"Bianca showed him your crib. You floated out like a flower petal down the river to the reedy banks of Avalon. How she found you, and how the Orphan Queen was rumored to have disappeared were a perfect match," he whispers. "As perfect as myth and legend can be when shown to be true."

     "First of all, we have both been laboring under misconceptions, and I think we have been talking past one another, misunderstanding the other's viewpoint. This is something I would propose to change, if you are willing."

     In all this world, I am ...a solitary kind. Large eyes lift to look at the moon, his turbinate horn seeming to point to it. It is just you and I, fat moon....

     "I know Lord Lugh would shudder to think that I could be so easily distracted, or would, shudder to think, invite distraction. Distraction is typically deadly for kings," his mouth slants slightly. "But," green eyes lower to his hands again, "...maybe we should make time for distraction, now and then. The world does not have to be ...so serious all the time."

     Without expectations, and certainly without much hope, he met her and upon meeting her began to think: why not? Why not a fairytale? But when he received the summons to the garden, he knew why not. Fairytales, as romantic and fun as they are, seldom work their way into reality. They will be so disappointed, if I am right about being wrong.

     One contest, by the curl of the scroll, he suspects is done. But like all honorable, soldierly men, he shall leave the field with a tip of his helmet and a wave of his hand to the course.

     "So...where was I? Oh yes, magic. I can see that now: you do favor both of your fathers, which of course would be impossible otherwise. And though I have never seen your mother, I suspect that is because of the beauty that you surely have inherited... see?" He grins. "I just heard myself say that. And it sounds a bit thick, something of a line. It isn't. I'm awkward. And you're beautiful. Has anyone but everyone told you that? To the point that it's difficult to think...?"

     "...Who knew it would be so difficult to fall in love?" he smiles. "Or to want to. I suppose I would have better luck if I were a baker. It's a lot of pressure, don't you think? To find someone who is right for you and a kingdom? I understand your weariness."