The gardens were indeed very beautiful in the semi-darkness. It was still light enough to find their way, but too dark to make out many details. They walked in silence until they reached a stone bench beside a small pond, where Alexis sat down and gestured for Markus to do the same.

“You seem to know your way very well,” he commented as he took his seat.

“Well, I do spend rather a lot of time here. And where do you spend your days?”

“Also in a garden, but it’s not quite as fancy as this one. I work as a gardener for a Duke.”

“I see. It makes sense that you like it here then. You’ll have to come back sometime when it’s a little brighter. But I’d suggest you don’t bother with the dress next time.”

“Or the wig, I suppose? Who are you to invite me here, anyway? It’s not like us commoners can simply walk through the gates. A ball like this is the only chance any of us get to be here, and only half of us at that.”

“So that’s why you dressed yourself as a girl?” He avoided Markus’ question with one of his own.

“I just wanted to see a ball. I didn’t even care whether I danced or not, I only wanted to watch. And… also to try the food. Can you blame me for that? All these balls are great fun for the nobility, I’m sure, but I’m not given even one opportunity to attend, so I think it’s completely worth wearing a dress to make myself one.”

“I’m not blaming you at all. You’re quite right, actually, it’s rather unfair on the men in the kingdom. And who knows, perhaps you’re not the only one who snuck in. It’s quite fun to think about that, actually. Although I’m sure it must be hard to do it as successfully as you did.”

Markus smiled reluctantly. “I did have help, you know. From a young girl named Madeline who claimed to be my ‘fairy god-sister’. I don’t know if there was any magic to it, but she definitely did a good job.”

“That she did. Still, there’s no need to downplay your own part. You even lied to royalty for this.”

“You mean at the gates?” Markus asked, embarrassed. “I wouldn’t call it lying, exactly. I didn’t lie to you either. I believe I said you could call me Martha, but I never claimed it was my name. Isabelle lied for me, though, calling me her sister. Oh! She didn’t know, I didn’t tell her I would be here, you see, I didn’t know myself, so she only found out partway through the evening.”

“No need to be so defensive, I won’t scold her for it. In any case, isn’t it time you told me your real name?”

“Markus. With a ‘k’. At least, I can’t write, but my mother always told people it was written with a ‘k’.”

“Well, Markus, would you like to see more of the grounds?”

Alexis stood up, and was soon leading Markus between hedges, past trees and flowers and benches, and over the occasional bridge. Markus was thoroughly lost and was beginning to wonder just how large the palace grounds were. The palace itself was hidden by trees and hedges, so they could be very far from it by now, but given the twisting nature of the paths, they could just as easily be as close to it as they had been at the pond. He was starting to relax and enjoy the night air when Alexis spoke again.

“I’m afraid I will to need to give you some form of punishment for your excellent deception. It wouldn’t do if we had men sneaking into balls all over the place, now would it? Don’t worry, I’ll think of something good for you.”

“That’s such a relief to hear. Please just put me in the stocks and be done with it – but can I change out of the dress first? I’d hate to ruin it.” Markus sighed. “I’m sure it won’t mean much to an uneducated person like myself, but who are you exactly? Saying you’ll punish me with such authority.”

“I’m the Second Prince,” he said matter-of-factly. “I somehow never got around to mentioning it. Also, I happened to overhear you right at the start of the ball. It was very good of you to point out that this kingdom has two princes. People tend to forget.”

“You’re… a prince? That’s… No, I’m sorry if I’m rude or anything, but you seem just the same to me whether you’re royalty or not. Ah, so that’s why Isabelle curtsied. I can curtsy now, if you like.”

“That’s quite alright.” The prince stopped walking abruptly. “I’ve got it, I’ve got the perfect thing for you. From now on, come and work at the palace. I seem to remember our head topiarist was looking for another apprentice.”

“I’m afraid topiary isn’t really my area. I do more weeding and sweeping and other little tasks. Besides, my sister and I don’t live very close to the palace, and moving here would probably inconvenience her.”

“I’m sure I could find a job for her too, if that’s the problem. You at least have some experience with gardens, but in any case, this isn’t really the point. It’s a punishment, so you should take it whether it suits you or not.”

“And if I don’t?”

“I won’t force you to do it, but it’ll be a shame, thinking of all those days you could have spent in these grounds. Your Duke’s little garden simply won’t live up to that. And, just so you know, we do tend to let our staff attend the balls. Only for a couple of dances, and only for special occasions, but you’d certainly get, say, five a year. Perhaps more. Your sister would be welcome, too, if she worked here. You don’t have to answer me now, but if you come to the gates and ask for the topiarist, you can take up the offer at any time.”