The Night We Met

Prologue

It was a warm spring day in Paris, France. The birds were singing their beautiful melodies, and the flowers were awakening from their winter rest. Soaking in the serenity of the outdoors, Guinevere Amulet lied down on the fresh beds of grass. The palace gardens were always lovely at this time of year, and Guinevere reveled in the peaceful atmosphere. "Guinevere," the maid, Maria, called, "your mother is requesting that you head to the dining hall. Brunch starts at half-past ten, so you will have about a half-hour to get dressed. Do you require my assistance, m'lady?""No, thank you Maria," replied Guinevere.

 So, the princess rushed up the palace stairwell, and toward her bedroom, searching for an appropriate gown. She had to be particular with what she wore, seeing that she was going to spend brunch with one of the most significant women in the world. Putting pressure on the bridge of her nose, she sighed in frustration. For being one of the most treasured women in the world - or person at that - the queen of Spain was quite a handful. Guinevere remembered the last time she came upon a female monarch, and it made her ill. 'Queen Eliana, no matter how respectable, is a royal pain,' Guinevere thought. 'I could excuse the fact that she completely and utterly disregarded the delicacies we gifted her, but when she began to disrespect and degrade our family name, I lost it. Mother despises her as well, but there is nothing we can do about it I suppose.'

 Begrudgingly, she picked out a stunning pale blue dress. It was one of Guinevere's favorites, and she adored the delicate silver flowers that decorated the bodice and flowed down onto the sea of fleece that lay below. Putting on the final touches of her outfit, she looked into the mirror and approved of the look.

 Walking back down the stairs, she was met with the pale, petite figure of her personal maid, Maria. "Maria, do you happen to know what time it is at the moment?" said Guinevere. "Yes m'lady, it is 25 after, so you have about five minutes to head to the dining hall," the maid replied. "Thank you, Maria. Just out of curiosity, will you be serving at today's brunch?" questioned the princes. "Yes. I will, madame. I know how troublesome Queen Eliana can be, so just let me know if you need anything, anything at all." "Again, thank you Maria, I don't know what I would do without you."

 Mustering her courage and patience, Guinevere walked over to the dining hall. As she was about to bid good afternoon to her mother, the head male butler - Henri - announced that the queen had finally arrived. Politely greeting their guest, the mother and daughter shared a knowing look as Queen Eliana began her critiques of every single detail within the house.

 "Is this the same table you had during my last visit?" the queen inquired. "I thought you would have bought a new set by now. Speaking of which, my palace just acquired all new furniture and appliances! Can you believe it! Richard is such a dear. Dear me, I almost forgot! Richard and I are renewing our vows this summer. We went through quite a rough patch last year with Christopher refusing to court the girl we picked out and all. But do not fret! He is finally listening to reason now. Oh, how smart a boy he is! Did I tell you about his fencing competition? Oh, you must hear-"

 "Why don't we pause the chit-chat, shall we Queen Eliana? I don't mean to be rude, but I know you would not travel all the way here just to talk about your dearest Christopher and Richard, " said Guinevere's mother, Anastasia.

 "You always have been a blunt one, haven't you Queen Anastasia," Eliana replied mockingly, "Well if you insist, I shall get straight to the point-I wish for your daughter, Guinevere, to marry my son, Christopher." Guinevere spit out her tea into Eliana's face.  

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"WHAT!?!?!?"