The woman nodded. "We will do all we can. Take my horse," she added to the man.

"Lady, I cannot leave you on your own to return home, horseless. We will escort you home first and then..."

"That was not a suggestion, Prince."

He winced at the steel in the older woman's tone, and looked like he was about to argue then his eyes glazed for a moment and his lips curled into a small slow smile. "As the Lady wishes."

All the women immediately looked suspicious.