Angelica’s father was actually waiting just inside the outer gates when they finally arrived back at the castle. Penelope was waiting with him, still in the same dress as earlier, but she had added a matching ribbon in her hair. She smiled when Kenneth came into view, but her smile faded when she saw the state of the guard’s clothes.

There was chaos for several moments as the King called for the medics to come and tend to the wounded, and Elder Gareth explained what had happened. Angelica saw her father look at her in obvious disapproval when it was mentioned how she slid down the hill into the midst of the battle.

“I am glad you and your son were able to arrive safely, Your Justice. I trust my daughter was not too much of an inconvenience?” The king said quickly.

“On the contrary, Your Majesty, she was most helpful in the dispatching of the demon,” Kenneth inserted.

The Elder cast a disapproving look at her. Angelica decided it was about time for her to make her exit. She avoided looking at her father, and started leading Tricky toward the stable.

“Elder Hethal, Young Elder Kenneth, this is my eldest daughter, Princess Penelope.” She heard her father making formal introductions.

“It is an honor,” Elder Hethal said.

Angelica quickly turned the corner into the stables. Tricky pulled back against the sudden pressure on his reins and shook his head. The princess patted him on the neck. “Come on, let’s get you bedded down.”

The Elder’s servants were bringing in his horses now, putting them into the visitor stalls, and talking loudly as they did.

“Did you see her come sliding down the cliff like that? I thought she was a demon myself at first,” one of them said.

“I was a little too busy trying to not get eaten,” another replied.

“And wearing boy’s clothes like she was. Can hardly believe she’s a princess.”

“What do you expect from the Renegade Princess? Her sister was quite the looker. Master Kenneth sure is a lucky man.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.”

“Don’t pay them any mind,” a voice said from right outside the stall.

Angelica looked up from grooming Tricky to see Jasper standing in the doorway.

“Shouldn’t you be guarding my sister?” she replied with a smile.

“There are plenty of guards any time the royal family steps outside the castle.”

“Ah, but Nell prefers you.”

Jasper coughed uncomfortably. “So what were you doing by the path anyway?”

“I wanted to get a glimpse of my sister’s future husband.”

“He’s quite handsome isn’t he?”

“If the pretty-boy look is what you’re going for.” Angelica smiled, patting Tricky’s neck before moving to the stall door. “Did you know he’s a mage?”

“Well I guess for him it only adds to his repertoire,” Jasper commented.

“If you’re not careful, he’ll steal Nell right out from under your nose.”

“I do not know what you are talking about, Princess,” Jasper said, his cheeks coloring notably.

“I am talking about the fact that a rival has appeared.”

Jasper’s eyes clouded for a moment. “I am sure Princess Penelope will be very happy with Master Kenneth.” He turned and walked away.

“So serious all the time,” Angelica murmured as she let herself out of the stall.