The Announcement
“A naming ceremony, how wonderful!” exclaimed Elizabeth as she sat in her bathing chamber at Castle North; Lady Alvina combing her long freshly washed hair. Lady Shaylee, Elizabeth’s personal secretary and her betrothed Edric’s sister, had brought the glad news. “Where is Lady Milley?” inquired Elizabeth. “Does she know yet?”
“I doubt she knows,” speculated Lady Shaylee. “The rider with messages from Lakeland Castle only arrived less than an hour ago. After going through them, Edric sent me up with the announcement.”
“Lady Milley should be here any moment,” Lady Alvina informed Elizabeth as she continued to comb the moisture from her hair. “She just went to fetch your clothing.
As if on cue, Lady Milley entered the chambers, laying Elizabeth’s clothing for the day on her bed, her boots on the floor. She walked into the bathing chamber to check on the progress Lady Alvina had made on Elizabeth’s hair to find the three females staring at her, all with curious grins on their faces.
“What is it?” asked Lady Milley in her ever-timid voice.
“Margaret’s had her baby!” burst Elizabeth, jumping up to throw her arms around her lady in congratulations.
Lady Margaret was Lady Milley’s sister and had been one of Elizabeth’s Ladies at Dragon Castle, the royal residence, along with her sister for years until she became betrothed to Lord Fagan, son of Lord Foster, and future Noble Lord of Lakeland Castle.
Lady Milley hugged Elizabeth back, overjoyed by the news, “Is she okay?”
“She’s fine,” Elizabeth reassured her, “She had a healthy male baby.” Stepping back, Elizabeth now informed Lady Milley, “The Naming Ceremony will be held on the next full moon.”
“Can we attend?” Lady Milley asked hopefully.
“Of course we’ll attend,” announced Elizabeth. Then she noticed Lady Shaylee frowning. “What Shaylee?” asked Elizabeth. “We have to go. It’s Margaret’s first child, and he is a future Noble
Lord.”
“I’d like nothing better than to visit Lakeland Castle, but your schedule is rather tight,” Lady Shaylee reminded her.
Since the two kingdoms had been reunited, there had been nonstop activity at Castle North, as it quickly became the hub of the two kingdoms once again. After the initial shock both kingdoms’ populations received at the news of the others’ existence and the renewed close proximity wore off, inquiries started pouring in on both sides regarding visiting and trading. Each was most anxious to see their neighboring kingdom and excited by the prospect of having a new market for their goods. Thus far, travel between the kingdoms was being strictly controlled. There were constant meetings at Castle North with delegations from both sides to work out as many issues as possible before the “flood gates” opened.
Castle North had been in an uproar since the kingdoms rejoining, finding itself playing host to members of both royal families, as well as, various nobles from both sides. Lady Sula, Mistress of Dragon Castle, had stayed on with her husband, Lord Wendall, Chief Armsmen of Elnara, to assist Castle North’s Mistress, Lady Ellen in opening up more of the Castle’s chambers for use, while Lord Wendall met with
various parties from Kellmorgen to help them deal with the new threat they faced, dragon attacks.
Elizabeth finished changing into her favorite green dress and boots, her long golden hair, a color unique amongst Fairies, braided into two long narrow braids in the front, the rest left long down her back. She wore a circlet crown across her forehead, giving her an added touch of elegance. Not that she needed it; Edric often told her that she would look regal wearing rags.
“What’s first on today’s schedule?” Elizabeth asked, turning in Shaylee’s direction
“Breakfast meeting in the Grand Chamber,” Lady Shaylee answered, her voice sounding bored already. Elizabeth resisted the urge to roll her eyes at yet another meeting, instead smiling, “Let’s go then.” The pair headed out of Elizabeth’s chambers, leaving Lady Milley and Lady Alvina to their duties.
***
The Great Hall of the castle was already crowded, small groups clustered together in discussion. Elizabeth scanned the groups as she and Lady Shaylee progressed across the expansive hall, looking for one individual in particular.
“There,” Shaylee pointed to a pair standing near the doorway to the outer hall.
