The Pink Journal

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. 

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. 

The wagon carrying their trunks had already been sent through the portal bridge so all that was left for them to do was to climb into the carriage and go through the portal.

Endora and Dionne came into the courtyard to meet Princess Cara and her maid Grace.

The crown princess looked them up and down. Her eyes came to rest on Dionne’s dark green cloak. She frowned. “Endora, why is you maid wearing ….colour?”

“I allow it. She is not a Royal so I see no harm.” Endora smiled back at Dionne.

“You indulge your maid too much.” Princess Cara said sternly.

Endora shrugged.

“Let’s get this done. We are expected at court as soon as we arrive.” Princess Cara told them.

They climbed into the carriage as the portal bridge was activated. Endora was last to climb in.

Princess Cara caught site of something at Endora’s waist. “You are wearing a dagger?”

“Yes I am and I will wear one the entire time we are there. Dionne is wearing one too.” Endora told her.

Dionne blushed slightly as she moved her cloak for the Crown Princess to see her weapon.

“Really, we are not going into the wilds of Zestra or the Great Enchanted Forest of Una. We are going to a foreign court as honored guests.” Princess Cara reprimanded them.

“I prefer to be safe than sorry.” Endora said as she adjusted her cloak.

“If you are uncomfortable you should have brought a wrap and not that cloak. Why you wear something that covers you wings I’ll never understand.”

“It’s so that I can blend with the humans if need be. It’s easier than trying to explain that I’m a Fae. It saves time when I quest.” Endora explained.

“Someday you will be Crown Princess and you will need to stay home and stop questing.”

“That is a long time from now, is it not? I must learn all I can before I’m queen. You left the realm for a while.” Endora reminded her mother.

“Yes I did. That was before I was crown princess. I was still very young. I have responsibilities now and you will too someday.”

Endora nodded. “I know that Mother.”

The trip itself took less than an hour. Unlike the Tuathan Realm, Midsummer kept their portal bridge far from the palace itself. The beauty of the countryside was breathtaking as the carriage rolled along. The quartet traveled in silence. The occupants were more interested in the scenery than holding conversation. 

When they arrived in the courtyard of the Palace they heard music coming from the Great Hall.

“Are we a day late?” Endora asked as they climbed out of the carriage.

“No you’re not.” A Fae dressed in bright yellow said. “I’m Lady Mustardseed, one of the Royal Ladies. Welcome to Midsummer Court.”

“Thank you. I am Crown Princess Cara of the Tuathe this is my daughter Princess Gaylen Endora.”

“And those two?” Lady Mustardseed pointed at Dionne and Grace.

“They are our servants.” Princess Cara said

“Well they do have names, do they not?” Lady Mustardseed chuckled. “What are your names?”

“I’m Dionne and this is Grace.” Dionne said receiving a glare from Princess Cara.

“Well it’s nice to meet you two as well. My father, King Oberon is waiting. Come along.” Lady Mustardseed turned and started up the stairs and into the Palace.

They all followed her into the Great Hall. There were musicians playing in the corner. Three brightly dressed faeries were dancing together in the middle of the room. The King and Queen were watching and tapping their feet to the music.

The jolly looking King caught sight of the new arrivals and motioned for the music to stop. He got up from his throne and walked over to his guests.

Princess Cara curtseyed low and the others follow suit.

“Cara, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you.” King Oberon turned to Endora. “You must be the little one. She looks like your mother. How is Taralen?”

“She is fine Your Majesty. Queen Taralen sends her deep regards. King Oberon, this is my daughter, Princess Gaylen Endora."

"Hello Poppet." My daughters, come here so you can be introduced. The King waved the dancing faeries over.

The brightly colored Fae came and made a line then bowed to the guests.

“You have met Mustardseed. This is Peaseblossom.” He pointed to a Fae in bright green. “That is Cobweb and Moth is on the end there.” Cobweb was dressed in red and moth was in a purple gown.

