Orion shrugged at her comment about his rugby practice.  Alright, he thought, I’ve tried to spare her the boredom, but if she insists.  He wouldn’t put it past her, however, to bring along a book, her smart phone to listen to music or text friends, and some other object that would serve as a distraction during practice.  What he wasn’t looking forward to was the lads, his teammates, drooling over her and begging for him to arrange a date or something.  The Prince already knew exactly what that<i>something </i>involved, and he winced at the thought.  He’d have to beat them back with a stick (a very large one at that) like the rabid animals they’d turn into at the mere sight of her.<br/><br/>Cassiopeia’s methodical removal of the strawberry juice from her fingers with her tongue, he was certain, was meant to be seen.  She was, after all, looking right at him as she performed the clean-up.  Recovering, Orion responded, “Well, uh, of course, Highness.  You can catch a ride with us, though I must warn you, Bernard is a stickler for leaving on time.  Try not to be late, please.  He can be quite grumpy.”  Smiling at the truth of the statement, the Prince sipped once more from his wine glass.<br/><br/>The more the Princess spoke of her party-girl reputation, the more his smile widened.  The term rebel didn’t even begin to describe her love of parties and the night life.  Plus, it was obvious she had an agenda.<i>And</i>she got into or picked fights?  Suppressing a laugh, Orion realized he’d need more than just a very large stick to hold his howling mates at bay.  For starters, a pair of Uzis and a bazooka would come in handy, with perhaps a .50-cal machine gun as backup.<br/><br/>She’s been doing this since her 16th birthday?!  Orion was convinced that he would absolutely have to keep her, the lads, and especially alcohol separate from each other.  And then she decided to drop a bomb on his unsuspecting head.  Cassiopeia mentioned charities and empowering young girls with the confidence that they could do anything their hearts desired.  Truly, she might have her faults, the Prince reflected, but she also had a heart of gold.