A number of elven tomes rested on the petals of a large flower growing out of the ground, like a small table, under the shade of a small tree. The flower was white with a translucence that shimmered when light shown through its petals. It also gave off a sweet fragrance that filled the large room it was growing in. Next to the flower a small tree started to shake before turning to reveal the face of a teenage boy.

Danny shook he head slowly, the leaves growing out of his thin branch like hair moved back and forth and tickled his back.

“Still no luck, Danny?” Princess Willow sat down on the petals of the large flower, which surprisingly supported her weight.

Danny rubbed his hands through his hair, “I knew this tree would be different, but it might as well be a squirrel compared to all the other trees.”

Danny looked over to see the princess had been rubbing his back sympathetically. He hadn't even felt her doing this, but he still smiled appreciatively.

Looking down at all the dead twigs sticking out of the ground, Danny reviewed all his failed attempts at growing cuttings of different parts of the tree. The cuttings seemed to grow, but quickly died when mana wasn't supplied to them. The sacred tree generated mana from its connection to the source, which was located where the trunk started and the roots ended. These cuttings didn't create their own source connection and Danny was oblivious to how that would work. He had nervously grown excess cells inside the source and tried to use those, but the cells might have well come from the furthest branches of the tree.

Danny looked over to Elder Cardinal, “These are all the books with reference to the sacred trees, what about ascendants? Maybe I can glean some insight from those.”

Elder Cardinal looked up from the book he was studying, “Of course, though most are just histories and family records.”

Danny turned to Elder Frost, who was inspecting some of his dead cuttings, “Seeds are the only thing that I think would work. I was excited when I got this flower to grow out of the tree, but there are none of the sex characteristics I expect to find that would produce a seed. You told me the fruit was seedless right?”

Elder Frost stood up and wiped her hands on her robes, “Yes, there are no seeds in the fruits. Those fruits are the main staple of our diet and are in most of the foods we prepare. If there was a seed in one someone surely would have noticed it in their food.”

Danny reached up and through his connection with the tree had a branch rise up from under the flower, between two of its petals, and curl a meter above the top of the flower. A large pink fruit grew from the curled end of the new branch. It swelled to the size of a watermelon before stopping. Danny frowned while studying its internal structure with his nature affinity.

The princess spoke up next to him, “Danny, its supper time. You can work on this some more tomorrow.”

Danny, deep in thought, turned to look at her and a few seconds later her words seemed to register, “Oh, is it that late already?”

Looking up Danny realized the room had a dozen of those “bulbs” that emitted light set evenly across the ceiling. Danny remembered those were on his to-learn list.

Danny turned to the elders, “My apologies for keeping you both here so late.”

The two elders embarrassingly conceded they had both lost track of the time as well.

Elder Frost smiled, “It has been so long since I had a good challenge. I am just glad I can be of some help.”

Danny nodded, “Yes, your insights and Elder Cardinal’s knowledge of the records have been very helpful. Eliminating failed theories can only lead us to pick the correct path.”

The bid their goodbyes and Danny used the last of his mana to grow four bouquets made from smaller versions of the flowers and leaves. As he changed back into his natural form, he pulled the shirt he brought over his head. Leaves fell from his head and littered the ground below him. Danny sighed at his destroyed boxers that had torn when he grew extra bark around his waist throughout the afternoon. Yet another aspect that could cause sudden uncontrollable nudity.

“Danny, your hair stayed!” Princess Willowed said excitedly while inspecting his new locks.

Reaching up Danny and felt the new hair that now covered his previously bald head. The hair felt different, smoother.

Smiling he turned to the princess, only realizing she had just watched him get dress. Danny couldn't help but feel embarrassed, especially with his emaciated condition.

Trying to act like it didn't bother him, Danny blushed while asking her, “So, how do I look with hair?”

Willow smiled, “Much better! Especially now that you have eyebrows. I have to say you are very attractive… for a human.”

Danny rolled his eyes, “Sorry I couldn't be born with a perfect features like you elves.”