Elizabeth picked up her pace, hurrying toward the targeted duo. Upon reaching them, she gave her brother a kiss on the cheek then turned to his companion. “Edric” she smiled. The sight of Edric always made her smile. She noticed he looked quite dashing this morning with his hair tied back neatly,
wearing his red dragon leather tunic, the royal Dragon Castle emblem emblazoned on the front. Of course, to Elizabeth, he was the handsomest of fairies, even when he was dusty and disheveled, which was quite often. His appearance surpassed even that of her brother Lark, who Elizabeth had always thought the finest looking male fairy in the kingdom, that is until she met Edric. Lark was strikingly handsome, with a commanding presence that gave him the appearance of always being in control of
himself, as well as whatever situation he was in. Edric’s looks were wild and untamed, something Elizabeth found very appealing.
Edric took one of her hands, pressing his lips gently to the creamy skin on the back, and then giving her a warm grin, “Radiant as ever.”
“We didn’t get the agenda for this morning’s meeting yet,” Lady Shaylee snapped, interrupting her brother’s greetings.
Lark smiled, he knew that under Lady Shaylee’s sometimes-sharp exterior she was extremely loving and unquestionably devoted to her brother and Elizabeth. “The agenda hasn’t been finished yet,” Lark informed her.
“OH, wonderful!” exclaimed Shaylee sarcastically. She was tired of meetings where nothing seemed to get accomplished.
“The Queen wished to finalize the agenda herself,” Edric now explained. “There are certain items she wants resolved before she begins the journey back to Dragon Castle.”
Being reminded of the queen’s imminent departure, Lady Shaylee turned to Elizabeth, “Will Lady Alvina accompany Lord Fredrick back to Dragon Castle? I’d like some notice if I’m to find a replacement.”
Lord Fredrick was Chief Armsmen of Dragon Castle. He and Lady Alvina had been married shortly after the rejoining of the kingdoms. Lady Alvina’s brother, Lord Avery, in his capacity as Noble Lord of Castle West, had performed the ceremony himself, before his return to Castle West to catch up on affairs there. It had been an outdoor event, taking place in Village North. Elizabeth smiled at the memory. It made her long for her own wedding. Unfortunately, the wedding of a Fairy Princess and future King was a kingdom wide event, which would have to wait until more pressing matters were resolved.
“Well?” Lady Shaylee asked, bringing Elizabeth out of her thoughts.
“I’m not sure,” Elizabeth replied. “I’ll speak with her later on the matter.”
The four moved out of the Great Hall, through the doorway to the front hall, which led down to the
Grand Chamber. “Prince Percy was hoping to be back for this morning’s meeting,” Edric spoke, his arm possessively around Elizabeth’s waist.
“Lady Milley will certainly be glad to see him back,” Elizabeth noted.
Elizabeth had assigned Lady Milley to be Prince Percy’s interpreter and instructor in “all things Elnaran”, when Percy had found himself in the Fairy kingdom after he and Elizabeth’s escape from the Dragon Lord. Since then, Prince Percy and Elizabeth’s lady had become increasingly fond of each other to the point of being almost inseparable. Elizabeth only hoped that Lady Milley would not be hurt. Not that she didn’t trust Percy, which she did, but she knew only too well that royal matches could be a complicated thing that did not necessarily take love into account.
“He’s bringing his sister back with him isn’t he?” Lark inquired of Edric.
King Alberik and Queen Bretta had decided to travel back to High Castle, the Kellmorgen royal residence far to the north, with their court, to re-establish residence there. Both being of advanced ages for humans, they were more than happy to leave negotiations and reunification issues, as well as
problems in their own kingdom to their three sons and various Noble Lords.
“Yes, Princess Clara,” Edric confirmed. “Wait until you meet her, beautiful, fiery, just your type.”
Lark chuckled, but Shaylee gave her brother a disapproving glare. Edric looked to Elizabeth, not sure why he had received such a reaction from his sister, but was the recipient of a similar glare from her as well. He was about to give Elizabeth a questioning look, but was interrupted by the sound of the main doors to the front hallway opening. The four turned in unison to see a familiar figure enter the hallway.
“AVERY!” Elizabeth shouted, as she broke free from Edric’s grasp to hurry over to greet their absent friend.
Avery was covered from head to toe in dirt from his journey, but that didn’t stop Elizabeth from giving him an enthusiastic embrace. Lark, Edric, and Shaylee, having made their way over, greeted Lord Avery as well.
“How are things at Castle West?” asked Edric.
“Running very well without me I’m sure,” Avery told them. “I think all I did was get in everyone’s way. I couldn’t wait to leave and get back here.”
“You’re just in time for the morning meeting,” Lark informed him, leading the group back in the direction of the Grand Chamber.
“Of course if you’d rather clean up first,” Shaylee hinted.
