MIDSUMMER’S COURT (part 13 of 14)

[sidhe_faerie]

 ~~~~<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