The princess stopped Danny from moving towards the door, “Danny, we look this way because we have such high intelligence. Before the magi created the sanctuaries we were only slightly better looking than your kind.”

Danny was surprised by this and honestly exclaimed, “Wow, then either you were already beautiful before or your intelligence attribute is ridiculously higher than mine.”

The princess started walking ahead of Danny towards the door, and sounding annoyed said, “Danny, please do not feel like you have to flatter me, unnecessarily.”

Danny was pretty sure he had seen a blush creep up on Willows face. He didn't think his words were that strange. He was sure she had heard them before from countless suitors. He had been hoping to trick her into telling him her intelligence level.

*Wow, Mr. Casanova! Where did that come from? We interested in girls finally?*

That reminded Danny and he ran back to grab the bouquets and ran after Willow.

Handing one of the bouquets to Willow, Danny saw her smile down at them, happily.

“Danny, these are lovely, thank you.”

“They are an apology for earlier, I didn't mean to scare you.”

Danny was happy when the smile didn’t leave Willows eyes as she looked over at him.

Danny and Willow returned to the guest wing, but Danny was surprised when Willow bid him a goodnight.

“Did you just come get me for supper? You could have sent someone else.”

“I honestly wanted to see if you all had made any progress.”

Danny frowned, “Sorry, I was only able to eliminate a bunch of things that won't work.”

Willow smiled, “That's still progress. You are doing fine, Danny. No one expects miracles.”

The princess leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, “Good night, Danny.”

Taken off guard, Danny almost forgot to respond, “Good night, Willow.”

Danny couldn’t help but watch as she walked away.

*Danny, your life is sooo much better than mine was!*

*Yeah, well she is probably just doing it under pressure from her mother. Remember the whole being told to get me to fall in love with her bit?*

*Hmmm, I don't know. If she was doing that then she was also faking an elevated heart rate, blood pressure, oh, and her eyes would dilate when she looked at you.*

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*Cranny, you were scanning her again?*

*Yeah, only the elders seem to notice it. I wonder if it's a skill they have?*

*Yeah, well anyway, all that could easily be because Willow associates my appearance with my powers and she was nervous I wouldn't fall for her womanly wiles.*

*Danny, the way I see it. If that's the case, then she uses you and I get to enjoy having a princess.*

*Why is what I want not even considered in that statement?*

*Danny, I am pretty much your sub-consciousness. Get over your hang-ups on the whole marrying multiple woman. No one else seems to have one. You want to marry the princess.*

*But what about the girls? What are they going to say?*

*Honestly, right now they are probably wondering when you are going to turn around and quit staring at the princess’s remarkable royal rear end.*

Danny froze, *Why didn't you tell me they were behind me!*

*Because you have poor multitasking abilities and, plus, things are more interesting this way!*

Danny turned around slowly to find all three girls staring at him. While Ivy and Brooke looked displeased, Jade looked livid.

“Hi girls… look what I brought for each of you!” Danny held out the bouquets.

No one moved.

"Come with us, Danny." Ivy turned around and Brooke and Jade followed behind her.

Danny lowered the flowers and looked back down the hallway, "Better give me some privacy for this next part."

The three guards appeared and bowed, "Your secrets are safe with us, Ascendant."

Danny shook his head, "I'm sorry, but I cannot trust you, not yet anyway."

The guard closest to him bowed, "We will stay far enough to not hear."

Danny nodded and entered the guest wing to follow the girls.

He sensed the girls in his room and when he entered, Danny announced, "All guards leave the room. You are welcome to wait outside."

Five guards materialized around the room and walked out into the hallway.

The girls looked shocked and confused.

"Are you not a guard?" Danny turned to look in one corner.

A guard materialized and bowed, "My apologies, Ascendant."

After the guard left, Ivy started to speak but Danny held up his hand. A double layer of air surrounded them, effectively cutting off the sound from either side.

Danny looked to Ivy, "It is safe to speak now."

