2
Sixteen
Elizabeth awoke, slowly opening her eyes while stretching her whole body beneath the covers of her bed. Nule, her selleck, immediately sensing that Elizabeth was awake, stopped his constant patrolling of her rooms, which he did every night, and promptly made his way over to the bed, setting his chin on the edge of the bed, waiting for Elizabeth to notice him there and rub his head. As she became more alert, Elizabeth looked up to see the sunlight streaming through the windows. She could tell it was early, not much past sunrise and from what she could see it promised to be a wonderful day.
Today was the most important day in her entire life so far. It was her sixteenth birthday. Everyone had been planning today’s celebration for months. The past few days had been a whirl of activity. The castle staff preparing quarters for all the guests that had been arriving, preparing food, decorating the great hall for tonight’s ball. There were so many details to take care of that Elizabeth’s head started spinning just thinking about it. Nevertheless, she was confident that Lady Sula, who was Mistress of the Castle and basically in charge of everything and everyone, was more than up to the task. She would be coordinating everything with Lord Wendell, the Chief Armsmen, who coincidentally happened to be her husband.
Elizabeth knew that there would be a great festival in the village today in her honor. There would be music and dancing, entertainers, food, and games. She knew that the villagers were anxious about playing host to every ranked lord in the kingdom and their entourages, but she wasn’t worried; no matter what happened, today would be a day to remember. But first, she had to get up. She glanced over at Nule, still waiting patiently. Elizabeth reached her hand over and started rubbing the top of the selleck’s head.
“Good morning Nule. You run along now and I’ll see you later.”
Elizabeth gave him one last rub and as she moved her hand away from his head, he took off down the tower stairs. Elizabeth knew he would be headed to the kitchen where the kitchen staff would spoil him with bowls of unicorn milk and slices of meat. Then they would fight over whose turn it was to brush out his silky black coat. When he was done in the kitchen, he would head down to the stables where the stable hands let him chase the unicorns around the fields before coming back up to Elizabeth’s chambers where he would sleep for the rest of the day.
As Elizabeth got up, she grabbed the robe lying at the end of her bed and quickly put it on before she stepped out onto the balcony just off her bedchamber. It was a glorious day! The sky was perfectly blue without a cloud in sight. The fields surrounding the castle were riddled with tents of all sizes and colors. The lords and their immediate families were housed in the castle, but their servants and armsmen camped in little tent villages that had been springing up all around the castle these past few days. She could see cooking fires and people mulling about the tents. It seemed the whole world was already awake and making ready for today.
Elizabeth closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, taking in all the scents around her when her quiet reflection was interrupted by cheering from below. Elizabeth opened her eyes and glanced down to the castle wall. The armsmen atop the wall had spotted her on the balcony and were cheering to her.
“LADY ELIZABETH! HIP HIP HORRAY!” They cheered over and over again, waving their swords over their heads.
Elizabeth smiled, giving them a little wave in acknowledgement before stepping back into her bedchamber. Since slaying the dragon, she had unintentionally become a celebrity amongst the armsmen. Whereas in the past when she would walk by them, they would either continue going about their duties or stand briefly at attention, now she got a mixture of winks, smiles, nods, thumbs up or they would snap smartly to attention saluting her. (The first time they did this it startled her so badly that she almost fell over!). In retrospect, it was probably a good way for her to get use to all the attention she would be getting today. She knew that all eyes would be on her wherever she was on this day.
She walked over to the mirror that hung on the wall of her bedchamber near the entrance to her sitting room. It was a large full-length mirror with a beautifully ornate frame carved with a variety of flowers and delicate storybook creatures that looked somewhat like small dragons, but were much less fearsome. The mirror, like most of the furnishings and decorations in her chambers, were antiques that had been left in the rooms for as long as anyone could remember. However, when her mother had the chambers restored for her use, Elizabeth had requested that they leave the mirror as it was. She loved the mysterious old quality that it had. She remembered the first time she had wandered up to the tower rooms and had found the mirror hanging exactly where it hung now. She could swear that she had seen someone else in the mirror besides herself, not clearly, but she was sure that she had not imagined it. She remembered her younger self peeking behind the mirror to see if anyone was there. She smiled at the memory, but it had happened several times over the years and every time she looked in the mirror, she waited for it to happen again. However, this time the only reflection she saw was her own. She stood there looking at herself. She was tall like her mother, with her mother’s delicate features and creamy pale skin, but where her mother was long and willowy; she was solid and well-muscled. Her hair was long; flowing well past her waist and it was the color of gold. Elizabeth had never seen another fairy with her golden hair color. She knew it was extremely rare, which pleased her. Her eyes were rare as well. Most fairies had dark blue or green eyes, but Elizabeth’s eyes were a pale blue, her mother called them “ice blue”. Her mother said that legends tell that fairies with ice eyes have the warmest of hearts.
Elizabeth was suddenly startled, spotting another reflection in the mirror. However, it wasn’t her “mystery” reflection, but that of her two ladies who had appeared in the doorway at the top of the stairs. Elizabeth turned to face them and they bowed in unison. Lady Margaret and Lady Milley were sisters and had been her ladies these past three years. Her mother decided that if she was old enough to have private chambers, she ought to have her own ladies as well. The sisters always seemed to know when Elizabeth needed them before she even knew. They were the best ladies Elizabeth could imagine having. Of course, they were Lady Sula and Lord Wendell’s daughters.
“Lady Elizabeth,” Lady Margaret always seemed to be the spokesperson for the two. “We thought you might be ready for your bath?”
“Yes I am,” Elizabeth smiled. “Great timing as always.”
With that, Lady Margaret headed across the sitting chamber toward the bathing chamber, which was off the bedchamber, while Lady Milley went back down the stairway to have the armsmen carry up the hot water for the bath.
Elizabeth took a seat in the sitting chamber waiting for her bath to be ready. After tonight she thought, I won’t have to use anyone’s titles if I don’t wish to. But she couldn’t imagine not doing so. How much would change after tonight? How much would she change after tonight? Her mother said that she had no reason to worry, that after tonight she would be more “herself” than ever before. Whatever that meant! Well, no sense in worrying about something you couldn’t change. She was determined to enjoy every minute of today. It was her day after all!
