They've been complaining about my un-princesslike behavior for years."

"I did hear something about fencing lessons," the knight said doubtfully, "but knights aren't supposed to pay attention to that kind of thing.

We're supposed to be above rumors and gossip."

"The fencing lessons were just the beginning," Cimorene assured him.

"So you see why I'm perfectly happy being a dragon's princess."

"Um, yes," said the knight, but he did not look convinced. "Speaking of dragons, where's yours?"

"Kazul's not my dragon," Cimorene said sharply. "I'm her princess.

You'll never have any luck dealing with dragons if you don't get these things straight. She's gone to the Enchanted Forest on the other side of the mountains to borrow a crepe pan from a witch she knows."

"She's what?" said the knight.

"She's gone to borrow a crepe pan," Cimorene repeated in a louder voice. "Perhaps you'd better have your helmet checked when you get back.

They're not supposed to interfere with your hearing, but sometimes-" "Oh, I heard you," the knight said. "But what does a dragon want with a crepe pan?"

"She doesn't want it; I do. I found a recipe in the library that I want to try, and the kitchen just isn't equipped to handle anything but the most ordinary cooking. Kazul will fix that eventually, but for the time being we have to borrow things like crepe pans and souffle dishes."

"You really do like it here," the knight said wonderingly.

Cimorene refrained from replying that this was what she had been trying to tell him all along and instead said, "How did you know where I Was?"

"Things get around." The knight waved a hand in a vague manner.

"In fact, I had to hurry to make sure I was the first. Half of the Kingdom of Linderwall and a princess's hand in marriage is a reward rich enough to tempt a lot of people who wouldn't normally bother with this sort of thing."