The Law of the Prince Charming

Chapter 1.3

Long ago, Tabitha learned to maintain her composure no matter what she was feeling, and she is quite skilled at it. She continues to engage in small talk with the guests at the ball, though it feels far more wooden than she is used to. When the King calls for dinner to begin, she sits at the table gratefully. The other guests abandon their conversations and dancing to take their places at the table where a lavish feast beckons.

Tabitha tries to focus on her meal, but her attention keeps drifting down the table to where the Queen is chatting easily with the Artifact Collector. An unusual sight, as the Queen generally grows bored or annoyed with people after speaking with them for an extended period.

"I saw you dancing with the Artifact Collector," the King says to Tabitha.

And what did you think about my dancing with a man?

"What did you talk about?" He continues.

"He asked after a sword I have," Tabitha replies, looking back at her plate. "He claims it's an artifact that is attracting mythics to the city. He offered to buy it from me."

"I don't think I'm familiar with it. Are you going to sell it to him?"

"No."

Ask me why.

"It was good to see you dancing ..." he trails off and takes another bite of his meal.

Tabitha grits her teeth to keep from speaking. Normally she is good at hiding the anger she keeps buried deep, so she can be the prince her people need, but it is becoming more difficult as the night wears on. She pushes away her meal and serves herself a piece of apple pie. She takes a mouthful and revels in the comforting, familiar taste of the Redstone apples.

"The Artifact Collector is an insightful young man," the King says, then pauses. "I suppose it could come from being a wizard."

Tabitha glances at the Artifact Collector. "He's a wizard?"

"He would need to be, I'd think, in order to deal with remnants and artifacts. I never learned much about magic. That was always your mother's job."

Tabitha spears another slice of apple and brings it to her mouth as she looks down the table at the young man who is both an artifact collector and a wizard.

I wonder if he could turn me into a man.

The magic shifts again, still unknown to her, growing tighter and more secure.

"I don't have a daughter!" The words race through the gentle din of conversation like a panicked rabbit. All other activity pauses as heads turn toward the Queen. She is on her feet, staring at the Artifact Collector as if he were a hellhound.

"What is it you're so scared of?" The Artifact Collector asks placidly.

"I am not scared."

"That is a lie."

"How dare you speak to me in such a manner!"

"My Queen, what's wrong?" the King stands as well, resting a hand on his wife's shoulder.

"Everyone here walks on tip-toe because of you." The Artifact Collector's eyes remain on the Queen.

"You will not speak to my wife in that manner," the King says.

The Artifact Collector smiles softly. "Well someone needs to."

The fear vanishes from the Queen's eyes as they narrow sharply. Tabitha tenses reflexively and the servants flee from the familiar expression.

The Artifact Collector looks back, unflinching. He twirls a light gray feather, on a chain around his neck, between his fingers. "Tell me truthfully, why do you insist on your daughter acting as a prince?"