"My name is Solomon," the boy replied. "I'm a courier for a local lord. We are on a farm just outside the village of Pi-Hol."
[i]A local lord? Could that be old Fardsworth? No wonder the place looks run-down.[/i]
Solomon ran a hand through his hair as he considered his options. "Look, if people are out to get you, and if you think the injuries can still get to you, we should bunk in PI-Hol's inn. I'll pay for everything. The only thing I want you to worry about is staying alive."
Amalthea's heart fluttered again. [i]Aw! He's so sweet! I should reward him somehow when I get out of this mess.[/i] She nodded. "Thank you so much."
Then, he knelt to her side and gazed at her with those kind, beautiful eyes. A warm smile graced his lips. She could have sworn her heart skipped a beat. "So, what is your name, fair maiden?" he asked.
The princess gazed back at him, contemplating how much reward she could offer without getting into trouble. But first, she had to give him a name. "It- it's Amalthea. Princess Amalthea. Of Dragan. In...the capital. It's nice to- I mean, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Much as she struggled not to smile, it continued its relentless march up her cheeks until she was all pearly whites and twirling hair on a finger. If she had a fan, she'd be flapping it furiously at this point. "Can you, perhaps, show me the way?" she asked, dropping her tone to a more flirtatious level.