CHAPTER 1

The new Prince of Trodain and husband to the gorgeous Princess Medea, Brandon, paced back and forth in anxiety.

His new father-in-law, King Trode laid a hand on his shoulder. "What's wrong, my boy? Is it about our trip to Argonia tomorrow?"

Brandon bit his lip. "That's it exactly. I'm not sure how the Argonians will feel about me. I already know that Charmles hates me."

King Trode scoffed. "They'll love you! Who cares what Prince Charmless thinks? He was cruel to us when we had to help him complete his initiation trial and at the wedding. Well … considering how he was supposed to marry Medea, that one might be justified … but nevertheless, you were the rightful groom!"

Medea herself entered the room. "Hello. Are you dreading being in the same room as Prince Charmless for the first time since our marriage? Don't worry. He's your cousin, and he knows that now. He must consider you his equal."

King Trode nodded. "Right. After all, when he was a brat to us, he thought we were commoners he could throw around like rag dolls. The truth has been revealed. You are now even more royal than he is, descended from the Argonian throne and married into the Trodainian one. Not to mention that your grandfather is one of the Council of Elders at the Dragovian Sanctuary."

Medea slipped her hand into Brandon's. "It'll be okay. Besides being my hero, you saved the world from the demon Rhapthorne! You're worth so much than you could ever know."

Brandon found himself smiling. "Thank you. I suppose it's time we went to bed. Goodnight."

The next morning, a servant knocked on the door. "Prince Brandon and Princess Medea, it is time to depart for Argonia."

Brandon rubbed his eyes. "Thank you. We'll get ready."

After getting dressed, the couple wandered into the kitchen where King Trode awaited them. "Ah, there's my favorite sight! You two are so adorable together."

Brandon allowed a polite grin, but his mind still wandered over to business. "The Prime Minister will look over things during the trip, right?"

King Trode drank some water. "Yes. I still can't believe that when Castle Trodain was in ruins, he was sitting in my throne! He's lucky that he's brilliant or I would've kicked out his fat rump out as soon as the curse lifted."

Medea giggled. "Cor blimey, Father. I'm glad that everything worked out at the wedding."

The chef served them scrambled eggs. "Enjoy, Your Majesties."

After they ate, Brandon asked, "Would you like me to cast Zoom and bring us to Argonia, or are we taking a carriage there?"

King Trode shrugged. "It doesn't matter. I suppose using the spell will be less work."

They went outside and Brandon cast the spell. In a second, they outside of Argonia. King Trode inquired, "Shall we?"

The trio went into the city gates and were gawked at by the townsfolk. There were murmurs of, "That's the man Princess Medea married instead of Prince Charmles! Just who is he that was chosen over our prince?"

They strode to the palace's front door. The guards saluted them and allowed entry. Medea gazed at the lavish decorations. "It's so pretty here."

One of the soldiers escorted them to the throne room where King Clavius and Prince Charmles were standing. King Clavius greeted, "Welcome King Trode, Princess Medea, and Prince Brandon."

Prince Charmles glared at Brandon angrily. "Father, why did you invite him here? He is my enemy! He stole Princess Medea away from me!"

King Clavius met his son's stony gaze. "He did not. He is Eltrio's son. And Eltrio was my older brother. Brandon had the right to marry Medea in your place. In addition, he is actually mature enough and worthy of her."

Prince Charmles gave Brandon a skeptical look. "But if he's Uncle Eltrio's son, why didn't I know about him?"

King Trode replied, "I believe that you are aware of Prince Eltrio renouncing his claim to the throne and disappeared. Shortly before, he secretly married a Dragovian named Xia, who snuck away to the human world. Xia's father found out and took her away. Eltrio left to find her, but died minutes from where she was. Nobody knew of the marriage or Xia's pregnancy, as Dragovians were forbidden from humans. So simply, no human knew who Brandon was until we traveled to the Dragovian Sanctuary."

Prince Charmles stiffened. "That's a lot to believe."

King Clavius reminded, "Do you forget that Brandon has Eltrio's Argon Ring? He also bears a striking resemblance to your uncle."

Medea affirmed, "It's true. I know Brandon is your cousin for a fact."

Even if it wasn't true, the way Brandon and Medea looked into each other's eyes was proof enough that the marriage was indeed valid.