MIDSUMMER’S COURT (part 11 of 14)

 ~~~~<O 11 O>~~~~

“Hurry Dionne! We don’t want to be late.” Endora said to her maid that was changing behind the screen.

“I’m done.” Dionne comes out from behind the screen wearing a dark green gown with silver dragonflies embroidered along the hem. It isn’t as rich as Endora’s gown but it is well made.

“You look beautiful.” Endora smiled at her.

“I was saving this for the royal wedding this spring.”

“Maybe I’ll give you another before that. I’ll need a new gown for it.” Endora hands Dionne a silver dragonfly comb to put in her hair. “Do you need help?”   

“No My Lady.” Dionne twisted her hair up and secured it with the comb. “There.”

Princess Cara came into the room and looked at them both. “You are taking your maid to the ball?”

“She is my chaperone. You don’t want my reputation ruined, do you?”

“No, of course not. You both look beautiful. Dionne, that colour does suit you.”

“It’s my dragonfly blood, Your Highness.” Dionne smiled and dipped a quick curtsy.

“Let’s go shall we?” Princess Cara led them out to the Great Hall where the ball was to take place.

The feasting tables were piled high with food along one wall and there were casks of spirits along the other.  

The music was loud and many were already dancing. In the center of all the dancing were the Royal Daughters.

“Well, we should say hello to our hosts.” Princess Cara said.

“Hello to you, Cara! King Oberon seemed to appear from thin air at that moment.” He held up a goblet in mock toast. “Hello Poppet and Poppet’s maid.”

“Your Majesty.” Endora bowed.

“It’s a shame I’m not younger.” King Oberon winked at Princess Cara and moved to greet other guests.

“Hrmph! Good thing he isn’t.” Princess Cara muttered as she watched the tipsy King move through the crowd.

“I think I’ll get some food. Dionne?” Endora tugged at Dionne’s arm gently.

“Yes. Food sounds like an excellent plan.” Dionne followed Endora to the feasting table. “Did he mean what I thought he did?”

“Yes. I believe he did.” Endora picked up a plate.

“Here My Lady, let me.” Dionne held out her hand for the plate.

“I can do it. Fix a plate for yourself. It will be a long night.” Endora said.

“But not as long as the day.” A voice said behind them.

Endora turned to see the Court Jester grinning at them.

“I’m Puck. Good for a joke or a …” Puck winked.

“No thank you Mr. Puck. We are here for refreshment and dancing not winking.” Endora said with a slightly annoyed tone.

“Are you annoying the ladies?” A tall nice looking man asked the Jester. “Maybe you should try elsewhere.”

Puck frowned and left.

“Thank you for getting rid of him.” Endora said. “I’m Princess Gaylen Endora of the Tuathe.”

“I know. I’m Prince Brandon of the Northern Realm. I believe we have much to talk about. Shall we take a look at the garden?”

“Of course.” Endora said. “Dionne, are you coming?”

Dionne nodded and sat the empty plates on the table.

“I was hoping to talk to you alone.”

“My maid comes or I don’t.” Endora said.

“Then shall we all go?” Prince Brandon said as he offered his arm to Endora who ignored the gesture.

The three of them walked out into the garden. Dionne hung back but never took her eyes of the Prince and Endora.   

The Prince led them to the fountain. “I believe you may know what I want to talk about.”

“We are to be betrothed or at least that is their plan.” Endora said flatly.

“I don’t see it being that bad of a thing. We will both have to marry sometime. You could end up with someone less handsome than me.” Prince Brandon grinned.

“You are assuming that I find you handsome. Tell me of the tournaments you have won and the battles you have fought.” Endora said.

“I don’t really do anything like that. I am more into managing than doing.” Prince Brandon shrugged.

“You must train to protect your Realm.” Endora was surprised at his attitude.

“No I don’t train. That is for the soldiers to do not a Prince.” 

“You would send your people into battle but not lead them?”

“Like I said, it is not for a Prince to do.” Prince Brandon thought a change of subject was in order. “The moonlight is beautiful tonight don’t you think?”

“I think the garden was much lovelier in the day light.” Endora looked around.

“Not as lovely as you.” The Prince leaned down and Endora took a step back.

“What are you doing?”

“I was trying to kiss you.” Prince Brandon was getting frustrated and it was starting to show in his voice.

“Why?” Endora asked.

“We are to be betrothed. I see no harm in it. Really Princess, it wouldn’t hurt for you to be a bit friendlier.”

“What does that mean?” Endora was starting to get angry because of his attitude.

“We are going to be married do you think babies are made by shaking hands politely?” Prince Brandon said bluntly.

Endora was shocked. “If I marry I’m sure to be friendlier to my husband and since you are not my husband all you will receive is a polite handshake.”

“Endora, just one little kiss?” Prince Brandon leaned forward and closed his eyes to kiss her.

Endora frowned and punched him hard in the jaw.

The surprised Prince landed in the ice cold water of the fountain. “What the …?”

“Come on Dionne.” Endora walked back inside.

Dionne fought hard to contain her giggles and failed as she followed her mistress inside.

Princess Cara had seen them go outside and was surprised to see Endora and Dionne come back without the Prince. She went to see what was going on.

“Endora, where is Prince Brandon?” Princess Cara asked.

“Swimming in the fountain.” Endora said.

“What?” Princess Cara looked confused.

“He was rude so I thought he need a bit of a cool down.”

“Endora, what did you do?” Princess Cara asked.

“She punched him and he landed in the fountain.” Dionne lost all control on her giggles at that moment. 

Princess Cara looked shocked at her daughter. “I can’t believe you could be so … I don’t know what. He is a Prince.”

“I’m a Princess and I don’t want to be treated like I’m silly or immodest. If that is the best you can find to betroth to me then we are all doomed.” Endora said angrily.

“Who told you about the betrothal?” Princess Cara was surprised she knew about it.

“I figured it out and so did most of this court. Dionne’s cousin told her. You like him. You marry him. I will not marry someone I do not love and respect.” Endora stormed off.

Dionne gave an uncomfortable smile to the Crown Princess and followed Endora.

PART 12

MIDSUMMER’S COURT (part 12 of 14)