“You’re fine,” Edric said, adding, “They’ll be serving breakfast about now.”
Shaylee rolled her eyes, but before they could continue further down the hallway, the sound of the main doors opening once again caused them to pause. The group, whose size had just increased by one, turned to see who was now entering through the main doorway from the outer courtyard.
“Percy!” Elizabeth exclaimed, as she broke free of the group, hurrying toward the newest addition. As the others started to follow her, another figure appeared through the portal.
“That’s Princess Clara,” Edric informed his companions.
“Very nice,” Lark commented admirably.
“Very nice indeed,” agreed Avery.
“At this rate we’ll never make it to the meeting,” complained an irritated Shaylee as she pushed past the three males to join Elizabeth, who was now welcoming Prince Percy with a warm hug. To Shaylee’s utter surprise, Princess Clara knelt down bowing her head to Elizabeth.
“It is a great honor to finally be in Elnara your majesty,” Shaylee heard Princess Clara declare as she and the others now joined Elizabeth near the entryway.
“Thank-you Princess Clara,” Elizabeth told the lovely red haired girl. “But kneeling really isn’t necessary. You are a princess, the same as me.”
Princess Clara now rose, “You saved our kingdom and will always warrant every Kellmorgen’s ardent devotion.”
Elizabeth didn’t know what to say, glancing at Percy, a slightly embarrassed look on her face. “She’s right you know,” said Percy. “Perhaps I should be more appreciative.” He started to get down on one knee to Elizabeth’s horror, but she caught the smile on his face and decided to turn the tables on Percy’s legendary pranking.
“Perhaps you should,” she told him. Percy looked up, surprised by her comment. Elizabeth tried hard to hold a serious look, but in the end couldn’t stop herself from laughing, causing Percy to smile.
“You got me that time!” Percy confessed.
“That will teach you,” Edric told him, holding out a hand to help Percy to his feet.
“You made excellent time,” Lark declared. “I’m surprised to see you this early.”
“We left before sunrise,” Percy explained. “We changed horses at the outpost right before the tunnel. I’m afraid our horses just don’t have the endurance of your unicorns.”
“There’s the most beautiful, unicorn in the courtyard,” Princess Clara said with such longing in her voice that Elizabeth knew that she would have to find an appropriate mount for Percy’s sister.
“That’s my unicorn,” Avery confessed happily, as he stared at Princess Clara. Avery had met Kellmorgen females, but none compared to this tall well-built beauty with the fiery curly hair.
Princess Clara stared a moment at the dirty, disheveled Lord Avery, “You take very good care of him. Could you see to my horse as well?”
“I suppose I could,” replied Avery, not wanting to disappoint the object of his admiration. He started to head for the doorway out to the courtyard when Edric yelled after him, “Avery! What are you doing?” waving for Avery to rejoin the group.
“Well, fairy females always need me to fetch them drinks,” he explained. “I figured human females must need me to look after their horses.”
Edric shook his head at his friend, and then turned to Princess Clara, “This is Lord Avery, Noble Lord of Castle West and Third Lord of Elnara.”
Avery looked anxiously at Princess Clara, waiting to see her reaction to Edric’s declaration of his rank.
“I beg your pardon,” Princess Clara said politely to Avery. “I mistook you for a stable hand.”
Elizabeth and Lady Shaylee both burst out laughing at Princess Clara’s assessment, with Edric, Lark and Percy all trying to contain their chuckles.
“OH, come on!” cried Avery, not happy to be the object of everyone’s laughter. “I’ve been traveling nonstop from Castle West. I haven’t had a bath in over a week!”
This statement made the laughter all the louder, with Princess Clara now joining in. “You’re dirty too,” Avery observed, pointing to the Kellmorg princess who shot him an unappreciative glare.
“You’re not helping your situation,” Lark told him.
“Perhaps you should take a few moments to clean up,” Elizabeth suggested after regaining her composure.
“Come on,” Edric said, steering Avery toward the doorway to the Great Hall. “I’ll get Derrick to help you.”
As they disappeared through the inner doorway, Elizabeth turned to Percy and Clara, “Why don’t you take a few moments for yourselves as well. The meeting won’t start for a while and the food will be available during the entire meeting if you’re hungry.”
“It would give me a minute to see Lady Milley,” said Percy, deciding it sounded like a good idea.
“Good” said Elizabeth. “I’ll have Lady Shaylee bring you to your respective chambers and find you some assistance.”
