‘Do you remember the knight. Fluctuantius is his name. He was at our last tournament, and won it.’

‘That who all the time boasted about his riches and exploits.’

‘Don’t be so rude. He made a several advances to me,’ Lavinia said.

‘I’m awfully sorry to hear.’

‘But he is rich.’

‘He is not of royal blood,’ Nadine retorted.

‘Don’t be such a fool. The royal blood is no more ruler of world. The things gold is doing, no king can do.’

‘You speak like commoner,’ Nadine smiled.

‘But I’m right.’

‘Noble soul is stronger than gold.’

‘But even noble soul without purse is nothing.’

‘I don’t want to go in the theme.’

‘Don’t give up! You can make me better girl, Nadine.’

‘There is no better for best.’

‘I love this line of thought.’

Nadine approached wardrobe to choose Lavinia’s dress for the day, and looking on the purple pillow she had not found princess’ diamond diadem, the symbol of her principality.

‘Your Highness, your diadem is stolen.’

‘Don’t drivel, I was undressed by another maid, and there was no diadem. I think it just was left somewhere. I danced at the yesterday ball till the end and I took off the thing in the middle of the night and it would be in any place in ball-room.’

‘You must be more careful with signs of your power in future.’

‘My power is only to obey my father, and to avoid pleading for all little needs of modest girl who want a comfort of paternal understanding.’

‘Take this dress, Your Highness, I’ll help you to fasten its clasps, and we go to seek it.’

After mounting complicated attire on royal figure of Lavinia, they set forth to ball-room of castle. It had still kept traces of yesterday ball. Tables and chairs were covered with colorful ribbons. Pieces of meals and puddles of wines were on the floor. Instruments of musicians were left on the scene, beside them there sat Ririo the clown of king’s retinue. He was funny midget, with soft eyes, and brisk laughter, ready to outburst in every possible moment. Ririo turned his face to girls when heard them approaching.

‘Nice morning, Highness. What about the breakfast with me. I see nice apple on the floor— we can go in shares for it, if you please.’

‘God bless you fools. You can kiss my hand, poor Ririo, to apologize for improper behavior.’ Lavinia gave him her hand for kissing.

‘No matter how improper general politeness is, I am to obey.’ He blew his kiss to her hand not rising from his place. ‘I never knew that inviting to the restorative addressed to those who need it is felony in your eyes.’

‘Poor ugly, you know what I mean,’ princess said and sat down in her chair. ‘Do you know by the way where my diadem is?’

‘Every fool in the castle knows it.’

‘And would this every fool show me the way.’

‘The way is only to stand up and get here.’ Ririo showed her the diadem which was lying behind him.

‘Look, Nadine. I was right— gold will always find its way.’

‘What do you mean, Highness.’ Ririo said throwing to Lavinia her diadem.

‘We were discussing with Nadine super power of our days.’

‘And that mighty one was gold?’ Ririo asked askance.

‘How many wits are in this awkward head!’

‘Then I wish to propose little song, one of my latest. The ripe product of gift not to be compared with any in tough poetic business.’ Ririo said rubbing his sleepy eyes.

‘Then we are all the ear, Ririo. Sit down, Nadine, let him make the morning funny.’

Ririo took the lyre from scene, and after two or three skillful chords performed the next.

“I feel somewhere that I will die.

No matter how. No matter why.

But it is laughable to think

That death can peace and make and bring.

On tomb of mine will dance new folk

And name of mine will be small-talk.

And purse of mine- the laughing-stock,

With certain hearts will pay its joke.”

Lavinia shortly applauded and then, turning to go back, said to Ririo.

‘Good piece, my fool, you are deserved your apple on the floor.’

He smiled at her back and whispered.