 ~~~~<O 12 O>~~~~

Then next morning Prince Brandon left before breakfast returning home to the Northern Realm. Before he left he sent a note to Princess Cara saying that there would be no marriage between him and Endora.

Princess Cara sat on the bed with the note in her hand. She was not surprised. She looked over at her maid who was packing for the return trip. “Grace, tell Endora I want to see her now.”

Grace gave a quick curtsy and went to relay the message.

In Endora’s room Della was talking to Dionne and Endora about what happened last night. Dionne was packing for the trip back to the Tuathan Realm.

“Princess, that was very brave of you. I don’t know many girls that would have given a boy the ‘what for’ and he was a Prince.” Della said giggling.

“It was nothing.” Endora said. “I fear I let my temper get the best of me. I should send a note of apology.”

“Oh he left before the King was out of bed. Most likely he’s embarrassed to be clocked by a girl.” Della told her.

“He was rude but I shouldn’t have hit him.” Endora said.

“He was a real jerk, My Lady, and he deserved it.” Dionne said.

Grace entered the room. “My Lady, your presence is requested by Her Highness as soon as possible.”

“Thank you Grace. I’ll come now. Have a nice visit.” Endora said to Della and Dionne. Endora knew what was coming and she deserved it for her behavior.

The reached Princess Cara’s room and Grace opened the door for Endora. She went into the room.

“Thank you Grace. Would you give us privacy?” Princess Cara said.

Grace nodded and left the room closing the door behind her.

“I know you are going to reprimand me for my behavior and you would be right. I was appalling to the Prince and I will send a letter of apology to him as soon as we return home.”

“Yes. You will send a letter to the Prince and also one to his parents. Your grandmother wanted the Realms united. After last night I don’t believe that will happen.”

Endora looked at her feet then back at her mother. “I won’t marry a man that I cannot love and respect. I want the same for our Realms but I don’t think marriage is the best way to accomplish it.”

“Sometimes we do what we must for the Realm. It’s not fair but it is the responsibility of Royalty.”

“Are you saying that you married my father for the Realm?”

“Yes I did but I grew to love him.” Princess Cara admitted. “You didn’t even give Prince Brandon a chance.”

“I truly am sorry. I know my husband must be a Sidhe but I don’t think Prince Brandon is the best choice for me. I was so upset that you and grandmother did this behind my back and then he was a ... fool. Really Mother could you not find one that I have a least a few things in common with? He doesn’t train or even care to. I can’t be with someone like that.”

“Not everyone is as honorable as you or as active in training. You should have been a boy.”

“I’d be stuck with some silly girl then that only cared about dresses and hair ribbons. Let me find my own husband. I don’t think I’m ready anyway to be a bride.”

“That’s what I told your grandmother. Well you will already have the dress. The seamstress should have it finished by now.”

“Give it to Aura. She is still a princess even though she’s not acknowledged. I’m sure she would love it.”

“I’m not sure it will fit but I suppose it can be altered some. I think that is for the best. I will take it when I go see her father.”

“Will grandmother be upset that you’re giving my dress to Aura? Endora asked.