Ivy looked around the room as if to find more guards hiding somewhere, "I thought they just followed the queen."

Danny shook his head, "You each have at least two following you at all times."

Jade shuddered and crossed her arms. Brooke just looked angry.

Danny took the initiative, "I was planning to talk about this with you three, but I haven't had the chance. It seems a lot can happen in a day."

Danny told them about the last reward the queen offered him the day before. The girl’s emotions ranged from uncomfortable to frustrated.

Jade stepped up to him and touched his arm, "Are you going to accept the offer, Danny"

Danny shrugged, "I wanted to hear your three's opinion as I do not know what would happen if I chose either way. I barely know her and she admitted her family is pressuring her to convince me. I didn't want to make you mad, and then she went and kissed me."

Jade looked to be almost in tears, "So, you wouldn't want to marry us anymore?"

Danny shook his head, "No, the offer was for her to join us."

Jade looked like she had just ate something sour, "Oh..."

Ivy sighed and sat down on his bed, "Even with us married to you, they would use her to take you away."

Danny nodded, "I asked Willow about that and she said that if I can do what they want me to I can demand stipulations that absolve me from obligations normally required of one married to the princess."

Brooke walked over and punched Danny hard in the arm, "Willow, huh?"

Danny nodded, "She asked me to call her that, sorry."

Brooke pursed her lips, "You like her don't you?"

Danny shrugged, "I won't lie. I tried to get to know her today so I could find out what kind of person she is. She at least appears honest, but I know, we just met."

Ivy scoffed, "Yeah, I don't know about this... Can we bring Arya into this conversation?"

Danny looked up at her, "I would rather like to know what you three think before we speak with her."

Jade spoke quickly, "I don't want to share you with anyone else!"

Brooke nodded, "I'm with Jade."

Ivy stood up and started walking to the door, "We might not have a choice..."

Danny grabbed her arm, "Ivy Diadem, I know you want to stay true to your family, but I want to know what you think, not your family."

Ivy looked back at Danny, scared and worried, "Who... who told you?"

"Willow"

Ivy looked down and frowned in thought.

Danny pulled Ivy back over to the bed and sat her down, "Ivy, is it true what they said? Are you all but in name a princess? I thought your connections to your family were severed when you joined the order?"

Ivy shook her head, "That is something said but rarely followed for my family. I am still in line to the high seat of the council, if something were to happen to my sisters. Even though we are put into harm’s way, it has always been beneficial to have a daughter hidden inside the order. Besides training in the martial arts, I am taught what I would need to know in case I must rule one day."

Danny grabbed one of Ivy's hands, "One of the things I was going to ask you three was would you be willing to leave the order and potentially Diadem and follow me?"

All three girls quit breathing at this point and Danny patiently waited.

Ivy stood up, "No, Danny. We can't do that... I... I want to say yes, but I have to think about my family. I have obligations. It is what I was trained for all my life."

Danny shook his head, "How many third daughters have had to assume the high seat in the council?"

Ivy looked confused, "Well… Danny, my family expects this of me!"

Brooke shook her head, “Danny, we can't…”

Jade was oddly silent and not looking at anyone. Brooke and Ivy seemed to notice this as well.

There were many things Danny could do or say at that moment to change the girls’ minds, but he just couldn't do it. Now that he knew how strongly at least two of them felt, he had no doubt they would come to resent him later. They were too important to him now to just cast aside.

Danny hung his head down, "Go get Arya."

Ivy looked very scared, "Danny, please understand!"

Danny still had her hand and brought it up to his lips, "Don't worry Ivy, I do understand. Go get Arya and decide our next step."

Ivy looked sick while she nodded. Getting up she left the room.

Danny got up and walked to the edge of his bubble. His movements slowed slightly as he passed through the double layer of stilled air.

Turning to the nearest hidden guard, Danny stated, "I need you to stop Arya's guards from entering... You can tell the queen we are discussing her final offer. She will know what I am speaking of."