“Lady Margaret,” Elizabeth called to the sister in the bathing chamber. “Did Lark get in last night?”
Lark was Elizabeth’s half-brother, King Lifiel’s son from his first marriage. Lark had been fifteen when Elizabeth was born, but he had always been Elizabeth’s most trusted friend. Lark’s mother had died when he was born, leaving him without a mother or other siblings. Lark had been most pleased when his father had married Eve. Not only had Lark’s father become King upon the marriage, but also Lark had acquired a most loving and enchanting stepmother. Lark confessed to Elizabeth once that when his father and her mother were first married, he had fallen madly in love with Eve. He soon realized that it was partly due to her great beauty, but more so to do with the “mystique” that surrounded the Queen of the Fairies. After that, he regarded her as the most caring mother imaginable. Lark took his responsibilities as Elizabeth’s brother quite seriously. As the King’s son, he was First Lord and would be her escort for today’s events.
“Lord Lark got in late last night, Milady. He rode in with Lord Fafnir’s party,” replied Lady Margaret. “I saw him up already this morning, walking with Lord Avery. He looked so handsome.”
“Which one?” Elizabeth inquired.
Lady Margaret stuck her head around the doorway from the bathing chamber, and with a whimsical smile replied, “Both.”
Elizabeth laughed, she hadn’t seen Lord Avery in quite a while, but she remembered him as being quite good looking. He was Lord Fafnir’s son. Her brother, she knew, made all the ladies swoon. He was extremely handsome, a younger version of their father, with a pleasantly confident air about him and he knew exactly how to get on any lady’s good side. His smile was so darn irresistible that even Elizabeth had trouble staying mad at him about anything. Even if he hadn’t been First Lord, Elizabeth thought that every lady in the kingdom secretly hoped to be Lord Lark’s wife.
Lady Margaret and Lady Milley helped Elizabeth get washed and dressed for the first part of today’s events. Elizabeth had chosen a soft green sleeveless dragon leather dress with soft green dragon leather boots to wear to the festival. The dress had a swirling calf length skirt that would be great for dancing. On the front of the dress was the Royal family’s symbol, a golden dragon with a golden crown above its head.
***
“What’s that?” Elizabeth pointed to a small wooden chest on the table near where her dress had been hanging.
“Her Majesty sent that up for you, Milady,” answered Lady Margaret.
“Let’s take a look.” Elizabeth got up from the chair where she had sat while Lady Milley combed out her hair after her bath. When Elizabeth opened the chest, she discovered inside a simple but beautiful circlet.
“Ohhhh!” her ladies exclaimed together. “It’s so lovely.”
The circlet was silver, twisted in a curving pattern coming to a point in the center. It was covered in sparkling crystals. Elizabeth lifted the headpiece from the chest and stared at it for a moment. She had never seen one so exquisite and with so many gems. She wished that her mother had been standing here so that she could hug her.
“Lady Margaret,” Elizabeth took her eyes off of the circlet for a moment to turn to her lady, “Could you see if my mother is available to come up to my chambers?” “Lady Milley can finish my hair and help me with my boots”
“Right away, Milady. I know exactly where she is,” replied Lady Margaret as she took off toward the stairway.
Elizabeth sat back down in the chair so that Lady Milley could finish her hair, braided in the front and long in the back, as usual, but today with the addition of the circlet.
Elizabeth had just finished dressing and was twirling in front of the mirror, enjoying her reflection, when Lady Margaret appeared at the top of the stairway and announced the arrival of Elizabeth’s mother.
“Her Royal Highness, Queen Eve!” Margaret spoke with great formality, but with a grin on her face, reflecting the gay atmosphere of the day.
Elizabeth’s mother appeared through the doorway looking as radiant as ever. She too wore a green dragon leather dress, but hers was styled with a straighter cut and was ankle length. She wore her dark hair long, with a circlet of silver and gold leaves with a single dark green stone in the center.
“Mother!” Elizabeth cried out joyfully, running to greet her mother and then throwing her arms around her.
Her mother embraced her in return. “Happy Birthday my darling,” the queen smiled radiantly. “Let me look at you.”
Elizabeth stepped back and put her arms out, twirling once again so her mother could see how she looked. She stopped, putting her hands to the circlet on her head.
“Mother, it’s glorious.” Elizabeth had never seen a circlet like it. “I feel so beautiful wearing it.”
“I’m so glad you like it.” Queen Eve smiled. “But you need no ornament. You are truly the most beautiful fairy in the kingdom.”
“Oh, Mother!” Elizabeth sounded somewhat embarrassed. “That’s just silly.”
“Begging your pardon Milady.” It was Lady Margaret. She was standing off to the side with Lady Milley and several of the queen’s ladies that had accompanied her to the tower rooms. “But, I’ve heard many say just that.”
Elizabeth turned and shot Lady Margaret an almost angry look, thinking that Lady Margaret only said that to curry favor, although neither sister had ever been one to do so, when an unexpected voice chimed in. Lady Milley, who almost never spoke, quietly added, “It’s true, Milady, I’ve heard many say that about you.”
Elizabeth noticed her mother’s ladies all nodding their heads, as her mother just looked on smiling. Elizabeth turned backed to the mirror and reassessed her reflection. “Wow,” she uttered quietly. Her mother moved to stand behind her and wrapped her arms around her daughter as they both looked in the mirror.
“Now, that’s silly,” her mother grinned, and at that, they both started laughing, their ladies even joining in.
This day is already full of surprises, Elizabeth thought to herself.
