This feud with the fairies of the Keepers of the Lights was centuries old and True wished the charmed folk would settle it.

Though he had to admit, the Keepers made it difficult for they were pretentious.

He’d have a word with them when he and Farah made the Lights.

For now, he had to concentrate on not getting angry that his mother had apparently not invited representatives of gnome bands, sprite clans, pixie families or any fairies Baldrick was speaking to (for all the fairies leaned toward arrogance, and because of that, feuds often broke out, particularly with the gnomes).

“You’ve now been invited, and I’ll send a bird to the Thicket on the morrow to demand moves are made to make that official,” True declared. “Wodell will be represented at my wedding, Baldrick, all of it.”

Baldrick held his gaze and dipped his chin.

True sensed approach and turned his attention that way, seeing Farah, her shining black hair twisted and braided around blooms of ginger, gold and rust, moving to them.

“Sadly, it’s time for us to go,” True murmured, pushing up from the bench.

“Stay longer next time, True, and be sure to bring her,” Baldrick invited.

He looked down to the gnome. “If we can, we will.”

Baldrick lifted his chin.

Farah made it to them with a smile Baldrick’s way.

She transferred it to True and turned her head side to side.

“Is it as beautiful as it felt when they did it?” she asked.

Everything about her was stunning.

“Yes,” he answered.

Her smile brightened.

“We must be away, my sweet,” he told her.

Her face fell.

He hated to take her away, for she did not hide she felt peace and comfort here, something he’d hoped she’d find.

But there was more Wodell to show her and not much time to do it.

Not to mention, the gnomes of The Doors had no beds that were long enough for them.

“Night comes. You need a warm meal and a soft bed,” he went on.

“All right, True,” she agreed quietly and looked down to Baldrick before bending to him and offering her hand. “It’s been a pleasure. Thank you for having me.”

He took her hand in both of his, turned it palm down and patted the back. “It was our pleasure, indeed.”

Farah straightened from the Grand Fell and True bent to him. “Until we meet again.”

“Yes, True, would that time is short,” Baldrick replied.

They shook, and after True righted himself, he tucked Farah’s hand in the bend of his arm, guiding her toward where his men were waiting.

She went, waving, smiling and calling farewells.

True did the same.

It was unknown to them that all around watched with happiness and hope, for the only thing better than benevolent rulers was budding love.

Not to mention, Prince True and his lady Farah were an exceptionally striking couple.