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she’s a lovely young lady. It’s her father I have a problem with”
    The king nodded. “So I noticed.”
    “I don’t trust him, Father. There’s something insincere about him.”
    “As opposed to all the courtiers?” his father asked with a faint smile.
    James couldn’t help but smile back. “I see your point. Speaking frankly for a moment, though, I think the duke is dangerous.”
    His father put a hand on his shoulder. “Leave the duke for me to worry about. You need to be concerning yourself with other matters.”
    “What?” James asked cautiously.
    “Marriage. The duke was right about that, at least. Its time you take a bride.”
    James pulled back. “But, Father!”
    “No, I’ve left you alone for a long time—too long. It’s my fault. I wanted you to enjoy your life before you had to take up the burden of your position. Well, the time has long past come. You need to step up to your responsibilities as prince and future king of Aster. And the first responsibility you must take up is getting married. In this I am immovable.”
    “But … who?”
    “On that question I am a little more flexible. Do you know why I never remarried?”
    The question caught James off guard. He shook his head.
    His father’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Because I truly loved your mother. We two were fortunate, more so than most others. I would wish that kind of happiness for you.”
    James didn’t know what to say. Naked pain danced in King Philip’s eyes. After a moment, he continued in a husky voice.
    “I’m prepared to help you in whatever way I can. I could throw a ball and invite all the eligible ladies of this kingdom and the surrounding ones to attend….”
    James wrinkled his nose. “No, thank you, Father. I think I just have to figure this out for myself.”
    “Well, whatever you’re going to do, do it quickly, else I shall be forced to choose for you,”
    “And who would you choose?”
    “The Lady Elaine”
    The Lady Elaine was six years James’s senior and still unmarried, with good reason. The lady had a pleasant face and a nice form, but it was when she opened her mouth that others fled. It wasn’t just that she had a voice that brayed like a mule, it was that with her word choice she more often resembled that creature than any other. She was not only prone to saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, she was also critical of everything, and her opinion was freely shared with all.
    “Oh Father, anyone but her!” James protested.
    The king raised an eyebrow. “Really? You would prefer the duke’s daughter?”
    “No,” James answered quietly.
    His father nodded once and then turned to stare back out the window. The interview was over. James stood only a few moments more before leaving quietly. He was sure that his muted footsteps on the floor were completely drowned out by the pounding of his heart.
    Peter was entering his chamber with a fresh pitcher of water when James arrived back there. The older man lifted an eyebrow upon seeing him. James threw himself on the bed as Peter placed the pitcher on a table across the room.
    “Will there be anything else, Your Highness?”
    James sighed as he glanced at Peter. The servant had always been a friend and confidant, something of a second father to him.
    “He wants me to marry.”
    Peter didn’t say anything.
    “You knew that’s what he wanted to speak with me about, didn’t you?”
    “I had my suspicions.”
    “What am I going to do? All the princesses and noble ladies I’ve met have bored me to tears. I can’t imagine happiness trapped in a marriage with one of them.”
    “I’m sure there are other possibilities.”
    “Who?”
    “What about your little friend from the village?”
    James felt the color drain from his face as he sat upright. “How do you know about her?”
    Peter actually laughed. “Highness, please, I’ve known about her for years.”
    “My father?”
    “Knows nothing about her. Still, I think he would