The Forest Princess

Return to the Palace

"I have to go home," Larimar said to Peregrin that evening after Tilia had gone to sleep.

The woodcutter nodded. She still hadn't told him who she was, but he wasn't stupid. He hadn't seen any pictures, but he had heard the news and rumours. He had seen her smile that had lit up his cabin in the woods. He had heard Tilia's gurgling laughter when she played with her. Even the vegetables in his forest garden seemed to grow and taste better in her presence.

Yes, he knew she was the lost princess. He didn't need to ask her. He didn't dare ask. Peregrin had fallen in love with Larimar, and he knew he had no right to hold her back. He briefly thought of the reward but didn't want to go there. This wasn't about a reward. It would only make it worse.

"When are you leaving?" Peregrin asked.

"Tomorrow morning," Larimar replied and bit her lower lip to stop it trembling. "Maybe best before Tilia wakes up."

Peregrin nodded again. He got up and started clearing the table. He didn't want her to see his tears.

Early the following morning, Larimar slipped out of the cabin while the woodcutter and his baby daughter were still fast asleep. She didn't want to wake them up. To simply disappear from their lives as suddenly as she had arrived, that seemed like the right thing to do.

Onyx had been grazing in the forest garden. After the hunting season, the horse had enjoyed the weeklong rest. Now the princess came to him very quietly. She was holding a finger to her lips and looked him straight in the eye. The stallion had wanted to greet her with a cheerful whinny as usual, but he understood. He blew quietly Schnauben through the nostrils and tossed his long mane.

Larimar offered Onyx a carrot and swung herself on his back. Horse and rider tiptoed through the forest. Soon the log cabin was out of sight, and they dropped into a gallop.

When Larimar rode through the gates of the palace grounds, news of her return had already reached her parents. "Larimar Silvana Magnolia of Jasper," King Obsidian addressed her at an official dinner to celebrate the return of the crown princess. He only used his daughter's full name on special occasions, and this was such an occasion. "You have no idea how happy we are to have you back. To know you are safe and well means everything, not only to us but to our whole kingdom. You are the future of this country."

The queen nodded and wiped a tear out of the corner of her eye. For a moment, Larimar thought about getting up and telling everyone that she didn't want to become the Queen of Jasper. But since her father hadn't mentioned it, and everyone was so relieved about her return, she thought it was probably not the best moment.

Larimar understood how much she meant to her parents, and it wasn't just because they wanted her to become the next queen. The words of the Black Elder Fairy kept ringing in her ears. Her heart and thoughts were in the log cabin with Tilia and Peregrin.

Tears welled up in her eyes, and Queen Ruby gave her a long hug. It wasn't the hug she longed for, and she was glad her mother couldn't read her mind.