the shape of two swans with their slender necks entwined to make a heart by which ring it could be drawn out. The globe had a soft bluish glow denoting its magic nature. Buttercup handed it to the Princess.

"Once you have filled it with your husbands'spe...," she paused and looked over her shoulder at the King and Queen, "specimen," she gave a little cough of derision, "turn the stopper three times to the right. It's not magic, it just seals it tight so the stuff inside doesn't come pouring out. Then recite the magic words: Star light, star bright… no, those are the wrong ones, that's for puppets into boys, we want boys into girls, okay, ummm, magic vessel in my hand, turn into a woman's gland. Eww, that's awful. I stink at rhymes. Actually, you don't need to say anything. The receptacle does it all, but it would have been a nice touch. We fairies love drama."

"Umm," Buttercup paused to once more collect her thoughts. "Okay, after you seal up the receptacle, shake it well. It will splice the genetic material, umm, put together the stuff inside, and your son, it's glowing blue, she confirmed, so it's a baby boy bottle, will have the best characteristics of his fathers. That night, take it to bed with you and hold it to you stomach. When you wake up in the morning, you will be preggo with all the trimmings, back pain, swollen ankles, barf your guts up, mood swings, cravings, wouldn't want you to miss out on the joys of maternity. In nine months you will deliver a bouncing baby prince. Your husbands will return to attend his birth, so that you won't miss the traditional opportunity to curse them out when the contractions hit and so that they can witness that it is your child."

Once again Buttercup looked up. "How about that Petunia? Glass footwear and vegetable transportation is so passé. We're talking about recombinant DNA and transmorphogenesis. High tech stuff. Heh, heh, sorry folks. That Petunia, always bragging, thinks she's such-a-much. Hah," Buttercup spoke back to the air, "no way, Petunia, this is one for the Gnomish Book of Records."

"Mistress Buttercup," the King ventured cautiously, "I wish not to provoke you, but please, the plan is of your devising. Why did the Prince need to become a Princess for it to succeed?"

Since fairies were all female, at least the kinds with wings and wands, they were natural feminists and so enjoyed asserting themselves over men, the King being no exception, but Buttercup, having had enough fun at his expense, relented.

"Your Highness, it is a fair question," she said deferentially to his surprise. "A woman by her nature is capable of conception. Although each Prince may be sure of his own abstention when alone with her, he could have no such confidence in the restraint of the others and none would believe that a child born of multiple unions is not the natural progeny of one. Therefore, for her husbands to have no doubt that the Princess remained a virgin on her wedding nights and that her child was theirs, conceived by magic, she could not be a woman."

Buttercup turned to the Princess and said familiarly, "It is for that reason, Charlene, that after your son's birth you shall have one day to nurse him. I would not deprive you of the most tender time of motherhood. Then the transformation will reverse and you will be as you were. By confirmation of that change when you have your annual conjugal visits, the princes will be assured that they were not duped by some clever masquerade. Unfortunately, with the change your breasts will once again become only decorative accessories. However, your son's godmothers-to-be, Elisse and Marlyne, are conveniently pregnant and will have plenty of milk to spare. As to the legitimacy of your child, the rumor was started upon your arrival that Prince Charles had been sent to Dalmacia. You will retire for one month, a period of recovery you may enjoy after five wedding nights in a row. It will be rumored that the King has decided that it would be more propitious if you were to wed Prince Charles and so the King has sent you to him in Dalmacia, his condition still requiring him to remain, but you returning pregnant. Your son will be accepted as the son of Prince Charles, the rightful heir to the Trimontaine throne, although your husbands will know better, but have no reason to dispute his claim.

"Thank you, Mistress Buttercup, and, if it does not try your patience, might you also explain how this plan of your devising relieves you and your sisters of your promise?"

"Another good question, King Henry," she replied to his relief. "Although the Princess will be her son's birth mother, having not contributed to his conception, her child will not be of King Harold's blood. So his house ends, the onus is lifted and we may depart. We are sorry, but there is no other way, although in consolation we offer you this. The dawning of a new age of peace and harmony for your Kingdom and all of the others, presided over by Charlene's son on his accession to King Harold's throne, and so it will last for ten generations, one hundred years. Beyond that, our magic's influence fails and with it the memory of our existence fades. Only tales of fairies will remain, but our legacy is that all shall have the same ending.

And they lived happily every after.