MIDSUMMER’S COURT (part 1 of 14)

MIDSUMMER’S COURT

Rating: G

Characters: 

Faerie Fantasy: Queen Taralen, Crown Princess Cara, Princess Endora, Dionne Draconis, High Priestess Aura the Dark of Una, Grace, Prince Brandon, Della, OC (groom, seamstress)

Midsummer Court: King Oberon, Queen Tiatiana, Mothm Cobweb, Peaseblossom, Mustardseed, Puck

Summary: The Queen and Crown Princess hatch a plot to arrange a marriage for the unsuspecting Princess Endora.

A/N: Original story as part of “Faerie Fantasy of the Questing Princess” series. Inspired by ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ by William Shakespeare 

~~~~<O 1 O>~~~~ 
 It was receiving day. The day the Royal Court of the Tuathe hear the petitions of the citizens of the Realm. Taralen, Queen of the Tuathe, was flanked on either side by her daughter, Crown Princess Cara and her granddaughter, Princess Endora. 

The three Fae were very similar in appearance. All stood about four feet tall and had dark gray eyes. Their transparent wings rose to just above their heads. The only difference was their hair. The Queen had platinum locks dressed in curls. Crown Princess Cara wore her reddish blond hair in a braid over her shoulder. Princess Endora wore her light blonde knee length hair loose and coiled into her lap. All three were dressed in white the Queen in an elaborate silk gown, the Crown Princess in a light day dress and the Princess Endora in a tunic and breeches.

Most of the petitions were simple requests for permission to trade. These were from farmers wishing to sell their crops outside the Realm for a bigger profit with the humans in the Land Of Una. The more profit the farmers made the more they pay in taxes so trade requests were good for the Realm. The people from the Land Of Una had a taste for starberries and moon melons. These requests were granted without any fuss.

Princess Endora was so bored she was about to doze off. One of the Sidhe Guards came to the door and the chamberlain announced a messenger from the Midsummer Court.  Endora saw her mother and grandmother exchange glances. The Queen waved the messenger forward.

The man bowed in a grand way before the Royal trio before he addressed the Queen.

“Your Great Majesty, I have come to offer you an invitation by Their Majesties King Oberon and Queen Tatiana of the Midsummer Court. It is their wish to invite you and your Princesses to the ball commemorating the Solstice of Summer.”

Queen Taralen sat without saying anything for a few minutes. She leaned over to Princess Cara and whispered something that Endora couldn’t hear and the Princess nodded.

“We would be happy to accept the invitation of Their Majesties. However, I will not be able to attend but my daughter and granddaughter will be attending. They will be my official representatives of my Court.” 

Needless to say Princess Endora was less than thrilled with the idea of attending a ball in a foreign Court. As a Questing Princess, Endora was more likely to be fighting in foreign lands than be dancing in them. She would go but there was no guarantee that she would like anything about it.

Queen Taralen waved the Sidhe Guard at the door forward. “Guard, take this man and see that he gets food and a bed for the night.” She turned to the messenger. “It is late and you can start off fresh in the morning.”

The man bowed. “Thank you, Your Great Majesty.” He followed the guard out.   

“Cara and Endora, you need to see the seamstress strait away and get new dresses. The Court at Midsummer is very formal. No tunics and leggings while you are there, Endora.”

“How do we ride?” Endora asked the thought of riding side saddle was uncomfortable. It made her knees hurt.

“You will be using the Royal carriage.” Queen Taralen told her. “There is no need for you to ride on the back of a unicorn.”

Great a stuffy carriage, Endora thought. She must have inadvertently rolled her eyes because the Queen smacked her arm with her fan. “Ow!”

“I expect you both to be on your best behavior.” Queen Taralen said as she looked at Endora. “I have some things to look over before supper. I shall see you both there.” Queen Taralen stood and walked to the door of her study.

“Mother, what do you know of the Midsummer Court?” Endora asked.

“They have a smaller Realm and seem to always engaged in frivolity.”

“Frivolity?” Endora asked.

“They dance, feast and drink constantly.” Cara told her daughter.

“Then why have a ball when it is an everyday thing?” Endora was curious.

“Because that is their way, it doesn’t mean they should not celebrate a High Holy Day for the Fae.” Cara said. “I’m not really looking forward to it either. Their Court is always in such chaos. Let’s get to the seamstress and get those dresses made.”

“I’d rather have a new tunic.” Endora said.

“We will have that made too.” Princess Cara said. “Do you have on your corset?”

“No.” Endora blushed.

“Then go to your chambers and get it and meet me at the seamstress. Really Endora you should wear it even under your tunics.” Princess Cara shook her head in disapproval.

“Yes Mother.” Endora stood and went off to get her corset and meet her mother.

Cara sat for a few more minutes. She was dreading this. She and the Queen had been planning a marriage for Endora but they hadn’t said anything to the girl. Cara knew Endora would be furious when she found out their plan.

PART 2

MIDSUMMER’S COURT (part 2 of 14)

 ~~~~<O 2 O>~~~~

Endora reached her chambers quickly. Her mind was racing with thoughts of the Midsummer Court, so she didn’t see Dionne coming around the corner with an armful of clean sheets. They collided just outside the door to the chambers.