The wall where Danny was looking moved as the vague shape of a head could be seen bowing, "As you wish, Ascendant."

Ivy returned with Arya and they all entered the bubble with Brooke and Jade waiting. Danny made sure Arya's guards did as he had asked.

Arya looked around at them, "What is going on here? Danny, did you duplicate the magic on the doors and windows?"

Danny nodded, "We should be able to talk freely here."

Arya looked confused out the door to his room, "Why are the guards allowing this?"

Danny shrugged, "Because I asked nicely."

Ivy touched Arya's arm, "Danny was offered the privilege of marrying the princess if he solves whatever it is they have him doing. The princess even said he would be able to add whatever stipulations he wants."

Arya turned to stare at Danny, "Did you give them an answer yet?"

Danny shook his head, "Not yet. I wanted to hear the girls’ opinion first."

Arya nodded and walked over to look out Danny's window, while she thought. Danny was surprised to see the normally stoic woman start biting one of her nails.

Turning around Arya stood so she could see all of them, "The diadem..."

Ivy interrupted, "Danny knows, Arya. The princess told him about my mother."

Arya looked annoyed and sighed, "Ivy's mother and the Umbra gave us explicit instructions for a number of scenarios, like this one. You will accept the queen's offer."

Jade and Brooke made sounds of shock, while Ivy took the news in stride.

*Danny, now part of me wants you to tell the queen no just to spite them all. Well, just a small part though.*

Danny spoke up defiantly, "Arya, the girls do not want this. I do have a say in this matter."

Arya looked at Danny and barked out a laugh.

Danny frowned, "What?"

Arya shook her head, "Those two... never go against them unless you hold all the cards."

Danny didn't like where this is going, "My family right?"

Arya frowned, "Yes Danny, but not in the way you are thinking."

Danny growled, "Then what is it?"

"If you marry the princess you, Ivy, Brooke, and Jade will be kicked out of the order. Then when you next visit Diadem, Ivy’s mother will tell you what happened."

Danny eyes widened as he walked over to the women, “You mean…”

Arya held up a hand to interrupt him, “She didn’t tell me what, just that it was something very important to you.”

The girls looked concerned and Danny just frustrated.

Arya explained, "The elves know who we are and about the order. They will make that a requirement to leave the order if you agree to marry her. Danny, you will not be the only one with stipulations."

Brooke asked, "Why would they give up Danny, and us, just to marry the princess?"

Ivy spoke up, "Because it would be like two royals marrying. Our alliance would be sealed with the marriage."

*Alright, I didn't see that coming. Danny, you need to be careful here.*

Arya nodded, "You four will become the most important people in the two nations. And it is all thanks to Danny."

Danny couldn't help but feel sick at his stomach, "What will happen to us then, if I agree to say yes."

Arya shrugged, "Whatever you want, I guess. They will make requests of course, but I doubt you will reject us or your new extended family members."

Danny looked out the window nearby, thoughts of just escaping in his mind.

Danny could feel the metaphorical corner at his back, "Girls you can tell me to say no."

Ivy shook her head, "Tell her yes."

Brooke shrugged, "Danny, we need the elves help. Things are getting worse out there. Elven scouts returned today with news. The goblins attacked Crossbark yesterday. The city held out from the attack, but more of those undead started showing up. The scouts say the town thinks they have the outbreak under control. They eventually used the same tactics that Lieutenant Cove's platoon came up with after we left. They kill anyone attacked before they can turn. They already lost at least a quarter of the town’s population."

*Danny, I know what you’re thinking. Even with all the mana you have stored from the tree, you could only save a few hundred.*

Jade was frowning but mumbled, "Tell her yes."

Danny sighed and canceled the bubble, "Jade and Brooke, do you want to take that tour of sky I promised you? Ivy, I figured you would rather sit this one out, unless you want to go?"

Ivy looked sad, "Sorry, I want to go with you."

Danny smiled at her, "Hey, we can do something later. Just me and you."

Ivy smiled at this, "I'm going to hold you to that."