Keith's POV

What is the meaning of this, Monfort? That child's body should have come back in pieces, but I'm told Henri is still alive and well instead? You only have one job as ruler of the Dark Enchanted Forest, and you can’t even get being an evil tyrant right. How hard is it to kill one measly Sword Master?

Either combat our Hero of Justice or send them back.

Also, I don't understand that nonsense you wrote about scones. You are trying to mislead us and I'll believe none of it. If Henri is rotting away in your dungeons then kindly torture to your heart's content, but at least have the decency to end things quickly. If I don't hear good news by St. Veralyn's Day in one month’s time, I'll be forced to take drastic measures.

Good Day,

Simon Doryn, Sovereign King of Drendil

Keith hesitated only a second before handing the missive over to Henrietta. He never wanted to hear her get called Henri again. Reading what this flagitious imbecile had written made his blood run cold.

Maybe a new nickname would be better? Something unique, like Hattie or Ria would be a nice fit. Pending her approval, of course. And all in good time. Keith had only just been allowed to call Henrietta by her first name, so he would have to wait until they were closer before asking her about a nickname.

He would choose to forgo pet names altogether if it meant any hint of Henri.

Making a mental note to come back to this later, Keith watched her read the short letter.

She didn't seem upset by it. When she reached the end Henrietta shrugged, handed it back and asked, "that’s Father, alright. So what are you going to do?"

Maybe Keith would go to war with Drendil. Conquer all their lands, step on their nobles, behead their royals, and burn their palace to the ground before salting the earth.

"I'm going to tell him the truth." Keith said aloud. "You're living in my castle, and only visit the dungeon a few hours a week… I was going to say that all future letters could be addressed to you personally, but would you rather I not?"

"That's very kind of you, but I'll write home." Henrietta shook her head, and Keith had a niggling of frustration that she still called that place home. He was being unreasonable though, she’d only been here a week.

"As you wish." He refilled her teacup and in a blatant effort to change the subject, asked, “Now, where are you wanting to visit next? Kith Bog is nice, but there are these dolostone caves beside Thistlecrick that have a few thermal springs. The Naga clan live there, and their Warriors would love the chance to battle a Sword Master.”

"Really? I've heard about hot springs, but I've never been to one." Henrietta flexed her arm. "It'll be nice to work up a sweat on the practice field and then take a dip."

Keith coughed at the thought. He said, "Aside from Kith Bog and Thistlecrick, Gren's Keep is where most of the beastkin hail from, Plittsmouth is the underwater base below Lake Loria, and Frolin is the trading port to the northwest. We have an elven clan to the east, but it isn’t anything different from walking around the rest of the dark wood.”

Keith discussed the most scenic places to visit in the Dark Enchanted Forest until it was long past time to go back inside. He didn’t worry about it though; he had completed all his important tasks. And he could always just break his rules and work late tonight if it meant spending more time with the princess.

He was contemplating whether they should head back when Henrietta said, "oh! I almost forgot."

"Yes?"

"I received mail today from Grand Duchess Calisto."

Keith raised an eyebrow. "I'm surprised she knew you were here."

"Didn’t you hear Madame Potts’ Casting from your Crystal Cast?" Henrietta asked.

"No." The only Crystal Cast set-up was in the castle courtyard, where he would announce things to his minions… if he could ever find his godmother’s Royal Crystal. "Though I am supposed to get updates when premonitions are related to Nilheim."

"She told everyone I was sent here to kill you." She blushed prettily. "Apparenty, I was going to slaughter everyone in the castle."

"That's nice." Keith didn't let any emotion show on his face, remembering how close he was to death's door when she’d interupted him. He added ‘having words with Tulith about what related to Nilheim meant’ to his tasks. “No future plans to kill my minions or myself?"

He said it with an air of jest, but they both knew Henrietta had been warring with herself up until now.

The princess took a deep breath and looked up at him. "No, I don't think so."

Keith nodded his approval.

"Anyways," Henrietta continued, "I've received my invite to Grand Duchess Calisto's Spring Ball."

"I have one as well." Keith said.

"..." Henrietta looked at him expectantly. Was he supposed to ask her to the Ball? That seemed a little fast, even if he was amicable to the idea. He didn’t want to just assume–

"Can I go?"

"What?" Keith composed himself. That was right, how could he have been thinking she would want to be taken to the most exclusive ball in the known kingdoms by the Dark Lord. "Of course, why do you ask?"

She stared at him, hard. "Am I or am I not your prisoner? I'm confused."

Keith hesitated a second, "After everything that’s happened I was thinking along the lines of 'royal guest' myself."

"A guest who’s sent to the dungeon once a week?"

"You’re in the capital of Nilheim, everybody gets sent to the dungeon eventually. Rufus is really good at his job though, so it quickly moves to just a routine checkup."

"I see." Henrietta said, "So I can go to the Ball?"

"If that is what you wish." Keith replied, then decided to throw caution to the wind and ask, "Would you like to go– to ride together?"

"I’d love to!" Henrietta said, and then coughed, “If it’s not too much trouble?”

"No trouble at all.” Keith decided this was a perfect spot to change the subject. He was getting good at changing subjects. “Then shall we finish our paperwork before dinner?"

"Oh, please!" Henrietta stood up and stretched. "I wouldn't feel right if I didn’t finish at least those last two lines."

Keith offered his arm again and the two walked back to the office.

…

That evening a missive went out to all the castle staff. Gerda the Bridge Troll almost fainted when she received a personal letter from the King of the Dark Enchanted Forest, and a royal declaration was put up in Kith Bog and the other five cities under his domain.

Henceforth, Crown Princess Henrietta of Drendil shall be welcome as a guest in all the Dark Enchanted Forest of Nilheim. She shall be referred to as Princess, Your Highness, Sword Master, or simply Henrietta. Violation of this order will be met with punishment by the Second Order.

Signed and Sealed

Keith Monfort, Dark Magician King of Nilheim