“Oh!” Endora said as she knocked the sheets out of Dionne’s arms. “Sorry Dionne. I wasn't paying attention.” 

Dionne looked at the pile of sheets on the floor then back at Endora. “Is there something bothering you My Lady?”

“Yes, I have to go to a ball.” Endora sighed.

Dionne knelt down and picked up the sheets. “That sounds like fun. Pretty dresses and dancing can’t be anything less.”

“I suppose. It’s at Midsummer Court.” Endora bent down to help Dionne.

“I’ve got them, My Lady. Midsummer Court? My cousin works in the Royal household there. She says it is complete chaos. It’s always a feast. Not to mention the inappropriate behavior the Court condones. I wonder why they even bother with the formality of a ball.”

“Inappropriate behavior?” Endora looked at her proper lady’s maid questioningly. She wondered what that meant.

“They take lovers openly. Sometimes they even … well … in public.” Dionne’s face was now very pink from embarrassment.

“I’m sure your cousin must be exaggerating some. No respectable Fae would do such a private thing in such a public way.” Endora stood and followed Dionne into her chambers. “Dionne, where is my corset? I have to have a new dress made and I have to put it on.”

“It’s here in the cupboard.” Dionne pulled out the torture device and handed it to Endora.

“Thank you. You may get to visit your cousin. I have yet to ask Mother about who we will take with us on the visit.” Endora told her.

“I’d like to go. I haven’t seen Della in a long time. Please ask for me My Lady.” Dionne smiled.

Dionne started to hum as she made the bed and tidied up. A trip to see her cousin would be a fine thing. Dionne had little family left and they seemed to be spread out.        

“I will. I believe there will be more excitement than I can handle alone.” Endora smiled. She looked at the offending garment in her hand and sighed. She turned to Dionne and asked. “Will you help me put this on?”

“Of course My Lady.” Dionne helped Endora off with her tunic and then removed her bindings. Dionne laced and tightened the corset before replacing Endora’s tunic. “There all done. Can you breathe, My Lady?”

“Barely but yes. Thank you I must go.” Endora left and headed to the seamstress.

Endora’s mind kept going to what Dionne had said and the looks that her mother and grandmother had given each other when the messenger had arrived. There was something more to it but she didn’t quite know what. Endora meant to find out before she stepped into that carriage in two weeks.

