James saw a whole new Lord Malevolum as the man rushed to the bedside and embraced the princess once the queen released her.

"My little Snow Rose."

Once they were side by side, there were enough features in common that James figured that Malevolum was either the girl's father or another close relative. They were obviously close and that explained a great deal of Malevolum's attitude. He supposed he would have been very suspicious himself if strangers had come asking after his daughter.

For her part, Cordula was still looking befuddled. Leonard spoke softly to her - knowing everything that happened might give them clues on thwarting the next one of T'Pring's curses.

"Can you tell us what you last remember, Princess?"

Not moving from her father's embrace, Cordula pursed her lips thoughtfully.

"I had a light breakfast in my rooms with my dear Lucy, then began to get ready as I was supposed to have a luncheon with the King and Queen to discuss the preparations for my birthday . . . why are the flowers in full bloom? They were just beginning to show buds this morning."

Lord Malevolum stroked her hair.

"All of your questions will be answered soon, my little Pearl, but first tell us what else you remember."

Giving a short nod, Cordula took a deep breath and continued.

"Lucy was brushing my hair and said that she wanted to decorate it with some ribbons and rosebuds. While she went out to gather the flowers, I began dressing in the clothes she had already laid out."

Looking down, Cordula looked puzzled.

"The pretty new laces are gone. I remember seeing them on my corset and I thought they were so lovely."

"You had never seen them before?"

Cordula shook her head.

"Never, but everyone has been leaving little gifts for me as my birthday approaches. I thought they were one of those. It was odd though. When I put on the corset, even though I hadn't tightened the lacings at all yet, I felt breathless and - and . . ."

Cordula looked up, her eyes now troubled.

"I don't remember anything else until you startled me when you hugged me. Did something happen?"

James started to speak, but refrained when he saw Queen Eirene shake her head.

"Nothing to worry about, my darling. Come. You must be famished."

James and Leonard were both puzzled, but remained behind with the three lords as the queen escorted Cordula from the room. Lord Malevolum waited until the door shut before speaking.

"Firstly, I must apologize to you both for my mood of earlier."

James shook his head.

"I would have been as bad or worse had it been a child of mine under an enchantment. Please think nothing of it."

Lord Malevolum offered his hand in turn to each of the princes.

"Thank you. I can not possibly say that enough. My Snow Rose may belong to all of our people, but to me, she is all that remains of her dear mother. I know you are wondering why Her Majesty requested that you not speak, Prince James. Our princess is beautiful, kind and generous, but - alas, we are told that her mind will remain childlike. She would never be able to understand that someone - especially someone that does not even know her - would wish her harm."

James and Leonard exchanged a look before Leonard spoke again.

"We understand, but I feel we should warn you that you must take precautions. The witch is still doing evil in the world and she may return. Her ill-will toward your daughter cam from being unfavorably compared to her. Her vanity runs deep and might drive her to more mischief."

"If there is anything - anything at all that we can give you to aid in your quest against the witch, you have but to ask. Tell me, if you break her curse on the you, will that break her power as well?"

"It will. On the day we break the tenth enchantment, every curse the witch has ever uttered will be visited upon her three-fold. She will not trouble the world again after that, I think."

"All the more reason for us to aid you the."

Lord Veternum's coming from the doorway startled them - they had not even noted he had left the room. Approaching, he bid the princes to kneel and then pinned on each of them small but finely crafted medals of gold and silver inlaid with precious stones.

"These will show all that you are heroes and allies of Vega. We know you must soon be on your way, but we ask that you dine with us tonight in celebration."

A brilliant smile lit James' face.

"We would be honored to attend."

That evening, they were seated in places of honor as they viewed the Vegan food being carried out. The items were mainly mushrooms and root vegetables along with a variety of fresh-water fish. Deserts were all fruit based and tarter than James was accustomed to, but once he ate a bit more, he found he enjoyed the mix of tart fruit with thick, slightly sweetened cream. Different cheeses accompanied each course and they sampled them all.

Cordula was fascinated by them, having had little experience with those taller than she was. When the music began, she asked first one, then the other to dance and the two princes obliged her until she needed to rest. Her laughter and joy was ample reward for their tired feet. When shown to the room they would share for the evening, both were practically asleep by the time their heads touched their pillows.

Morning came and a hearty breakfast was provided followed by a grand tour of Vega. Princess Cordula accompanied them and pointed out every bird and animal that came into sight - and she seemed to have given each and every one of them a name. More amazing was that the wild things responded to her and even birds would fly over and perch on her outstretched hand. All in all, she was a charming companion for the tour, though the news that they would be departing after lunch saddened her briefly. She soon brightened again though, getting from each a promise that they would return to Vega for her birthday if their travels allowed it.

In her dark home, T'Pring snarled as her servants hid from her, fearing her temper. She knew that two of the magical strands had shattered - and who was to blame. Worse, Stonn was beyond her reach now as she did not dare set foot in the Seleya Forest. Powerful as T'Pring was in her magics, she knew that her skills were paltry next to those commanded by T'Pau and the matriarch would not be lenient after the number of their laws that T'Pring had violated.

Settling into a chair of ebony wood, she glared at the blazing fire for quite a long time before a smile started to form. True, Stonn might be beyond her reach, but that Vegan wench that he had lauded the beauty of? She was still within reach.

Calling for food and wine, she began to consider her options. By the rules of the magic she wielded, she could not simply kill the little annoyance nor could she make use of the same method twice. That was a minor difficulty for one as imaginative as she was, after all. Later that night as one of her servants began to comb out her hair, she began to laugh long and loud. Yes - of course! That would be the perfect fate for Vega's precious princess.

Author's Note : the quest of Prince James and Prince Leonard will be continued in the next story in this series : 'Fee Fi Fo'