King Harold took his bride's hand and helped her out of the carriage. "I have an idea," he said, as she squeezed his arm. "Do you recall the couple we welcomed to the neighborhood last year, Iris and Duloc Farquaad?"

"Yes. Such a lovely couple," Queen Lillian answered.

"I've been meaning to tell you, they had a son. I can't think of a better fit for our daughter than another royal."

"Oh, what a splendid idea! What's the boy's name?"

King Harold paused only briefly. "Marilyn, but that's not an important matter. What's important is that by marrying him, our Fiona will have marital custody of a whole town. And," he added, as they walked across the courtyard to the kingdom, "Marilyn is already seven. Why, in no time at all he can begin training for swordplay."

"Two years difference," Queen Lillian said thoughtfully. "That's perfect."

"Like you," he answered, and she put his hands on top of his.

"Your Excellencies..." Suddenly a guard clanked around the corner. "Do pardon my interruption, but you have a most esteemed visitor."

"Mother?" King Harold asked.

"Uh...No, your Excellency. This way." Looking harried, the guard led them through the big main chamber and through the doorway of the living room. There stood the Fairy Godmother, holding the hand of a young boy; who had blue eyes and a mat of blond hair.

"F-Fairy Godmother," King Harold stammered, as Queen Lillian nervously curtsied.

"I apologize for arriving before you; but I have your daughter's ideal future rescuer. My son."

"I didn't know you had a son," King Harold answered nervously.

"Well, no, of course not! I just got him today," she answered mysteriously. "Anyway, I have it all planned out for you. Lillian, you said it yourself; Fiona will be rescued by her Prince Charming. So, that's what I named him!"

"Uh, Fairy Godmother, I don't mean to be a bother, but...I thought you said we were to hold a tournament?" King Harold inquired.

"Yes, and then I figured, why bother with that nonsense, when I can just whip up the perfect match for a princess?"

"Whip?" Queen Lillian inquired.

"Go play with the ponies and wait for Mummy," Fairy Godmother said, giving her son's shoulder a little push.

"Yes, Mother." He ran through the archway and bounded across the main chamber, his shoes thumping on the linoleum. Only when a guard opened the front door to let him out did Fairy Godmother speak into the silence following his departure.

"He is a product of this," she said, holding up her magic wand. "When that boy reaches adulthood, no woman, no matter her status, will be able to resist him."

"I...actually thought of her match, already," King Harold murmured.

"What?" Fairy Godmother's eyes went slim. "And have you discussed this with the boy's parents?"

"No. Not yet."

"You do realize, don't you, that I have a son and am standing right here."

"Yes, but I was thinking it could be Marilyn Farquaad."

At the mention of his name, her cold fury seemed to vanish. "The son to Iris and Duloc?" she asked breathlessly. "My, that's quite a choice."

"What do you say?" King Harold asked hopefully.

"I say, let's make it interesting," Fairy Godmother answered thoughtfully. "Marilyn and my son will be the only contestants in your tournament; and your blessing will go to whomever gets to your daughter first. Do we have a deal?"

King Harold and his wife exchanged a glance. Upon her nod of consent, King Harold smiled and looked to the Fairy Godmother. "Yes," he said, and the pair shook hands.