“We will have formal introductions at the meeting,” she then assured Princess Clara.
Lady Shaylee led Prince Percy and Princess Clara away, leaving Elizabeth and Lark alone in the hallway.
“Shall we?” asked Lark, motioning with one hand that they should now continue down the hallway to the Grand Chamber. Elizabeth nodded in agreement and the two began moving down the corridor.
“I don’t think Shaylee appreciated your observations of Princess Clara’s beauty,” Elizabeth told her brother after taking a few steps toward the Grand Chamber. When Lark didn’t offer any comment, Elizabeth decided to press him further, “How are things with you and Shaylee?”
Lark sighed, “With all that has been happening these past months, I’ve not had much time with Shaylee, but it’s probably for the best.”
Elizabeth grabbed her brother’s arm stopping him, and then moved in front of him, a concerned look on her face, “Whatever does that mean?”
Lark pulled Elizabeth to the side of the hallway, out of the path of others now making their way to the Grand Chamber as well. “To further enhance the treaties between the two kingdoms, I anticipate Prince Aden to suggest a marriage at the highest possible level,” Lark confessed to her.
Elizabeth began to stiffen, a look of horror on her face, until her brother reassured her, “Everyone knows that you and Edric are betrothed, with the wedding only waiting for a convenient time.”
Elizabeth was relieved by Lark’s words, but then concern overtook her again as his meaning became clear. “You think Prince Aden will suggest a marriage between you and Princess Clara?” guessed
Elizabeth.
“It would make sense,” Lark replied. “As neither one of us is heir to our respective thrones, we can divide our time between the kingdoms. It would also benefit us in setting an example of fairy/human
marriage.”
Elizabeth understood Lark’s argument, but did not like the idea at all. “But you and Shaylee love each
other!” Elizabeth reminded Lark.
“Shaylee understands duty!” Lark replied harshly.
“I’m sorry,” Elizabeth told him softly. She knew her brother was only trying to prepare for a situation he foresaw himself having to be resigned to.
Lark started them down the hallway once again. “Maybe it won’t come up,” Lark told her, giving her a smile and a squeeze with one arm.
“I hope not,” Elizabeth thought, worrying about Shaylee, as they reached the chamber door.
“A naming ceremony, how wonderful!” exclaimed Elizabeth as she sat in her bathing chamber at Castle North; Lady Alvina combing her long freshly washed hair. Lady Shaylee, Elizabeth’s personal secretary and her betrothed Edric’s sister, had brought the glad news. “Where is Lady Milley?” inquired Elizabeth. “Does she know yet?”
“I doubt she knows,” speculated Lady Shaylee. “The rider with messages from Lakeland Castle only arrived less than an hour ago. After going through them, Edric sent me up with the announcement.”
“Lady Milley should be here any moment,” Lady Alvina informed Elizabeth as she continued to comb the moisture from her hair. “She just went to fetch your clothing.
As if on cue, Lady Milley entered the chambers, laying Elizabeth’s clothing for the day on her bed, her boots on the floor. She walked into the bathing chamber to check on the progress Lady Alvina had made on Elizabeth’s hair to find the three females staring at her, all with curious grins on their faces.
“What is it?” asked Lady Milley in her ever-timid voice.
“Margaret’s had her baby!” burst Elizabeth, jumping up to throw her arms around her lady in congratulations.
Lady Margaret was Lady Milley’s sister and had been one of Elizabeth’s Ladies at Dragon Castle, the royal residence, along with her sister for years until she became betrothed to Lord Fagan, son of Lord Foster, and future Noble Lord of Lakeland Castle.
Lady Milley hugged Elizabeth back, overjoyed by the news, “Is she okay?”
“She’s fine,” Elizabeth reassured her, “She had a healthy male baby.” Stepping back, Elizabeth now informed Lady Milley, “The Naming Ceremony will be held on the next full moon.”
“Can we attend?” Lady Milley asked hopefully.
“Of course we’ll attend,” announced Elizabeth. Then she noticed Lady Shaylee frowning. “What Shaylee?” asked Elizabeth. “We have to go. It’s Margaret’s first child, and he is a future Noble
Lord.”
“I’d like nothing better than to visit Lakeland Castle, but your schedule is rather tight,” Lady Shaylee reminded her.