***
Elizabeth couldn’t wait to see her brother Lark. He had been away for a few months visiting other castles, as he did fairly regularly. She knew he tried to visit each of the eight outlying castles and their surrounding villages at least once every two years. Dragon Castle was the royal residence and Elizabeth’s home. It was located roughly in the center of the kingdom with the other eight castles forming an irregular circle around it. A few of the castles were hard to reach; Castle North was the farthest away and the hardest to reach, having to travel through some wild country and over rough and sometimes open terrain to get there. Representatives from all the castles would be present for today’s events. As Elizabeth walked across the Great Hall nodding and smiling to all the staff and guests wishing her a happy birthday, she spotted Lark standing against the wall near the front entrance to the hall, talking with Lord Avery.
When she was close enough to them, she stopped and waved her hand above her head.
“LARK!”
Lark and Lord Avery stopped their conversation and looked up.
“ELIZABETH,” Lark called back to her. “Get over here!” He waved her on in their direction. Elizabeth ran over to them and gave her brother a quick kiss on the cheek. She was so glad to see him.
“Well,” Lark smiled. “You don’t look nearly ferocious enough to have single handedly slain a red dragon.”
Lord Avery looked somewhat surprised. “You really did slay a red dragon? I thought that was just a story going around, you know, for fun…for the birthday festivities.” He glanced at Lark, not knowing what else to say.
“Of course she slew the red dragon.” Lark sounded as if he couldn’t believe anyone would doubt it. “I taught her the bow after all, so I’m not surprised that she could make the shot.”
“Stop it!” Elizabeth gave her brother a playful punch in the arm.
She then looked at Lord Avery, who appeared totally speechless. After a moment, he gave her a quick bow sputtering, “Happy sixteenth birthday Lady Elizabeth. It’s an honor to be here and if I may ask, I’d like to accompany you and Lord Lark to the festivities today in the village.” He then waited with a hopeful look on his face.
“If you would like.” Elizabeth didn’t see why not. “Are you planning to participate in any of the games today?”
“Why yes Milady. I plan on entering the archery, unless of course you are entering, at which point I would have no chance at all.” When he saw Elizabeth smile at him he gave another bow, turning back as he walked toward one of the hallways. “I’ll see you both in an hour then to head down to the village.”
When Lord Avery had disappeared out of sight, Lark turned to his sister and sighed. “And so it begins.”
“And so what begins?” Elizabeth gave him an inquisitive look.
Lark decided that he best explain it to her. “Every young lord in the kingdom will be tripping over each other trying to get your attention today.”
Elizabeth shook her head at her brother and punched him in the arm again, but before he could respond, a deep voice from behind them spoke. “Sixteen years old and still punching your brother?”
“Father!” said Elizabeth spinning around to embrace him.
“Happy birthday, daughter,” the King hugged her back. “Now if the two of you can stop fighting for a few minutes?”
Elizabeth and Lark both gave him their best, Who? Me? Look.
“I need you both in the Great Chamber where most of the council is waiting to formally greet you before everyone heads down to the village.”
***
The trio exited the Great Hall and made their way down one of the large outer hallways to the Great Chamber. The Great Chamber was the official meeting place of the Council of Ten. The Council of Ten consisted of the ten highest ranked fairies, all High Blood male fairies being ranked. These ten fairies constituted the King and Queen’s advisors. The King and/or Queen could call the council to meet at any time to discuss important matters in the kingdom. Any councilor could request a meeting, which must be approved by the king or queen. The council cannot meet without royal approval. The highest ranked fairy, called the First Lord, served as the council’s leader. The chamber itself was large, but comfortable. It had carved wooden paneled walls with a large stone fireplace at one end. Along one wall was a high set of stained glass windows with images of various dragons. In the center of the room was a U shaped table with two thrones at the head of the table for the king and queen, and five chairs down the outer sides of the table leaving room in the center of the table for a speaker to stand or for servants to more easily serve food and beverages. Two large chandeliers hung from the ceiling of the chamber, as well as, a series of candelabras high along the walls. Immediately off the chamber was a small bathing chamber for the members to refresh and relief themselves. Also off the Great Chamber, was a private room with a private bathing chamber for the king and queen’s use. The council itself met to a degree several times a year, but usually with less than its ten members, many times with lords of lesser rank representing one of the Ten Lords. Today, Elizabeth knew that her father expected all ten lords to be in attendance. He would hold council meetings over the next few days before the lords and their parties started to depart.
Upon entering the Great Chamber, Elizabeth realized that not only was it the lords who were waiting to greet her, but many of their immediate family as well. The room was a buzz with conversation, which immediately halted when all present spotted the party now entering. Lark put his hand gently on Elizabeth’s back and steered her toward one end of the chamber where Elizabeth could see three great chairs set up near a relatively open area. When they reached the chairs, Lark gestured for her to sit in the center chair, while their father sat in the chair to her left. When Lark did not sit, Elizabeth realized that they were waiting for her mother. However, just as Elizabeth was thinking the thought, her mother appeared from the private room off the chamber where she must have been waiting for them to arrive. The crowd parted and the queen made her way to the empty throne, followed by several of her ladies. When she was seated, Lark spoke, “Welcome, everyone to this most joyous of occasions. I will now formally introduce you to Lady Elizabeth and each of you may briefly, emphasis on briefly as we all wish to get to the festival, give her your greetings.”
At Lark’s instruction, each lord and his family approached the royal party and Lark began the introductions. First, there was Second Lord Fafnir, noble lord of Castle West, with his wife Lady Fayette and their daughter Lady Alvina. Lord Avery, Lord Fafnir’s son, was nowhere to be seen. They all bowed and wished Elizabeth a “most happy of sixteenth birthdays”. Elizabeth noticed Lady Alvina glancing at her brother Lark and smiled to herself. Well, Elizabeth thought to herself, I think there’ll be just as many young ladies falling over each other to get near Lark as there will be young lords trying to get next to me.
Lark smiled broadly as the next party approached. It was the party from Seaside Castle where King Lifiel had been Noble Lord before becoming King, and where Lark had lived as a boy. Third Lord Kalen, King Lifiel’s brother was now Noble Lord of Seaside Castle. With him was his wife, Lady Zanna, their son, Tenth Lord Delford with his wife Lady Lilly and their son Eighteenth Lord Delwyn. Also with the party were Lord Kalen and Lady Zanna’s two daughters, Lady Mab and Lady Nissa. As this was a formal greeting, Lord Kalen offered the party’s best wishes and they all bowed and moved on. The hugging, everyone knew, would come later.
