A Match Made In Hell {Arthur}

[Princess Sophia Lyonesse]

Today was her sixteenth birthday.

And nobody knew.

Sophia strolled through the garden, her melancholy mood lifted slightly by the scents of new-blooming flowers. She had always loved that she had been born in early Spring, when the barrenness of winter gave way to new life. Usually she looked forward to this time of year … for in Gore her birthday was a week-long affair of feasts, celebrations, and entertainment for all, from the lowest peasant to the most high-ranking nobleman. Everyone was happy and it was all done in her honor.

Were they doing that this year, she wondered, even though she was not there? The young girl sighed, as she picked a soft pink rose from a bush. It was funny, but the stem of the rose curved into the perfect angle when she held it to her nose. She was certain it had been straight when she had plucked it. No matter. She had probably bent the fragile thing a bit when she had pulled it from the plant.

A rose, like the color she had worn today. Sophia was dressed in a gown of dusky-pink crushed velvet, the ecru lace of her chemise peeking out from the hem and from the bottom of sleeves that flared out from her elbow and nearly touched the ground. The rose-colored hue brought out the natural color in her cheeks and complimented the soft pink of her lips. Ruffled ecru lace framed the moderately low neckline, and a belt of gold was wrapped underneath her breasts, crossed in back, and tied just below her waistline, the ends nearly reaching the hem of her gown. Her jewelry was golden and simple, and her hair was worn lose, some strands braided and beaded with rose and gold beads and pearls.

Why she had been so careful with her appearance today, she did not know. The only people who seemed to pay attention to her were some of the male residents and servants of the castle who always leered at her lecherously, and she tried to avoid them at all costs. The one person she wanted to notice her was more elusive than anyone she had ever known. She had been dropping subtle hints with everyone she met that she would like to speak with him, but so far she had not seen him. If she didn't know better, she would think he was avoiding her.

But why would he do that?

She was certain she was not that odious. If so, then why had so many rich and powerful men, some of them kings and princes in their own right, begged for her hand ever since she had turned thirteen? Yet her father had chosen none of them, and insisted instead that she throw herself at a man who probably didn't even know she existed, even though she now lived under his roof.

Life was so unfair.

Sophia sighed and sat down on a stone bench in a pretty area that included a bubbling fountain, and several statues sitting on pedestals. She felt so small and alone, trapped in a strange foreign land where she did not feel she belonged … simply because her father wanted to unite his kingdom with Camelot for nefarious reasons of his own. Perhaps one reason she had agreed to his plan was because she did not want a war that would take a terrible toll on her people. At least if she married Arthur, there would be peace between the two realms.

Or so she hoped.

Her reverie was broken as she heard the steady cadence of footsteps approaching behind her. Her first thought was to flee, but this pretty place and the gentle bubbling of the fountain calmed the turmoil in her soul. It was probably just a gardener, anyway. Sighing again, she held the rose to her nose and sniffed its heady scent, wishing she was back home in Gore where her birthday would be celebrated in the way she deserved.

And there she would be among friends again, and not in a world full of strangers.

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

The gardens were quiet as Arthur wandered through them on his way to nowhere. The only sounds he could hear were the gentle birdsong that floated down from the orchard trees and the low hum of newly awoken insects going about their business. It was a good day and Arthur had a smile upon his face.

He was here because he was trying to avoid Uther, who had had been making attempts to set him up with Lady Sophia ever since she had arrived in the kingdom. Frankly he was tired of it. She had always been pretty enough, if memory served him correctly, but she also seemed immature and spoilt by her pompous father- not traits Arthur found particuarly attractive. Besides, he was convinced he could find a suitor by himself and that she would be far more intelligent, mature and beautiful.

Surprising it then was, that he should stumble upon Sophia herself, alone in the rose garden and looking somewhat forlorn. At first he hovered on the spot, poised as if to turn and walk away but by this time he was directly in front of the poor girl and he decided that that would be a little too rude. So instead he stood awkwardly, feet facing left and body twisted to face forwards.

"Good morning." he half sighed.

[Princess Sophia Lyonesse]

Light blue eyes widened slightly as Sophia saw that it was not a gardener approaching her, but Arthur himself. Pretending not to see him … after all, she did not want to look too eager for his company … she gazed at him from under covertly lowered eyelashes as she continued to contemplate the single rose in her hand. He was just as handsome as she remembered him, even though she had not seen him since she had first arrived. Although she loathed the fact that her father expected her to throw herself at Camelot's heir, at least he had picked out someone attractive. It could have been much much worse.

