They find Casey lying on the sand by the lake, looking forlorn and rather waterlogged. There is a chip in his paint where one of the swans snapped at him and he makes a sad chirping noise as his owner approaches. Belle settles next to him on the sand, dragging Tommy down with her.

"What did I tell you about chasing swans little one?" Casey responds by perking up and batting her hand in the universal sign of dogs (and sentient dog-like creatures) asking to be pet. "It's a good thing you're nearly indestructible, because I know you'd never listen anyway." She gives in and rubs him on the head. Tommy laughs and reaches over her to pet him also. The Suitcase crows with excitement when he recognizes his other creator. He struggles over Belle before settling on the magician's lap.

"Oof, you're a bit heavy for that, dearest." Tommy gasps while Belle snickers. "Alright, alright, you can stay." He consoles when the box whimpers. They sit that way, petting Casey and watching the birds on the lake for several minutes, before Tommy brings up the topic he knows is bothering his friend.

"What about your father?"

She sighs, laying back on the sand and staring up at the cloudless sky. "Aunt Mary just had a baby, so he was up visiting her when we left. I sent him a letter detailing what had occurred, and suggesting he stay a little longer, which I know Mary wont mind. You remember our neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson?" He nods. "Well I spoke to them while our luggage was being loaded onto the carriage and they assured me they would watch out for Dad. He has the mirror, so he can contact me if necessary. Unless he wants to come here, there is nothing else I can do."

"I'm sorry Elle, when I suggested you come here to help me, I didn't realize your sisters would be chosen. I know it worries you to leave him alone."

"He's been doing much better, I think he's finally accepting Mom's death. I'm just a little concerned he'll regress. I told him to contact me with the mirror when he gets home."

"I really am sorry Ell."

"I know; I don't blame you. And I really am excited to get a chance to properly talk with you…Perhaps I will write a letter to Aunt Mary and explain the situation. He would be more likely to stay if she asks."

"I'll fetch you paper when we go back inside."

"Thanks." She smiles her appreciation.

"Sir Thomas." A strong voice interrupts. Belle looks up to see a very hairy…something, focused on her friend.

Your Highness." Tommy manages something vaguely resembling a bow from his sitting position. Casey growls and Tommy lays a calming hand on his back and he settles.

Belle blinks. In comparison to her imaginings, the prince looks down right cuddly. He has paws, but his claws are short and well maintained and he still has opposable thumbs. Only his canines are pointed and not much longer than normal, and his eyes are a human shade of blue. He is covered in dark brown hair, it's long and silky and…slightly curly. He looks like the cross between a bear, a lion and a show poodle. She clamps a hand over her mouth to keep from laughing.

The Prince maintains his distance and doesn't seem bothered by Tommy's lack of proper greeting. He is staring so intently at her friend that Belle is certain he doesn't even notice her or Casey. She glances at Tommy, questioningly, but he's not looking at her. "My room seems to be an unsightly shade of green with orange polka dots." Tommy is biting his lip to keep from laughing and Belle shoves her fist in her mouth. Seems the castle really did listen to her. "I would appreciate it if you would take a look and see whether there is anything you can do?" It is oddly polite, a request. Not at all how Belle expected the prince to act.

"Of course I will." Tommy states, gently pushing Casey from his lap and standing up. He offers Belle his hand and pulls her to his feet. "Let's go."

"I requested your presence, not your maid's." The prince attempts, but his snub catches on the tremor in his voice.

"Ell is my friend, she will be accompanying me." Tommy's eyes flash fire and the air sizzles. The prince steps back.

"I-yes, of course." And he turns to lead them inside.

Belle sends Casey back to his bird hunting and joins Tommy behind the prince.

"Do you think he's more afraid of you because you're a fire mage, you're powerful enough to be the court magician at 25, or because you're good friends with the King of the dragons?" She asks, quiet enough the prince can't hear.

Tommy looks sheepish. "Caught that, did you?"

"It was sort of obvious."

He sighs, "I think it's a bit of all three really. And seriously," he says shaking his head at her, "Kazul visited me once, to tell me she was King, you're the one she borrows cooking utensils from and introduces to her Princesses."

Belle laughs, "It's a good thing we have that forest behind our house, I'm not sure how the neighbors would react if they knew I had regular visits from dragons. Besides, the only reason I know any dragons is because I'm friends with you. It's not my fault I'm more likable."

"You're charismatic, charming, people tend to like you or at least respect you. Unlike me, who people just fear."

"Yeah, because as soon as they do something you don't like you start sparking."

"The consequences of being a fire mage."

"Hmm, didn't we discuss this when you were deciding on a field of magic?" It's said jokingly, but it is serious. It was their first real fight, and she thinks he sometimes still feels guilty.

"Ella." He warns.

"I'm pretty sure we had this conversation."

"Ella."

"No, really, it went something like: 'Ella I want to be a fire mage' and then I said, 'wait Tommy, isn't that really dangerous?' and then you said 'don't worry, I'll be fine', and I asked how you would deal with the whole 'no-physical-contact-until-your-a-level-10-fire-ma ge-unless-you-want-to-burn-the-person' thing and you maintained nothing would go wrong. And then, when I pointed out, you sort of have a temper, and the fact that fire is unpredictable and likely to lash out, you assured me you didn't mind if people were afraid of you."

"Ella!"

She turns to look at him and rolls her eyes at his crackling hair. "You're the one who brought it up Tom, besides, I don't mind anymore." She reaches up and runs a hand through his auburn locks, gasping as a spark burns her.

He pulls her hand away, studying the mark on her palm.

"It's fine Tom, I have ointment in my room." She assures him. "Seems I'll have to talk one of the dragons into redoing my fireproofing spell."

"I can do it."

"No you can't, last time you tried I ended up with half my hair singed off. I had to cut it so short I had to leave it down all the time, which, may I remind you, is considered entirely improper. Do you have any idea how many questions I had to avoid answering about that? Also, your magic wont necessarily protect me from dragon fire."

"Umm." The prince interrupts turning back to the arguing couple. He doesn't appear to have heard what they are saying, but their tone is obvious. "We are here." His gaze skips between the two, finally landing on Belle. She looks away at his unsettling stare.

Tommy reluctantly releases her hand. "This conversation isn't over."

She nods, catching his eyes. "I trust you not to hurt me." And she smiles at him. "Lets go see what the castle did to the prince's room. We'll discuss after."

He dips his head in acceptance and smiles softly back at her.

a/n: For those of you who have read the the "Enchanted Forest Chronicles" by Patricia C. Wrede, I'm sure you recognized my King of the Dragons. Yes, I sort of stole Kazul, as well as some of the Dragon culture, but magic techniques fall within my own story idea and there is no actual Enchanted Forest.

For those of you who have not read them, you should, they're very good and unique. She takes normal fairy tale ideas a spins them on their heads.