Once upon a time, in a land far far away, there lay the majestic kingdom of
Freesia. Ruled by a judicious king and a regal Queen, Freesia was destined
for great things, and prosperous lives for all of its people. But as many
great stories start, a tragedy swept over the kingdom. The king had been
killed in battle; an unexplainable power bombarded the troops as they were
on their way to the lands of Black. The courageous king had tried
desperately to fight the power, but it proved to be to strong for the old
and feeble king. Now the Kingdom of Freesia had no king, and the Queen, to
old to find a new suitor had no choice. For the sake of her kingdom she had
to find a husband for her daughter, the Princess.
" All hail Queen Nancy and Princess Chloe!" the trumpets sounded as the people arose in a crescendo of cheers and claps. The Queen smiled graciously, stifling the cries of the infant princess.
Queen Nancy handed Chloe carefully to Miriam Lockhart, the head maid; who was also holding her child, Mimi. The Princess cried softly as she left her mother's arms, but soon fell back to her child like dreams.
The Queen walked toward the balcony, acknowledging her people," As you all know, the king, my husband was killed in battle," her voice cracked, but she was a poised Queen, putting on a strong front," He fought bravely, and shall always watch over Freesia, even in spirit. Let his death make you stronger, but never let his memory leave your hearts," The crowd cheered as tears streamed down their faces.
The Queen bid the people back to their jobs and retrieved motioned for Miriam to follow her," Miriam,"
" Yes My Queen," Miriam answered, still holding onto the princess and her child.
" You and I have been confidants for a long time, I've trusted you with many of my secrets. Can I trust you once again?" The Queen perched herself on a window seat in princess Chloe's chamber.
Miriam lay Mimi and the princess in the cradles of fairy wood and took a seat near the Queen," Of course you can your majesty,"
" With my husband dead, and myself approaching death's doors-"
Miriam interrupted," Please my Queen thou shant say those ridiculous things,"
The Queen raised her hand," It's alright Miriam, I welcome death, for I count the days where I can rejoin my love. But before I do I must be sure that there is a rightful heir to Freesia."
Miriam gave a bewildered look," What is thou trying to say?"
" I must find Chloe a suitor, and I must start now. I must be guaranteed that when I die Chloe shall have a fine husband to rule over this land," The Queen looked down solemnly," I need to be assured that Chloe and Freesia shall be in good hands,"
Miriam looked at the queen in aphony," My Queen, don't you think that princess should be allowed to let her heart decide? There must be love between a King and Queen, otherwise the Kingdom shall crumble,"
Queen Nancy's demeanor grew grave," I am adamant in my decision, my daughter shall be married off to the finest prince in the land. It is for her own good,"
Miriam sighed, not daring to argue with her majesty," I see there is no chance of reconsideration, so how shall thou find an eligible suitor for the princess?"
" I have already talked with Lord Black, seems he is interested in a merge of our two kingdoms. When Chloe is ready for travel we shall spend our summers in the Land of Black. Hopefully sparks shall fly between Chloe and Prince Brady,"
Miriam shook her head," My Queen, I love the princess almost as if she were of my own. You know very well that you can't force love,"
" But like a flower, I can help it grow, nourish it. And even if the flower does not desire to bloom. It shall have no control over it," She clutched her train and arose from her seat," Good day Miriam. Watch over my Chloe," she walked over to the princess's cradle and kissed her forehead singing to her softly.
Catch a falling star, and put it in your pocket
Never let it fade away
Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket
Save it for a rainy day
Love may come and tap you on the shoulder
Some starry night
And if he wants to hold you
You may catch a pocket full of starlight
" Good night my daughter,"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
10 years later
" Chloe Lane Wesley! Don't make this any harder than it is! The carriage is waiting; you mustn't keep the Lords of Black waiting!