Still, the task Urien had set for her did not sit well with the young Lady. She did not want to seduce Arthur or anyone else, for that matter. Sophia knew that as the daughter of a king, she was not expected to marry for love, and yet that is exactly what she longed for. Sometimes she believed that the peasant women had it better than she did, for they had the freedom to fall in love and marry as they wished. She would never want for money, material possessions, or prestige, but such luxuries came with a price … and that price was a partial loss of freedom, including the right to choose her own husband.

Yet that was the way life had to be, and rebelling against her destiny would only hurt her in the long run.

Now that Arthur was here, standing rather awkwardly in front of her, she might as well make the best of the chance she had been given. Her father's wishes aside, Sophia was quite curious about him, for Arthur, like herself, was the only living child of a king and probably had at least a few things in common with her. She rather doubted that his life had been as sheltered as her own, but he probably did not have as much freedom as he wished to have either. That was at least one thing they most likely shared.

When he greeted her, she looked up at him, trying to seem sophisticated and worldly, but managing to come across as young and shy instead. What could she say to him? Sophia had rehearsed many times the way their first meeting might go and the witty things she would say to attract him, but now she found herself at a sudden loss for words.

If she just kept staring up at him like an idiot, she would certainly think she was one.

“A good morning to you too,” she said finally, her voice surprisingly steady. “It is very peaceful here in the garden, is it not? Perhaps you would like to sit for a few moments with me and enjoy its beauty?”

A bit of a lame start, perhaps, but it was a start.

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur resisted the urge to roll his eyes, fake vomit and run away as fast as he could. After all he had a little more respect for Sophia and himself than that. Just a little.

He looked her over as he waited for her to speak, the longest time he had had to do so since she had arrived, and noted that she was very well dressed. Perhaps she was always so, but Arthur couldnt help but think that it was a little bit of a waste of time to dress up just to sit in the garden. It just confirmed his original impression that she was a little girl who thought far too much of material posessions and beauty. She was pretty though, Uther definitely hadn't chosen the worst suitor in the world.

Sometimes Arthur wondered exactly how Uther expected him to react to this whole situation. He rarely agreed with the King, whether it was on army matters or on which meat would be best for dinner, and why exactly he thought that this time would be any different Arthur just couldn't fathom. In fact the whole idea that Uther thought he might agree on affairs of the heart, made Arthur want to rebel even more.

"Yes. Very peaceful." He said lethargically, flopping down beside her in a most unrefined manner. He didn't care. He just wanted this ridiculous set up to be done with so he could go back to wooing whomever he so pleased.

[Princess Sophia Lyonesse]

Sophia instinctively slid a bit away from him when he slouched down beside her. It was all she could do to keep herself from wrinkling her nose at his atrocious manners. His attitude really left a lot to be desired. Was he trying to be unappealing, or was he always like this?

Whatever the reasoning behind his actions … assuming there was reasoning behind it … his demeanor left a lot to be desired.

She supposed it could be that he was so accustomed to deference that believed he could act however he wished, and still be respected simply because of his position. Sophia had been taught that one had to earn respect, whether one was born a princess or a peasant. So far, Arthur had not earned hers, and, as the two of them were equal in status, she did not have to pretend otherwise.

And yet her father expected her to woo him, so she couldn't tell him she thought he was a churl and go back home, as much as the notion appealed to her.

When he spoke, he sounded bored, as if he wished he could be anywhere but sitting … or rather lounging appallingly … beside her. And she had to admit, she felt the same. Still … she had been sent to Camelot for a reason, and she had to make the best of it.

Even though she loathed what her father was forcing her to do.

Turning toward Arthur, Sophia smiled charmingly. “I do love the warmth of spring. I don't tolerate cold temperatures well, and as I arrived in the middle of winter, I have not yet had time to see much of Camelot. If you have time, I would love for you to show me around.”

Oh that was brilliant, Sophia, she berated herself. Next time maybe you can be a little less brazen. He probably thinks you're a shameless floozy.

Without any warning, the rose she was holding exploded in a spray of flying petals. Shocked and confused, she looked down at what was now just a stem, and hastily tossed it to the ground.

