But that brought another burden he had never thought he would have to handle. How was he going to do it?

Oh, Nada, I'll always love you!

But as he pondered it, the answer fell into place. He knew it was right.

Satisfied, he fell asleep.

In the morning he woke and kissed Electra, but she was strangely subdued. Maybe all their pillow fighting had worn her out. He considered telling her what he had in mind to do, but feared she would object, so he didn't. She would learn soon enough, anyway.

They dressed. Dolph had only his good suit, so he got into that. Electra got into her marvelous panties and bra, then into her dull everyday clothing, leaving the wedding dress hanging in the closet. It was true she had no further need of that, though he was sorry not to see her in it again. But even in her ordinary clothing she was a wonderful girl. It had taken him six years to realize that, but he would never forget it.

Electra helped get his buttons in order, and she combed his hair and dusted off his shoes. "You're quite handsome, Dolph," she said sadly.

What was wrong? " 'Lectra, I—"

She forced a smile. "It's all right, Dolph. I know what to do."

He concluded that he did not understand women. "We'd better get breakfast, then."

They went out to the main pavilion. There were assorted fruits and pastries that someone had obligingly set out. Dolph picked up an eclair.

Electra walked to another table, where the two vials of potion had been put. She picked up the null potion.

" 'Lectra, wait!" he cried. But he was too late. She drank the vial in one gulp.

He went to her. " 'Lectra, I didn't mean for you to—"

"It's all right, Dolph," she said. "My love would only get in your way at this point."

"But—"

"If you don't mind, I think I'll sit down. I think I have a headache."

"Well, of course, then. But—"

She was already walking away. Baffled, he chewed on his éclair. Each time he took a bite, it made a little "Eeeek!" because that was its nature.

The demoness Metria appeared. "Well, Prince, how are you feeling?" she asked.

He gazed after Electra. "Sort of confused," he confessed.

"Really? Now you've had your one night stand, you've had your fun, and it's time to run. Time to dump Electra, who still loves you, and go for the one who doesn't love you. Why should you be confused?"

"But she just drank the null-love potion!" he exclaimed. "I would've stopped her, if I'd realized, but—"

"Why should she wait?" the demoness inquired. "The longer she went on loving you, the more she hurt. Now she's cleared the way for you, just as she promised, fool that she is."

"Your teasing won't work, Metria. I made my decision last night."

"Yes, I heard, when I snooped on your oval. So did she."