Since the two kingdoms had been reunited, there had been nonstop activity at Castle North, as it quickly became the hub of the two kingdoms once again. After the initial shock both kingdoms’ populations received at the news of the others’ existence and the renewed close proximity wore off, inquiries started pouring in on both sides regarding visiting and trading. Each was most anxious to see their neighboring kingdom and excited by the prospect of having a new market for their goods. Thus far, travel between the kingdoms was being strictly controlled. There were constant meetings at Castle North with delegations from both sides to work out as many issues as possible before the “flood gates” opened.
Castle North had been in an uproar since the kingdoms rejoining, finding itself playing host to members of both royal families, as well as, various nobles from both sides. Lady Sula, Mistress of Dragon Castle, had stayed on with her husband, Lord Wendall, Chief Armsmen of Elnara, to assist Castle North’s Mistress, Lady Ellen in opening up more of the Castle’s chambers for use, while Lord Wendall met with
various parties from Kellmorgen to help them deal with the new threat they faced, dragon attacks.
Elizabeth finished changing into her favorite green dress and boots, her long golden hair, a color unique amongst Fairies, braided into two long narrow braids in the front, the rest left long down her back. She wore a circlet crown across her forehead, giving her an added touch of elegance. Not that she needed it; Edric often told her that she would look regal wearing rags.
“What’s first on today’s schedule?” Elizabeth asked, turning in Shaylee’s direction
“Breakfast meeting in the Grand Chamber,” Lady Shaylee answered, her voice sounding bored already. Elizabeth resisted the urge to roll her eyes at yet another meeting, instead smiling, “Let’s go then.” The pair headed out of Elizabeth’s chambers, leaving Lady Milley and Lady Alvina to their duties.
***
The Great Hall of the castle was already crowded, small groups clustered together in discussion. Elizabeth scanned the groups as she and Lady Shaylee progressed across the expansive hall, looking for one individual in particular.
“There,” Shaylee pointed to a pair standing near the doorway to the outer hall.
Elizabeth picked up her pace, hurrying toward the targeted duo. Upon reaching them, she gave her brother a kiss on the cheek then turned to his companion. “Edric” she smiled. The sight of Edric always made her smile. She noticed he looked quite dashing this morning with his hair tied back neatly,
wearing his red dragon leather tunic, the royal Dragon Castle emblem emblazoned on the front. Of course, to Elizabeth, he was the handsomest of fairies, even when he was dusty and disheveled, which was quite often. His appearance surpassed even that of her brother Lark, who Elizabeth had always thought the finest looking male fairy in the kingdom, that is until she met Edric. Lark was strikingly handsome, with a commanding presence that gave him the appearance of always being in control of
himself, as well as whatever situation he was in. Edric’s looks were wild and untamed, something Elizabeth found very appealing.
Edric took one of her hands, pressing his lips gently to the creamy skin on the back, and then giving her a warm grin, “Radiant as ever.”
“We didn’t get the agenda for this morning’s meeting yet,” Lady Shaylee snapped, interrupting her brother’s greetings.
Lark smiled, he knew that under Lady Shaylee’s sometimes-sharp exterior she was extremely loving and unquestionably devoted to her brother and Elizabeth. “The agenda hasn’t been finished yet,” Lark informed her.
“OH, wonderful!” exclaimed Shaylee sarcastically. She was tired of meetings where nothing seemed to get accomplished.
“The Queen wished to finalize the agenda herself,” Edric now explained. “There are certain items she wants resolved before she begins the journey back to Dragon Castle.”
Being reminded of the queen’s imminent departure, Lady Shaylee turned to Elizabeth, “Will Lady Alvina accompany Lord Fredrick back to Dragon Castle? I’d like some notice if I’m to find a replacement.”
Lord Fredrick was Chief Armsmen of Dragon Castle. He and Lady Alvina had been married shortly after the rejoining of the kingdoms. Lady Alvina’s brother, Lord Avery, in his capacity as Noble Lord of Castle West, had performed the ceremony himself, before his return to Castle West to catch up on affairs there. It had been an outdoor event, taking place in Village North. Elizabeth smiled at the memory. It made her long for her own wedding. Unfortunately, the wedding of a Fairy Princess and future King was a kingdom wide event, which would have to wait until more pressing matters were resolved.
“Well?” Lady Shaylee asked, bringing Elizabeth out of her thoughts.
“I’m not sure,” Elizabeth replied. “I’ll speak with her later on the matter.”
The four moved out of the Great Hall, through the doorway to the front hall, which led down to the
Grand Chamber. “Prince Percy was hoping to be back for this morning’s meeting,” Edric spoke, his arm possessively around Elizabeth’s waist.