Fourth Lord Arden and Lady Blue from Castle South were next with their twin sons, Twelfth Lord Brendon and Thirteenth Lord Brokk. As Lord Arden offered their greetings and birthday wishes, Elizabeth found her mind wandering. She knew the twins were very competitive with each other, and she now imagined them competing for her attention. That could get really annoying, she thought, forcing her attention back to the party. She nodded and smiled at them as they left.
Now came the party from Lakeland Castle with seventh Lord Foster and his wife Lady Iduna. Elizabeth became very attentive as she had never met anyone from Lakeland Castle. She knew that Lord Foster had been to Dragon Castle, but she had never formally been introduced. Lark had of course been to Lakeland Castle and had told her stories of Blue Lake and how he had seen a blue dragon in the lake. Elizabeth didn’t know whether to believe him or not. Lark was full of stories and no one had ever been known to catch more than a glimpse of the mythical blue dragons. With Lord Foster and his wife were their son, Sixteenth Lord Fagan and their daughter Lady Nixie. Elizabeth looked Lord Fagan over quickly. He looks very strong and fine, she thought to herself. I’ll have to make a point to talk to him. Lord Foster offered the party’s greetings and wishes before moving off to prepare to leave for the festival.
Sixth Lord Oren and Lady Odella from Meadowland Castle were next with their son Fifteenth Lord Owen. Elizabeth knew that Meadowland Castle bred and trained the finest unicorns in the kingdom. Her own unicorn, Remi, had come from Meadowland Castle. She had spotted Lord Owen on his unicorn when the party rode in two days ago. It was a magnificent animal. Maybe Lord Owen would let her ride him if she asked. Lord Owen stepped forward to give the party’s greeting, much to the royal family’s surprise. Trying to stand out from the crowd, Elizabeth thought to herself, realizing her brother was right about “all the young lords”. Lord Owen, Elizabeth knew was twenty years old and an expert rider All right, so I had Lady Margaret and Lady Milley get me the scoop on all the lords before today, she admitted to herself. “Greetings and birthday wishes from Meadowland Castle,” spoke Lord Owen. “And a personal birthday wish from myself.” Personal, thought Elizabeth, Interesting. As the party moved away, Elizabeth thought she saw Lark rolling his eyes. She would have to get his take on some of the, “candidates for her attention”, as he knew them all personally.
Next were Eighth Lord Alfrigg and Lady Rhiannon from Castle East, with their sons, Seventeenth Lord Alastair and Nineteenth Lord Artie. Elizabeth knew that both sons were fine archers and she hoped they would both shoot in the games later at the festival. Their daughter Lady Raisa was also with them. She looked rather young and stood staring at Lark while Lord Alfrigg offered the families greetings and wishes.
Fifth Lord Elden and his wife Lady Maurelle of Riverside Castle stepped forward with their son Fourteenth Lord Eaton and their daughter Lady Blossom. Lady Blossom was quite lovely and buxom. Elizabeth noticed Lark’s eyes wander in her direction as Lord Elden offered Riverside Castle’s best wishes.
As Riverside Castle’s party moved toward the doorway leading out of the Great Chamber, Elizabeth moved to get up but was stopped by her father’s raised hand.
“Lark, where is Ninth Lord Warren and the party from Castle North?” King Lifiel inquired.
“I don’t know father.” Lark shook his head. “I’m sure they will be here today if at all possible but it is a difficult and dangerous journey from Castle North.”
“Then let us hope they are safely in route,” Queen Eve interjected as she rose from her chair. “I know that Lord Warren wishes to be here for the gala and he needs the opportunity to set up some trading with the other noble lords.”
“Very well,” King Lifiel dropped the subject. “Let us refresh ourselves and head down to the festival.” The King and Queen kissed their children and headed into their private rooms off of the Great Chamber.
“Well, sister,” Lark turned to Elizabeth. “Would you like to get “refreshed” before we head down to the festival?” Elizabeth nodded heading toward the bathing chamber when Lord Avery came rushing through the doorway, sliding across the floor out of breath.
“Am I late?” he asked. “Have you been waiting long?”
“No Avery,” Lark reassured him. “You’re right on time. Elizabeth was just going to refresh herself.”
“Great!” Lord Avery was huffing and puffing as he walked closer to stand with Lark.
Elizabeth turned back to go into the bathing chamber and came face to face with Lady Margaret and Lady Milley.
“May we help you get ready for the festival, Milady?” asked Lady Margaret.
How do they do that? wondered Elizabeth. She knew that there were well-concealed servant’s entrances to many of the major chambers, but they continued to surprise her.
“Thank you ladies, but I can manage on my own,” Elizabeth decided. “I want the two of you to head down to the festival and enjoy yourselves.”
“Very well, Milady,” smiled Lady Margaret, the two heading out of the chamber, both glancing at Lark and Lord Avery.
***
Refreshed, Elizabeth headed out into the courtyard with her brother and Lord Avery where their unicorns were waiting for them. Elizabeth’s unicorn Remi was black with a silver horn. Lark had brought him back from his visit to Meadowland Castle last year. Elizabeth had never seen a more beautiful unicorn and was ecstatic when Lark told her that the unicorn was a gift for her. She shouldn’t have been surprised really, Lark was the best brother she could imagine having. Lark’s unicorn Quinn was a blonde color with a black mane and tail, as well as a black horn. Lord Avery’s unicorn looked like a fine beast as well and Elizabeth had half a mind to race them to the village, but she would resist as she knew she needed to be a “royal ambassador” today. Nevertheless, she would have some fun today as well. Lark came over to personally give her a leg up, waving the armsmen waiting to do so off. Then he leaped unto his own mount, as did Lord Avery. Smiling, they started down the road to the village and the festival.
