In the absence of his missing companion the prince might never have found his way out of this kingdom and back to his own, but the little dwarf up ahead seemed never to be lost, instead steadily picking his way along the narrow paths and choosing between two or three at a crossroads with a confident ease. The prince was glad. Now that he had secured his princess he couldn’t wait to get home. He’d had enough of adventures. The castle of light, jousts and dancing; that’s all he wanted. His prince’s life again. He shivered with pleasure at the thought. This mining kingdom was rough and brutal compared to his own, where courtly manners and beautiful things were treasured, and music and society balls filled the evenings. His heart ached to be there with his exquisite princess by his side. He would have his father scour the land for the finest magicians there were, to undo whatever curse had been laid upon her. He would save her and she would love him as he loved her and they would live happily ever after.

His feet trudged on in pace with the pony that might not have been swift but was at least steady, and after a few hours, Dreamy began to hum. Although the tune was coarse and clumsy compared to the minuets they played at home, he’d grown used to the dwarf songs, and he joined in. Maybe there were parts of the dwarf life he would miss. The brotherhood. The unspoken friendships and loyalties. Both things that were so hard to find when born of royal blood.

‘You’re not singing it right.’

The gruff voice came from behind them, and the prince turned fast, drawing his sword.

‘You could take a man’s eye out with that,’ Grouchy said, emerging from the bushes and onto the rocky track. ‘A taller man’s eye, admittedly.’

‘What are you doing here?’ Dreamy asked as he rushed towards the older dwarf. ‘Are you angry? I couldn’t wait. I’m sorry. I thought this was for the best. There was no time to—’

‘Stop babbling.’ Grouchy swatted at the air as if Dreamy’s words were irritating flies. ‘You did the right thing. We heard about the queen’s hunt at the mines when the next shift came in, and as you hadn’t showed up I came looking for you. Saw your note in the chimney.’ He slapped Dreamy on the shoulder. ‘That was good thinking. Where Snow White used to leave us messages.’ He nodded at the prince. ‘But I thought I’d come and keep you company. Dwarves aren’t solitary creatures and it’ll be a long walk back when these two are safe.’