"You did what?" The prince roared. He stared at Sheo in disbelief. "To take her along? She'll just be a burden! She's a princess!"

"A princess that is in need of a bit of help," Sheo murmured.

"A princess that tried to kill me!"

"A princess that can handle a sword well. Plus, she might be of some help," Sheo interjected. Erik huffed and glanced at Annabelle. She was sitting on the bed in their room, picking at a loose thread of the blanket.

"I don't trust her," the prince muttered.

"Because she kissed you?"

"Will you stop bringing that up!" Erik sighed in defeat. "Fine. She can come. But the dragon's head is mine. Whatever fanciful notions she has about slaying the dragon aren't going to happen. During the battle she is to stay away from the beast under your protection. Defend her with your life," Erik ordered.

"Yes, M'lord."

"Alright then. Let's spend the night here and set off early tomorrow morning." To Annabelle, he called, "You can sleep on the floor."

"Erik..." Sheo warned.

"She can sleep on the floor," the prince insisted.

"Thank you for your generosity," Annabelle spat.

"You're quite welcome, Your Highness," Erik growled. He stalked over to the bed and jerked a pillow off. Tossing it to the ground, he pointed at it without a word. Annabelle, ever regal, stood and delicately seated herself upon the cushion. She folded her hands in her lap and stared at the two boys.

Erik cast a venomous glare at Sheo, who shrank beneath his gaze. Meekly, Sheo sank to the ground and curled up with his back to the other two. With a sigh, Erik ran a hand along his face.

Why was he so harsh on Sheo? The boy was his only friend and he was only trying to help. And the princess would be useful, Erik supposed, for getting passage through different countries until they came to the dragon's lair deep in the mountains. At last three hundred miles would be spent traveling through cities and villages. A princess would be welcome. A prince...not so much. But with her...

Erik glanced at the girl, who had curled up like Sheo and was resting her head on the pillow. She was pretty, beautiful even. Her long dark eyelashes fluttered against the delicate white skin, and her pale pink lips tugged a small smile.

Yes, it would be nice to have her along.