The Pink Journal

Princess Endora stood in front of the mirror adjusting the pink sash at her waist. “Dionne, bring my bracelet. The setting of my faerie crystal is catching on the embroidery of my tunic.”

Dionne handed the bracelet with the faerie crystal set into it to the princess. “I forgot to put a rose in your hair.”

“I’ve never done that on Rose Day.” Princess Endora looked at Dionne. “You don’t have one in yours.”

“I have no beau this year and you are betrothed. A rose in your hair means you are taken.” Dionne explained.

“Oh then put the pink one in it.” Endora smiled the pink one was from Paddrick. Dionne secured the rose in the princess’s hair next to her ear.

When they were finally ready the two faeries went to the Tavern in Brimstone Village. Prince Paddrick was waiting and he stood when they came in.  

Endora smiled as Paddrick shyly handed her another pink rose. “You look very beautiful today.”

“Thank you Paddrick.” Endora said as she sat down.

“I have something else for you.” Paddrick took a box from under his chair and handed it to her.

“You know you are only supposed to give a rose on Rose Day.” Princess Endora blushed as she opened the box. It was a music box with a heart on top inside was two bears kissing. “Oh it’s adorable!”

I know how much you like music boxes. There’s a note inside. Paddrick said impatiently.

Endora smiled and took out the note. It said: ‘I don’t love you like I loved you yesterday because I love you more.’ Endora started to cry.

“What did I do?” Paddrick asked her. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No it is just the most beautiful thing I have ever had anyone tell me. I am so lucky to be betrothed to you. You are so sweet to me.” Endora wiped her tears and smiled at him.

“I try.” Paddrick blushed. He didn’t expect her to be that emotional over what he had written.

Horace brought over their lunch and bowed slightly before he left.

“I hope you don’t mind but I have wanted to try these. They are called pancakes.” Paddrick said.

“Are they always heart shaped?” Princess Endora looked at them and frowned.

“No. Just today.” Paddrick chuckled. “The Mundanes eat these all the time. They put sugar syrup on them.” 

“Well anything is good with sugar syrup, even bitterroot tea.” Endora laughed.

“We don’t have much contact with Mundanes in our realm they are quite fascinating.” Paddrick said.

“They are quite unique.” Endora agreed. She put the syrup on the pancakes then took a bite. “Oh these are good.”

Paddrick took a bite and nodded.

Endora realized that she and Paddrick were alone. She looked around and saw Dionne talking to a young faerie at the bar. “Who is that?”

“That is my new manservant. His name is Harry. Mother insisted on hiring one for me. She says I need to pay attention to Courtly things more.” Paddock shrugged and took another bite. “I really don’t see the need but Mother was quite insistent.”

“Dionne likes him it seems.” Endora smiled. “She will have a rose in her hair by the day’s end.”

“What?” Paddrick asked. He didn’t get the reference.

“Girls wear a rose in their hair when they are ‘taken’.” Endora explained. “Dionne told me that this morning. She usually has one and I don’t. This year I have one and she doesn’t.”

“Oh because you are betrothed.” Paddrick nodded. “But why doesn’t she have one this year?”

“She broke up with her beau.” Endora told him. “Actually he broke up with her because she went walking with one of the Palace Guards at Tree Palace.”

“Oh.” Paddrick nodded. He was in wonder how Endora knew all of this. “So she admitted walking with the guard to her beau?”

“No someone told him behind Dionne’s back. It’s all very complicated.” Endora rolled her eyes.

“I see.” Paddrick grinned. “Well she is talking to someone else now. Two someones actually.”

Endora looked over. “Those are the kitchen boys that Horace just hired. Business has been good. Dionne is such a flirt.”

“My Lord, I just wanted to check if you needed something.” Harry said as he approached.

“Don’t worry Harry. I won’t go home without you.” Prince Paddrick said. “Why don’t you get back to Dionne and keep her company a while longer. We aren’t quite ready.”

“Yes, my lord.” Harry bowed to them. “My lady.”

Endora and Paddrick watched as Dionne sat down in a huff when Horace called the boys back to the kitchen.

“Its either love or hate with her.” Endora said.

“She will settle down when we do.” Paddrick said as he took Endora’s hand in his.

“I hope so.” Endora said. “Or she will have many rose-less days. “