Behind the scenes of The Haughty Princess: Part 1

Of course I was late for the interview. I won't bore you with the details of a last minute diaper change and stumbling into something suitable besides the sweats my baby boy had so lovingly pooped on. When I reached the halls of the castle in Luzcando where Ruthia and Fred were residing I took a moment to catch my breath and appear like a respectable author instead of a frenzied young mother.

"Not, a bad deal, this."

Oh, that was Thrushbeard. He was really Adam, but everyone has to call him Thrushbeard so everyone is reminded that the story is a spinoff of the tale of the same name. I didn't think I had scheduled him into the interview.

"So, then you think my being high king of the greatest country in the world and married to the most beautiful woman in the world is 'not a bad deal?' I'll be sure to post your kind review in my office as a reminder of my blessings." Fred was joking of course, because there was laughter in his voice and Thrushbeard chuckled.

"One correction, you are not married to the most beautiful woman in the world. I am."

"Katelyn is a nice looking girl, pretty even, but she literally pales in comparison to my Ruthia. Surely you must admit this. After all, wasn't it you who so poetically described her as…"

"That's not playing fair!" protested Thrusbeard. "Yes, I was blinded by the maid's good looks, but I was an idiot. We're all idiots at times. I have to admit her dowry of a whole kingdom was very handsome looking, too."

Silence for a moment then Fred said, a bit more seriously, "I did not realize that was part of your love sick equation."

I could almost hear Thrushbeard's great uniform coat shift as he shrugged. "I had it in my mind that if only I could get her and our kingdoms united, then I would go down in history as one of the greatest kings. Being the eldest, they drilled in the whole "for the good of the country" business a lot deeper. My plan, I admit, was not smart. I am a politician, ambassador, and king, not a lover." He laughed again. "Nathaniel, why are you staring at me like that? Did you think every extreme action I did in the name of love was for real? Yes, I was infatuated, but more infatuated with the idea than the person."

"So then, you let me set off on stupid revenge plot for a business infatuation?"

"For one thing, I didn't know about it, and for another, I never mess your plans. I've learned long ago not to try to dissuade you from any plans you've got. You're too stubborn."

"That's true, dear," Ruthia's voice entered. "I don't know why he said it, but I completely concur with your brother."

"Thanks, sweet sister-in-law."

"I thought I was rather easy going."

"Easily stubborn," smiled Ruthia. I decided to make an entrance then and the conversation turned in my direction. Thrushbeard had conveniently disappeared from the scene.

"Shall we start this thing," asked Fred with a smile. "My stubborn wife is determined that I stay for the whole thing, so we might as well get it over with."

"For sure," I said, then noticed the silver platter in his hands with the fine pink towel over the top. I cocked my head, trying to remember the script. "What's that?"

"Wedding tarts of course, did not Miss Elfinestardakker request them?"

I laughed. "Right. Come, on. The baby is happy now with his grandma, but who knows how long that will last." We entered the parlor and I pushed open my laptop. I can never remember anything without seeing it in front of me.

I began by asking Ruthia if she would like for me to do a sequel to her story. Perhaps about her seven adorable rambunctious children that grew to have sandy curls and friendly freckles? She gave me a rather offended look.

"Have you seen the sequels to Cinderella? The Little Mermaid? Aladdin? They are purely pathetic! And while my children are flawless and you are a decent author, I will not risk being followed by a flop. Besides, Fred's and my story is the most exquisite and delightful tale to be heard. I don't want my children to be self conscious or disappointed when their own does not quite match up."

"Don't you think that's a bit harsh, dear?" Fred wondered. He was lounging on the couch beside her, carelessly tickling her back.

She twisted round to face him. "No. I'm being very honest. I do believe our story is the most incredible. I'm sure our children will have wonderful stories, but nothing could replace our own. If I remember correctly, it was you who stressed my honesty."

He chuckled good-naturedly. "Fair enough. I agree with you. Our story is the best, hands down." He turned his steely grey blue eyes on me and stated, "No sequel please."

"I caught sight of one of the questions, and I think it was actually for you, Miss author," declared Ruthia suddenly before I could continue.

"You peeked at my laptop?" I asked tinged with accusation.

She didn't even bat an eye. "Yes, I did. Are you offended?"

"No, not really…just…as a writer it is a pet peeve if someone is…observing my…documents."

She smiled and her husband rolled his eyes. "Well, I guess I wouldn't know," she laughed. "I'll try not to do it again. But, as I was saying. There is an issue addressed directly to you."

"It's not on the agenda."

"I'm putting it on the agenda."

I knew better than to argue. I waved my hand, trying not to care. "Oh, very well, go ahead with it."

