"Everyone, meet Pegasus," Ella gestured towards the winged horse that stood in front of the group, graceful and elegant.

Clara stared in awe. "It's a unicorn!"

Billy stifled a laugh and kneeled down by his little sister. "No, Clara. Her name is Pegasus."

"After I defeated the dragon, he disappeared along with the palace. It was as if it were never there," Ella explained.

"And then," She continued, "I saw Pegasus fly towards me. It was like she was returning back home."

"Really? Wow," Billy commented, looking up at Pegasus. "Maybe it had to do with the removal of the prince."

"The prince?" Ella had asked him in bemusement.

Billy then realized, that none of his friends except Clara knew about the prince yet, and that he had been the one to turn into the ruthless dragon. 

"Oh, you see..."

Billy explained the entire story to the group, mentioning the strange magic involved and the trance that he had became involved in.

"Well...it looks like there was some dark magic involved." Grunt said thoughtfully.

"Dark magic?" Billy gave him an inquiring look.

"Yes. Few humans know it at this point in time. But those that do tend to use it to their own advantage at the expense of others. This human, who was involved in such magic, is obviously gone now, and so is his palace..." Grunt said, deep in thought.

"So do you think...that it was all his making? The palace and everything in it?" Billy questioned curiously, with a look of realization coming across his face.

"It could very well be! And now that he is gone, all that he has created with his power is gone too. Perhaps where he once resided, was Pegasus's home," Grunt gestured towards Pegasus. "And now that he's gone, she can return to it."

"Pegasus?" Clara looked up at the elegant creature, and then back at Billy. "Can I pet her?" She asked innocently.

"I don't see why not," Billy shrugged, looking up at Ella. "Pegasus seems

harmless enough."

Clara smiled and held out a hand to Pegasus, but the winged creature was a bit shy around her, and backed away ever so slightly. Clara was too small to reach her, and looked at Billy with an expression resembling disappointment.

"Here," Billy said softly, picking Clara up gently as a boost, so that she could reach Pegasus. Clara held out a hand to the gentle creature, and Pegasus sniffed at it. Then, she allowed Clara to stroke her, which she did in a soft manner.

Clara giggled. "I like Pegasus. Can we ride her?"

Ella answered for her, "Well, I asked Pegasus if she can give us a ride back home. She's very strong, and she can hold us all on her back."

The entire group seemed very grateful, especially Clara, and they all climbed onto Pegasus's back. They all steadied themselves as the beautiful winged creature began to take flight.

"Hold on, Clara," Billy warned, making sure that Clara was settled onto Pegasus.

"Whee! This is fun," She cheered happily as they were beginning to leave the ground, and Pegasus started the leisurely ride back to the Royal Village.

"I can see the mountaintops from here!" Billy looked down in awe.

"I think we're touching the clouds," Thorn commented, looking around.

The entire group marveled at the sights they could see from being so high up. It was even more beautiful than the palace that the young prince had claimed was so special. Billy chuckled at the thought. This was better than staying with the prince in every way possible.

The ride lasted a while. Clara was beginning to fall asleep, and Billy made sure to hold her close so that she wouldn't fall. She opened her eyes slightly, and then sighed contently and closed them again.

Before she had fallen asleep in her brother's arms, she looked up at him and said with a smile, "This is fun, Billy. I like being a princess."

Billy yawned at the sight of her being so tired. He had to admit that he was feeling a bit drowsy too. It had been a long day, after all.

"I know you do," He whispered back. "And when we get home, you can still be a princess. You know that, right?" 

Clara smiled and said, "I know, Billy."