The Prophecy

The Princess

"Go to Valoria immediately? I am to go as well? Did they mention the reason?" Clarabelle looked up in surprise, a small pair of pruning shears in hand.

"No, they only write that their High Priestess was granted a vision by the spirits and that it concerns both our kingdoms. It is a matter best discussed together in person. They regret that they are not able to reveal more in the letter but it concerns you and Prince Bastian and specifically asked that you must join us," Queen Clarese perused the parchment in her hands.

Clarabelle clipped a small sprig of lavender and added it to her basket thoughtfully.

"I have a bad feeling about this," Clarabelle mused. "If it is something they could not explain easily in a letter, then the vision could not have been of good news."

"I have the same feeling myself, this seems so unusual. And the fact that they asked specifically for you..." Clarese sighed. "I do hope it is not something serious." She walked over to sit on the bench under a yew tree in the large herb garden.

"What does Father think of this?" Clarabelle set her basket and tools down and went to sit by her mother.

"He is concerned as well. King Edmund has been our ally and a very kind friend for years and if Valoria is in trouble, your father would not hesitate to help." 

"Let's not think of ominous matters, I believe they merely need Father's advice. Besides you would get to see Queen Beatrice. It has been years since you last visited. I am sure she misses you very much." Clarabelle patted her mother's hand, seeking to reassure her.

Clarese smiled and stroked her daughter's hair, tucking her curls behind her ears.. "You always manage to say the right things to ease my mind. You are right, I would love to visit Beatrice again. All these years, we only exchanged letters. The last time we saw the Valorians was before your birth. Bastian was merely a child." Her smile faded slightly and her brows creased as she regarded her daughter. "The Valorians, of course, know nothing about your particular position in the Academy.They merely see you as a Ceptian Princess. If you'd like, I will write back with our regrets that you will not be able to go to Valoria and meet them."

"No Mother." Clarabelle interrupted. "This will draw more attention unto me. As you have mentioned, if I am merely a Ceptian Princess, there is no reason why I have to avoid this meeting. I will make this trip with you and Father. Do not worry, I will be careful."

"I know you will. This is your first time away, I cannot help but worry. Well I better go to your Father, there is much we need to arrange if we were to visit them as soon as we can. Do not stay out too long now, the sun is almost down." Clarese patted her daughter's hand and walked back up the garden path towards the palace.

Clarabelle looked around her large herb garden as her mother left and breathed deeply. A pot-pourri of scents bathed her senses. The sun setting behind the turrets of the palace painted the sky in hues of dusky blues and purples and threw the gardens into shadows. An owl hooted nearby as it awakens. It was her favourite place to be, it was her home. Situated just behind the palace, it was a very important part of the Academy and had every imaginable herb or medicinal plant available and she loved working in there together with the other healers.