As Elsine followed Kannon out of the forest a bolt of nerves rushed through her. Her steps slowed and she tugged at his hand. Kannon paused to look back at her, tilting his head. Elsine chewed her lip, her gaze shifting toward the picnic where the other princes waited for them. "Kannon, what happens between us―" pausing, she stepped a little closer. "It stays between us, yes?"
His eyebrows twitched up. "Are you asking me to keep our secrets, little mouse?" He dipped his chin, smiling at her. She nodded, face serious. His hold on her hand tightened reassuringly. "My lips are sealed."
She was so relieved she let out a sigh, smiling back, "Thank you."
He nodded now, and they made their way back to the picnic. Reluctantly they let go of each other's hands before they got close enough for the others to see. It was almost confusing to Elsine. She didn't want to hide what she felt for Kannon, but for the Summer Court to work diplomatically, feelings were to be carefully handled and guarded. She did not want to rub the connection she had in the other princes' faces.
Kannon settled back on the blanket, and even though he promised to keep their secrets it was obvious to Elsine how pleased he was with their interaction. She could only hope it wasn't that obvious to the others. Ander didn't spare him a glance, smiling kindly up at the princess instead.
Hamish stood abruptly. "May I walk with you?" He asked, surprising everyone with his forward question. The princess nodded and with a polite hand on her upper back, he guided them along to the beginning of a trail that went in the opposite direction than where she had walked with Kannon.
"I feel like we have not had much time to talk yet," he started, dropping his hand. She glanced over at him, the afternoon light making his red hair seem to catch a fiery orange. "I am glad we have time right now," he added, smiling over at Elsine shyly.
The princess smiled a little wider, "Me too." He was more than she expected. She knew what it was like to be nervous and unsure. She had been that at the beginning of this. Every day seemed to get easier.
He looked at his shoes, laughing under his breath, "Forgive me, I am not sure what I am supposed to say or ask, and I am a nervous person by nature." He paused near some wildflowers and bent down, plucking a bright blue one with feathery petals. He handed it to her, his ruddy complexion deepening in color.
Taking the flower from him, feeling happy she had given him a chance, Elsine brought it to her nose. "There is nothing you are supposed to say or ask. I only want you to be yourself. I may be looking for a king, but I am also interested in finding a friend and companion. . . a real partner." She blushed a little to say that out loud, but it was true. She hoped that she would find love in this, somehow.
He studied her, looking as if he were in awe, "Well, I do think you are going to make a great queen. I have not known you very long, but you are all the things I would hope for in a monarch, Elsine."
"That is wonderful of you to say." She was always glad to hear that she was going to be a great queen that could live up to the character of her mother, but it still felt so surface level. That her crown was overshadowing the truth of who she was despite it. She reached to squeeze his shoulder. "Thank you, truly."
"I hope we have more time soon, Elsine." He smiled.
"We will," She replied, sensing that he was ready to go back to the picnic. Or maybe it was she who was ready. Hooking her arm in his she turned them around and looked at the sky. "Such a lovely day."
"That it is," he said, looking around the meadow. Elsine was happy that he did not spin it into a compliment. As they walked, she felt comfortable with the silence between them, and she was so glad that Conor would be her last interaction. She did not need to put on airs with him. He was more of an ally now than a suitor. A friend. She was feeling a little overwhelmed, needing to think hard about everything that had happened. Not to mention she needed to sort her thoughts out about Kannon and Ander when she had a moment alone in her room. Her spirits lifted as she thought that maybe Conor would be able to help her sort through some of her thoughts before she drowned in them.
**Edited Kylie R. Trask 2022**
YOU ARE READING
The Summer Court
Romance**COMPLETED- UNDER SLOW EDITS** The Summer Court is a long-held tradition in Tir na nÓg for an heir that is coming of age and ready to assume their birthright- the Summer Throne. After the loss of her mother, the beloved Queen, and her father, King...
