MIDSUMMER’S COURT (part 10 of 14)

[sidhe_faerie]

 ~~~~<O 10 O>~~~~

The wagon carrying their trunks had already been sent through the portal bridge so all that was left for them to do was to climb into the carriage and go through the portal.

Endora and Dionne came into the courtyard to meet Princess Cara and her maid Grace.

The crown princess looked them up and down. Her eyes came to rest on Dionne’s dark green cloak. She frowned. “Endora, why is you maid wearing ….colour?”

“I allow it. She is not a Royal so I see no harm.” Endora smiled back at Dionne.

“You indulge your maid too much.” Princess Cara said sternly.

Endora shrugged.

“Let’s get this done. We are expected at court as soon as we arrive.” Princess Cara told them.

They climbed into the carriage as the portal bridge was activated. Endora was last to climb in.

Princess Cara caught site of something at Endora’s waist. “You are wearing a dagger?”

“Yes I am and I will wear one the entire time we are there. Dionne is wearing one too.” Endora told her.

Dionne blushed slightly as she moved her cloak for the Crown Princess to see her weapon.

“Really, we are not going into the wilds of Zestra or the Great Enchanted Forest of Una. We are going to a foreign court as honored guests.” Princess Cara reprimanded them.

“I prefer to be safe than sorry.” Endora said as she adjusted her cloak.

“If you are uncomfortable you should have brought a wrap and not that cloak. Why you wear something that covers you wings I’ll never understand.”

“It’s so that I can blend with the humans if need be. It’s easier than trying to explain that I’m a Fae. It saves time when I quest.” Endora explained.

“Someday you will be Crown Princess and you will need to stay home and stop questing.”

“That is a long time from now, is it not? I must learn all I can before I’m queen. You left the realm for a while.” Endora reminded her mother.

“Yes I did. That was before I was crown princess. I was still very young. I have responsibilities now and you will too someday.”

Endora nodded. “I know that Mother.”

The trip itself took less than an hour. Unlike the Tuathan Realm, Midsummer kept their portal bridge far from the palace itself. The beauty of the countryside was breathtaking as the carriage rolled along. The quartet traveled in silence. The occupants were more interested in the scenery than holding conversation. 

When they arrived in the courtyard of the Palace they heard music coming from the Great Hall.

“Are we a day late?” Endora asked as they climbed out of the carriage.

“No you’re not.” A Fae dressed in bright yellow said. “I’m Lady Mustardseed, one of the Royal Ladies. Welcome to Midsummer Court.”

“Thank you. I am Crown Princess Cara of the Tuathe this is my daughter Princess Gaylen Endora.”

“And those two?” Lady Mustardseed pointed at Dionne and Grace.

“They are our servants.” Princess Cara said

“Well they do have names, do they not?” Lady Mustardseed chuckled. “What are your names?”

“I’m Dionne and this is Grace.” Dionne said receiving a glare from Princess Cara.

“Well it’s nice to meet you two as well. My father, King Oberon is waiting. Come along.” Lady Mustardseed turned and started up the stairs and into the Palace.

They all followed her into the Great Hall. There were musicians playing in the corner. Three brightly dressed faeries were dancing together in the middle of the room. The King and Queen were watching and tapping their feet to the music.

The jolly looking King caught sight of the new arrivals and motioned for the music to stop. He got up from his throne and walked over to his guests.

Princess Cara curtseyed low and the others follow suit.

“Cara, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you.” King Oberon turned to Endora. “You must be the little one. She looks like your mother. How is Taralen?”

“She is fine Your Majesty. Queen Taralen sends her deep regards. King Oberon, this is my daughter, Princess Gaylen Endora."

"Hello Poppet." My daughters, come here so you can be introduced. The King waved the dancing faeries over.

The brightly colored Fae came and made a line then bowed to the guests.

“You have met Mustardseed. This is Peaseblossom.” He pointed to a Fae in bright green. “That is Cobweb and Moth is on the end there.” Cobweb was dressed in red and moth was in a purple gown.

Endora smiled at the unusual names. Her name seemed normal compared to theirs. “It is good to meet you all.”

“Likewise.” Lady Moth said. “Father, can we go back to dancing now?”

“Yes, yes, go ahead.” King Oberon waved them away. He waved to the musicians to play. “Wife, come greet our guests from Queen Taralen’s realm.”

Queen Tatiana came over and the guests bowed again. “How is your Queen? We were very disappointed when we heard that she would not be among you.”

“She is well and was greatly disappointed as well but there were pressing matters at home.”

Queen Tatiana looked at Endora closely. “Poppet, you do have the look of your grandmother. I would swear I was looking back in time to when she and I were young faeries.”

“Thank you Your Majesty. I believe I look like her as well.” Endora said with a smile.

Queen Tatiana nodded and smiled with a slightly confused look on her face. “What is Poppet’s name again?”

“I am Princess Gaylen Endora but everyone just calls me Endora.”

“Ah then Endora would you like to dance with my daughters?” King Oberon asked.

“Um … I don’t dance that well.” Endora said. “I would like to look at your gardens before it becomes too dark.”

King Oberon grinned and nodded. “They are just out that door.” He pointed to an open door off the side of the great hall. “They are better at night with a young man however.”

Endora blushed. “I will keep that in mind, Your Majesty.” She bowed and looked at Princess Cara who nodded. Dionne looked at everyone bowed and followed her mistress.

Endora went to stand by a large fountain in the center of the garden. Dionne came up beside her.

“That was odd.” Dionne said.

“I fear it will get even more so before this trip is over.” Endora looked at her reflection in the water.

“I believe you are right, My Lady. Dionne said.

PART 11