Jock looked at Ariel. She smiled and took his hand.

"A lot of things will be changing. I don't think anyone will notice that I am marrying a foreign mercenary in all the confusion."

"Marrying?" whispered Jock.

"Well, yes. You are my rescuer, and I find you much more interesting than the princes." She looked at him square in the eyes. "Don't you want to marry me?"

"Yes," said Jock, and found himself grinning foolishly.

"Let's get going, man of mine. I want ...