As berry juice ran down her chin, his fake fiancée launched into a serious discourse on the role of alien technology in archetypal folklore. Not the typical conversation for a romantic picnic on the palatial estate. Despite himself, Swenn studied her magenta stained lips. Dido paused to suck sticky juice from a fingertip.

“What? You disagree. I’ll have you know my thesis was well received. I was even invited to address the Royal Science Academy. Invited! Take that fancy pants,” Dido said before dipping into the clotted cream.

“Hold on milady. I’mintrigued by your theory of alien holographic cloaking technology as the mechanism behind the bird woman mythology. I am, really. Looking at the narrative structure that underpins our society as a hostile appropriation of technology betwixt divergent cultures fascinated me. I was just wondering how someone so smart could get so much cream on her nose,” Swenn said.

Dido caught herself laughing despite herself. Against her better judgment, Dido had agreed to this romantic farce. She didn’t mind her tiny apartment or counting coins or working two jobs. But the money Swenn promised her to pretend to be his betrothed could get Malla into private school and help dad in his shop. Now she just had to get through the love research.

Swenn reached for her face. Dido stiffen at the sight of his big hands. Delicately he swiped her chin and licked his finger. She blushed.

“Ha ha very funny. I know you studied at Aire, writing right? Tell me about your novel,” Dido said.

Swenn set aside the wicker basket and plopped his head on Dido’s lap.

“Everything you need to know about me is in yesterday’s gossip rags. I want to learn about you so I can wax poetic on your charms. Soon we’ll have to introduce you to the royal court and make appearances.”

The crush of crowds, the thought of flashing paparazzi made Dido shiver. She worried her forehead.

“Don’t worry Lady Darkfeather. You’ll be a hit. Remember what a great impression you made on Mother. And if anyone crosses you you could zap them with a laser beam.”

Laughing Dido shoved the prince. Swenn shoved her back playfully. Soon they were flapping at each other on the picnic blanket. Over the palace wall, a photographer snapped pictures with telescopic lense.