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur's eyes widened in shock as Sophia made her first advance. So soon? He grimaced. This was going to be hard to avoid without being exceedingly rude and that was one thing that he knew he was going to have to try his hardest not to be (despite not having done a very good job so far).
It hadn't even been a question! "I would love for you to show me around." had more or less demanded that he do so and she knew perfectly well that he did have the time as did his father.
He wondered if she was always this forward, or whether like he, Sophia was nervous and a little uncomfortable with the whole idea of courting.

"Of course!" He said, not daring to look her in the eye for fear that she might see the displeasure written across every feature. He was not going to enjoy this, not one bit.
"Is there anywhere in particular you wish to see?" He hoped she would say no. Then maybe he could get away with giving her a short tour of the castle, or at most the grounds.

As Arthur sat there trying to avoid eye contact with Sophia and wondering where this uncomfortable scenario would head next, he was startled by a sudden cloud of pink that seemed to erupt from her hands. He jumped to his feet in surprise and stood looking at her, mouth gaping.
"Was that you?"

[Princess Sophia Lyonesse]

Sophia was surprised that he agreed so readily to her request. He didn't seem any more enthusiastic about the idea than she was, although she did wish to experience more of Camelot than she had seen so far. She had learned her way around the castle pretty well, and had spending quite a bit of time in the gardens since the weather had warmed up, but she had yet to venture farther into this foreign land that was now her home … at least temporarily.

She wondered if Arthur knew how lucky he was … in this little courtship fiasco, he was allowed to stay in his own kingdom, surrounded by friends and places he knew well. Sophia, on the other hand, had been sent into a world that was unfamiliar to her, a realm that would probably turn hostile if her father moved against King Uthur … something she fervently hoped would not happen. Certainly he would not do anything to endanger her safety. Or so she hoped.

It was difficult to be sixteen and thrust into a strange environment for the first time. Yet she believed she was coping quite well with both that and the reason she was sent here.

The princess longed to go beyond the castle walls, to see the city and explore the market, to get a feel for this place and its people. She was a bit afraid to go alone, though, because she was afraid she would stumble into an area that she should not go, such as the slums that the servant Gill had told her about. Sophia knew she would not last long in a place like that; one of her status would be robbed, raped, or killed … maybe all three.

Having Arthur show her around would serve two purposes: first, she would be safe with the Prinice of Camelot, and he could give her a tour of the places one of her position would find interesting and entertaining. Second … and most important ... the two of them would be seen together. Perhaps that would satisfy both her father, as she knew he had spies in the kingdom, and his … at least for a little while.

Before she could answer, though, the rose exploded in her hands. While Arthur jumped up at once, Sophia was so shocked she could not move … a good indication of how the girl would act in a crisis, which wasn't very commendable. Her mouth nearly dropped to the ground in horror as she tossed the stem away form her before it had the chance to explode as well.

This was almost as traumatizing as what happened when she read her father's letter for the first time: the glass in her full-length mirror had shattered, sending tiny reflective shards flying all around the room. She had been lucky that none of the bits had pierced her skin, but the incident had been extremely unnerving. The mirror had been replaced that evening, but now she always approached it warily, afraid that there was something faulty about Camelot's glass.

Sophia bristled when Arthur asked if she had been responsible for the erupting flower.

“Of course not!” she said indignantly, her ice-blue eyes spitting fire, “Why do you think it was my fault? For all I know, it could have been your breath that made it wilt like that.” Wilt was an understatement, but it was easier to believe that it had wilted than that it had exploded.

Realizing that in her shock she had insulted him without intention, Sophia blushed and forced herself to meet his eyes. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. Really. Nothing like that has ever happened before and … please forgive me.” Her words were both hopeful and sincere. She might not like him all that much but she was not so contemptible as to throw around verbal reproach.

“Perhaps … perhaps it was a sudden gust of wind or something? I don't know.” The princess smiled at him tentatively, not knowing what else to say.

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

Arthurs eyes widened in absolute horror. How dare she? How dare she talk to him in that manner? Arthur certainly wasn't used to meeting other royalty, especially ones who in their own kingdom were as important as he, but meeting anybody who would dare to speak to him as an equal was almost unheard of and he didn't really know what to do at first.

Finally he folded his arms and narrowed his blue eyes until they were tiny, angry slits in his otherwise pale face.
"If you are going to speak to me in that way Sophia. I shall inform my father at once that you are not honourable enough for my hand." He smirked a little, now he had one up on her and that might just come in handy in the future. He raised his gaze, a little paranoid now that perhaps his breath was rather foul today...

