"My eldest sister is not yet bonded?"
I hold up my hands. "Totally not my place to say."
"This is concerning." He gazes off into the distance.
"Maybe they're not ready. Better they take their time then bond in haste, isn't it?"
"Ready?" he repeats, eyebrows shooting up. "'Tis duty, witch, not a choice. Their alliance will secure a more lasting peace than either kingdom is accustomed to."
"Sorry. I have no idea how this works," I reply. "It's a shame they can't choose who they wish to bond with." I'm more disappointed than warranted, my thoughts on how incredible it would be to be the woman the Shadow Knight's world revolved around.
"My elder sister thinks as you do," he admits. "There was a time when she was betrothed to the son of the Desert Knight of Brown Sun Lake. It took some . . . convincing to break off their betrothal and promise her to the Shadow Knight instead. The two Knights are mortal enemies and I fear I made their brittle relationship worse."
I could listen to him talk forever. He's got a beautiful, cultured, upper class British accent. "Was your sister upset about it?"
"They both were. 'Tis why the younger left with her, to escape their manipulative brother."
"Maybe you should let her choose who she wants to be with," I say again.
"'Tis not our way," he says and straightens. "Now, you had questions. I'm listening."
Thoughts on the two princesses following the Shadow Knight's army, I can't help feeling bad for both of them this time, even the Disney Princess. "You weren't surprised I was from some other world," I start. "Why not?"
"You aren't the first to come here. There are records at my palace that document the appearance of men and women from places that do not exist."
"Seriously? Where are they?" I ask anxiously. "I need to find them!"
"You are the first in this era. The others are long dead."
Disappointed, I absently sip my wine and then stretch forward to pour a second cup. It's strong enough that I already feel like I'm starting to buzz. Or maybe, I need food to soak it up. I haven't eaten since this morning.
I copy his movement and pinch at the herbs to drop into my goblet. I gaze into it for a bit too long, fascinated by the reflection of the stars.
"If you know this much, do you have any idea about the way back?" I ask.
"There is no way back."
"You see, I just can't believe that," I say with some impatience. "If I got here, I can get back."