Chapter 9 There Be Men Out There

  "Dina!"   "What?"

Chapter 8 Chick Magnet

  Don Lothario sauntered into the tavern.  He passed the empty dance floor and went straight for the drink.  No sooner had he sat down, then a swish of skirts settled in next to him.

  She followed me here?  This is no place for an unattended woman.

  "What is a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?"

  "I - I saw you walk in."

  Well, I can't blame a woman for following me can I?

Chapter 7 God's Gift to Women

  After his evening meal Don Lothario sat awhile.  He was none for cleaning the dishes.

  Why won't Kaylynn come and clean them?  I gave her what she wanted.  I don't understand!  What's that?  From the open window...could it be Kaylynn?  Footsteps in the distance, coming this way, taken so the skirts don't rustle....not like Kaylynn, but maybe if she were hurrying to see me - I mean clean the dishes...

  Don Lothario rushed to the door, then slowed himself way down, so as to look as if he just happened to be stepping outside for some fresh air.  He turned casually to see who doth approach.

Chapter 3 Maybe It Was All Just a Dream

  Princess Cassandra?  Before my house?  Standing near my trash...

Chapter 1 Princess Cassandra's Wedding

  It does not matter that he is a merchant man, Mortimer reminded himself, again.  It matters only that Cassandra wants to marry him - and that she will not be an old maid.  Mostly that she will not be an old maid.  Maybe this is not a good idea.  Of course it is not a good idea.  A father should choose his daughter's husband.  But how could I possibly say no when she asked me with her Bella eyes?  Bella.

  I cannot escape a wedding without thinking of Bella.  As if I could pass a single day without thinking of her.  I told Cassandra not to invite her.  She won't come.  Stolen by fairies she was!  Cassandra disagrees.  She thinks her mother is lost and confused.  She would be an old woman by now.  I see her when I look at Cassandra, but the girl is more like me, keeping to herself, falling in love with the first person to show a flicker of interest.  She will be crushed when her mother does not show.  So will I.