“A polyamourous one?” I couldn’t help it. It was the only explanation. The only thing that would make sense. She stopped pacing and turned to me. “Say what?”

I felt a little squirmy under her stare, but that fucking case had taken a toll on my obedience. “A poly prince, Jo. The whole fucking kingdom expects him to find a wife and make kids and if he doesn’t he’ll be stoned or thrown out. He doesn’t have a choice. Obviously I have no certainties but that would make sense wouldn’t it? And since our princess really isn’t interested in marrying or any of that romantic shit we’re supposed to push for, it wouldn’t be such a bad idea.”

Silence. Josephine was glaring at me, but I had made my case. I waited for the idea to sink in, dreaming about a glass of whiskey. I was getting tired of drinking the same thing every night. And it might even be cheaper. Not that it mattered much, but still.

Jo went back to her chair and dropped in it, elbows on the desk, head in hands. “Are you telling me our princess is so stubborn that we have to seriously consider this option? She might come around to it once she meets the right person, you know.”

“Yup. Nope.” I pitied her, a bit. “She’s not into marriage, Jo. Or romance. Her HEA would be a Masters degree in nuclear physics or something. Which we can’t help her with since the contract states marriage as the end goal.”

She groaned. Her head hit the desk with a thump that made me wince. That damn case was taking a toll on both of us. “Fine,” she said, her voice muffled. “Gimme that card, I'll do some research. You can talk to the girl. See if she’d agree to meet him at least. You really sure it’s the prince you met, not an underling?”

I wasn’t sure. I said so. She sighed. “Get back to work Tina. I’ll see what I can do. Keep your phone close, I’ll call you when I find something.” I put the empty glass on the desk and left.

I used my wings for once, if only to go faster. I wanted to go back to my own desk and smack my head on it too. This whole exchange had been exhausting, the hangover was back full force, and I was really not looking forward to telling a young woman who had no fucking interest in romance that we’d found her a Prince Charming. She was the kind to throw things too. Usually big heavy books on the Universe. An Encyclopedia, once. I’ll never joke about kissing a frog again.

I reached my desk and smacked my head on it as planned, hoping for a quick unseen nap. I should’ve known better.

“Tiiiinaaaaa!” At least Liliane had brought me coffee. “Did you see Josephine? How did it go? Oh my wings you look awful, do I need to bring you to the makeup team?”

I didn’t want to see the makeup team. They did weird things with their heart shaped wands. A bit like a steroids injection, but magic. Very uncomfortable, and you came out of there looking younger and ready to take on any task. You also felt like if you weren’t active you’d crumble into pieces too small to glue back. “I’d rather have a coffee, thank you.”

She gave me the half full cup she was trying so hard not to spill. It felt good. Warm, relaxing, a moment of peace. “Liliane, you’re my savior. I saw Jo, yes, and I’m sure you can guess how it went from my face. But we have a plan. Plans are good. I’ll get to it, if you don’t mind.”

The clumsiest fairy in the world gave me the clumsiest curtsey in the world, ending up upside down and looking the other way. I tried not to laugh but it was too much.