Happy Ever After Midnight

"So apart from agriculture, which is very nice, do you have other plans?" I asked in between mouthfuls. It was all I could think of.

"Yes," this time it was Cecile who answered. "We would like to expand the University's fields of practice. Right now it's mainly magic, history, and English. Which is very nice, but not enough. We plan on setting up a chemistry department, and perhaps with Eileen's help could we develop a physics department as well."

At that Eileen perked up. "You mean it?" "We mean it," Gianni smiled. "Perhaps you could even teach or research there once you've finished your studies? We need all the help we can get."

The rest of the meal went smoothly after that, Gianni and Eileen discussing the future of the University while Cecile and I listened. They weren't so bad after all, this odd prince and his even odder butler. Just a little out of touch.

When our desserts were finished (I had an apple crumble), we got up to leave. Gianni and Cecile went straight outside. I ran after them. "Oh no you don't. We're not paying for the meal."

"Pay?" Gianni looked surprised. "But I'm the prince!" I looked at him in shock.

"And here I was thinking you two weren't so bad after all. Yes, pay. Food isn't free, for anyone. If we leave without paying, what image will that give of you? And you won't get any more news of us, that I can guarantee, if you make poor Eileen spend a single dime of her hard earned money on such an expensive meal!"

Cecile smiled. "Pardon, Miss Tina. We forgot. Let me go and settle this." I was fuming. Eileen came up behind me, eyes wide. "We're not paying?"

"They're inviting us, love. As they should." I shot a dark look at Gianni, who stared stubbornly at the pavement.

"Well thank you Gianni, that's very nice of you," she said. Gianni gave her a sheepish smile, and shot me a nervous look. He was probably wondering whether or not I'd spill the beans. But I needed this case closed, and these two seemed to get along. I decided to let it slide for the sake of my sanity.

Cecile came back and I thanked him. Then "time to leave folks. This dinner was very nice, but Eileen needs to get up early tomorrow and I have things to do as well. Good night."

"Wait!" Gianni grabbed my arm. "We can give you a lift, no need to take the bus or whatever it is you take to go home. Right, Cecile?" Cecile nodded. Eileen raised an eyebrow. I sighed. "Fine, show us your magic tricks, dear butler. But careful, we're on a full stomach."

Cecile nodded again and snapped their fingers. We appeared right in front of Eileen's house, by the front door. "Well that was fun," she said. "We should do that again sometime. Good night everyone, thank you Tina for talking me into this." She disappeared inside the house and Cecile turned to me. "Same spot again or directly at home?"

That was a hard question. I realized my hands were shaking and I was hot. I sighed. "Same spot again, it seems."

Another finger snap and I was in the middle of a street I knew too well, close to my usual drinking spot. "Thanks, I guess. The meal was nice. I'll report to my boss tomorrow and we'll discuss the proceedings."

"No need to be so formal, Miss Tina. It was a pleasure." Another snap and they were gone. I made my way to the bar, alone.