MIDSUMMER’S COURT (part 14 of 14)

[sidhe_faerie]

 ~~~~<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.