My reverie was interrupted by a knock at the door. I hesitantly opened it to see King Geoffrey himself with a plate of food.

"Do you prefer veal to venison?" he queried.

I blushed with shame. "I'm sorry to have caused such a fuss at Your Majesty's banquet. The king has been a most gracious host, and I have behaved un…"

King Geoffrey held up his hand to interrupted me. "You think I don't remember?" His eyes took on the slight twinkle of a distant memory. "My wife used to get that same flush on her lovely face each time she spoke my name. You've got a young man back home, don't you? Someone your parents forbid you to marry because he either has a criminal history or he's below you in status?"

Unable to deny his statement, I simply nodded.

He chuckled slightly, setting the food down on my nightstand with a glass of wine. "It doesn't seem that long ago that I was having to slay dragons while a young princess wore out iron shoes, and we both had to undo spells and find the one talking animal out of thousands who couldn't. Each time my sweetheart and I believed we would be together at last, another problem would arise, and we feared we'd be separated forever, not even to die in each other's arms."

I remained silent, intrigued by his tale.

"But even today, the way she looks at me…" King Geoffrey smiled tenderly. "One glance, and I'd go through it all again without a moment's hesitation."

Despite the breach of etiquette, I began eating.

"Go to him, Lisette. I know your heart is in terrible pain. It will drive you to seek him, so you may as well go now while your mind is still sound. My servants will see you safely to the border of France. What happens then rests in your hands."

Before I could fully understand what he was saying, King Geoffrey turned and left the room. However, I had barely finished my meal when there was another knock at the door.

"Who's there?" I asked.

"Mrs. Addington, love."

I opened the door to see a woman just slightly older than my own mother.

"Are you ready for your journey?"

I shook my head. "My parents…"

"The king is taking care of everything, my dear." She patted my hand. "I know you're still exhausted from the journey here, but you'll never be able to rest until you see him again."

"Why is everyone in this castle so obsessed with reuniting…?"

Mrs. Addington smiled. "Someday when you visit us of your own accord, you will hear how our king and queen finally earned the right to each other's love after years of struggle. For now, content yourself to know it's our pleasure to help you."

I threw my arms around her. She embraced me for several seconds before escorting me to a carriage waiting outside. The walls, seats, and even the floor were cushioned, and there were several pillows and blankets just under the window.

"Try to get comfortable," Mrs. Addington advised. "It's going to be a long ride."

King Geoffrey himself shook my hand and wished me the best of luck, assuring me that supplies I would need were securely fastened to the top of the carriage, and the driver was highly skilled, so I would not be jostled by the ride. I would barely even notice I was moving.

I bobbed a curtsy. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

On impulse, I gave him a light kiss on the cheek, as a daughter would give her father. He smiled and helped me into the carriage.

I was so exhausted that I had no trouble making myself comfortable, and I soon drifted off to sleep.