[ WP ] `` You may have one wish granted . '' `` I want all my debts cleared . '' `` How much do you owe ? '' `` You misunderstand . My debts are not monetary . ''

Slowly, as if she could not believe it, the Queen reached for the infant she was offered. As soon as her pale hands touched the child, she snatched him from the knight ’ s arms and held him against her chest like the most precious of treasures. Then, with a voice as soft as the wind and clear as a glass bell, she addressed the knight. 
 
 “ For your aid to the court, and the hardship you went through to save this kingdom, I ’ ll grant one of your wish. What do you wish for, mortal? ” 
 
 The knight thought of all the thing she could ask for, and knew none would be denied to her. She could ask for riches, an ever-lasting life, beauty to rivalize the Queen, even to join the court as one of their own. No boon would be beyond the Queen ’ s powers. 
 
 But she was allowed only one payment for the debt the Seelie court owed her. And, about debts… 
 
 “ I wish for all my debts to be cleared. ” 
 
 The Queen brushed glittering silver strands of hair from her fair face and looked at the knight with bemused golden eyes. 
 
 “ From all the things you could be given, you choose money? How much do you owe, for this to be your wish? ” 
 
 To the surprise of all, even herself, the knight chuckled. She crossed her arms over her armored chest and held her otherworldly stare with a smile. 
 
 “ You misunderstood, my fair lady. My debts are not of money, but of soul. ” She looked around the bejewelled throne, where stood the glittering silhouette of other faes. “ A decade ago, I gave away my soul to the Devil for glory. My first born belongs to a wicked witch, in exchange of my armor, which nothing can pierce. I gave half of my life-time to the dwarves for the magical sword I wield, and own a great favor to the elven knight who trained me in swordfight. Debt after debt, I became a knight of great renown -and soon, payment will be due. I ask of you that I do not have to pay. ” 
 
 This time, it wasn ’ t her but the Queen who laughed. Although her hilarity was just as gracious as the rest of her person, it was quite the strange sight to see her crying with laughter. 
 
 “ How I wish you were one of my subject, my knight! ” She finally gasped, breathless with humor. “ Your clever mind would be quite at home in this court. ” 
 
 Her wide smile was full of mischief as she graciously bowed her head in agreement. “ Aye, mortal knight, I will grant your wish, but to one condition: show me a list of all of your creditors, so I can know how many of my neighbors I am about to annoy in just one little wish. ”
