As the procession rode through the city, Danerik had to keep a smile from crossing his face as he heard the same whispers he had heard as a street rat, only a few days ago. Once the procession reached the palace gates, Danerik and Valerie waited impatiently as the official scrolls were handed back and forth between guards, but finally the procession was allowed through. In the inner courtyard, the riders were allowed to dismount, but only Danerik was allowed through into the audience chamber.

"Wait, Danny-"

"Relax, Valerie, I'll be fine. Right, Desiree? I'll be…just fine?"

"Absolutely. Simply use that trademarked charm and wit."

"Always." With a smile, he winked at the pair and followed the guards into the ornate chamber.

"Umm, Desiree…you know his 'charm' level is next to nil?"

"Oh yeah. I knew that. I also know he won't get killed, no matter what he does. He'll be fine…"

"….his pride, not so much."

o0o00o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o00o

After the formal introductions were sped through, ambitions explained, pedigrees sorted out, the guards were dismissed and Sultan Masoniar nervously led Danerik down a side hallway.

"Now, she's not great on first impressions-"

"No need to worry about that." Danerik murmured.

"but I'm sure you'll do fine."

"That seems to be a theme lately."

"Hmm?"

"I…seem to be dreaming of that lately. About meeting her, I mean. She's…supposed to be very beautiful, right?"

"Yes, yes, just…if she seems to be getting angry, run."

"Run. Got it."

Masoniar kept walking while he closed his eyes, rubbing his temples in preparation for a headache, when he heard a large *SPLAT* sound from behind him. Shocked, he looked back to see Danerik covered in bird poop, looking up into the rafters to listen to the coo's of a number of peacocks.

"I see your palace birds have taken a liking to your rafters?"

"Oh, Prince Danerik, I'm so, so sorry for this inconvience-"

"Don't worry, Sultan. I'll manage." Shrugging off his outer robe, Danerik turned it inside out and continued down the hall, leaving a confused Sultan behind him.

"But….your honor…the shame-" Wait, thought the Sultan. Maybe…just maybe…

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

"Tuck? How did the peacock setup work?"

"Well, mistress-"

"Ah, my little sweet pea, I have someone here to meet you!"

A confused shouting match ensued as Danerik and Sultan Masoniar pushed into the room as one, resulting in a very shocked Princess and a very quiet Tuck.

"Quiet!" Danerik finally shouted, stepping ahead of Sultan Masoniar and bowing to Princess Samantha. "Princess, I have come to ask your hand in marriage-"

"Presumptuous fool!"

"BUT I would like to extend to you a month or two to come to know me…so we can spend time together."

"A wise suggestion, Prince Danerik!" Masoniar beamed at his daughter and made another quick bow. "I have other matters to attend to, so I'll be on my way!"

"I-I should get going too." Tuck also bowed and scurried out of the room, leaving the couple facing each other.

I tell ya, those guards are as harsh as border crossing agents. If it was murder back then, it's next to impossible now!