The Summer Court

Chapter Seven

The next morning was chaotic for Elsine. So many maids and messengers came into her room to relay schedules, check her hair, and dress her. The last one brought her a very large and stuffy-looking bouquet of expensive flowers. As Terwyn set the moonstone necklace over Elsine's collarbone she read the note attached to the flowers which had been simply signed. Hamish.

Try as she might, Elsine could not stop her nose from wrinkling as she set the paper down. Terwyn fussed with the stray curls of the princess's hair and then said as she moved toward the doors, "The King will be here in a moment to escort you to your walk through the gardens." The princess couldn't get an answer out fast enough before Terwyn rushed out the doors. She sighed.

Turning to her reflection she ran her hands over the sage green chiffon layers of her dress. She took a breath as the light morning breeze coming through her open windows ruffled the sheer sleeves. Pressing her hands to her middle she tried to quell the flight of butterflies. The princess tried for a winning smile in the mirror and frowned. She looked more like she was grimacing. She groaned— the expectation to be well mannered and alluring while she must judge if each prince was worthy of a crown was making her anxious.

Her chamber doors opened, and the King walked in. His attire was less formal than the night before, but still held an air of regality about them.

"Good morning, Father," Elsine greeted as she turned toward him, shifting her long skirts so they didn't get caught under her heels.

The King smiled at his daughter, "Good morning. Are you ready for your first formal outing?"

Inside she screamed, No! Wishing that she didn't have to go through with this. The princes seemed wonderfully pleasant and most of them were beautiful, but that didn't negate the fact that the entire tradition felt like she was a prized animal being shown off and sold to the highest bidder. Taking a steadying breath, she reached deep down inside for strength. She tried to reason that she would be making her parents proud and dipped her chin in a graceful nod.

"Who will walk with me today?" She asked, hooking her fingers over her Father's offered arm as she secretly hoped it wasn't Hamish. The flowers had been too much, and she didn't think she could fake a generous enough thank you to please him.

"You want me to ruin the surprise?" He walked her out of her chambers, a playful glint in his eyes.

Her nerves settled a bit, thankful he was joking with her. Tilting her head back to look at him she raised a brow, "I don't care for surprises."

"Well," He clicked his tongue in mock disapproval. "I shall tell you then, but you mustn't tell anyone. The elders would not approve." He sent her a conspiratorial smile. "Today you will be accompanied by Ander in the Gardens. Does that suit you?" Now he gave her a pointed look— a warning that it would have to.

Elsine felt the relief instantly and her nerves were almost entirely replaced with anticipation. She truly liked Ander, at least what she had seen of him so far. She smiled broadly at her father. "Lovely," She chirped and soon they had made their way down through the castle and to the glass doors leading out to the garden.

Waiting at the large archway that was bursting with a colorful array of blossoms and trailing vines, was Ander. His clothes were humble as they had been the night before, but the gentle gray of his down jacket did not make him look dull. He was anything but with his golden, tan skin and the wind tousling the onyx strands of his hair across his forehead.

Looking up, his amber eyes caught on Elsine and he smiled. The princess blushed but felt so at ease that her nerves disappeared as the king handed her off to her suitor. He didn't say a word but only gave a nod. And as Elsine took Ander's arm he returned the nod, though he bowed a little further and the king departed. The sun was bright, and a group of pixies zipped through the air as they chased after a bird as he led her down the path to start their walk. Rounding the bend of tall rose bushes, Ander cleared his throat.

"Forgive me, but you looked so lovely I forgot to say hello." He paused to turn toward her and Elsine could see that he was genuine when he smiled so easily.

Pressing her other hand into the butterflies that were trying to escape from her belly, Elsine smiled back. Probably too broadly, but she didn't care. He seemed to be just as he was, so she felt like she didn't have to worry so much about what she did or said or even what she looked like.

"Hello," she said, unable to stop the slight giggle that rippled through the word.

Continuing, both were smiling to themselves. Ander watched the rhythm of their feet and Elsine focused on the flowers. She was surprised that the silence was comfortable. It didn't make her less curious about Ander, however, and Elsine could not keep herself from speaking first.

"Tell me about your home, Ander?" The sun glittered in her crystal eyes as she looked at him.

There was a faraway look in his eyes, his shoulders lifting shyly, "Well, it isn't a glimmering city like your home, but the rolling farmlands and deep forests with villages scattered throughout have their charm. To me, it is everything."

Elsine studied his face. He looked like he was in awe as he spoke of his home. Smiling softly, her fingers squeezed his arm, "I imagine it is most beautiful." Though she was born in a castle that sat in the middle of a bustling capital city, there were a few secrets and untouched places in the bit of surrounding countryside. She doubted it was anything like what he was used to, however. Elsine had always longed for simpler things and the idea of Ander's home caused her heart to ache for life without so many obligations. He beamed at her and Elsine blushed at how it lit up his handsome face. Dipping his chin in thanks he patted his other hand over hers as they wove around the array of plants and flowers. They talked about their childhood and shared some laughter over this detail or that.

By the time it was over, Elsine felt she had gained a friend. It was a start. She was still happy and rosy-cheeked as Terwyn helped her into her nightdress. The maid didn't ask her any questions.

"Can I help with anything else?" She asked.

Elsine shook her head, "No, thank you."

"G'night, my Lady." Terwyn smiled and left the princess to her thoughts. Fiddling with the sash of her robe she settled onto the settee in front of the crackling fire and absently braided sections of her hair as she smiled wistfully to herself. Ander was humble and kind, and he made her smile. She wondered about the others— if they held the same qualities. Her smile dampened. What if they proved to be power-hungry or what if they didn't truly like her but wanted the crown?

Spinning through her thoughts for a half-hour, a soft knock on the door pulled her out of her head. Turning, Elsine wrapped her robe tight around herself, brows furrowing as she got up. It was past bedtime for all the castle's help besides the guards and she wondered who could be here at this hour. It took her a minute to get her feet to move, slowly making her way to the door. Her slender fingers wrapped around the curved handle. Unlocking it with her other hand she opened it only a crack to peek out in the hall. No one was there. Opening it wider she glanced around— a delicate flash of red caught her eye outside the threshold. There, someone had set a single, beautiful red rose atop a folded piece of parchment.

Elsine's heart sped as her fingers picked up the flower and note. She leaned out of her door to look further down the halls. There was no one there besides the guards who were at their stations. One glanced her way, his pale blue eyes widening in question. Before he could ask what was wrong, she smiled and shut herself back in the room to read the paper.

You touched my heart with butterflies.

Yours,

Kannon