Chapter 1

   Queen Rochelle Mackall of Elfwyns Rock glowered as she watched the children approaching the ballroom steps.
   "Was it really necessary to have the girl here?"
   "Ione is one of Decca's closest friends, my dear," Conri told her. "People would wonder if she were not here."
   "I don't understand why you ever brought the girl here. She doesn't belong!"
   Conri was about to reply when the head steward announced the children.
   "Prince Decca Mackall of Elfwyns Rock and his Kingsguard: Lord Malachi Seaver of Swami's Cliff, Lord Raphael Von Garten of Green Valley, Lord Gregor Lewin of Dreadpass, Lord Hamish Fingard of Storm Haven, and Lady Ione Ashes of Little."
   "There they are!" Desmond crowed as the occupants of the ballroom applauded. "The prince with his four lords and the little Lady of Little!"
   Rochelle glared at him. "She isn't 'Lady of Little,' she's lady of nothing!" she sniped.
   "What does it matter to you?" Edwin demanded. "It's just an empty title to make a little girl happy. Leave her alone today, for Decca's sake. You'll ruin his birthday."
   "I'll save him from ruining his life. I don't like the way that he looks at her."
   "I haven't noticed Decca looking at her in any special way," Conri assured his wife. "If he did, I think he might have to battle Gerard's little Gregor for her affections." He indicated the two children dancing in the middle of the room.
   "Why that little tramp!" Rochelle seethed. "She ought to dance with the prince first! It is his birthday after all."
   Conri sighed. "Yes, love it's his birthday. Try to leave the poor girl alone for once, for him. He only turns ten once you know."