“I paid for it so I will choose what to do with it. Endora I want you to go to your room and stay there until we leave. When we get home I want those letters written right away. I will talk to the Queen and explain what happened. I hope she is not to upset with us both.” Princess Cara said

“Surely she cannot blame you for my behavior. I accept responsibility for my actions and I will accept the punishment as well. There is no need for her to be angry with you for any of it.” Endora said.

“She will. I am your mother and that makes this my lapse. I raised you to be they way you are and I’m not sorry for it. Now go to your room and don’t linger in the hallways.” Princess Cara told her.

Endora nodded. “Too much winking goes on in this Court for my liking. I intend to go as swiftly as possible back to my room.” She gave a curtsey and left. 

Princess Cara was starting to get a headache. Telling the Queen that her plans are ruined was not going to be an easy thing. Endora was right about the Prince being a poor match. She would just have to make the Queen see it. 

PART 13

MIDSUMMER’S COURT (part 13 of 14)

 ~~~~<O 13 O>~~~~

The journey back to the Tuathan Realm was uneventful. The two princesses and their maids rode in silence. This time it was not because they were enthralled with the scenery but because they were dreading the Queen’s reaction to what happened on the trip.

The carriage rolled into the courtyard and everyone got out. Endora and Dionne went directly to Endora’s chambers to wait for the fall out that they knew was coming.

Princess Cara went to the Queen’s study to tell her what happened on the trip. She had a sense of dread as she entered the room. She hoped the Queen was in a fair mood.

“Well did they get on?” Queen Taralen asked from behind her desk. She put the parchment she was reading aside.

“No they didn’t.” Princess Cara sat in a chair by the hearth. “There was an incident. There will not be a marriage.”

“What happened?” Queen Taralen came to sit opposite her daughter. “Did she kill him?”

“No it wasn’t that bad. He said something inappropriate to her then tried to kiss her. Endora took offense.”

“As she should have. It was not the time for kissing.” Queen Taralen said. 

“That wasn’t the end of it. Endora punched him and he landed in the big fountain in the center of the garden.” Princess Cara looked down at her hands and waited for the Queen to start shouting.

Queen Taralen clamped her hand over her mouth to hide her smile. “She didn’t!”

“She did.” Princess Cara said.

“You didn’t allow her in the garden with him alone did you?” Queen Taralen asked. “It wouldn’t be good if she were on her own with a man that was not her husband.”

“No. She had Dionne with her.” Princess Cara frowned.

“The little maid? That was smart.” Queen Taralen nodded.

“It was Endora’s idea.”

Queen Taralen nodded again. “Endora always thinks of those things. She is very conscious of her reputation.”

“More than I did apparently. I didn’t even think she needed a chaperone. She does battle with monsters. I thought she could handle a Prince.”

“What of Prince Brandon? Is there a way to salvage this?” Queen Taralen said hopefully.

“No.” Princess Cara took the note out of her pocket and handed it to the Queen. “He says he will not marry a woman who has no problem hitting him. He says she is not what he is looking for in a bride.”

Queen Taralen took the note and gave it a quick read. “Like he will have any choice in whom he marries. Prince Brandon is the youngest of all the children. He will do what he is told or he will be cut off.”

“Will Endora be cut off?” Princess Cara asked. She hoped that the Queen would not be aggressive in her punishment.  

“No but we will have to do some damage control. He will spread gossip. He will try to make himself be the wronged party.”

“The Midsummer Court is abuzz with it already. They do give Endora a favorable mention. They say she was defending her honor against the fool. He was a bit inappropriate with some of the servants before we arrived.” Princess Cara told her.

“Well if he is like that now, he will be worse later. There needs to be an apology to the Northern Realm Court.” Queen Taralen said firmly.

“I told Endora to write a letter to the Prince and another to his parents. They will be upset that the marriage has fallen through.” Princess Cara frowned.  

“Yes. It would be better from her than me. I will send the currier with it as soon as it is written. I will of course read it before it’s sent.” Queen Taralen said. “Did he really try to kiss her?”

Princess Cara nodded. “Yes he did.”

“I think I would have punched him too. The settlement hasn’t even been negotiated and he’s trying to get favors. That is definitely rude and common behavior. What about the preparations we have already made?”

“It was just the dress. Endora told me to give to Aura.”

“That would be a nice gift. Isn’t Aura taller?” the Queen asked.

“No but she is a little fuller in the bosom than Endora. It will have to be adjusted.” Princess Cara told her.

“That can be easily done.” Queen Taralen nodded. “I have a gift that I was going to give Endora I suppose I shall hold onto it.”

“What is it?” Princess Cara was curious.

“A bracelet with the crest worked into it. It has diamonds and a faerie crystal in the center. I thought she might like it.”

“Her birthday is coming. You could give it to her then.”

“That is true. I had it made when I heard you were giving her Micah’s necklace. That way she can wear a faerie crystal at formal events.”  

“She was beautiful in it at the ball.” Princess Cara smiled.

“The Tuathan Ball is coming soon. I think this year she should go. She’s old enough and it’s not like she hasn’t spent time in Una.” Queen Taralen said. “She will be able to visit with her sisters whilst she is there.”

“Victra never comes off the isle. Aura says she will most likely be the next Lady.”

“I thought she was already.”

“No not yet. The old Lady still lives but not much longer according to Aura. We will hear the howl here I’m sure.”

“I suppose we will. Damn dragons.” Queen Taralen said. “I think I will go talk to our little gladiator.” She stood. “I’ll see you at supper.”

Queen Taralen walked out and went to Endora’s room.    

PART 14

MIDSUMMER’S COURT (part 14 of 14)