Endora smiled at the unusual names. Her name seemed normal compared to theirs. “It is good to meet you all.”

“Likewise.” Lady Moth said. “Father, can we go back to dancing now?”

“Yes, yes, go ahead.” King Oberon waved them away. He waved to the musicians to play. “Wife, come greet our guests from Queen Taralen’s realm.”

Queen Tatiana came over and the guests bowed again. “How is your Queen? We were very disappointed when we heard that she would not be among you.”

“She is well and was greatly disappointed as well but there were pressing matters at home.”

Queen Tatiana looked at Endora closely. “Poppet, you do have the look of your grandmother. I would swear I was looking back in time to when she and I were young faeries.”

“Thank you Your Majesty. I believe I look like her as well.” Endora said with a smile.

Queen Tatiana nodded and smiled with a slightly confused look on her face. “What is Poppet’s name again?”

“I am Princess Gaylen Endora but everyone just calls me Endora.”

“Ah then Endora would you like to dance with my daughters?” King Oberon asked.

“Um … I don’t dance that well.” Endora said. “I would like to look at your gardens before it becomes too dark.”

King Oberon grinned and nodded. “They are just out that door.” He pointed to an open door off the side of the great hall. “They are better at night with a young man however.”

Endora blushed. “I will keep that in mind, Your Majesty.” She bowed and looked at Princess Cara who nodded. Dionne looked at everyone bowed and followed her mistress.

Endora went to stand by a large fountain in the center of the garden. Dionne came up beside her.

“That was odd.” Dionne said.

“I fear it will get even more so before this trip is over.” Endora looked at her reflection in the water.

Princess Endora pushed away the stack of correspondence and invitations with a sigh. “Dionne, have you finished packing?”

“Just about My Lady. What shoes do you want for the ball?” Dionne held up two pair of silk slippers. One pair had a higher heel than the other.

“The lower ones for the ball but pack them both. My court dresses are a bit long and I need the heel.”  

“Shall I pack your riding boots?” Dionne wrapped the shoes carefully in tissue and put them in the top of the smaller trunk.

“No. I won’t be riding. Dionne, don’t pack breeches and tunics either. This is strictly ‘princess time’.” Endora told her.

“Yes My Lady. I put the crystal dagger in a pouch inside your travel bag. The gold sword belt is in there as well.”

“Put the gold belt in the trunk and don’t forget my crown. I want the one that is encrusted with diamonds.”

“I have it packed already along with the plain one for Court.”  

“Ah. Good thinking.” Endora nodded. She stood and stretched. She had been sitting too long.

“I have packed three court dresses and the ball gown. Should I pack more dresses?” Dionne asked.

“That should be enough. Pack the new corset too as well as the new stockings.”

“I have already. I have packed under shifts, unmentionables and night dresses as well.” Dionne ticked off the list on her fingers. “I think that is everything.”   

“Sounds like it. Close up the trunks and lock them. The footmen will come for them later.” Endora told her. “Have you gotten my travel clothes ready?”

“They are over there waiting for you.” Dionne pointed to a bench under the window.

Endora nodded. “Have you sent a message to Della to tell her you are coming?”

“Yes. She is very excited to see me. We haven’t seen each other since we were young. My lady, do you know a Prince Brandon?”

“He’s from the Northern Realm. The youngest I believe. Why?” Endora looked at the maid questioningly.

“He is coming to the ball. Della said that he is coming there to meet his betrothed. She seems to think it may be you.”

“That’s nonsense. I would know if I were being betrothed.” Endora thought for a moment. A betrothal was a big enough thing to warrant a horse. “Damn!”

“My Lady!?” Dionne was surprised at the Princess’ use of course language.

“That is what they are doing. The horse. A new tunic. They are all bribes to get me to agree to be betrothed. I should have thought of that.” Endora groaned in annoyance.

“What are you going to do?” Dionne asked.

