Forest Kingdom Trilogy 1 - Blue Moon Rising

boy, he made my life hell. I still have some of the scars. Basically, he's a hard-headed, ruthless creep who'll make a great King.'
    'Your average Prince,' said Julia solemnly, and Rupert had to grin.
    The Court, meantime, had finally gathered its collective wits. Rupert's return alone would have provided the courtiers with enough gossip to last out the year, but his dramatic entrance via an exploding doorway was an unexpected bonus. The arrival of Julia and the dragon had sent them into a positive frenzy of speculation, though as yet nobody had quite worked up the nerve formally to introduce themselves to either the dragon or the Princess. In fact, there was much lively discussion as to which of the pair it would be safer to approach first. A few braver souls had started to edge casually forward when everyone suddenly discovered what happens when thirty feet of dragon breaks wind. The nearest courtiers fell back in disarray, desperately clapping perfumed handkerchiefs to their noses, and there was a general rush to open windows. Rupert and Julia looked at each other resignedly. It was obviously going to be one of those days.
    The King was on his feet, rage darkening his face. 'Get that dragon out of my Court! Get him out before he does it again!'
    The dragon did it again. Rupert glared at him.
    'Must you?'
    'Yes,' said the dragon firmly.
    'Are you going to do it again?'
    'Possibly.'
    'Then go outside and do it; there's a whole Castle to choose from.'
    The dragon shrugged indifferently. 'Can't be bothered. I think I'll take a little nap instead.' He stretched his massive wings, sending several courtiers diving to the floor for safety, and then he curled up in the middle of the Great Hall, his chin resting comfortably on his tail. The great golden eyes closed, and he was soon snoring steadily, like a thundercloud with indigestion.
    'Has your friend finished now?' asked the King icily, settling back on to his throne.
    'I hope so,' said Rupert. 'But let's keep our voices down, and let sleeping dragons lie.'
    The King sighed, and shook his head slowly. 'Approach the throne.'
    Rupert did so, followed by Julia. The Astrologer stood to the King's left, Harald to his right. They both bowed politely to Julia, who ignored them. The King stared silently at Rupert for some time.
    'Rupert, can't you do anything right?'
    'Not much,' said Rupert. 'Sorry I couldn't oblige you by getting killed during the quest, but being dead is so boring.'
    'I was referring to the dragon,' said the King.
    'Sure you were,' said Rupert coldly. The King didn't look away.
    'I did what was best,' he said softly.
    'You mean what the Astrologer told you was best.'
    Thomas Grey bowed formally, but his pale blue eyes glittered dangerously. 'I advise the King to the best of my poor ability,' he said silkily. 'We both felt a successful quest might do much to help your standing in this Court. A Prince who had slain a dragon would, at the very least, be somewhat easier to arrange a marriage for.'
    Rupert grinned mockingly. 'What's the matter — still a glut of second sons on the market?'
    The Astrologer started to say something, but was cut off by the King, who was studying the unicorn narrowly, and frowning.
    'Rupert, what happened to the unicorn's horn?'
    'He lost it in a fight.'
    'Careless of him,' said Harald. They all looked to see if he was joking. He wasn't.
    'Harald,' said the King, 'why don't you start thinking about what you'd like to eat at your wedding? You know debate isn't your strong point.'
    'Neither's thinking,' muttered Rupert.
    'At least he would have had more sense than to bring back a live dragon,' snapped King John. 'Or a Princess we were well rid of. Now we'll have to go through with the damn marriage, or Hillsdown will break off diplomatic relations.'
    'I'm not marrying Harald,' said Julia defiantly.
    'You will do as you're told,' said the King, 'or you can spend the time until your wedding day in the dirtiest, most dismal dungeon I can find.'
    Julia locked eyes with the King, and she was the first to look away. She turned uncertainly to Rupert.
    'Are you going to let him talk to me like that?'
    'He's my father,' said Rupert.
    There was an awkward pause.
    'It's not the end of the world, your highness,' said the Astrologer smoothly to Julia. 'There's no need to rush things; after all, the marriage needn't take place immediately. I'm sure that once you've got to know Harald you'll find him a decent, upstanding young man who'll make you a