Yuletide: Done and Faerie Dusted

 

Done and Faerie Dusted

The next day everyone slept late as was the custom on the first day of the New Year. Near midday there was a knock on Princess Endora’s door. Dionne opened it and bowed to Queen March as she let her in.

Princess Endora still in her dressing gown bowed as well. “Your Majesty, I didn’t expect to see you. I thought you left early this morning.”

“I wanted to see you, Princess. My son has informed me that he will not speak to me until I apologize to you for yesterday.” Queen March said. He face was pale and it evident that she hadn’t slept well. “He wished me to assure you that the betrothal will go on as planned.”

“Even though you do not approve of my choices?” Princess Endora asked.

“Paddrick reminded me that he will be your husband not I. If he is content with the way you conduct yourself then I cannot say otherwise.” Queen March sighed. “The signing of the betrothal agreement will go as planned and I will return to Wales afterward.”

“You must stay for the feast afterwards. It is my birthday.” Princess Endora said.

“I will stay but leave the next morning. Paddrick will stay on for a while if Queen Taralen allows it.”

“She will. She likes him.” Princess Endora smiled.

“I do hope you will accept my apology.” Queen March said.

“Yes Your Majesty. I accept it.” Princess Endora said seriously. She knew it wasn’t easy for Queen March to give it.

“I will leave you to rest.” Queen March turned to leave but turned back. “How did you know I wanted something else?”

“It is standard negotiating.” Princess Endora shrugged. “A betrothal agreement is a treaty after all. I’m sure you weren’t expecting to be called out on it.”

“No I wasn’t. You are very wise for you age. I see that now. Good day Princess.”

“Good day Your Majesty.” Princess Endora bowed as the Queen left the room.

“That was odd.” Dionne said.

“Indeed.” Princess Endora sat back down on the settee and sipped her tea.    

There was another knock on the door. Queen Taralen’s maid handed Dionne a note for Endora. Dionne took it to her mistress.

“Grandmother wants to have lunch with me and Paddrick. I need to get dressed.” Princess Endora sighed. “I want the plain dress with the collar, Dionne.”

Twenty minutes later Princess Endora and Prince Paddrick were sitting in Queen Taralen’s private dining room.

“I wanted to talk to you both before the agreement is signed tomorrow. I will be a long betrothal. You will be married in late summer.” Queen Taralen looked at Princess Endora. “Your sisters and their husbands will be invited and treated as part of the Royal family. I will allow you to invite your friends as long as they can behave properly. Prince Paddrick the same goes for your friends as well. This will be a large affair with representatives from all the Fae Courts. I just wanted to make sure you understand what will happen. If there is any doubt, I want to know now before anything is signed.”

“I think we are fine with the arrangements, Your Majesty.” Prince Paddrick said. “We will have plenty of time to get to know each other even better.”

“Queen March has asked me to remind you to have a chaperone at all times. I know that Dionne has been acting in that capacity and I am fine with her fulfilling that duty. I think I may assign a helper for her so that her chores do not suffer.”

“She would like that. She always worries about the state of my chambers when we go out and about.” Princess Endora said.

“You will need a manservant while you stay here, Prince Paddrick. I will arrange a man for you.” Queen Taralen said. “Is there anything I forgot?”

Princess Endora and Prince Paddrick shook their heads.

“Then let us dine.” Queen Taralen smiled at them.

The next night at the beginning of the feast for Princess Endora’s birthday the two queens signed the betrothal agreement. Crown Princess Cara signed next then Prince Paddrick and finally Princess Endora.

Prince Paddrick and Princess Endora looked at each other. They knew it would be a very interesting year.