Chloe turned to her best friend Mimi," Your mother can be a real pain sometimes Meems;" Mimi nodded in agreement," I'm so tired of going to visit prince Brady. I wish I could stay here with you and experience a Freesian summer for once,"
" Yeah me too Chloe," Mimi reached behind her back and pulled out a headdress made out of dandelions," Here Chloe, don't worry it won't be that bad. Come winter you shall be back here," They hugged eachother as Miriam shouted once more for Chloe.
Princess Chloe grabbed the trim of her dress and ran frantically down the stairs," Ok, Ok, Ok Miriam don't have a cow I'm here,"
Miriam grabbed the princess by her ear and pulled her close to her hip," I shall have a cow if thy so desire. Now come on your mother has been waiting in that carriage for ages for you. You'd think by now you'd be used to it,"
" I don't want to go, every summer is worse then the other. I want to stay here with you and Mimi," Chloe's big blue eyes pleaded for mercy, but Miriam was having none of it.
" You say that every year Princess and you always receive the same answer. It is your mother's decision, I have no control over it," Miriam lay a soft kiss on her forehead before shooing her off to the carriage.
Chloe took the hand of her coachmen and sat daintily next to her mother. She heard the whip, signaling their departure and turned to look back at Miriam and Mimi. Mimi clutched sadly to her mother's apron, while Miriam held a handkerchief waving them farewell. Chloe waved sadly, dreading another horrible summer with Prince Brady.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*
Chloe peered out the carriage window; the sun shown brightly and the grass could not have been greener. Even Chloe had to admit that the Lands of Black were indeed a sight to behold. It did bear a similarity to Freesia, but in Chloe's eyes it came nowhere close.
" Aren't these lands beautiful Chloe?" Nancy asked cheerfully.
Chloe shrugged," It is indeed beautiful, but nowhere near as pretty as Freesia,"
Queen Nancy chuckled," Well I suppose that is true my dear, but you are not to say anything of that manner infront of the royal family understand?" Chloe nodded, rolling her eyes," You can always play with princess Isabelle. I hear that she is staying at the castle this summer,"
Chloe was surprised; usually princess Isabelle spent her summers in the Lands of Brady. She was being trained to betroth Prince Shawn," I've never seen the princess,"
" Don't be silly of course you have. You just don't remember, you and she were the best of friends," Nancy saw suspicion on her daughters face," As I said you probably don't remember,"
Chloe sighed; she could see the castle a short distance ahead. She knew this drill all to well. The royal family would be standing infront of the castle gates, waiting anxiously to greet them. Then her mother would let out a howling squeal nearly suffocating all of them. The part that Chloe dreaded the most would come next, she would have to give her hand to Prince Brady. He would make a gagging noise and kiss her hand, which she would swiftly move right after.
The horse cried as the horseman pulled on its reign, and the carriage came to a halting stop. The coachmen came out and escorted Nancy and Chloe down. As Chloe stepped onto the soft grass, she surveyed the familiar surroundings. Nothing had changed, the grand cherry blossom tree still shaded the castle walls, and the castle looked as enormous as ever. Chloe knew that this summer would be no different from any other.
" Nancy!" Queen Marlena approached them first, greeting them warmly with a hug. She was a regal beauty, with smooth blond hair, and a trim figure. Chloe couldn't help but feel comfort when in her presence," Its really been to long. My, Princess Chloe, how you have grown since the last time I've seen you!"
Chloe curtsied," Thank you for welcoming us into your home," Chloe smiled as wide as she could, as Queen Marlena gasped at what a sophisticated princess she was.
King John stepped forward; he was more of a stalwart figure. With broad shoulders and chiseled good looks, he definitely looked the part. He kissed Nancy's hand and then tapped Chloe lovingly on the head," I hope that you find my Kingdom to suit you, remember if you need anything please don't be afraid to ask,"
Nancy beamed," You are too kind. But where is prince Brady and princess Isabella? Chloe was so looking forward to seeing them, weren't you Chloe?"
