The Forest Princess

A Seven Year Ban

The morning after Larimar's twenty-first birthday and engagement to Peregrin and Tilia was grey and cloudy. The woodcutter and his daughter had been offered rooms in the royal palace. The girl had been given some clothes which Queen Ruby had kept from the princess when she was little.

Tilia was delighted with the silver slippers and pretty dresses. She was dancing around and told her father how much she loved the palace.

"Don't get any ideas," Peregrin grumbled. He was beginning to have his doubts about taking Tilia to the royal palace.

After breakfast, King Obsidian and Queen Ruby had arranged a meeting with the engaged couple. A lady in waiting took Tilia out into the royal garden. She showed her the kitchen garden tended by the princess. She took her to the peacocks on the lawns, the swans on the lake, and the horses in the royal stables.

At the same time, the ruling royal couple told Larimar and Peregrin some grave news. If they went through with their marriage, then the Crown Princess would no longer be able to inherit the throne of the kingdom. The Kingdom of Jasper would be taken over by the Ice King who happened to be King Obsidian's cousin and nearest relative.

Crown Princess Larimar would lose her title and all rights to the kingdom. She would have to live in the wood cutter's cabin in the forest and would not be allowed to come back for seven years, not even for a visit.

Princess Larimar had already expected this announcement. She had seen it in the smart box the previous night and could therefore take it with the usual royal poise.

For Peregrin, however, the news came completely unexpected. He wasn't worried so much about himself and Tilia. They had never lived in a palace and wouldn't miss it. But what about Larimar. Would she be prepared to give up all this for a life in the forest?

Larimar thanked her parents. She got up and took Peregrin's hand. "How about a walk in the garden and let this settle a little?" she suggested.