Proceed inside

Dathan has plenty of questions, but it is clear the guard believes he has already overstepped his bounds. Any answers will be found inside. With a final nod to the guard, Dathan and Rufus direct their horses to pull the carriage through the gates and pull up near the doors of St. Andrew’s.

“What do you think that’s all about?” asked Rufus.

“I don’t know,” answered Dathan. “It’s probably nothing, but be on your guard, just the same. I’m feeling some kind of tingling that is telling me there’s something not quite right.”

“‘Some kind of tingling’? Could it be a case of the crabs?” The younger soldier asked, with a playful grin. “If so, it serves you right for ruining my image of Theresa Lakemelder and my memory of being with her.”

“Well, if you don’t want precious memories ruined, then be sure you don’t ask me about your mother and the New Year’s Eve party.”

Rufus shot his superior officer a sharp look and opened his mouth to protest, but the gleam in Dathan’s eye stopped him, and he laughed.

“Be that as it may, I’ve got lots of questions about this mysterious princesss,” said Dathan. “The sooner we can get her back to the palace, the better I’ll feel about this mission.”

“I hear you,” said Rufus. “But it will be cool to spend this time with a real princess. All this time I have been with the Regiment, and I haven’t been anywhere close to Princess Adella.”

The men leave the horses and carriage and enter the front doors. They are met by a severe-looking woman with gray hair, tightly pulled into a bun behind her head. “I am Dr. Freundeschawn,” she said. “I have just a few instructions for you as my staff brings the princess and her possessions down.”

The doctor refers to her clipboard and says, “Although I believe Her Highness’s condition is well under control, it would be best not to overly stress her during this time of transition. I advise you to take her straight to the palace and not stop along the way. And, of course, you should keep your interaction with her to a minimum.”

The soldiers exchanged looks before Dathan asked, “Why is that?”

Dr. Freundeschawn peered over her glasses and said, “Are you not aware of the Princess’s condition?”

Both men shook their heads in puzzlement.

Dr. Freundeschawn sighed and shook her head gravely. “Denial. That’s always been His Majesty’s approach to his daughter. But no matter. Princess Alexis has certain — abilities. She can be particularly persuasive — particularly toward men.”

The soldiers looked at the doctor uncomprehendingly.

She sighed again. “I do not wish to violate the royal family’s privacy, but it is for her own good, as well as for yours, that you understand. Princess Alexis has a bit of a succubus nature within her.”

“She’s a succubus?” exclaimed Dathan, unbelievingly. All the old rumors that the Queen got pregnant with the help of an incubus suddenly rushed into his mind

“No,” responded the doctor, forcefully. “She most definitely is not! And yet, there are certain characteristics that are strikingly similar. She has had an unhealthy preoccupation with sex ever since she came of age, and she seems to be able to lure men into a state of **** suggestion — particularly if they are sexually aroused.”

Rufus carefully kept a straight face. Inwardly, he thought, “What’s wrong with that? A princess who loves to do it! Has someone been peeking at my Christmas list?” He looked at the captain and wondered if he was thinking the same thing, but Dathan was a study in professionalism.

“But you said her condition is cured.”

“I said it is under control,” corrected the doctor. “We still do not fully understand it, but she has made great progress — especially over the past year. I do believe she is ready to return to the palace, but great care must be taken to keep her away from tempting situations. Frankly, I’m astonished that the king ignored my recommendation to send women to accompany her back to the palace. As I said, though, he chooses to live in denial.”

Turning toward Rufus, the doctor spoke, as if she could read his mind. “Make no mistake — this is more than mere promiscuousness. It would be unwise to take my warnings lightly.”

Before Rufus can respond, the conversation is interrupted by the approach of Princess Alexis, followed by several attendants, who are carrying her possessions.

As the guards get their first look at the mysterious princess, Alexis looks at them and smiles.