Chloe wanted appose but she saw her mother's forbidding eyes," Yes, I would so like to see them," she thought she was about to gag.
Chloe was about to go into the castle when she felt something hit her head. She reached back and ran her fingers through her hair; she looked at her hand that was covered in red goo. She brought her finger to her mouth to taste it. Tomato.
" Oh my god Chloe!" Nancy ran hurriedly towards Chloe who was as red as the tomato in her hair," My dear what happened?"
King John searched the area," Brady Victor Black you come out this instant!" he roared loudly. Like clockwork Prince Brady and his best friend Prince Jason of Welles came from behind the cherry blossom tree," Front and center you two!"
Timidly the two boys approached the raging king," Hi dad," Prince Brady said innocently.
" Don't you hi dad me! Didn't I tell you that there shall be no trickery on the princess!"
" Come on dad, it was only a joke. I mean she didn't even get hurt," Brady smirked wildly at the furious princess," You must admit it is funny," Jason snickered.
" Funny!" he gently pulled the princess to his hip," I want you two to apologize to the princess immediately!"
The two princes crinkled their noses in disgust," Sorry princess Chloe" they groaned in unison.
Chloe gave a loud 'humph' and crossed her arms," Queen Marlena, King John may I please go to your bathing quarters. I can feel it sinking into my scalp,"
King John looked sympathetically towards the princess," Sure you may. Guards, escort Princess Chloe and Queen Nancy to their quarters. I must have a word with my son and Prince Jason," The guard nodded and lead the Queen and Princess into the castle.
As soon as they were in the castle King John grabbed the two princes by their collars," Alright you two, what do have to say for yourselves?"
" Dad, we were only playing. Can we help it if the princess is such a priss? I mean why does she have to come every single summer?"
" That's enough ,we are going to go talk to Queen Nancy and apologize for your hideous behavior. One more trick, one more prank, and you shall be spending your entire summer in the castle," King John gave his arm to Queen Marlena and gave them one sterner look before walking back to the castle.
" Can you believe that?" Brady exclaimed," Oh my god, it's sinking into my scalp," he said imitating the princess.
" Well I guess we won't be able to play any more pranks on her huh?" Prince Jason said sounding very disappointed.
Brady grinned," Not exactly, we just have to be very careful," He and Jason high-fived eachother, maybe their summer with the princess wouldn't be so bad after all.
~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~**~*~
" Chloe is devastated! She has always been so proud of her hair," Nancy sobbed," She refuses to come out of her room and she won't even talk to me!" she blew into King John's kerchief and continued to wail.
" We are so sorry Nancy. We instructed out son to be on his best behavior we assure you," Queen Marlena said trying to soothe Queen Nancy.
" It's been ten years, and Prince Brady and Chloe still despise eachother. I am coming to the end of my rope Marlena, I'm not immortal,"
King John scratched his head" Well we have your daughter avoiding my son, and my son avoiding your daughter. Maybe we should just tie them up and lock them in a chamber?"
Nancy leapt to the idea but Marlena shook her head," You two have so much to learn. Haven't you noticed that the more you push them together the more they retreat? They are two fairy stones, when you forcefully push them together they create storms and floods, but if you let them join eachother naturally they will bring rainbows and good harvest."
" But what else can we do? They are more likely to kill eachother then to fall in love,"
" Why don't you suggest that Chloe join Brady in a game of badminton? It is Brady's favorite past time, I'm sure that they could both benefit from a healthy competition?"
Nancy was irresolute," I don't know. My Chloe is a singer not an athlete. She is much to delicate for those things,"
Marlena's ears perked up," Did you say that Princess Chloe is a singer?"
Nancy nodded," The best in the land, angelic as an angel, and sweet as a passion fruit," Nancy boasted proudly.
Marlena and John exchanged hopeful looks," It just so happens that our Brady is quite the tenor himself,"
Nancy nearly jumped," Maybe, just maybe they can find some common ground in music, everyone knows that love is most commonly expressed in music."