“I don’t know yet. I have to think about it. I’m going for a ride on my bribe.” Endora pulled on her riding boots.

“Your what?” Dionne looked confused.

“The horse Dionne. I’m going for a ride on Sugar Plum. I’ll be back before supper.” Endora left.

Dionne was still a bit confused. A prince of the Northern Realm didn’t sound like a bad catch. The only problem was Princess Endora wasn’t looking to catch one. This was not going to be the ‘happy ending’ the Queen and Crown Princess have planned.

Dionne locked the trunks and went to finish her daily chores.  

A week passed and it was time for the final fittings of the ball gowns. The seamstress waited as Princess Cara slipped on her gown and came from behind the screen.

“It seems a bit tight here.” The Princess indicated the waist.

“I give you a bit more there Your Highness. Is there anything that you want added?” The seamstress smiled. She had done up the dress to the measurements but it seemed the Princess was putting on a bit of weight.

“No its fine.” Princess Cara said. “I wonder what is keeping Endora she knows to meet me here.”

As if on cue Endora comes through the door. “I’m sorry I lost track of time. Aura sent a message to you, Mother.”

“What is it?” Princess Cara asked.

“She says Lord Draconis wants you to come to Una to see him before her wedding.” Endora told her.

“I’ll make arrangements after we return from Midsummer Court. He must want to know who I will want to be in attendance. I believe it will be only you and I from this Realm.”

“Grandmother will not attend?”

“No. she does not acknowledge your sisters.”

“I will never understand that.” Endora said.

“If she were to acknowledge them then it would put them in the line of succession. Neither Aura nor Victra have any interest in the Crown or any right to it by Sidhe law.” Princess Cara explained.   

“Because they are not full Fae. That part I understand. I don’t think it’s fair but I understand it.” Endora shook her head.

“There are many things in life that are not fair, Endora.” Princess Cara said as she went behind the screen to change.

“I already know that, Mother.” Endora said as the seamstress handed her the ball gown she was to try on.

Princess Cara came out from the behind the screen with her dress in hand wearing her day dress. “Hurry and change. I am eager to see this dress.”

Endora went behind the screen and changed. The dress was still low but the lace gave it some coverage. The seamstress had added the embroidered silk to the skirt and the bodice. It was much less plain now. 

Endora walked out and Princess Cara was surprised at how well Endora looked in the dress. “You are beautiful!”

“I made the changes, My Lady. Is it alright?” The seamstress asked.

“Yes. It’s much better. Thank you.” Endora looked at herself in the mirror. She really looked like a princess now.

“We must do something with your hair. Maybe if it were coiled with a few ringlets that would be good. You will have to wear your crown.” Princess Cara considered her. Endora’s hair was longer than her own and it would need time to dress it properly.

“I was thinking the same thing. I’ll talk to Dionne about it. She has always been good with my hair.” Endora could see the look Princess Cara was giving her in the mirror.

“Tell her she will be coming with us and to get you packed early.” Princess Cara said.

“I will. She has a cousin in the Royal household that she has wanted to see.” Endora went back behind the screen to change.

“That will be a help.” Princess Cara said.

“Yes it will.” Endora came back out in her tunic and breeches and handed the dress back to the seamstress.

“I have these pressed and sent up to the palace.” The seamstress said.

“Thank you.” Princess Cara said. “Where are you off to Endora?”

“I have some correspondence to go through and then I need to decide what to take to Midsummer Court.” Endora said. “I may go for a ride before supper.”

“On Astra or Sugar Plum?” Princess Cara still thought that was a strange name for a horse.

“Sugar Plum. Astra and I took training this morning. I’m trying to split my time between them. They are getting on well in the stables. The groom says they even share apples.” Endora smiled.

“Animals are very strange sometimes.” Princess Cara said dismissively.

“I’m glad. I don’t want either to feel like they are less than the other. I should go.”

“Go on.” Princess Cara told her. “I need to talk to the seamstress for a minute.”

