The prince blinked twice to ensure she was no apparition. It really was her: Cinderella. He studied her for a moment, as she scrutinized some fresh herbs on display. Christopher suddenly felt faint. He wanted to approach Cinderella, to speak to her, but his heart pounded forcefully in his chest cavity. He was nervous. Surely, Cinderella would take no interest in him after the fiasco he caused yesterday.

Christopher took one step closer to the young woman, then hesitated. No, Cinderella wouldn't oblige to even glance at him. Why should she? The prince pivoted on his heel, then stopped again. No, he would engage her. Christopher was never known to shy from conflicts. He would face Cinderella, and speak his piece. He would apologize, doing whatever necessary to force the girl to look at him with those enchanting blue eyes.

Having made up his mind, Christopher drew in a deep breath for courage, and smoothed out his hair. Wasting not another minute, he closed the distance between them, dodging the occasional villager along the way. The prince found himself staring at the back of her head, when he finally reached the maiden. Completely unaware of his presence, Cinderella plucked a fistful of mint sprigs and inhaled. At that exact moment, Christopher tapped the young woman twice on her right shoulder. She immediately gasped in apparent shock, dropping the mint leaves in her basket. Quickly, Cinderella spun to face the secret prince, her eyes widened in surprise. Instantly, a flicker of recognition flashed across her face, and Cinderella narrowed her eyes in seething, unadulterated hatred.

"You!"

"Heh-heh," Christopher laughed involuntarily, and rubbed the back of his neck, "How are you this morning?"

Cinderella did not answer him, however, and turned away from him in a huff.

"Please don't leave," beseeched the young prince, gently grabbing hold of her arm.

"Unhand me."

Christopher released his fingers from the maiden's delicate wrist.

"I... I only wish to talk awhile."

Seemingly annoyed, Cinderella crossed her arms facing him, "Well?"

"Ah..."

"Ever so enlightening. Goodbye."

The girl moved to push past him, but Christopher blocked her exit with his whole body.

"Here," thinking quickly, he handed Cinderella his basket, "an olive branch of sorts."

"Eggs?" She questioned, lifting the red and white checkered cloth concealing the bounty.

"All double yolks," assured Christopher with a charming smile.

"Is that so?" Cinderella stood with her arms akimbo, "How can you tell?"

Huh. Christopher did not know the answer to that particular inquiry, but the prince made his best guess anyway.

"It's actually rather simple. Double yolks weigh more than the average egg."

"That's right," the woman conceded, as she rolled a few eggs in her hand, "and these indeed appear just as you claim. A dozen double yolks. I've never seen anything like it."

"Did you ever doubt me?"

"Frankly, yes."

"Well, that's a fine thing to say," the prince grumbled in irritation.

Cinderella groaned, "My apologies, but I will be on my way now. Here are your eggs."

"They are an intended gift," the prince pushed the basket toward Cinderella," keep them."

"I don't want them."

"But you can use them," he managed through clenched teeth.

The maiden paused, "You are right. I could."

"Glad that's settled," Christopher respired, relieved that their little argument was now resolved.

Suddenly, they both snorted simultaneously, and laughed in tandem. Christopher chuckled heartily, the sound originating from deep within his belly. Cinderella's, though, was some more of that silver, bell-like music he heard yesterday.

"Whew."

"Ah," Cinderella breathed.

"All that hullabaloo over some damned eggs," the prince was still laughing slightly.

"Indeed," Cinderella gazed up at him with what Christopher believed were fresh eyes.

"I cannot express how sorry I am for yesterday," the prince began earnestly, "it seems Trouble follows me through all my endeavors."

"I believe that," she nodded, and gestured to his face, "You've got a bit of a shiner there."

Christopher lightly brushed the spot beneath his left eye with one finger, " Thanks to you and that deadly broom. Knights should lance with those. Imagine the carnage!"

"You are quite the fabulist, you know."

"Thank you," grinned the secret prince.

Cinderella rolled her cornflower eyes, and asked, "What brings you to market this morning?"

"I'm here selling my eggs, obviously."

"You raise chickens?" the girl asked incredulously.

"Yes," Christopher managed in an affronted tone, "why must you doubt me so? I'm a chicken raiser... er... farmer... er..."

"All right then. Keep the truth to yourself. Surely, I don't care."

Cinderella turned and walked away, but the prince chased after her.

"No, no, no. Wait, Cinderella," Christopher called out, "I'll... I'll help you shop."

"That is not necessary."

The prince uttered to a word, but stared at the girl expectantly, while pouting and quivering his lower lip.

Cinderella furrowed her brow, "I suppose there is no shaking you off, anyway, is there?"

Christopher solemnly shook his head.

The maiden shrugged, "Fine, you may accompany me on my errands this morning."

"Huzzah! Victory!" The prince raised his right arm in triumph.

"Thank you, Christoph. Follow me."

Immediately, the prince's heart plunged, and he expelled a lungful of hot air.

"It's Christopher..."

However, the smirk on her lips and the glimmer in her eyes convinced Christopher that she his name full well.