But unbeknownst to the two princesses, the prince was hot on their trail. One day when their separate trails merged, Yvastle was there to get them.
They were at a festival, and Crtanza was performing on one stage in the dance arts section, while Rivantle found herself on the catwalk in the modeling arts section. Yvastle saw them both as he wove his way through the crowds.
Rivantle paused at the end of the walkway and gave everyone a little taste of fashion as she twirled around in an elegant, tightly fitting cocktail dress with a little flare at the bottom. As she stared into the flashing lights of the cameras, she was pulled off the walk in a daze.
As Crtanza did a leap in to the air, she was caught halfway and pulled down as well. Shouting violent, colorful words, she was united with her brother and sister.
The two princesses gasped.
"YVASTLE!" they shouted, "why are you here?" Yvastle just dragged them away to the carriage he had, tossed them in, and locked the door before heading home.
Once at home, they were brought before their parents, who wrung their royal hands and wept royal tears of unhappiness and disappointment. At the end of the harangue they were given, Rivantle and Crtanza were sent to their rooms without supper and locked in.
Meanwhile, the Prince Yvastle was given all sorts of admiration and respect, as well as little treats and more grand clothes. He was as cocky as a rooster and as preening as a peacock under his parents' loving devotion. But soon he began to regret what he had done. There must have been a reason for his sisters leaving the castle...they must have been unhappy in someway. But how? They were given all the royal rights, and showered with gifts and grand feasts and parties.
He decided to ask them.
Yvastle scaled the grand spiral stairway, and crossed the long and beautifully carpeted hall to his sisters' rooms (they shared one that was separated only by a wall and a door). He raised his hand to knock, but hearing voices, leaned in to listen instead.
"Poor Yvastle, family pet that he is, he knew no better than to find us and bring us back." That must have been Rivantle.
"But that filthy worm carried us off like sacks of potatoes," snarled Crtanza, and Yvastle cringed.
Rivantle sighed. "True. But we'll be rid of them all tonight. I managed to send a note via chen to a nearby dragonrider. He said he'd pick us up at about 2 o' clock a.m...that way it's sure that everyone will be asleep."
"And we'll be free."
Crtanza laughed gaily, and through the keyhole Yvastle saw the two girls clasp hands and dance around the room.
I must warn mamma and pappa, thought Yvastle, and scampered off. But halfway down the staircase, he paused.
If they are really this unhappy, he mused, frowning, I would be a source of hatred to them for the rest of my life, unless I allow them to get away.
Yvastle sat down on the stair, head in his hands.
But if I don't tell mamma and pappa, I will be shunned by them.
Yvastle stood up. He had decided. Instead of going downstairs where his parents waited by the fire, he crept upstairs once more, to his sisters' room, snatching the key to unlock it on the way up from a hall table. He fitted the key into the keyhole and opened the door.
"Yvastle!" the girls whispered fearfully, exchanging unhappy glances. Yvastle sighed.
"I heard what you said." He held up a hand as they clamored to be forgiven. "I must admit that I am puzzled about your wish to leave. You have everything here...outside of our lands you must work for what you want. But I understand your need for freedom. And that is why...
"I'm coming too." Yvastle smiled as he finished, and his sisters hugged him.
"Although it will take some time before you are forgiven for ratting us out," Crtanza warned.
What happens Next?