Endora nodded and left them.

“Is everything ordered?” Princess Cara asked the woman.

“Ordered and delivered. I will start the gown in a few days.” The seamstress remembered something. “Oh I forgot to give the Princess her new tunic. I’ll send it up with the dresses later.”

“That will be fine. Thank you.” Princess Cara left to tell talk to the Queen.

~~~~<O 5 O>~~~~

A few days later Endora and Princess Cara stood in the seamstresses shop trying on their new gowns.

Princess Cara was looking at herself in the mirror. The off the shoulder dress had lace sleeves and a lace ruffle on the top of the lace covered bodice. The wide sweeping skirt was plain silk. ”This will do nicely. Thank you. Endora come from behind that screen and let me see it.”

“Um. There really isn’t much to see. It barely covers my corset.” Endora came from behind the screen and looked like she was about to cry. “I can’t wear this. It shows way too much.”

The gown was low in the front and had a plain bodice and large sweeping skirt. It was sleeveless and strapless.  

“Endora you are a grown Fae now you should dress like it.”

“I have never been to a ball. You and Grandmother would never let me go to the Tuathan Ball in Crystal Spires. I just want the perfect dress and I don’t think this is it. I’m sorry I know you worked hard on it but it’s too low. I’m afraid if I dance I will be exposed. Can you do something?”

“The dress is no lower than mine. Endora you need to stop being silly.”

“Mother, I am not being silly.”

“Perhaps a bit of lace to make you feel less exposed, My Lady?” The seamstress suggested.

“Anything please. Maybe even some straps to hold it up. I’m afraid if I step on the hem the whole thing will come down.”

“Of course my lady. You should be confident at your first ball and not have to worry over your dress.” The seamstress picked up some extra fabric and pinned straps and a bit of lace on the bodice. “Is this better, My Lady?”

“It feels more secure. Thank you.” Endora said as she looked in the mirror. “It is a bit plain.”

“That is what jewels are for Endora.” Princess Cara told her.” I have something for you to wear. It’s a necklace from your father I have been saving for you.”

“I won’t be wearing my crystal?”

“No this is a special necklace. Your father gave it to me after you were born. Micah was so proud to have a beautiful daughter.” Princess Cara fought back tears as she thought of her brave Sidhe warrior that fell in the war with the Fomors.

“Thank you Mother I will wear it proudly in my father’s memory.” Endora smiled. She had no real memory of her father. He died when she was very small.

Endora wondered what her father would think of this dress. She was sure it would make even the bravest of warrior blush like a maid. Endora sighed as she looked at the dress with the additions. It would have to do. There was no time to do much more.

“Let me help you my lady and we can get it fixed for you. Maybe a layer of lace on the skirt? Or a sheer layer of embroidered silk?” The seamstress asked.

“The silk I think. I have a gold belt I think will look nice and a jeweled dagger.” Endora said.

“A dagger is not something a woman wears to a ball.” Princess Cara said from behind the screen.

“I should have something in case of trouble.” Endora said. “It was a gift from Dragas for my last birthday.”

“I remember it.” Princess Cara came out holding the ball gown in her day dress. “The hilt is pure carved crystal with a green stone on the top. It will be fine but don’t be surprised if you are asked to remove it. Every Court has different rules about weapons.”

“I know.” Endora went behind the screen and the seamstress helped her off with the gown. Endora dressed in her usual tunic and breeches and pulled on her boots. She came from behind the screen and looked at her mother. “I need to train and then I will take Sugar Plum out again.”

“Sugar Plum?” Princess Cara asked.

“I named the horse Sugar Plum. Aura made some once. They are like little cakes.”

“You named a well blooded horse after biscuits? Endora, can you not think of a better name?” Princess Cara asked.

“I like the name and I think she does too.” Endora smiled. “I will see you for supper.”

“Be careful!”

“I will” Endora said as she left the room and headed for training.

“Your Highness, I have the order for the other dress.” The seamstress handed Princess Cara a parchment.

