Stephen's spies at court had warned him that Princess Crystal had left on a journey headed in his general direction.  He couldn't believe the princess was going to attempt the rescue of her friend by herself.  Didn't she have soldiers at her beck and call?  He had men shadow her as she traveled from her kingdom and towards the castle, certain that she had troops close at hand.  But no, she was alone.  Perhaps she hoped to impress Princess Daniella and become her hero.  Or heroine, rather.  But it was a foolish way to cement a friendship.<br/><br/>With his trap set, Stephen gave his men orders not to impede the princess's progress into the castle and to the top of the tower.  They were to make themselves scarce and pounce only when ordered to.<br/><br/>While waiting for Crystal to arrive, he was tempted to go to Daniella's cell to interrogate her about her father.  But he figured he'd get more honest answers from her once he had her friend in chains as well.  He could use one princess to force the other to speak the truth and visa versa.