“Lady Milley will certainly be glad to see him back,” Elizabeth noted.
Elizabeth had assigned Lady Milley to be Prince Percy’s interpreter and instructor in “all things Elnaran”, when Percy had found himself in the Fairy kingdom after he and Elizabeth’s escape from the Dragon Lord. Since then, Prince Percy and Elizabeth’s lady had become increasingly fond of each other to the point of being almost inseparable. Elizabeth only hoped that Lady Milley would not be hurt. Not that she didn’t trust Percy, which she did, but she knew only too well that royal matches could be a complicated thing that did not necessarily take love into account.
“He’s bringing his sister back with him isn’t he?” Lark inquired of Edric.
King Alberik and Queen Bretta had decided to travel back to High Castle, the Kellmorgen royal residence far to the north, with their court, to re-establish residence there. Both being of advanced ages for humans, they were more than happy to leave negotiations and reunification issues, as well as
problems in their own kingdom to their three sons and various Noble Lords.
“Yes, Princess Clara,” Edric confirmed. “Wait until you meet her, beautiful, fiery, just your type.”
Lark chuckled, but Shaylee gave her brother a disapproving glare. Edric looked to Elizabeth, not sure why he had received such a reaction from his sister, but was the recipient of a similar glare from her as well. He was about to give Elizabeth a questioning look, but was interrupted by the sound of the main doors to the front hallway opening. The four turned in unison to see a familiar figure enter the hallway.
“AVERY!” Elizabeth shouted, as she broke free from Edric’s grasp to hurry over to greet their absent friend.
Avery was covered from head to toe in dirt from his journey, but that didn’t stop Elizabeth from giving him an enthusiastic embrace. Lark, Edric, and Shaylee, having made their way over, greeted Lord Avery as well.
“How are things at Castle West?” asked Edric.
“Running very well without me I’m sure,” Avery told them. “I think all I did was get in everyone’s way. I couldn’t wait to leave and get back here.”
“You’re just in time for the morning meeting,” Lark informed him, leading the group back in the direction of the Grand Chamber.
“Of course if you’d rather clean up first,” Shaylee hinted.
“You’re fine,” Edric said, adding, “They’ll be serving breakfast about now.”
Shaylee rolled her eyes, but before they could continue further down the hallway, the sound of the main doors opening once again caused them to pause. The group, whose size had just increased by one, turned to see who was now entering through the main doorway from the outer courtyard.
“Percy!” Elizabeth exclaimed, as she broke free of the group, hurrying toward the newest addition. As the others started to follow her, another figure appeared through the portal.
“That’s Princess Clara,” Edric informed his companions.
“Very nice,” Lark commented admirably.
“Very nice indeed,” agreed Avery.
“At this rate we’ll never make it to the meeting,” complained an irritated Shaylee as she pushed past the three males to join Elizabeth, who was now welcoming Prince Percy with a warm hug. To Shaylee’s utter surprise, Princess Clara knelt down bowing her head to Elizabeth.
“It is a great honor to finally be in Elnara your majesty,” Shaylee heard Princess Clara declare as she and the others now joined Elizabeth near the entryway.
“Thank-you Princess Clara,” Elizabeth told the lovely red haired girl. “But kneeling really isn’t necessary. You are a princess, the same as me.”
Princess Clara now rose, “You saved our kingdom and will always warrant every Kellmorgen’s ardent devotion.”
Elizabeth didn’t know what to say, glancing at Percy, a slightly embarrassed look on her face. “She’s right you know,” said Percy. “Perhaps I should be more appreciative.” He started to get down on one knee to Elizabeth’s horror, but she caught the smile on his face and decided to turn the tables on Percy’s legendary pranking.
“Perhaps you should,” she told him. Percy looked up, surprised by her comment. Elizabeth tried hard to hold a serious look, but in the end couldn’t stop herself from laughing, causing Percy to smile.
“You got me that time!” Percy confessed.
“That will teach you,” Edric told him, holding out a hand to help Percy to his feet.
“You made excellent time,” Lark declared. “I’m surprised to see you this early.”
“We left before sunrise,” Percy explained. “We changed horses at the outpost right before the tunnel. I’m afraid our horses just don’t have the endurance of your unicorns.”
“There’s the most beautiful, unicorn in the courtyard,” Princess Clara said with such longing in her voice that Elizabeth knew that she would have to find an appropriate mount for Percy’s sister.
