[b]“I’d love to sing at the ball,”[/b] the girl said hesitantly. [b]“But, I don't have anything to wear and I’m sure your father wouldn’t want someone like me at a ball around so many people of royalty—”[/b]

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” Destrian stopped her, holding up his hands. “I’m sure we could find you a suitable dress, and my father won’t mind your status so long as you can prove to him your talent, and I have no doubt you can manage that.” The statement wasn’t entirely true. Yes, Destrian could find the girl the proper attire if she took the position, but his father would never let a lowly peasant into his palace when there were foreign nobles around to impress. No matter. Destrian could easily make up a middle-class background for her so the king would let her in. It wouldn’t be that far-fetched. He would only alter her status as much as he needed to get her the position, not enough to raise suspicion.

In a way, sneaking the girl into the ball was Destrian’s own form of passive revenge on his father. He would be disobeying King Merek’s laws by letting a peasant enter a royal event, but his father would never even realize what he had done. It was the safest rebellion Destrian could think of. And besides, he wanted to hear her sing again. She really did have a lovely voice. Talent such as hers should be shared with others, not hidden away in the secrecy of the woods.

“Please, come with me,” Destrian gestured in the direction he had come from. “I can bring you back to the palace with the knights. They’re probably waiting for me to return, anyhow. It’s not a far trip, and you can even ride on one of the horses, if you’d prefer.” He paused. “You know, you’ve never even told me your name. What is it, if you don’t mind my asking?”