With Cafer's training in deception, deceit and double-dealing, Alaron played the dutiful son for two days. By the morning of the party, he felt the suspicion of those around him had all but disappeared.

Early that morning Aurora went to visit the boy early to give him the present she had personally selected. Alaron caught her in the hallway. "You wanted to see me?"

"Happy birthday! I was going to give you your gift. Could we go somewhere private?" The Empress wanted to give her son a hug, but she knew that he disliked public displays of her affection. So she held still.

Alaron dismissed Warin, but when the guard was out of sight, he changed his mind. "Actually, can we do this later? I am sure we will find time in a little bit." By the look in his eyes, Aurora could see he was uncomfortable. There was some unspoken wall between them.

"Oh, uh of course. There is no rush…" The Empress watched the prince turn his back on her to leave. An anxious feeling took hold of her. "Alaron?"

The boy tensed. "Yes?"

"No matter what, know I love you. There is nothing you could ever do, nothing that will ever happen that will make me stop loving you." Aurora choked on her tears.

The prince did not turn around. Instead he ran from the Empress's presence. As he rounded the corner, Cafer, disguised as a palace guard, joined him. "Pesky little emotion, that 'love.' I am very glad I do not feel it."

"What do you mean?" Alaron asked. His pace slowed slightly as he listened.

"You humans use love to manipulate and coerce each other into doing all sorts of things. Just now I heard Her Majesty try to guilt you into obedience." Cafer cut his eyes toward the boy.

Alaron's face hardened. "Yes, you are right; that is what she was doing. I might have fallen for it if not for your wisdom. I will stay strong for the sake of the Empire. They deserve a better leader."

"Yes, and when I am in charge, they will have one," Cafer muttered.

"What did you say?" Alaron asked.

"Nothing, My Prince. Valiant will better off in your capable hands. And what an excellent birthday present to give yourself." Cafer dipped his head.

"I do give the best gifts, don't I?" The blonde boy grinned.

"How is your head?" Cafer could see a hint of the scab peeking out from below the boy's hairline.

"It is healing. Who knew that trunk falling on my head would come in so handy. They felt so much sympathy that they totally believed my story about bandits and forgot to be mad at me." Alaron congratulated himself on his cleverness.

The gnome nodded thoughtfully. "That is another thing about love…"

"What?"

"It blinds you."

———————-

Feeling defeated by her interactions with the prince, Aurora made her way to Mairwen's room. The princess's most recent ladies-in-waiting were attending her by completing her hairstyle and make-up. The girl was tolerating their attention, but it was clear that she did not enjoy it as many noble ladies did. 'We are the same in that respect,' the Empress thought.

"May I come in, Your Highness?" Aurora asked politely. Really, she could have burst in the room and no one would have been able to say anything.

"Please!" Mairwen invited her mother with delight. "That will be all for now, ladies."

"How are you enjoying having attendants?" The Empress asked with a knowing grin.

"They are nice enough, but I do miss Nanny and her honesty. These women sugarcoat every comment. I have half a mind to wear a sack on my head just so I can hear them say how it 'compliments my neck,' or 'coordinates with my sash.'" The ladies both giggled.

"Anna, Bella and Candela were like that at the beginning also. They will get used to you and your preferences. Hopefully as they know you, they will feel more comfortable being honest." Aurora comforted her.

"I hope so. I cannot walk on eggshells forever!" The princess mimicked a tiptoe motion with her feet.

"Speaking of delicate, I almost forgot! I brought your birthday present." Aurora pulled out a package wrapped in purple cloth.

"Oh mother! You did not have to. But thank you," Mairwen graciously accepted the gift. She pulled back the cloth and revealed the silver necklace. Lifting the fairy pendant into the air, the princess squealed with delight. She watched as the fairy spun, dangling just like a real pixie. "It is absolutely perfect! Where did you get such a masterpiece?"

Aurora loved to see her daughter appreciate the present. "I bought it at a shop in town, and the shopkeeper swears it was made by the Fates themselves."

"Do you believe that?" Mairwen wanted to know.

The Empress paused as she recalled a happy memory. "Did you know Emperor Elias told me the exact same story about a merchant when he gave me this?" Aurora pulled the gold chain from beneath her dress. "And you know what? It turned out to be true! I do not see why the same thing should not happen again."

The ladies hugged and brushed away stray tears. It was a joyous moment. "Would you put it on me?" Mairwen handed the necklace to her mother who draped it on her neck and hooked the clasp. The pendant fell perfectly on the princess's chest.

"Happy birthday, Princess Mairwen." The Empress said.

"Thanks, Mother, for everything."

"Now, let's get you all dressed up for the party. Shall I call in your ladies-in-waiting." The Empress giggled when she saw the girl's face.

Mairwen crinkled her nose. "I wish you would not. They would only cause me stress. I would feel much better if you helped me get ready instead. That is, if you have the time."

"For you, I will make time. I am sure Anna will seek me out soon, but she can wait." Aurora happily situated herself and Mairwen at the vanity. "The ladies have done a respectable job on your hair and make-up, so how can I help?"

"The seamstress made three dresses for tonight, and I cannot decide which one to wear. My ladies compliment every one equally." Mairwen looked annoyed.

Aurora laughed loudly. "I am very familiar with that problem. I finally told them that if they let me go out looking like a cow, I would hold them personally responsible. That fixed the issue quickly."

Mairwen laughed too. "I will try that." The princess looked in the mirror. "You know, people say all the time how much we look like sisters."

"Haha, well now you know why: we are." The Empress leaned down so their cheeks were touching as they stared in the glass. They did look very much alike, and the blue flecks in the Empress's eyes added to the effect. "You would have made a wonderful sister, but you make an even better mother."

"That is the highest compliment I have ever received. I am so thankful for you." Aurora went into the wardrobe to retrieve the dresses.

While she was gone, Mairwen asked a question that was on her mind, "Have you ever thought about having…more children? You and Father are married so…" In the long pause that followed, the princess was worried that she had offended her mother.

But Aurora came from the wardrobe with the dresses in hand and a smile on her face. "Maybe someday," she said with a little sadness in her eyes. "For now, I am more than happy to be the mother of two beautiful young people."

"Am I an adult now?" Mairwen raised her eyebrows.

"When I was your age, I traipsed across the ice barrier and into the land of magic, so I cannot say no." The Empress held up the first dress. It was maroon and made of velvet.

"Then if I am an adult. I want to make some decisions for myself," the princess declared.

"Oh, like what?"

Mairwen sighed, "I do not know yet, but I feel something big is coming."

"I look forward to seeing where life takes you." Aurora held up the second and third dresses, a blue satin one and a green chiffon gown, but shook her head. "The first one is perfect."

Mairwen nodded and began to change. Her brow was furrowed. "I think Alaron is making some big choices too. He is pleasant enough, but he will not look me in the eye."

"Oh?" Aurora was unsure how much to say.

"I know you see it too." Mariwen rolled her eyes.

"I do. I am just not sure what to do about it." The Empress's hands were tied.

"Be careful, mother," the princess said solemnly.

"You too." The two clasped hands, each saying a silent prayer for the other's safety.