"Rise, young Hawkins," proclaimed the elderly-sounding ruler. Jim straightened and looked the old king in the eye. "For a great time even unto this very moment, we all have longed and waited meet and speak thus with you. Much has been said of you from the lips of my now-returned daughter Bethany. I believe you know of whom I speak, do you not?" Jim nodded and said blankly, "Yes...Your Majesty." King Stephen smiled and continued. "My precious daughter has given you much due for her salvation and return. But, to know this to be the absolute truth, I must ask and hear from your own lips."

As the King addressed the young spacer, Silver, Sarah, B.E.N., Leland, Delbert, Amelia, Andrea, Adam, Chloe and Olivia were admitted and led to a staircase to observe and hear everything.

"Did you, James Hawkins, find my daughter in the possession of villainous thieves and pirates, living the life of a lowly servant?"
"Yes Sir."

"Did you actually defeat one in order to rescue her and set her free?"

"Yes I did."

"And did you take her away, feed her, give her drink and care for her wounds?"

"Sure—I mean, Yes Your Highness"

"Did you discover who she was, who had taken her and why it was thus?"

"Yes Sir."

"And you decided to help her because she was a princess and wanted to earn her favor?"

"No sir."

"Why did you then...give up your mission against your foe to help my daughter?"

Jim was silent for a few moments and looked down. The, he returned his gaze and spoke his reply. "I did it because I saw in her...a person that I used to be. When I was only eight years old, my father left me and my mom and didn't return. I lost all my hope, my dreams and everything good about me. Even now I still don't have it all back." He paused to gather his thoughts and look down again. "And when I first saw and met her...Majesty, I wanted to...set her free because I knew, at first, that she deserved so much more and better than what they'd...made her. But when I heard what some witch named Maleficent had done by stealing her in the past, I, uh...saw a resemblance between her and myself when I was eight years old. She'd been raised without hopeful, caring and loving parents who could...help her grow. And, I guess you could say that...I wanted right then and there to help her get it all back because, well...I know this sounds stupid, but..." "Fear not, lad," spoke the rotund King Hubert, "what you say will not bring you shame." Jim sighed before continuing. "I wanted to do everything I could for her because...sigh.... I was angry." "Angry?" asked a confused Prince Philip. "Yeah, I was angry because someone had taken away her life and opportunities and thrown her down where she didn't belong. I was so mad that I vowed right there that I'd get her home or die fighting to do so. I wanted her to be happier and freer and alive and...with you, her father...and her mother. I wanted her to have dreams...great plans...and...a good heart. I wanted her to live a long, joyful life with her family, a faithful husband and maybe even her very own children." Jim ceased and looked up with a slightly dismayed look.

But King Stephen was well-pleased. Here was a lad who'd proven himself to have a heart like no other! Why, what more could he have asked for in any man, suitor or soldier? So he smiled back warmly and addressed Jim with more questions.

"So tell me, brave one, do you still desire the best and nothing but the best for my daughter?"

"Yes Sir."

"Would you still hold onto your vow to fight for her life, her dreams and her heart—at all cost?"

"Absolutely."

"And would you still give her due respect as a member of the Royal Family and a friend?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Now, if you can suffer it, I wish to know your character a little more: Is there any other young girl whom you have already given your heart and affection?"

"No Sir."

"Is there any other you could love more than my daughter?"

"No, your Highness."

King Stephen took a deep breath before asking one last question. "Do...you...James Pleaides Hawkins...love my daughter more than any other?"

Jim looked straight at the King with a semi-fearful look. Was he asking out of sincere sympathy to his feelings? Or was the King only seeking Jim's loyalty by baiting his affections? Was he being set up for a quick loss of heart? Jim battled with his doubts for a few moments before returning his troubled gaze and sighing heavily.

"Yes...I do...and nothing—not time or distance—can change what's come over me since I first met her."

King Stephen smiled and nodded slowly at Jim. "Well spoken, brave one," he said as he stretched out his arm, "You have proven yourself in deeds and in truth. You are more than deserving of our utmost gratitude and best offerings. You have given your strength, your blood and your life to ensure my daughter's return. "Behold," the King uttered aloud as he stretched his arm towards the entrance of the throne room. "Your Reward and Our Thanks to You!!!"

Author's Note: What's the gift???? And why did King Stephen have to ask Jim so many questions??? And what's going to happen next???? Keep waiting and read what's coming in the next chapter to find out. Those of you who already figured it out are more than free to dream, add comments or suggestions—they'll be well-considered and possibly applied.