" I have no doubt in my mind that Brady and Chloe shall make beautiful music together." The three smiled.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*
Chloe took a seat on the vanity chair, her hair was a mess, the tomato had proved more of a challenge then expected.
" All hail Queen Nancy and Princess Chloe!" the trumpets sounded as the people arose in a crescendo of cheers and claps. The Queen smiled graciously, stifling the cries of the infant princess.
Queen Nancy handed Chloe carefully to Miriam Lockhart, the head maid; who was also holding her child, Mimi. The Princess cried softly as she left her mother's arms, but soon fell back to her child like dreams.
The Queen walked toward the balcony, acknowledging her people," As you all know, the king, my husband was killed in battle," her voice cracked, but she was a poised Queen, putting on a strong front," He fought bravely, and shall always watch over Freesia, even in spirit. Let his death make you stronger, but never let his memory leave your hearts," The crowd cheered as tears streamed down their faces.
The Queen bid the people back to their jobs and retrieved motioned for Miriam to follow her," Miriam,"
" Yes My Queen," Miriam answered, still holding onto the princess and her child.
" You and I have been confidants for a long time, I've trusted you with many of my secrets. Can I trust you once again?" The Queen perched herself on a window seat in princess Chloe's chamber.
Miriam lay Mimi and the princess in the cradles of fairy wood and took a seat near the Queen," Of course you can your majesty,"
" With my husband dead, and myself approaching death's doors-"
Miriam interrupted," Please my Queen thou shant say those ridiculous things,"
The Queen raised her hand," It's alright Miriam, I welcome death, for I count the days where I can rejoin my love. But before I do I must be sure that there is a rightful heir to Freesia."
Miriam gave a bewildered look," What is thou trying to say?"
" I must find Chloe a suitor, and I must start now. I must be guaranteed that when I die Chloe shall have a fine husband to rule over this land," The Queen looked down solemnly," I need to be assured that Chloe and Freesia shall be in good hands,"
Miriam looked at the queen in aphony," My Queen, don't you think that princess should be allowed to let her heart decide? There must be love between a King and Queen, otherwise the Kingdom shall crumble,"
Queen Nancy's demeanor grew grave," I am adamant in my decision, my daughter shall be married off to the finest prince in the land. It is for her own good,"
Miriam sighed, not daring to argue with her majesty," I see there is no chance of reconsideration, so how shall thou find an eligible suitor for the princess?"
" I have already talked with Lord Black, seems he is interested in a merge of our two kingdoms. When Chloe is ready for travel we shall spend our summers in the Land of Black. Hopefully sparks shall fly between Chloe and Prince Brady,"
Miriam shook her head," My Queen, I love the princess almost as if she were of my own. You know very well that you can't force love,"
" But like a flower, I can help it grow, nourish it. And even if the flower does not desire to bloom. It shall have no control over it," She clutched her train and arose from her seat," Good day Miriam. Watch over my Chloe," she walked over to the princess's cradle and kissed her forehead singing to her softly.
Catch a falling star, and put it in your pocket
Never let it fade away
Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket
Save it for a rainy day
Love may come and tap you on the shoulder
Some starry night
And if he wants to hold you
You may catch a pocket full of starlight
" Good night my daughter,"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
10 years later
" Chloe Lane Wesley! Don't make this any harder than it is! The carriage is waiting; you mustn't keep the Lords of Black waiting!
Chloe turned to her best friend Mimi," Your mother can be a real pain sometimes Meems;" Mimi nodded in agreement," I'm so tired of going to visit prince Brady. I wish I could stay here with you and experience a Freesian summer for once,"
" Yeah me too Chloe," Mimi reached behind her back and pulled out a headdress made out of dandelions," Here Chloe, don't worry it won't be that bad. Come winter you shall be back here," They hugged eachother as Miriam shouted once more for Chloe.