“I will send the funds to you immediately on my return to my chambers. It is not as much as I thought it would be.” Princess Cara admitted.

“I have good contacts.” The seamstress laughed. “The silk is from Tir-nan-og. I traded cloth made by the Fae weavers for it. You would think they wouldn’t want that plain stuff but it’s indestructible after it is made into a garment.”

“I know. The Sidhe Guards wear tunics made of it. Princess Cara handed the parchment back and walked to her chambers.

Princess Cara was waiting for her daughter impatiently when Endora walked through the door. “There you are! I’ve been waiting.”

“I had to put on my corset.” Endora said. She was a little out of breath from the corset being so tight.

“Turn around. Your laces are too tight. You look like you are going to faint.” Princess Cara commanded. “I see I have to have my maid train yours on the proper way to lace a corset.” Princess Cara pushed up the back of Endora’s tunic and untied the laces and started to adjust them.

“I could just not wear one.” Endora took a deep breath as the laces were adjusted.

“Nonsense. All proper princesses wear corsets. I assure you its more comfortable than binding.” Princess Cara finished tying the laces.  

“But it’s too restrictive for training and riding.” Endora felt much better now that she could breathe.

“You must get used to it. What if you had to fight in a gown? Would you say ‘wait while I take off my corset’?” Princess Cara admonished her.

Endora laughed. “No that’s silly. I see your point. I will start training in my corset.”

“And wearing it under your tunic?” Princess Cara gave her a stern look.

“I will wear it under my tunic, I promise. Can we please get this over with?” Endora did not enjoy being measured for dresses but it was something she must endure as a princess.

“Yes, yes.” Princess Cara waved over the seamstress. “We need new ball gowns and my daughter would like a new tunic as well.” Princess Cara smiled at Endora.

“Yes Your Highness. Which of you will go first?” The little seamstress asked.

Endora stepped forward. “I will. I still have training to do.”

“Very good My Lady. Just stand still and it will only take a few moments.” The seamstress took out her measuring ribbon and started to measure the young princess.

When the woman was finished Endora left to go train. Today she was training with lances on her unicorn, Astra.    

Princess Cara waited to make sure that Endora was gone. “There is one other thing. The Queen has requested a wedding gown be made for Princess Endora but she mustn’t know its being made. Not yet.”

“Her Great Majesty is going to betroth the Princess soon then?” The seamstress asked. The woman was thinking of all the dresses and coats she would have to make and how much she will get for it all.

“Yes. It is sooner than I would have hoped. We haven’t told her yet so if you could keep quiet I would appreciate it.” Princess Cara told the woman.       

“Oh yes of course, Your Highness. So I am to make two ball gowns, one tunic and a wedding gown, is that it?” The seamstress confirmed the order

“The ball gowns need to be done before we leave for Midsummer Court in two weeks. The rest can wait but start on the wedding gown as soon as the ball gowns are finished.”

“I will need to order the beads and pearls for the wedding gown now Your Highness. We haven’t had a wedding in a very long time and I have nothing saved back. I wasn’t expecting to need it yet truthfully.”

“Order what you need and bring the bill for it directly to me. She’s my daughter and I want the best for her. You may order anything you think will be appropriate.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Let’s get you measured.” The little woman smiled.

Princess Cara stands still for the seamstress as the woman makes her notes.

“I have one question, Your Highness. How modest should the ball gowns be?”

Princess Cara thought for a moment. “Not too modest but not overly revealing especially for the Princess.  They should be more revealing than the ones we wear at our own balls. Midsummer court is not a place of modesty but we should have decency at least.”

“I understand Your Highness. I will have them ready for a fitting in a few days.” The seamstress promised.