Sixteen
Elizabeth awoke, slowly opening her eyes while stretching her whole body beneath the covers of her bed. Nule, her selleck, immediately sensing that Elizabeth was awake, stopped his constant patrolling of her rooms, which he did every night, and promptly made his way over to the bed, setting his chin on the edge of the bed, waiting for Elizabeth to notice him there and rub his head. As she became more alert, Elizabeth looked up to see the sunlight streaming through the windows. She could tell it was early, not much past sunrise and from what she could see it promised to be a wonderful day.
Today was the most important day in her entire life so far. It was her sixteenth birthday. Everyone had been planning today’s celebration for months. The past few days had been a whirl of activity. The castle staff preparing quarters for all the guests that had been arriving, preparing food, decorating the great hall for tonight’s ball. There were so many details to take care of that Elizabeth’s head started spinning just thinking about it. Nevertheless, she was confident that Lady Sula, who was Mistress of the Castle and basically in charge of everything and everyone, was more than up to the task. She would be coordinating everything with Lord Wendell, the Chief Armsmen, who coincidentally happened to be her husband.
Elizabeth knew that there would be a great festival in the village today in her honor. There would be music and dancing, entertainers, food, and games. She knew that the villagers were anxious about playing host to every ranked lord in the kingdom and their entourages, but she wasn’t worried; no matter what happened, today would be a day to remember. But first, she had to get up. She glanced over at Nule, still waiting patiently. Elizabeth reached her hand over and started rubbing the top of the selleck’s head.
“Good morning Nule. You run along now and I’ll see you later.”
Elizabeth gave him one last rub and as she moved her hand away from his head, he took off down the tower stairs. Elizabeth knew he would be headed to the kitchen where the kitchen staff would spoil him with bowls of unicorn milk and slices of meat. Then they would fight over whose turn it was to brush out his silky black coat. When he was done in the kitchen, he would head down to the stables where the stable hands let him chase the unicorns around the fields before coming back up to Elizabeth’s chambers where he would sleep for the rest of the day.
As Elizabeth got up, she grabbed the robe lying at the end of her bed and quickly put it on before she stepped out onto the balcony just off her bedchamber. It was a glorious day! The sky was perfectly blue without a cloud in sight. The fields surrounding the castle were riddled with tents of all sizes and colors. The lords and their immediate families were housed in the castle, but their servants and armsmen camped in little tent villages that had been springing up all around the castle these past few days. She could see cooking fires and people mulling about the tents. It seemed the whole world was already awake and making ready for today.
Elizabeth closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, taking in all the scents around her when her quiet reflection was interrupted by cheering from below. Elizabeth opened her eyes and glanced down to the castle wall. The armsmen atop the wall had spotted her on the balcony and were cheering to her.
“LADY ELIZABETH! HIP HIP HORRAY!” They cheered over and over again, waving their swords over their heads.
Elizabeth smiled, giving them a little wave in acknowledgement before stepping back into her bedchamber. Since slaying the dragon, she had unintentionally become a celebrity amongst the armsmen. Whereas in the past when she would walk by them, they would either continue going about their duties or stand briefly at attention, now she got a mixture of winks, smiles, nods, thumbs up or they would snap smartly to attention saluting her. (The first time they did this it startled her so badly that she almost fell over!). In retrospect, it was probably a good way for her to get use to all the attention she would be getting today. She knew that all eyes would be on her wherever she was on this day.
She walked over to the mirror that hung on the wall of her bedchamber near the entrance to her sitting room. It was a large full-length mirror with a beautifully ornate frame carved with a variety of flowers and delicate storybook creatures that looked somewhat like small dragons, but were much less fearsome. The mirror, like most of the furnishings and decorations in her chambers, were antiques that had been left in the rooms for as long as anyone could remember. However, when her mother had the chambers restored for her use, Elizabeth had requested that they leave the mirror as it was. She loved the mysterious old quality that it had. She remembered the first time she had wandered up to the tower rooms and had found the mirror hanging exactly where it hung now. She could swear that she had seen someone else in the mirror besides herself, not clearly, but she was sure that she had not imagined it. She remembered her younger self peeking behind the mirror to see if anyone was there. She smiled at the memory, but it had happened several times over the years and every time she looked in the mirror, she waited for it to happen again. However, this time the only reflection she saw was her own. She stood there looking at herself. She was tall like her mother, with her mother’s delicate features and creamy pale skin, but where her mother was long and willowy; she was solid and well-muscled. Her hair was long; flowing well past her waist and it was the color of gold. Elizabeth had never seen another fairy with her golden hair color. She knew it was extremely rare, which pleased her. Her eyes were rare as well. Most fairies had dark blue or green eyes, but Elizabeth’s eyes were a pale blue, her mother called them “ice blue”. Her mother said that legends tell that fairies with ice eyes have the warmest of hearts.
Elizabeth was suddenly startled, spotting another reflection in the mirror. However, it wasn’t her “mystery” reflection, but that of her two ladies who had appeared in the doorway at the top of the stairs. Elizabeth turned to face them and they bowed in unison. Lady Margaret and Lady Milley were sisters and had been her ladies these past three years. Her mother decided that if she was old enough to have private chambers, she ought to have her own ladies as well. The sisters always seemed to know when Elizabeth needed them before she even knew. They were the best ladies Elizabeth could imagine having. Of course, they were Lady Sula and Lord Wendell’s daughters.
“Lady Elizabeth,” Lady Margaret always seemed to be the spokesperson for the two. “We thought you might be ready for your bath?”
“Yes I am,” Elizabeth smiled. “Great timing as always.”
With that, Lady Margaret headed across the sitting chamber toward the bathing chamber, which was off the bedchamber, while Lady Milley went back down the stairway to have the armsmen carry up the hot water for the bath.
Elizabeth took a seat in the sitting chamber waiting for her bath to be ready. After tonight she thought, I won’t have to use anyone’s titles if I don’t wish to. But she couldn’t imagine not doing so. How much would change after tonight? How much would she change after tonight? Her mother said that she had no reason to worry, that after tonight she would be more “herself” than ever before. Whatever that meant! Well, no sense in worrying about something you couldn’t change. She was determined to enjoy every minute of today. It was her day after all!