Sophia's excuses then came and Arthur decided that she hadn't any more idea about the combusting rose than he did. Her hasty apologies also made him feel a little guilty, but he certainly didn't forgive her.
No, something strange had happened here and he was going to keep a very close eye on Sophia Lyonesse from now on.

"Oh don't worry I'm sure it was something like that." He smiled, more genuine now- or so he wanted her to think.
"Please excuse my earlier behaviour." He added, offering a hand to help her up from the bench, "How about we take a walk? Is there anywhere you'd like to see?"

[Princess Sophia Lyonesse]

He had the nerve to insult her honor when all she had done was speak ill of his breath? That was going entirely too far, and if she were not so adamant about avoiding war between the two kingdoms, she would slap that indignant expression right off his face. He might be able to get away with such insolence with anyone else, but they were both of equal standing, and he couldn't speak that way to her and remain unscathed.

Yet then he accepted her apology, and while she wasn't about to forgive him, Sophia decided that if she did not do the same, she would look like a spoiled and petulant child. “It is forgotten,” she said, even though it probably never would be. “We were both shocked and said things we didn't mean. So let's put it behind us and start over, shall we?”

She wanted to ask if unexplainable incidents like exploding flowers happened often, but from the way he had reacted, she didn't think they did. He had been as surprised as she.

When he offered to help her up, Sophia looked at his hand as if it might suddenly grow fangs and bite her. She did not want to touch him, but again, refusing his offer would not be a good idea. And she did want him to show her around. It would look as if they were enjoying each other's company, even if they were not.

Trying not to seem too reluctant, she placed her hand in his and smiled up at him shyly. “I would love to go into the city,” she said. That was probably where most of her father's spies were. If one of them saw her with Arthur, her father would be informed and believe she was making progress. “I have not yet been beyond the castle walls, and I would enjoy seeing more of your fascinating kingdom.”

That much was true, even if she was laying it on a bit thick.

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

Brilliant. Arthur thought bitterly, Now I am going to have to be seen with her.
At least his father would be pleased, he mused, safe in the knowledge that his wayward son was entertaining the idea of marriage with Lady Sophia.
In truth, Arthur couldn't have cared less about marriage, he enjoyed flirting and wooing the ladies both in and out of court far too much. He couldn't help but smile as he thought of Lexi, whom he had almost accosted one day on the river. He made a mental note to track her down one of these days.

"How about we visit the Green?" Arthur asked, turning his attentions back to Sophia whose hand now rested in his. It felt delicate, as though it were made of porcelain and might break should he move too quickly or grip too tightly. He let her get to her feet before he let go, as if afraid he might catch some sort of plague.
"Or there is always the market, should you wish to do a little shopping?" Arthur hoped fervantly that she wouldn't choose the latter, he wasn't sure if he could put up with an afternoon of dresses and jewellery.

They walked towards the gate to the main part of the city, Arthur choosing to more or less stay quiet. He answered any questions Sophia might have with short replies, although he tried not to show his reluctance to answer for he wanted Sophia to feel that he was perfectly comfortable around her. Perhaps she sensed his wary attitude as he thought he could sense hers, but if not, then she would feel guilty that she wasn't as happy to be here as he was.

[Princess Sophia Lyonesse]

“Ohhhh! The market!” Sophia exclaimed like an excited child. “I would love to go to the market!”

For the first time since Arthur had appeared in the garden, she was actually happy. Shopping was the princess' passion and, as she had not parted with any money for more than two months, she felt as if she were going into withdrawal. A trip to the market would be perfect. She would get to do what she loved, and her father's spies would see her with the Prince. As for Arthur, he could carry her purchases back to the castle for her. She knew he was good for something.

Actually, that was rather unfair. Arthur was not a bad sort, and if they had not been forced into each other's company, things might have been different between them. If they had met by chance, perhaps they would have naturally been attracted to each other. But she could sense that he was as against the idea of marriage as she was, but probably for a different reason than her own … and hopefully not because he found her lacking.

Sophia did not want to be tied down at the tender age of sixteen. Her life was just beginning and she wanted the chance to have a bit of fun before she settled down. Camelot's prince was handsome, intelligent, and well-mannered, and she appreciated the fact that he was willing to spend time with her even though there were probably other things he'd rather been doing … like perhaps watching paint dry or cleaning out his underwear drawer.

He would make somebody a fine husband, but that somebody was not her.

Not at this stage in her life, anyway.

