He realised then and there that he had never seen such beautiful teeth, nor any creature so radiantly beautiful, for that matter.
"More than that," she said, "I shall assist you to escape.

Come!" He followed her through the shrubbery, his heart pounding violently.

The Prince, who trotted on ahead, had mentioned a Count.

Was she married?
Was she of the royal blood?
What extraordinary fate had made her the friend of his sister?
He looked back and saw the two guardsmen crossing the bridge below, their eyes still upon him.
"It's very good of you," he said.

She glanced back at him, a quaint smile in her eyes.
"For Adele's sake, if you please.