“Lady Margaret,” Elizabeth called to the sister in the bathing chamber. “Did Lark get in last night?”
Lark was Elizabeth’s half-brother, King Lifiel’s son from his first marriage. Lark had been fifteen when Elizabeth was born, but he had always been Elizabeth’s most trusted friend. Lark’s mother had died when he was born, leaving him without a mother or other siblings. Lark had been most pleased when his father had married Eve. Not only had Lark’s father become King upon the marriage, but also Lark had acquired a most loving and enchanting stepmother. Lark confessed to Elizabeth once that when his father and her mother were first married, he had fallen madly in love with Eve. He soon realized that it was partly due to her great beauty, but more so to do with the “mystique” that surrounded the Queen of the Fairies. After that, he regarded her as the most caring mother imaginable. Lark took his responsibilities as Elizabeth’s brother quite seriously. As the King’s son, he was First Lord and would be her escort for today’s events.
“Lord Lark got in late last night, Milady. He rode in with Lord Fafnir’s party,” replied Lady Margaret. “I saw him up already this morning, walking with Lord Avery. He looked so handsome.”
“Which one?” Elizabeth inquired.
Lady Margaret stuck her head around the doorway from the bathing chamber, and with a whimsical smile replied, “Both.”
Elizabeth laughed, she hadn’t seen Lord Avery in quite a while, but she remembered him as being quite good looking. He was Lord Fafnir’s son. Her brother, she knew, made all the ladies swoon. He was extremely handsome, a younger version of their father, with a pleasantly confident air about him and he knew exactly how to get on any lady’s good side. His smile was so darn irresistible that even Elizabeth had trouble staying mad at him about anything. Even if he hadn’t been First Lord, Elizabeth thought that every lady in the kingdom secretly hoped to be Lord Lark’s wife.
Lady Margaret and Lady Milley helped Elizabeth get washed and dressed for the first part of today’s events. Elizabeth had chosen a soft green sleeveless dragon leather dress with soft green dragon leather boots to wear to the festival. The dress had a swirling calf length skirt that would be great for dancing. On the front of the dress was the Royal family’s symbol, a golden dragon with a golden crown above its head.
***
“What’s that?” Elizabeth pointed to a small wooden chest on the table near where her dress had been hanging.
“Her Majesty sent that up for you, Milady,” answered Lady Margaret.
“Let’s take a look.” Elizabeth got up from the chair where she had sat while Lady Milley combed out her hair after her bath. When Elizabeth opened the chest, she discovered inside a simple but beautiful circlet.
“Ohhhh!” her ladies exclaimed together. “It’s so lovely.”
The circlet was silver, twisted in a curving pattern coming to a point in the center. It was covered in sparkling crystals. Elizabeth lifted the headpiece from the chest and stared at it for a moment. She had never seen one so exquisite and with so many gems. She wished that her mother had been standing here so that she could hug her.
“Lady Margaret,” Elizabeth took her eyes off of the circlet for a moment to turn to her lady, “Could you see if my mother is available to come up to my chambers?” “Lady Milley can finish my hair and help me with my boots”
“Right away, Milady. I know exactly where she is,” replied Lady Margaret as she took off toward the stairway.
Elizabeth sat back down in the chair so that Lady Milley could finish her hair, braided in the front and long in the back, as usual, but today with the addition of the circlet.
Elizabeth had just finished dressing and was twirling in front of the mirror, enjoying her reflection, when Lady Margaret appeared at the top of the stairway and announced the arrival of Elizabeth’s mother.
“Her Royal Highness, Queen Eve!” Margaret spoke with great formality, but with a grin on her face, reflecting the gay atmosphere of the day.
Elizabeth’s mother appeared through the doorway looking as radiant as ever. She too wore a green dragon leather dress, but hers was styled with a straighter cut and was ankle length. She wore her dark hair long, with a circlet of silver and gold leaves with a single dark green stone in the center.
“Mother!” Elizabeth cried out joyfully, running to greet her mother and then throwing her arms around her.
Her mother embraced her in return. “Happy Birthday my darling,” the queen smiled radiantly. “Let me look at you.”
Elizabeth stepped back and put her arms out, twirling once again so her mother could see how she looked. She stopped, putting her hands to the circlet on her head.
“Mother, it’s glorious.” Elizabeth had never seen a circlet like it. “I feel so beautiful wearing it.”
“I’m so glad you like it.” Queen Eve smiled. “But you need no ornament. You are truly the most beautiful fairy in the kingdom.”
“Oh, Mother!” Elizabeth sounded somewhat embarrassed. “That’s just silly.”
“Begging your pardon Milady.” It was Lady Margaret. She was standing off to the side with Lady Milley and several of the queen’s ladies that had accompanied her to the tower rooms. “But, I’ve heard many say just that.”
Elizabeth turned and shot Lady Margaret an almost angry look, thinking that Lady Margaret only said that to curry favor, although neither sister had ever been one to do so, when an unexpected voice chimed in. Lady Milley, who almost never spoke, quietly added, “It’s true, Milady, I’ve heard many say that about you.”
Elizabeth noticed her mother’s ladies all nodding their heads, as her mother just looked on smiling. Elizabeth turned backed to the mirror and reassessed her reflection. “Wow,” she uttered quietly. Her mother moved to stand behind her and wrapped her arms around her daughter as they both looked in the mirror.
“Now, that’s silly,” her mother grinned, and at that, they both started laughing, their ladies even joining in.
This day is already full of surprises, Elizabeth thought to herself.
