Destrian groaned inwardly. He really hadn’t thought that last line through. Of course she would be afraid to bring him back to her cottage. It was an unusual request for a strange man to make of a young woman. She had every reason to doubt his intentions. He just threw away any chance he had at offering her assistance.

“You misunderstand me,” Destrian held up his hands in a gesture of innocence. He paused, searching for words. How was he supposed to explain the real reason he wanted to see her cottage without giving away his status? “I don’t mean you any harm. I merely wanted to see how you and your mother were getting by without protection or help from the kingdom.” He knit his brow in frustration. The girl had no reason to believe anything he said. He sighed. It appeared his fun with anonymity would have to come to an end.

“From the way you address me as a stranger, I have to assume you don’t know who I am,” Destrian crossed his arms and shook his head. “I was hoping I wouldn’t have to explain myself, but I can’t think of any other choice.” He met her frightened gaze evenly. “My name is Prince Destrian Forthwind, first and only son of King Merek Forthwind.” He quickly held up a hand. While she had proven to be different from all other peasants he had come across, the girl might still panic when she realized who she was speaking with. “Please, don’t bother with formalities. I’ve had enough people bow down to me for two lifetimes.” He smiled at his own joke, trying to lighten the mood, but quickly realized that the girl probably didn’t understand what he was talking about.

Destrian shifted his weight, “Err… Nevermind. What I’m trying to say is that you have no need to fear me. I only wish to ensure your wellbeing. It is part of my responsibility to you and your mother as people of my father’s kingdom. These woods are known for bandit attacks and I just want to be sure that you are both safe out here by yourselves. Do you think you understand me now?”