PART 3

MIDSUMMER’S COURT (part 3 of 14)

 ~~~~<O 3 O>~~~~

Princess Cara was waiting for her daughter impatiently when Endora walked through the door. “There you are! I’ve been waiting.”

“I had to put on my corset.” Endora said. She was a little out of breath from the corset being so tight.

“Turn around. Your laces are too tight. You look like you are going to faint.” Princess Cara commanded. “I see I have to have my maid train yours on the proper way to lace a corset.” Princess Cara pushed up the back of Endora’s tunic and untied the laces and started to adjust them.

“I could just not wear one.” Endora took a deep breath as the laces were adjusted.

“Nonsense. All proper princesses wear corsets. I assure you its more comfortable than binding.” Princess Cara finished tying the laces.  

“But it’s too restrictive for training and riding.” Endora felt much better now that she could breathe.

“You must get used to it. What if you had to fight in a gown? Would you say ‘wait while I take off my corset’?” Princess Cara admonished her.

Endora laughed. “No that’s silly. I see your point. I will start training in my corset.”

“And wearing it under your tunic?” Princess Cara gave her a stern look.

“I will wear it under my tunic, I promise. Can we please get this over with?” Endora did not enjoy being measured for dresses but it was something she must endure as a princess.

“Yes, yes.” Princess Cara waved over the seamstress. “We need new ball gowns and my daughter would like a new tunic as well.” Princess Cara smiled at Endora.

“Yes Your Highness. Which of you will go first?” The little seamstress asked.

Endora stepped forward. “I will. I still have training to do.”

“Very good My Lady. Just stand still and it will only take a few moments.” The seamstress took out her measuring ribbon and started to measure the young princess.

When the woman was finished Endora left to go train. Today she was training with lances on her unicorn, Astra.    

Princess Cara waited to make sure that Endora was gone. “There is one other thing. The Queen has requested a wedding gown be made for Princess Endora but she mustn’t know its being made. Not yet.”

“Her Great Majesty is going to betroth the Princess soon then?” The seamstress asked. The woman was thinking of all the dresses and coats she would have to make and how much she will get for it all.

“Yes. It is sooner than I would have hoped. We haven’t told her yet so if you could keep quiet I would appreciate it.” Princess Cara told the woman.       

“Oh yes of course, Your Highness. So I am to make two ball gowns, one tunic and a wedding gown, is that it?” The seamstress confirmed the order

“The ball gowns need to be done before we leave for Midsummer Court in two weeks. The rest can wait but start on the wedding gown as soon as the ball gowns are finished.”

“I will need to order the beads and pearls for the wedding gown now Your Highness. We haven’t had a wedding in a very long time and I have nothing saved back. I wasn’t expecting to need it yet truthfully.”

“Order what you need and bring the bill for it directly to me. She’s my daughter and I want the best for her. You may order anything you think will be appropriate.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Let’s get you measured.” The little woman smiled.

Princess Cara stands still for the seamstress as the woman makes her notes.

“I have one question, Your Highness. How modest should the ball gowns be?”

Princess Cara thought for a moment. “Not too modest but not overly revealing especially for the Princess.  They should be more revealing than the ones we wear at our own balls. Midsummer court is not a place of modesty but we should have decency at least.”

“I understand Your Highness. I will have them ready for a fitting in a few days.” The seamstress promised.

Princess Cara nodded and went back to her work on the grain ledgers. Endora will be upset at them all, she thought. She hoped the Queen wasn’t rushing this. She felt her daughter was just not ready for a marriage and family. Endora showed no interest in settling down. Princess Cara had an overwhelming feeling of doom about the whole thing.

PART 4

MIDSUMMER’S COURT (part 4 of 14)

 ~~~~<O 4 O>~~~~        

In the Tuathan Realm there are few true horses. The faeries in the outlaying villages ride the shaggy ponies they have traded goods for with the farmers in the human world. That’s why Endora was so surprised to see a real horse standing in the courtyard of the Palace. She was a white mare with a golden mane and tail. The mare was wearing a golden leather saddle.

“Where did that come from?” Endora asked the groom holding the reins.

The groom smiled and bowed. “The High Priestess sent her, My Lady.” He said as he bowed to me.

“Why would Aura send her here?” Endora rubbed the mare’s soft muzzle and wondered who the beautiful animal was for. It was a strange thing for Aura to send. Aura usually sent healing potions and salves.

“Because I asked her.” Princess Cara walked down the steps and into the courtyard. “I thought you should learn to ride a horse.”

“Mother, it’s the same as riding a unicorn and I do that all the time. I was just on Astra training with lances.” Endora looked confused at her mother. A new tunic and now a horse? There was something going on. Endora was sure of it now.

“Unicorns are smaller and easier to handle than a full size horse, Endora. Astra is well trained but so is this animal. Take her out and you will see what I mean.”

“Why did you ask Aura to send her?” Endora was sure there was something she wasn’t being told. She could feel it.

“I trust your sister to send only the best. The mare is from the stables of the Crystal Castle in the Kingdom of Zestra.”

“Oh, Aura must have asked Dragas for her.” Endora was beginning to see what the plan was. She would have to send a thank you letter to her future brother in law. Endora wasn’t even crown princess yet and the diplomatic duties were already starting.

“Prince Dragas will make her a fine match and I want you to …”

“Send a letter of thanks. I know.” Endora stepped up on the mounting steps and got into the rich golden leather saddle. The groom handed her the reins. “It also doesn’t hurt that the marriage will unite the remaining magickal families: Draconis, De Danaan and Zestrain.”

“True there are advantages to the union but it is a love match. They met as children.” Cara thought of her eldest daughter and sighed. “Aura marries in the spring and you will go to her for a visit.”

“If I’m not on a quest, I’d love to spend time with her and Dragas.” Endora patted the horse’s neck and turned her towards the drawbridge. “I’ll be back soon.”

“Make sure you are not late for supper. We are dining with your grandmother.” Princess Cara already knew Endora would be late.  She would have to explain it to the Queen and take the blame.

Endora waved as she left the courtyard. There is a plan being hatched and Endora was sure she was somehow a part of it. She was sure the horse was a bribe for something she was not going to want to do. She patted the horse’s soft neck and lean forward. “I think I’ll call you, Sugar Plum.”