***
Elizabeth couldn’t wait to see her brother Lark. He had been away for a few months visiting other castles, as he did fairly regularly. She knew he tried to visit each of the eight outlying castles and their surrounding villages at least once every two years. Dragon Castle was the royal residence and Elizabeth’s home. It was located roughly in the center of the kingdom with the other eight castles forming an irregular circle around it. A few of the castles were hard to reach; Castle North was the farthest away and the hardest to reach, having to travel through some wild country and over rough and sometimes open terrain to get there. Representatives from all the castles would be present for today’s events. As Elizabeth walked across the Great Hall nodding and smiling to all the staff and guests wishing her a happy birthday, she spotted Lark standing against the wall near the front entrance to the hall, talking with Lord Avery.
When she was close enough to them, she stopped and waved her hand above her head.
“LARK!”
Lark and Lord Avery stopped their conversation and looked up.
“ELIZABETH,” Lark called back to her. “Get over here!” He waved her on in their direction. Elizabeth ran over to them and gave her brother a quick kiss on the cheek. She was so glad to see him.
“Well,” Lark smiled. “You don’t look nearly ferocious enough to have single handedly slain a red dragon.”
Lord Avery looked somewhat surprised. “You really did slay a red dragon? I thought that was just a story going around, you know, for fun…for the birthday festivities.” He glanced at Lark, not knowing what else to say.
“Of course she slew the red dragon.” Lark sounded as if he couldn’t believe anyone would doubt it. “I taught her the bow after all, so I’m not surprised that she could make the shot.”
“Stop it!” Elizabeth gave her brother a playful punch in the arm.
She then looked at Lord Avery, who appeared totally speechless. After a moment, he gave her a quick bow sputtering, “Happy sixteenth birthday Lady Elizabeth. It’s an honor to be here and if I may ask, I’d like to accompany you and Lord Lark to the festivities today in the village.” He then waited with a hopeful look on his face.
“If you would like.” Elizabeth didn’t see why not. “Are you planning to participate in any of the games today?”
“Why yes Milady. I plan on entering the archery, unless of course you are entering, at which point I would have no chance at all.” When he saw Elizabeth smile at him he gave another bow, turning back as he walked toward one of the hallways. “I’ll see you both in an hour then to head down to the village.”
When Lord Avery had disappeared out of sight, Lark turned to his sister and sighed. “And so it begins.”
“And so what begins?” Elizabeth gave him an inquisitive look.
Lark decided that he best explain it to her. “Every young lord in the kingdom will be tripping over each other trying to get your attention today.”
Elizabeth shook her head at her brother and punched him in the arm again, but before he could respond, a deep voice from behind them spoke. “Sixteen years old and still punching your brother?”
“Father!” said Elizabeth spinning around to embrace him.
“Happy birthday, daughter,” the King hugged her back. “Now if the two of you can stop fighting for a few minutes?”
Elizabeth and Lark both gave him their best, Who? Me? Look.
“I need you both in the Great Chamber where most of the council is waiting to formally greet you before everyone heads down to the village.”
***
The trio exited the Great Hall and made their way down one of the large outer hallways to the Great Chamber. The Great Chamber was the official meeting place of the Council of Ten. The Council of Ten consisted of the ten highest ranked fairies, all High Blood male fairies being ranked. These ten fairies constituted the King and Queen’s advisors. The King and/or Queen could call the council to meet at any time to discuss important matters in the kingdom. Any councilor could request a meeting, which must be approved by the king or queen. The council cannot meet without royal approval. The highest ranked fairy, called the First Lord, served as the council’s leader. The chamber itself was large, but comfortable. It had carved wooden paneled walls with a large stone fireplace at one end. Along one wall was a high set of stained glass windows with images of various dragons. In the center of the room was a U shaped table with two thrones at the head of the table for the king and queen, and five chairs down the outer sides of the table leaving room in the center of the table for a speaker to stand or for servants to more easily serve food and beverages. Two large chandeliers hung from the ceiling of the chamber, as well as, a series of candelabras high along the walls. Immediately off the chamber was a small bathing chamber for the members to refresh and relief themselves. Also off the Great Chamber, was a private room with a private bathing chamber for the king and queen’s use. The council itself met to a degree several times a year, but usually with less than its ten members, many times with lords of lesser rank representing one of the Ten Lords. Today, Elizabeth knew that her father expected all ten lords to be in attendance. He would hold council meetings over the next few days before the lords and their parties started to depart.
Upon entering the Great Chamber, Elizabeth realized that not only was it the lords who were waiting to greet her, but many of their immediate family as well. The room was a buzz with conversation, which immediately halted when all present spotted the party now entering. Lark put his hand gently on Elizabeth’s back and steered her toward one end of the chamber where Elizabeth could see three great chairs set up near a relatively open area. When they reached the chairs, Lark gestured for her to sit in the center chair, while their father sat in the chair to her left. When Lark did not sit, Elizabeth realized that they were waiting for her mother. However, just as Elizabeth was thinking the thought, her mother appeared from the private room off the chamber where she must have been waiting for them to arrive. The crowd parted and the queen made her way to the empty throne, followed by several of her ladies. When she was seated, Lark spoke, “Welcome, everyone to this most joyous of occasions. I will now formally introduce you to Lady Elizabeth and each of you may briefly, emphasis on briefly as we all wish to get to the festival, give her your greetings.”
At Lark’s instruction, each lord and his family approached the royal party and Lark began the introductions. First, there was Second Lord Fafnir, noble lord of Castle West, with his wife Lady Fayette and their daughter Lady Alvina. Lord Avery, Lord Fafnir’s son, was nowhere to be seen. They all bowed and wished Elizabeth a “most happy of sixteenth birthdays”. Elizabeth noticed Lady Alvina glancing at her brother Lark and smiled to herself. Well, Elizabeth thought to herself, I think there’ll be just as many young ladies falling over each other to get near Lark as there will be young lords trying to get next to me.
Lark smiled broadly as the next party approached. It was the party from Seaside Castle where King Lifiel had been Noble Lord before becoming King, and where Lark had lived as a boy. Third Lord Kalen, King Lifiel’s brother was now Noble Lord of Seaside Castle. With him was his wife, Lady Zanna, their son, Tenth Lord Delford with his wife Lady Lilly and their son Eighteenth Lord Delwyn. Also with the party were Lord Kalen and Lady Zanna’s two daughters, Lady Mab and Lady Nissa. As this was a formal greeting, Lord Kalen offered the party’s best wishes and they all bowed and moved on. The hugging, everyone knew, would come later.