Princess Chloe grabbed the trim of her dress and ran frantically down the stairs," Ok, Ok, Ok Miriam don't have a cow I'm here,"
Miriam grabbed the princess by her ear and pulled her close to her hip," I shall have a cow if thy so desire. Now come on your mother has been waiting in that carriage for ages for you. You'd think by now you'd be used to it,"
" I don't want to go, every summer is worse then the other. I want to stay here with you and Mimi," Chloe's big blue eyes pleaded for mercy, but Miriam was having none of it.
" You say that every year Princess and you always receive the same answer. It is your mother's decision, I have no control over it," Miriam lay a soft kiss on her forehead before shooing her off to the carriage.
Chloe took the hand of her coachmen and sat daintily next to her mother. She heard the whip, signaling their departure and turned to look back at Miriam and Mimi. Mimi clutched sadly to her mother's apron, while Miriam held a handkerchief waving them farewell. Chloe waved sadly, dreading another horrible summer with Prince Brady.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*
Chloe peered out the carriage window; the sun shown brightly and the grass could not have been greener. Even Chloe had to admit that the Lands of Black were indeed a sight to behold. It did bear a similarity to Freesia, but in Chloe's eyes it came nowhere close.
" Aren't these lands beautiful Chloe?" Nancy asked cheerfully.
Chloe shrugged," It is indeed beautiful, but nowhere near as pretty as Freesia,"
Queen Nancy chuckled," Well I suppose that is true my dear, but you are not to say anything of that manner infront of the royal family understand?" Chloe nodded, rolling her eyes," You can always play with princess Isabelle. I hear that she is staying at the castle this summer,"
Chloe was surprised; usually princess Isabelle spent her summers in the Lands of Brady. She was being trained to betroth Prince Shawn," I've never seen the princess,"
" Don't be silly of course you have. You just don't remember, you and she were the best of friends," Nancy saw suspicion on her daughters face," As I said you probably don't remember,"
Chloe sighed; she could see the castle a short distance ahead. She knew this drill all to well. The royal family would be standing infront of the castle gates, waiting anxiously to greet them. Then her mother would let out a howling squeal nearly suffocating all of them. The part that Chloe dreaded the most would come next, she would have to give her hand to Prince Brady. He would make a gagging noise and kiss her hand, which she would swiftly move right after.
The horse cried as the horseman pulled on its reign, and the carriage came to a halting stop. The coachmen came out and escorted Nancy and Chloe down. As Chloe stepped onto the soft grass, she surveyed the familiar surroundings. Nothing had changed, the grand cherry blossom tree still shaded the castle walls, and the castle looked as enormous as ever. Chloe knew that this summer would be no different from any other.
" Nancy!" Queen Marlena approached them first, greeting them warmly with a hug. She was a regal beauty, with smooth blond hair, and a trim figure. Chloe couldn't help but feel comfort when in her presence," Its really been to long. My, Princess Chloe, how you have grown since the last time I've seen you!"
Chloe curtsied," Thank you for welcoming us into your home," Chloe smiled as wide as she could, as Queen Marlena gasped at what a sophisticated princess she was.
King John stepped forward; he was more of a stalwart figure. With broad shoulders and chiseled good looks, he definitely looked the part. He kissed Nancy's hand and then tapped Chloe lovingly on the head," I hope that you find my Kingdom to suit you, remember if you need anything please don't be afraid to ask,"
Nancy beamed," You are too kind. But where is prince Brady and princess Isabella? Chloe was so looking forward to seeing them, weren't you Chloe?"
Chloe wanted appose but she saw her mother's forbidding eyes," Yes, I would so like to see them," she thought she was about to gag.
Chloe was about to go into the castle when she felt something hit her head. She reached back and ran her fingers through her hair; she looked at her hand that was covered in red goo. She brought her finger to her mouth to taste it. Tomato.