The mare snorted with amusement. The pretty white mare seemed to already know her purpose.

Endora took her down the road towards the old carpenter’s hut then past into the farm lands. It was true the horse was larger but she was just as well trained as Astra. She took commands easily and quickly.

After a bit Endora turned Sugar Plum back to the palace. They arrived as the sun was going down. It was well past the time she should have been back. 

PART 5

MIDSUMMER’S COURT (part 5 of 14)

~~~~<O 5 O>~~~~

A few days later Endora and Princess Cara stood in the seamstresses shop trying on their new gowns.

Princess Cara was looking at herself in the mirror. The off the shoulder dress had lace sleeves and a lace ruffle on the top of the lace covered bodice. The wide sweeping skirt was plain silk. ”This will do nicely. Thank you. Endora come from behind that screen and let me see it.”

“Um. There really isn’t much to see. It barely covers my corset.” Endora came from behind the screen and looked like she was about to cry. “I can’t wear this. It shows way too much.”

The gown was low in the front and had a plain bodice and large sweeping skirt. It was sleeveless and strapless.  

“Endora you are a grown Fae now you should dress like it.”

“I have never been to a ball. You and Grandmother would never let me go to the Tuathan Ball in Crystal Spires. I just want the perfect dress and I don’t think this is it. I’m sorry I know you worked hard on it but it’s too low. I’m afraid if I dance I will be exposed. Can you do something?”

“The dress is no lower than mine. Endora you need to stop being silly.”

“Mother, I am not being silly.”

“Perhaps a bit of lace to make you feel less exposed, My Lady?” The seamstress suggested.

“Anything please. Maybe even some straps to hold it up. I’m afraid if I step on the hem the whole thing will come down.”

“Of course my lady. You should be confident at your first ball and not have to worry over your dress.” The seamstress picked up some extra fabric and pinned straps and a bit of lace on the bodice. “Is this better, My Lady?”

“It feels more secure. Thank you.” Endora said as she looked in the mirror. “It is a bit plain.”

“That is what jewels are for Endora.” Princess Cara told her.” I have something for you to wear. It’s a necklace from your father I have been saving for you.”

“I won’t be wearing my crystal?”

“No this is a special necklace. Your father gave it to me after you were born. Micah was so proud to have a beautiful daughter.” Princess Cara fought back tears as she thought of her brave Sidhe warrior that fell in the war with the Fomors.

“Thank you Mother I will wear it proudly in my father’s memory.” Endora smiled. She had no real memory of her father. He died when she was very small.

Endora wondered what her father would think of this dress. She was sure it would make even the bravest of warrior blush like a maid. Endora sighed as she looked at the dress with the additions. It would have to do. There was no time to do much more.

“Let me help you my lady and we can get it fixed for you. Maybe a layer of lace on the skirt? Or a sheer layer of embroidered silk?” The seamstress asked.

“The silk I think. I have a gold belt I think will look nice and a jeweled dagger.” Endora said.

“A dagger is not something a woman wears to a ball.” Princess Cara said from behind the screen.

“I should have something in case of trouble.” Endora said. “It was a gift from Dragas for my last birthday.”

“I remember it.” Princess Cara came out holding the ball gown in her day dress. “The hilt is pure carved crystal with a green stone on the top. It will be fine but don’t be surprised if you are asked to remove it. Every Court has different rules about weapons.”

“I know.” Endora went behind the screen and the seamstress helped her off with the gown. Endora dressed in her usual tunic and breeches and pulled on her boots. She came from behind the screen and looked at her mother. “I need to train and then I will take Sugar Plum out again.”

“Sugar Plum?” Princess Cara asked.

“I named the horse Sugar Plum. Aura made some once. They are like little cakes.”

“You named a well blooded horse after biscuits? Endora, can you not think of a better name?” Princess Cara asked.

“I like the name and I think she does too.” Endora smiled. “I will see you for supper.”

“Be careful!”

“I will” Endora said as she left the room and headed for training.

“Your Highness, I have the order for the other dress.” The seamstress handed Princess Cara a parchment.

“I will send the funds to you immediately on my return to my chambers. It is not as much as I thought it would be.” Princess Cara admitted.

“I have good contacts.” The seamstress laughed. “The silk is from Tir-nan-og. I traded cloth made by the Fae weavers for it. You would think they wouldn’t want that plain stuff but it’s indestructible after it is made into a garment.”

“I know. The Sidhe Guards wear tunics made of it. Princess Cara handed the parchment back and walked to her chambers.

PART 6

cove page

  

PART 1 starts here

cover page