Fourth Lord Arden and Lady Blue from Castle South were next with their twin sons, Twelfth Lord Brendon and Thirteenth Lord Brokk. As Lord Arden offered their greetings and birthday wishes, Elizabeth found her mind wandering. She knew the twins were very competitive with each other, and she now imagined them competing for her attention. That could get really annoying, she thought, forcing her attention back to the party. She nodded and smiled at them as they left.
Now came the party from Lakeland Castle with seventh Lord Foster and his wife Lady Iduna. Elizabeth became very attentive as she had never met anyone from Lakeland Castle. She knew that Lord Foster had been to Dragon Castle, but she had never formally been introduced. Lark had of course been to Lakeland Castle and had told her stories of Blue Lake and how he had seen a blue dragon in the lake. Elizabeth didn’t know whether to believe him or not. Lark was full of stories and no one had ever been known to catch more than a glimpse of the mythical blue dragons. With Lord Foster and his wife were their son, Sixteenth Lord Fagan and their daughter Lady Nixie. Elizabeth looked Lord Fagan over quickly. He looks very strong and fine, she thought to herself. I’ll have to make a point to talk to him. Lord Foster offered the party’s greetings and wishes before moving off to prepare to leave for the festival.
Sixth Lord Oren and Lady Odella from Meadowland Castle were next with their son Fifteenth Lord Owen. Elizabeth knew that Meadowland Castle bred and trained the finest unicorns in the kingdom. Her own unicorn, Remi, had come from Meadowland Castle. She had spotted Lord Owen on his unicorn when the party rode in two days ago. It was a magnificent animal. Maybe Lord Owen would let her ride him if she asked. Lord Owen stepped forward to give the party’s greeting, much to the royal family’s surprise. Trying to stand out from the crowd, Elizabeth thought to herself, realizing her brother was right about “all the young lords”. Lord Owen, Elizabeth knew was twenty years old and an expert rider All right, so I had Lady Margaret and Lady Milley get me the scoop on all the lords before today, she admitted to herself. “Greetings and birthday wishes from Meadowland Castle,” spoke Lord Owen. “And a personal birthday wish from myself.” Personal, thought Elizabeth, Interesting. As the party moved away, Elizabeth thought she saw Lark rolling his eyes. She would have to get his take on some of the, “candidates for her attention”, as he knew them all personally.
Next were Eighth Lord Alfrigg and Lady Rhiannon from Castle East, with their sons, Seventeenth Lord Alastair and Nineteenth Lord Artie. Elizabeth knew that both sons were fine archers and she hoped they would both shoot in the games later at the festival. Their daughter Lady Raisa was also with them. She looked rather young and stood staring at Lark while Lord Alfrigg offered the families greetings and wishes.
Fifth Lord Elden and his wife Lady Maurelle of Riverside Castle stepped forward with their son Fourteenth Lord Eaton and their daughter Lady Blossom. Lady Blossom was quite lovely and buxom. Elizabeth noticed Lark’s eyes wander in her direction as Lord Elden offered Riverside Castle’s best wishes.
As Riverside Castle’s party moved toward the doorway leading out of the Great Chamber, Elizabeth moved to get up but was stopped by her father’s raised hand.
“Lark, where is Ninth Lord Warren and the party from Castle North?” King Lifiel inquired.
“I don’t know father.” Lark shook his head. “I’m sure they will be here today if at all possible but it is a difficult and dangerous journey from Castle North.”
“Then let us hope they are safely in route,” Queen Eve interjected as she rose from her chair. “I know that Lord Warren wishes to be here for the gala and he needs the opportunity to set up some trading with the other noble lords.”
“Very well,” King Lifiel dropped the subject. “Let us refresh ourselves and head down to the festival.” The King and Queen kissed their children and headed into their private rooms off of the Great Chamber.
“Well, sister,” Lark turned to Elizabeth. “Would you like to get “refreshed” before we head down to the festival?” Elizabeth nodded heading toward the bathing chamber when Lord Avery came rushing through the doorway, sliding across the floor out of breath.
“Am I late?” he asked. “Have you been waiting long?”
“No Avery,” Lark reassured him. “You’re right on time. Elizabeth was just going to refresh herself.”
“Great!” Lord Avery was huffing and puffing as he walked closer to stand with Lark.
Elizabeth turned back to go into the bathing chamber and came face to face with Lady Margaret and Lady Milley.
“May we help you get ready for the festival, Milady?” asked Lady Margaret.
How do they do that? wondered Elizabeth. She knew that there were well-concealed servant’s entrances to many of the major chambers, but they continued to surprise her.
“Thank you ladies, but I can manage on my own,” Elizabeth decided. “I want the two of you to head down to the festival and enjoy yourselves.”
“Very well, Milady,” smiled Lady Margaret, the two heading out of the chamber, both glancing at Lark and Lord Avery.
***
Refreshed, Elizabeth headed out into the courtyard with her brother and Lord Avery where their unicorns were waiting for them. Elizabeth’s unicorn Remi was black with a silver horn. Lark had brought him back from his visit to Meadowland Castle last year. Elizabeth had never seen a more beautiful unicorn and was ecstatic when Lark told her that the unicorn was a gift for her. She shouldn’t have been surprised really, Lark was the best brother she could imagine having. Lark’s unicorn Quinn was a blonde color with a black mane and tail, as well as a black horn. Lord Avery’s unicorn looked like a fine beast as well and Elizabeth had half a mind to race them to the village, but she would resist as she knew she needed to be a “royal ambassador” today. Nevertheless, she would have some fun today as well. Lark came over to personally give her a leg up, waving the armsmen waiting to do so off. Then he leaped unto his own mount, as did Lord Avery. Smiling, they started down the road to the village and the festival.