The Crown Duel generation: Two post Crown Duel novelettes about Mel's and Vidanric's older two offspring, Prince Alaraec ("Court Ship") and Elestra ("Beauty").

In the latter, the middle child, who thinks of herself as the plain one of the three Renselaeus siblings, goes into the throne room to look at a tree, and meets a beautiful villain. Thus begins a duel of wits with unexpected results.

In "Court Ship" Prince Raec and his best friend, Nadav, heir to the duchy of Savona, go on a mission to court a princess. Both boys get distracted... but the princess is determined to keep them on task. A dance of diplomacy and romance ensues.