The young princess followed him as he led her toward the city gate, having to walk a bit fast to keep up with his longer stride. Her nervousness was increasing by the moment, and to cover it, she chattered away … making small talk and asking inane questions to which she received equally inane answers. She doubted the two of them had anything in common but for the sake of their kingdoms, they had to at least try to get along. Did he feel as awkward in her presence as she felt in his? If so, he was handling it a lot better than she was.

She really didn't want to touch him again, but when they reached the gate, Sophia gently took Arthur's arm and placed her hand in the crook of his elbow. When she looked up at him, her smile was partly shy and partly mischievous. “If we are going to do this, we might as well do it right. And smile, Arthur. We are supposed to be fascinated with each other.”

Even if we're not, she added silently to herself.

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur's face was a picture as Lady Sophia took his arm. He wanted to pull away sharply, but knowing full well that he couldnt do such a thing, he settled with a look of confusion and horror while he awkwardly let his limb hang limp at his side.

He wondered why she was trying so hard to be nice. Surely just walking together would be enough? Did she really need to touch him?
Still, he decided, the more convincing the act was, the easier it would be to ensure Uther believed it, and so at Sophia's word, he smiled.

And that was the manner in which the royal pair entered the market, meeting the excited squeals of teenage girls and the oh-so-subtle stares of the young men from afar. Arthur was used to all of this, but he wondered whether the peasants of Gore were so in awe of the Royal family there, after all King Urien was much more private from what he had heard, and maybe Sophia didn't go out by herself at home.

"Anywhere in particular you wish to peruse?" He asked, fluttering his eyelids in an over-enthusiastic way. He hoped she gather that the action was dripping with sarcasm, although he had gotten used to her company and was beginning to wonder if it were so bad after all.

Although he still didn't like her. Obviously.

[Princess Sophia Lyonesse]

Sophia could tell that Arthur was not pleased when she took his arm, but nor was she at having to do such a scandalous thing. Yet she was delighted that he seemed willing to play along with her ruse. If they were touching each other, than that would prove that they were comfortable in each other's company and elated to be together … even if in truth, they were awkward with each other and unhappy to be thrust into the uncomfortable situation their fathers had pushed them into. Idly she wondered how much of her antipathy was actually for Arthur and how much was for being forced into his presence. She believed the higher percentage belonged to the latter, for the Prince was not nearly as odious as she had thought he would be.

If she had met him under any other circumstance, she might have actually liked him.

Her first foray into the city was quite frightening, and she moved closer to Arthur instinctively, now clutching his arm. Her face, however, showed none of her fear, only a phony fascination for her companion.

Sophia was accustomed to the attention and awe of others, but in Gore, her father had insisted she only leave the castle fully guarded. Never before had she seen so many people up close and personal. She had always been safely encased within what she called a 'human cage,' as her guards had surrounded her on all sides.

Yet freedom from being guarded was one of the perks of coming to Camelot. She no longer had to obey her father's commands. Things were a lot more casual here than they were in Gore, but it would take a bit of getting used to. So even though she was less than thrilled to be in his company, she was grateful for Arthur's strong presence beside her.

When the prince asked her what she wished to see and fluttered his eyelashes outrageously, Sophia laughed genuinely at his antics, making it look as if she was laughing instead at something witty he had said. She was surprised that his sardonic sense of humor was much like her own. She still didn't like him, but the fact that he could make fun of their absurd situation was a point in his favor.

After looking around at all her options, the young princess returned his sarcastic display with one of her own … by gazing up at him with a melodramatically fake lovesick expression on her face. “Oh, I don't know,” she said. “Maybe we should start with ...”

She never got to finish her sentence as several things happened at once. Two boys were tossing a ball nearby when one of them missed his catch. The ball hurtled straight toward Arthur. Realizing that the ball was going to hit their prince, they quickly ran off. Somebody screamed.

Frozen in horror and unable to move, Sophia willed the ball to veer off course. As soon as that thought left her brain, she felt suddenly dizzy and closed her eyes briefly to regain control of herself. Hearing the crowd gasp almost collectively, she opened her eyes and saw that the ball had stopped only inches away from Arthur and was now hovering eerily in thin air.

Magic!

The princess clutched Arthur's arm tighter as she watched the ball float. She had not expected to be subjected to magic so soon, but at least this time it had done no harm. Yet all magic was still evil and corrupted those who used it. So many years of being told this had imprinted the notion indelibly in her mind. It would take more than stopping a ball from hitting the prince to convince her otherwise.

