Chapter Five, The Announcement: Pages 87-107 Summary

People flock to the square of Florin City anxious to see Buttercup for the first time. The Prince announces that the wedding will take place in three months on the 500th anniversary of Florin. Buttercup is now twenty-one and more breathtaking than anyone can imagine. Humperdinck tries to shuffle her quickly back inside but Buttercup wants to walk among the people. She goes down to greet them with open arms. Three of the people in the crowd are planning to kill Buttercup. In the shadows of the highest building stands the Man in Black whose eyes flash with cruelty.

Buttercup takes Horse out for a ride after her introduction to Florin. As she rides, Buttercup contemplates her impending marriage finally deciding she must be happy without wishing for more. Dusk begins to fall...