“That’s my unicorn,” Avery confessed happily, as he stared at Princess Clara. Avery had met Kellmorgen females, but none compared to this tall well-built beauty with the fiery curly hair.
Princess Clara stared a moment at the dirty, disheveled Lord Avery, “You take very good care of him. Could you see to my horse as well?”
“I suppose I could,” replied Avery, not wanting to disappoint the object of his admiration. He started to head for the doorway out to the courtyard when Edric yelled after him, “Avery! What are you doing?” waving for Avery to rejoin the group.
“Well, fairy females always need me to fetch them drinks,” he explained. “I figured human females must need me to look after their horses.”
Edric shook his head at his friend, and then turned to Princess Clara, “This is Lord Avery, Noble Lord of Castle West and Third Lord of Elnara.”
Avery looked anxiously at Princess Clara, waiting to see her reaction to Edric’s declaration of his rank.
“I beg your pardon,” Princess Clara said politely to Avery. “I mistook you for a stable hand.”
Elizabeth and Lady Shaylee both burst out laughing at Princess Clara’s assessment, with Edric, Lark and Percy all trying to contain their chuckles.
“OH, come on!” cried Avery, not happy to be the object of everyone’s laughter. “I’ve been traveling nonstop from Castle West. I haven’t had a bath in over a week!”
This statement made the laughter all the louder, with Princess Clara now joining in. “You’re dirty too,” Avery observed, pointing to the Kellmorg princess who shot him an unappreciative glare.
“You’re not helping your situation,” Lark told him.
“Perhaps you should take a few moments to clean up,” Elizabeth suggested after regaining her composure.
“Come on,” Edric said, steering Avery toward the doorway to the Great Hall. “I’ll get Derrick to help you.”
As they disappeared through the inner doorway, Elizabeth turned to Percy and Clara, “Why don’t you take a few moments for yourselves as well. The meeting won’t start for a while and the food will be available during the entire meeting if you’re hungry.”
“It would give me a minute to see Lady Milley,” said Percy, deciding it sounded like a good idea.
“Good” said Elizabeth. “I’ll have Lady Shaylee bring you to your respective chambers and find you some assistance.”
“We will have formal introductions at the meeting,” she then assured Princess Clara.
Lady Shaylee led Prince Percy and Princess Clara away, leaving Elizabeth and Lark alone in the hallway.
“Shall we?” asked Lark, motioning with one hand that they should now continue down the hallway to the Grand Chamber. Elizabeth nodded in agreement and the two began moving down the corridor.
“I don’t think Shaylee appreciated your observations of Princess Clara’s beauty,” Elizabeth told her brother after taking a few steps toward the Grand Chamber. When Lark didn’t offer any comment, Elizabeth decided to press him further, “How are things with you and Shaylee?”
Lark sighed, “With all that has been happening these past months, I’ve not had much time with Shaylee, but it’s probably for the best.”
Elizabeth grabbed her brother’s arm stopping him, and then moved in front of him, a concerned look on her face, “Whatever does that mean?”
Lark pulled Elizabeth to the side of the hallway, out of the path of others now making their way to the Grand Chamber as well. “To further enhance the treaties between the two kingdoms, I anticipate Prince Aden to suggest a marriage at the highest possible level,” Lark confessed to her.
Elizabeth began to stiffen, a look of horror on her face, until her brother reassured her, “Everyone knows that you and Edric are betrothed, with the wedding only waiting for a convenient time.”
Elizabeth was relieved by Lark’s words, but then concern overtook her again as his meaning became clear. “You think Prince Aden will suggest a marriage between you and Princess Clara?” guessed
Elizabeth.
“It would make sense,” Lark replied. “As neither one of us is heir to our respective thrones, we can divide our time between the kingdoms. It would also benefit us in setting an example of fairy/human
marriage.”
Elizabeth understood Lark’s argument, but did not like the idea at all. “But you and Shaylee love each
other!” Elizabeth reminded Lark.
“Shaylee understands duty!” Lark replied harshly.
“I’m sorry,” Elizabeth told him softly. She knew her brother was only trying to prepare for a situation he foresaw himself having to be resigned to.
Lark started them down the hallway once again. “Maybe it won’t come up,” Lark told her, giving her a smile and a squeeze with one arm.
“I hope not,” Elizabeth thought, worrying about Shaylee, as they reached the chamber door.