The hovering ball seemed to mock her, and she whispered to it: “Go away.” It immediately dropped to the ground and rolled in the opposite direction. That meant the magic user was still around here somewhere. She wondered who it was.

Could it be Arthur himself?

Sophia wanted to drop his arm and run away, but she knew that would ruin the ruse they were playing and neither King would be satisfied that their offspring were falling in love with each other. Not only that, but she could not let her hatred of magic be known. She must pretend to be neutral or even favorable toward it, or she would probably be sent packing back to Gore.

Looking up at Arthur, she forced a smile. “That ball was halted by magic,” she said, trying to sound pleased that she had witnessed such a wondrous event. “If it had hit you, it could have injured you severely. Do you have any idea who might have stopped the collision?”

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

At first Arthur barely noticed Lady Sophia cling tighter to his arm. It almost felt normal, to be walking the market with her beside him, making eyes at one another and laughing at their jokes- even if they were dripping in irony and sarcasm.
But when Arthur did notice the young girl sqeezing his arm tightly, he found himself feeling rather flattered.
Perhaps she had finally noticed what a fine specimen of a man he was!

Their peace and sense of normality was suddenly shattered though, by an unsual display of magic. Arthur was used to the powers some of his citizens held, Melrin was often using them around him these days, but he knew not all were so forgiving and accepting, so to see it in the open like this was quite rare.
He winced as the ball came close to his face, and jumped as a scream tore through the market. Nearly everyone stopped to stare as incredibly, the ball stopped just inches from his nose.

He could tell Sophia was a little surprised, and he took his arm from her and placed it firmly around her shoulders, stepping back a few steps away, to manouver them both away fromt he area of magic.
"It is indeed!" He replied to her question, "and quite a clever use of it too! I wonder who is using it?"

He glance around, but everybody seemed as surpised as the next. He knew it couldn't Sophia, she seemed a little jumpy around it all and Gore was the most unforgiving kingdom Arthur knew of. But who else was here?

[Princess Sophia Lyonesse]

Sophia did not realize she was trembling until Arthur put his arm around her and gently led her away from the scene. She could feel his warmth enveloping her, and she instinctively moved closer and leaned her blonde head against his shoulder. She was more shaken up than she had realized by that unnerving display of magic. His strong presence calmed her and her shivers began to subside. She did not even think of what she was doing; she just basked in the comfort he provided for a few moments, grateful that he was beside her.

She glanced over at the rolling ball to see if it stopped at anyone's feet. If it did, she would know who the mage was. No such luck, though, as the ball came to a stop in the middle of the square. Everyone seemed to give it a wide berth as they passed. Apparently, even though magic was allowed here, it was not commonplace and people were still wary of it.

By now, the townsfolk were dispersing and going back to whatever they had been doing before what was, at least to Sophia, an upsetting incident. A few people glanced in their direction, but for the most part the two royals were left alone. She did notice the way some of the young women gazed at her … as if they wished they could be in her place, strolling around with the very attractive prince of Camelot.

Better you than me, she silently told them and suddenly realized that Arthur had his arm around her and her head was resting on his shoulder. And it seemed quite natural. Even nice.

Shocked at her thoughts, the young princess pulled away from him … but gently, so as not to ruin their deceptive little ploy. She had to admit that she had actually been enjoying herself before that unsettling but quite prudent demonstration of magic. His company was not really bad at all, and their sardonic mock flirtation was rather fun. But she didn't like him the way her father wanted her to like him … and she certainly didn't want to marry him!

Turning to face him, Sophia gazed up at him. “Whoever it was,” she said. “they apparently did not want their presence known.” Yet why would they hide, considering that what they had done had averted a potentially serious accident? If Arthur knew who it was, he would probably reward them. Or at least that is what she would do if she had been the one in danger.

This time it was her turn to flutter her eyelashes at him. “So, my dear sweet wonderful Arthur,” she said, her words dripping with sarcasm while her pale eyes shone with playful mischief, “are you still up for a little shopping?”

As she spoke, a strange notion insinuated itself into her mind. Suppose they spent time together in public, pretending to be infatuated with each other, while privately they went their own separate ways? He could court whomever he wished and she could enjoy her newfound freedom. That would at least get their fathers off their backs and neither king would start an outright war against the other as long as their offspring were "enchanted" with each other.

It was an intriguing idea, but would Arthur go for it?

And how could she bring the subject up?