 ~~~~<O 14 O>~~~~

The Queen knocked on the door to Endora’s room and Dionne opened the door and curtsied.  

“How much trouble am I in?” Endora asked as she sat in the middle of the bed..

“Did the Prince really try to kiss you?” Queen Taralen asked as she sat on the bed.

“Yes he did. Dionne saw him. She never left me alone all night.” Endora told her.

Queen Taralen nodded. “Thank you, Dionne, for seeing to the Princess’ honor.”

“It is a pleasure to serve her, Your Majesty.” Dionne curtsied again.

“Dionne, why don’t you get the laundry down to the washer woman?” Endora asked.

Dionne nodded and took the basket and left.

“Are you all right? He didn’t try anything else did he?” Queen Taralen looked her over.

“If he had I was wearing my dagger.” Endora said seriously.

Queen Taralen laughed out loud. “You are truly remarkable. You will be a true Warrior Queen. This Realm needs that kind of bravery.”

“I thought you would be angry.” Endora said. She was completely confused at her grandmother’s reaction.  

“I am disappointed that there will not be a union of the two Realms but I’m not angry. I should have looked into this Prince better before accepting the offer to negotiate. He turned out to be a fool. I apologize, Endora. I should have asked your opinion before going forward. Do you forgive me?” Queen Taralen said gently

“You were just doing what you thought was best. I want that union between the Realms too but not through marriage. There has to be another way.”

“You could always conquer them.” Queen Taralen said with a twinkle in her eye.

“That is never an acceptable plan to me. There must be a treaty or trade agreement we can come up with.” Endora was completely serious.

“I was joking love. We shall have to put our heads together. Are you staying for a while? I know you would rather go on one of your quests.”

“I can stay for a while.” Endora said with a smile. “I have no pressing matters and no one has called for help.”

“Good. That will give us time to sort this mess out with the Northern Realm. Did you finish the letters?” Queen Taralen looked around.

“Yes. They are on the desk.” Endora got off the bed and brought the letters to the Queen. “I didn’t seal them. I knew you would want to read them first to make sure they are proper.”

“Thank you. Prince Brandon is the one who should be apologizing to you. He knew the betrothal was just in the preliminary stages. He should have behaved more honorably.”

“That will never happen. Why didn’t you tell me of your plans for the betrothal?” Endora asked.

“I didn’t want you to be upset if it fell through. I was going to talk to you when you returned about it. You would have met him and had an opinion of him.” Her grandmother told her.

“He’s a toad. That is my opinion.” Endora said flatly.

“So that is why he landed in the fountain.” Queen Taralen laughed.

“Grandmother!” Endora was shocked.

“Don’t worry over it. We will accomplish our goal in due time. Endora, never forget I am proud of you.”

“Thank you.” Endora hugged her grandmother. “That means the world to me. More than anything ever!”

The Queen hugged her back. “I have something for you.” She took a white satin pouch out of the pocket. “This would have been your betrothal gift. Your mother suggested I hang on to until your birthday but … “

Queen Taralen handed Endora the pouch. Endora opened the pouch and gasped.

“It’s beautiful. It looks like your faerie crystal. I’ve never seen one in a bracelet.”

“Your mother gave you your father’s gift to her. So I had this made into a bracelet. A Fae should always have a crystal on them.”

“I agree. I pinned mine into my underskirts for the ball. Dionne thought it was silly but it made me feel safer. If I have my crystal I can always get home.” Endora put the bracelet over her wrist and admired it.

“That’s right. Now you have one for formal dress. It will come in handy when you go to the Tuathan ball.” Queen Taralen smiled.

“I get to go!” Endora beamed.

“Yes. Now rest. I have reading to do.” Queen held up the letters. She stood and walked to the door. She looked back at her granddaughter snuggling down into her bed and smiled.

Endora was Queen Taralen’s hope for the future. The future was getting brighter every day.