The Fae Moon

Chat with a King Part 9

Chapter 9

(Chat with a King)

A cool breeze blew across the courtyard as Larissa quietly drew a picture of a couple of hummingbirds hovering above a purple butterfly bush. She had to laugh as the birds kept changing their position. The blonde woman finally had to choose one position the two birds went to and kept the birds there in her drawing. Carefully she studied each of the birds coloring and worked hard to keep it true within her drawing.

The last couple of weeks had gone by in a blur for her. Violet and Nina had instructed her on court etiquette as well as the history of Rosina. They had also taken the liberty of warning her about a few of the women that wanted to be the next queen including Lady Hedashia, Lady Etiessa and Princess Jenicia. In fact they'd warned her not to believe anything the three of them told her. Of all the women they'd spoken about it seemed those were the three that concerned them the most. Larissa knew they weren't the only ones. She'd caught a few comments from Queen Mellesandra about the three women as well.

"What have I gotten myself into?" she sighed. "Oh that's right, I didn't, Rowan did."

"What did I do?" Larissa looked over to see the prince had walked up. She watched as he sat down on the bench by her feet. "I haven't seen you all day, my father has had me busy," Prince Rowan stated. "I don't see how I could possibly be responsible."

"I have to deal with Hedashia, Etiessa and Jenicia," Larissa informed him. "That is most definitely your fault!" Rowan lowered his head in defeat. "Though I do get to see beautiful flowers every day and continue to beat Nina and Violet at Chess," she added a moment later.

Prince Rowan raised his head and smiled. "I understand you beat Dason," He commented not hiding his amusement. His captain had been rather hesitant to admit his defeat to the woman.

"Yes, I did. He took it well. Unfortunately I'm not so certain your father is taking quite as well," Larissa said realizing she hadn't seen the king since. She laughed as her fiances' eyes went wide and a look of disbelief crossed his face.

"You beat my father?!" he said shocked. Green eyes sparkled at him as she nodded. The prince was impressed but also slightly embarrassed. He'd never even managed to beat his father. "My father has rarely ever lost. In fact it's been several years since his last loss."

"Then perhaps I was due." The couple looked over and was more than a little surprised to see King Balamar standing there. Neither one of them were certain when he had joined them. The king watched as the couple quickly rose to their feet before paying him their respects.

"Your Majesty," They said respectfully.

"While I can understand you wanting to spend time with your bride, Rowan. Aren't you supposed to be seeing to Lord Thosman's concerns?" The King said.

"I just returned from there," Rowan assured him. "Everything has been seen to." The king gave a nod. "I probably should speak to General Hoods so that he is aware of what is happening."

"Yes do. He was headed toward his office a few moments ago," King Balamar stated.

"I'll go to him now," Prince Rowan replied. While the prince saw no rush he had also picked up on the feeling that his father wanted him to excuse himself. Something told him that his father wanted a word with his future wife. Rowan looked over at Larissa and said, "Perhaps we can go for a ride after I finish."

"I'd like that," Larissa said smiling at him. Rowan took her hand to his lips and gently kissed it. Giving it a gentle squeeze he released it and giving his father a bow of his head he walked away. Larissa watched as her betrothed walked away and then disappeared into the castle. As her eyes left the building she was somewhat surprised to find the king hadn't moved.