"Several of our readers were slightly disappointed with the last chapter, the pivotal moment when my dear husband and I were reconciled. Some felt it was too rushed and bouncy. Throughout the story you have usually been very good about that, and then, well I suppose I just didn't sound like me, especially for the moment."

"You weren't you!" I pointed out. "Think back to that moment. Your mind was a jumble of things, but it all focused on one thing, Fred. Your mind was being jumpy and sporadic in the moment because all you could think about was Fred. Does this make sense? And why am I explaining how you were thinking?"

"I think that is how you think when you are with your husband."

"It is not."

"Well, you have to admit, it was a bit inaccurate."

"I know. I'm slightly embarrassed. I actually wrote that part years ago and with my," I coughed slightly, "recent maturity in writing I realize my stumble."

Ruthia rolled her eyes this time. "Well, just consider that section when you edit the whole thing and send it to a publisher."

"Who said anything about a publisher? No one is going to want to read my quaint, badly plotted, little story about a bratty…" I stopped at her searing stare. "We'll see. Now, what about that dragon?"

Fred looked up from fiddling with his fingers. He had agreed to the interview, if only to sit next to his wife, but I knew his mind was keen on going horseback riding with the children. For the first time he looked slightly on edge, for the question involved him solely and directly.

"What about that dragon?"

"The story states that you defeated it and obtained the claws, which Ruthia never got around to looking at. As the author, I happen to know that you did not actually kill it. Tell us the truth behind the whole Castle Perilous." Since they were married, Fred's answer would be no secret to Ruthia, but for the audience.

"Well. My sweet wife had heard correct reports in that the Castle was dangerous and an excellent place to send unwanted suitors. However, at the time, she did not know that as prince of Durant I had naturally already looked into the place. In my younger years I had snuck past the dragon when another group of knights had come along and were distracting him with their antics. I explored the castle and found the man who owned it. He was indeed a sorcerer. He was also great friends with my father, the late king. He and I got along very well and he told me that the dragon, Gerald, was actually quite tame."

"We named our third son after him," Ruthia commented. "He really is a dear, purrs like a cat and has a soft spot for peppermint candy."

"The Sorcerer, he isn't called anything else, taught me how to spar with old Gerald. He could spit fire at me close enough to be dangerous, but never to injure. I learned to hit him with the broad side of the sword. It was more of a game. Well, Gerald really is getting old so when I went to Castle Perilous, he really did just get tired. The Sorcerer gave me some clippers; I trimmed his nails, and went on my way. The Sorcerer has to clip his nails annually as it is, so he was happy to let me do it."

"That's it?"

"That's it. Easiest part of winning her hand! I was far more scared when she tried to introduce me to her pet bee."

Ruthia chuckled affectionately. "I'm surprised you haven't banned bees from the country."

"I do like honey."

"What happened to the claws?" I asked, breaking their loving gazes.

Ruthia flicked her hand flippantly. "Oh, I gave them to Annette."

"Speaking of which, have you heard from them?"

"We visited Brinak on our honeymoon," explained Ruthia. "Farmer Ben-Jamen threw us a lovely potluck and everyone attended. Though…" here she smiled slyly at Fred, "I think there were more than a few young ladies missing. They probably couldn't stand to see Fred on his honeymoon."

Fred tried to look embarrassed but just ended up grinning at her. I almost snapped my fingers to bring them out of it, but Ruthia returned to reality and continued before I could.

"We danced until midnight. Zeke had made a little progress with Annette, I'm sure because they danced half the songs together, but she'll take years to crack. Gwen and Lawrence announced their long awaited wedding date, and Gerta and Rikki were as adorable as ever. Honestly, no one had changed. In fact, they never guessed that the King and Queen of Luzcando were celebrating with them. I do wonder if they will ever put two and two together."

"Dancing til midnight, eh?" I scrolled down my list of questions. "That reminds me. The audience has quite a mouthful for you, Fred. To begin with, Fred, can you name the moment when you knew that you could never carry out that vicious plan of yours? Do you remember how you found yourself deeply in love with Ruth?" I grinned at him. "They were quite shocked when your plan was discovered. So, what do you have to say for yourself?"

Now Fred looked really uncomfortable. Ruthia watched him with fascination that no doubt put him even more on edge.

"Oh, yes, I would like to hear this," she murmured.

"Then forgive me upfront for being blunt, my dear," he replied.

"Done. You know how much I uphold honesty."

"Very well." He looked directly at me. "You are my witness, she will forgive me for whatever I say about this topic at this point."

"Right. I've got it written down."

Fred seemed to sigh in exaggerated relief while Ruthia rolled her eyes. "I didn't like Ruthia. The whole time I was being a jester and a fool and rescuer and what not, I was gritting my teeth half the time. The other half I was laughing at her ridiculous ideas and antics. It was like watching a monkey get mad at a lizard because the lizard would not let the monkey catch it."