Princess Cara nodded and went back to her work on the grain ledgers. Endora will be upset at them all, she thought. She hoped the Queen wasn’t rushing this. She felt her daughter was just not ready for a marriage and family. Endora showed no interest in settling down. Princess Cara had an overwhelming feeling of doom about the whole thing.

MIDSUMMER’S COURT

Rating: G

Characters: 

Faerie Fantasy: Queen Taralen, Crown Princess Cara, Princess Endora, Dionne Draconis, High Priestess Aura the Dark of Una, Grace, Prince Brandon, Della, OC (groom, seamstress)

Midsummer Court: King Oberon, Queen Tiatiana, Mothm Cobweb, Peaseblossom, Mustardseed, Puck

Summary: The Queen and Crown Princess hatch a plot to arrange a marriage for the unsuspecting Princess Endora.

A/N: Original story as part of “Faerie Fantasy of the Questing Princess” series. Inspired by ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ by William Shakespeare 

Princess Endora was so bored she was about to doze off. One of the Sidhe Guards came to the door and the chamberlain announced a messenger from the Midsummer Court.  Endora saw her mother and grandmother exchange glances. The Queen waved the messenger forward.

The man bowed in a grand way before the Royal trio before he addressed the Queen.

“Your Great Majesty, I have come to offer you an invitation by Their Majesties King Oberon and Queen Tatiana of the Midsummer Court. It is their wish to invite you and your Princesses to the ball commemorating the Solstice of Summer.”

Queen Taralen sat without saying anything for a few minutes. She leaned over to Princess Cara and whispered something that Endora couldn’t hear and the Princess nodded.

“We would be happy to accept the invitation of Their Majesties. However, I will not be able to attend but my daughter and granddaughter will be attending. They will be my official representatives of my Court.” 

Needless to say Princess Endora was less than thrilled with the idea of attending a ball in a foreign Court. As a Questing Princess, Endora was more likely to be fighting in foreign lands than be dancing in them. She would go but there was no guarantee that she would like anything about it.

Queen Taralen waved the Sidhe Guard at the door forward. “Guard, take this man and see that he gets food and a bed for the night.” She turned to the messenger. “It is late and you can start off fresh in the morning.”

The man bowed. “Thank you, Your Great Majesty.” He followed the guard out.   

“Cara and Endora, you need to see the seamstress strait away and get new dresses. The Court at Midsummer is very formal. No tunics and leggings while you are there, Endora.”

“How do we ride?” Endora asked the thought of riding side saddle was uncomfortable. It made her knees hurt.

“You will be using the Royal carriage.” Queen Taralen told her. “There is no need for you to ride on the back of a unicorn.”

Great a stuffy carriage, Endora thought. She must have inadvertently rolled her eyes because the Queen smacked her arm with her fan. “Ow!”

“I expect you both to be on your best behavior.” Queen Taralen said as she looked at Endora. “I have some things to look over before supper. I shall see you both there.” Queen Taralen stood and walked to the door of her study.

“Mother, what do you know of the Midsummer Court?” Endora asked.

“They have a smaller Realm and seem to always engaged in frivolity.”

“Frivolity?” Endora asked.

“They dance, feast and drink constantly.” Cara told her daughter.

“Then why have a ball when it is an everyday thing?” Endora was curious.

“Because that is their way, it doesn’t mean they should not celebrate a High Holy Day for the Fae.” Cara said. “I’m not really looking forward to it either. Their Court is always in such chaos. Let’s get to the seamstress and get those dresses made.”

“I’d rather have a new tunic.” Endora said.

“We will have that made too.” Princess Cara said. “Do you have on your corset?”

“No.” Endora blushed.

“Then go to your chambers and get it and meet me at the seamstress. Really Endora you should wear it even under your tunics.” Princess Cara shook her head in disapproval.

“Yes Mother.” Endora stood and went off to get her corset and meet her mother.

Cara sat for a few more minutes. She was dreading this. She and the Queen had been planning a marriage for Endora but they hadn’t said anything to the girl. Cara knew Endora would be furious when she found out their plan.