" Oh my god Chloe!" Nancy ran hurriedly towards Chloe who was as red as the tomato in her hair," My dear what happened?"
King John searched the area," Brady Victor Black you come out this instant!" he roared loudly. Like clockwork Prince Brady and his best friend Prince Jason of Welles came from behind the cherry blossom tree," Front and center you two!"
Timidly the two boys approached the raging king," Hi dad," Prince Brady said innocently.
" Don't you hi dad me! Didn't I tell you that there shall be no trickery on the princess!"
" Come on dad, it was only a joke. I mean she didn't even get hurt," Brady smirked wildly at the furious princess," You must admit it is funny," Jason snickered.
" Funny!" he gently pulled the princess to his hip," I want you two to apologize to the princess immediately!"
The two princes crinkled their noses in disgust," Sorry princess Chloe" they groaned in unison.
Chloe gave a loud 'humph' and crossed her arms," Queen Marlena, King John may I please go to your bathing quarters. I can feel it sinking into my scalp,"
King John looked sympathetically towards the princess," Sure you may. Guards, escort Princess Chloe and Queen Nancy to their quarters. I must have a word with my son and Prince Jason," The guard nodded and lead the Queen and Princess into the castle.
As soon as they were in the castle King John grabbed the two princes by their collars," Alright you two, what do have to say for yourselves?"
" Dad, we were only playing. Can we help it if the princess is such a priss? I mean why does she have to come every single summer?"
" That's enough ,we are going to go talk to Queen Nancy and apologize for your hideous behavior. One more trick, one more prank, and you shall be spending your entire summer in the castle," King John gave his arm to Queen Marlena and gave them one sterner look before walking back to the castle.
" Can you believe that?" Brady exclaimed," Oh my god, it's sinking into my scalp," he said imitating the princess.
" Well I guess we won't be able to play any more pranks on her huh?" Prince Jason said sounding very disappointed.
Brady grinned," Not exactly, we just have to be very careful," He and Jason high-fived eachother, maybe their summer with the princess wouldn't be so bad after all.
~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~**~*~
" Chloe is devastated! She has always been so proud of her hair," Nancy sobbed," She refuses to come out of her room and she won't even talk to me!" she blew into King John's kerchief and continued to wail.
" We are so sorry Nancy. We instructed out son to be on his best behavior we assure you," Queen Marlena said trying to soothe Queen Nancy.
" It's been ten years, and Prince Brady and Chloe still despise eachother. I am coming to the end of my rope Marlena, I'm not immortal,"
King John scratched his head" Well we have your daughter avoiding my son, and my son avoiding your daughter. Maybe we should just tie them up and lock them in a chamber?"
Nancy leapt to the idea but Marlena shook her head," You two have so much to learn. Haven't you noticed that the more you push them together the more they retreat? They are two fairy stones, when you forcefully push them together they create storms and floods, but if you let them join eachother naturally they will bring rainbows and good harvest."
" But what else can we do? They are more likely to kill eachother then to fall in love,"
" Why don't you suggest that Chloe join Brady in a game of badminton? It is Brady's favorite past time, I'm sure that they could both benefit from a healthy competition?"
Nancy was irresolute," I don't know. My Chloe is a singer not an athlete. She is much to delicate for those things,"
Marlena's ears perked up," Did you say that Princess Chloe is a singer?"
Nancy nodded," The best in the land, angelic as an angel, and sweet as a passion fruit," Nancy boasted proudly.
Marlena and John exchanged hopeful looks," It just so happens that our Brady is quite the tenor himself,"
Nancy nearly jumped," Maybe, just maybe they can find some common ground in music, everyone knows that love is most commonly expressed in music."
" I have no doubt in my mind that Brady and Chloe shall make beautiful music together." The three smiled.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*
Chloe took a seat on the vanity chair, her hair was a mess, the tomato had proved more of a challenge then expected.
