Micky was true to his word. He watched Helen like a hawk. But even his attention to details was not enough to deter Helen from her mission. Halsten’s unannounced visits to the palace and Peter’s frequent visits to the market was enough to drive Decievia and her mother bonkers.
There were times that Deceivia was sure that "Halsten" told her that he would take her for a ride in the meadows and times when "Halsten" claimed that he did not know what she was talking about. Or when he promised her lunch, but failed to appear claiming he made no such promise. It was all getting quite confusing and being the spoiled brat that she was, Deceivia complained woefully to her mother.
“Mother, this man is crazy! He tells me one thing and then he does another. How am I to trap him?” Deceivia whined.
“Give him time, my dear. He has just lost his true love. You have to be soft and understanding,” the Queen replied, with emphasis on understanding.
“Mother he has grieved enough! I want Prince Halsten for me!!,” the Princess wailed.
“Oh, you shall have him, my dear. Trust your mother,” the Queen cooed as she cuddled her troubled daughter.
Just then the door opened and in it stood Nanny Flossie.
“Forgive me you highness, but it is time for your husband's tea.”
“Yes, yes, I know that. Nanny, you give him his tea tonight. As you can see, I am quite busy with my daughter”. the Queen sharply said.
“Aye, your Highness,” Nanny Flossie said as she bowed deeply.
“See that he takes it all,” the Queen instructed.
Nanny Flossie bowed again and took the drink to the King’s chambers as the Queen turned her attentions to her daughter.
This was too good to be true! Nanny Flossie now held the drink that she knew was intoxicating the King. Knowing she had the new found power to ease him off the toxic drink, Nanny eased into the King's chambers.
“My dear, I don’t want any tea tonight,” the King rasperly breathed as he heard the door open.
“And you shan’t have it, milord,” Nanny Flossie said.
“That voice. I know it! Who is in this room with me?” the King asked.
“It is me, milord, Nanny Flossie. I have come to help you. My dear King, you must not take any more of this drink. It only serves to confuse you. Please listen to me. Your daughter, Princess Helen, is alive and well. Even as we speak, she is plotting to retake your kingdom in your name,” Nanny said.
“Helen is alive?” the King weakly asked.
“Yes and she is planning a way to win back your kingdom.”
"My daughter is alive?” Do not play such a cruel trick on me, Nanny.”
“I assure you, milord; I have seen and spoken with her myself. She knows that you and the kingdom are in trouble and she has vowed to place you in rule once again."
"What of the Queen?" the King weakly asked.
"She is not as she presents herself to be. She has disposed of your counsel and has placed herself in charge."
"Ah, so she used me to get to my kingdom and almost cost the loss of my daughter as well," the King sadly sighed.
"Milord, I have learned she is an actress. She fooled us all. But now we must concentrate on recovery!" Nanny said soothingly.
"Aye. Keep me focused Nanny," the King said as he smiled weakly.
Meanwhile, back at the Pad in the woods:
Helen and Peter were finishing up the last details of the plan. Peter left Helen to go tend to his chores for the day. Micky was watching the two from the bushes. When he saw Peter leave, he saw the opportunity to approach her. "
I'm still watching you, y'know," Micky said as he walked toward Helen from behind.
"And I'm still hoping you'll continue," Helen answered without turning.
"Listen, lady, I know you're about to start some kind of plan, but I won't let you put Peter in danger."
Micky was dangerously close behind Helen. In a flash, Helen punched Micky in the stomach, and then turned to face him as he doubled over gasping for breath. She once again grabbed him by the collar and looked him in the eyes as she spoke
"I guess it just takes some people a little longer to learn than it does others. The fact is that my father's kingdom is at stake and I intend to do everything in my power to set things right. Now I don't have time for games or distractions, Micky. I am asking you this time and this time only, stay to of my way. The next time, things could get pretty messy.
She let go of Micky's collar and he dropped to the ground still gasping for air. Helen then picked up the staff and walked confidently back to the Pad.
Micky, recovered, sat on the ground more determined than ever to stop this disillusioned person from harming his friend Peter in some elaborate plan.