I snatched a glance at Ruthia whose lips were pursed, though I couldn't be sure if it was to keep the biting words or amused laughter from spilling out. Perhaps both.

"I knew she'd change, after all I had promised her father that I would humble her, and I had every intention of keeping my promise. However, I didn't realize what that would entail. I didn't realize the Ruthia under the pretentious cover of a snooty brat was an incredibly adorable girl."

Now it was my turn to roll my eyes as he took a moment to grin at his pleased wife. "Fred, do you think you could tell the story about how you came to love the girl before beginning with your endless praise for her?"

He gave a dramatic sigh. "For your sake I shall attempt to curb my vocal admiration."

"Thanks," I respond dryly.

"Well…" he began again and I realized he had been trying to delay the actual tale. "Well…" he said again. "What were the questions again?"

I wanted to toss a tart at his head but quickly read through them again instead. "What were you feeling when you danced with Ruthia those times in Brinak? When did you first realize you couldn't carry out your plan and that you were actually in love with her?"

"Ah, well those are different occurrences." He picked up a tart. "I first knew I could not complete the stupid revenge idea when I waltzed with her on the Day of the Flowers. I finally admitted to myself that I loved her during our second dance at Farmer Ben-Jamen's gathering." He shoved the whole tart into his mouth, a sign that he was finished speaking.

Ruthia began to laugh as I glared pointedly. "You know you aren't going to get a decent romantic answer out of him," she told me.

I sighed. "I know. I hoped."

"What?" wondered Fred, trying to maintain an innocent face. "I answered the question didn't I?"

"Come now," I tried again. "What were you thinking and feeling during all those dances you had together."

Fred was fidgeting. "Well…it really wasn't as romantic as you think….I thought this interview was for Ruthia! If I'd known my own soul would be drilled, then I would have had second thoughts about coming!"

"I wouldn't have let you."

"You couldn't stop me," he replied childishly.

"I'm the author! I will make you jump up and down on your head dressed like a peacock if I want to!"

Fred had no answer. I glared my best. Ruthia was still laughing.

He sighed, and I knew he had given in. "Dancing really does bring out the best in my wife. When she's dancing the whole world could fall at her feet and become her puppets. It was when we were dancing that I realized she was not the evil spell casting brat I thought she was. She was a girl who was happy with some aspects of life and very impatient with other aspects of life. She did not ask for her life, yet she had it. It was then that I realized how utterly brainless and heartless my plan was.

"I had been so intent on this plan and on the negative side of her character that I was completely unnerved at the realization. That's why I left all flustered. I had to rethink my whole idea. I decided to simply stick with what I had told Carlos I would do. I would stop trying to be extra charming for her. I would stop trying to make her fall in love with me. That's why I became so distant. Well, that hardly improved her mood which is why she blew up at the breakfast table." He chuckled as he remembered. "At her comment about chickens I knew I couldn't avoid her endearing presence. So, I decided to be myself with her, and see what else made her so…human. Not just that, but… so enchanting and so…"

"Right, right," I said quickly, fearing that he would go through every positive adjective to describe his grinning blushing wife. "And the second dance?"

"Oh, well, the idea haunted me soon after Rafael was being an idiot. My fierce reaction in defending her was a signal to me that I was beginning to have more than friendly feelings for her. The second dance only confirmed it. Again, she was in her element, she was so calm and happy that, like any sensible man, I fell in love with her." He stopped. "Anything else?"

It was a good answer. Considering it came from Fred. "Several readers are still wondering what Rafael said."

"Let them wonder," growled Fred. "My lips are sealed."

"It's true," agreed Ruthia. "He refuses to tell me. I think he may have managed to push the actual words from his mind."

"Very well. They are also rather upset about your behavior at the ball."

"Me?" Fred's innocent face was back. "Why are all these questions for me?"

"Because you weren't narrating," Ruthia told him, with a slight hint of exasperation in her sweet voice. He didn't argue.

"What's up with you being so nice to Lady Gloria when she was obviously coming in between you and Ruthia? Why were you so…reserved and quiet? You actually didn't act very much like your bold daring self. Well?"

"Oh, well…I'm a gentleman, I'm nice to ladies. I was still very uncertain as to how Ruthia would react or what she was thinking. Oh, and royal balls undo me. They are similar to interviews." He took a moment to glower pointedly. "They put me on edge and make me feel like a puppet. I feel so constricted and confused at these things. I don't like them. I'm odd like that."

Ruthia and I agreed wholeheartedly.

So, now you know how I get on with my characters. :) Questions are still welcome. Reviews are still welcome. Oh, and please be prepared to welcome my new story Think Again. The votes ended up even so I had to close my eyes and pick. Difficult thing, that. Thank you, thank you. :)