Irene shuddered, but the king held her close to his bosom.
Then he turned to Sir Walter, and said: 'Bring Curdie's father and mother here.' 'I wish,' said the king, when they stood before him, 'to take your son with me.

He shall enter my bodyguard at once, and wait further promotion.' Peter and his wife, overcome, only murmured almost inaudible thanks.
But Curdie spoke aloud.
'Please, Your Majesty,' he said, 'I cannot leave my father and mother.' 'That's right, Curdie!' cried the princess.

'I wouldn't if I was you.' The king looked at the princess and then at Curdie with a glow of satisfaction on his countenance.
'I too think you are right, Curdie,' he said, 'and I will not ask you again.

But I shall have a chance of doing something for you some time.' 'Your Majesty has already allowed me to serve you,' said Curdie.
'But, Curdie,' said his mother, 'why shouldn't you go with the king?
We can get on very well without you.' 'But I can't get on very well without you,' said Curdie.

'The king is very kind, but I could not be half the use to him that I am to you.
Please, Your Majesty, if you wouldn't mind giving my mother a red petticoat! I should have got her one long ago, but for the goblins.' 'As soon as we get home,' said the king, 'Irene and I will search out the warmest one to be found, and send it by one of the gentlemen.' 'Yes, that we will, Curdie!' said the princess.