The Summoning
"Laura never was anything like her mother, aside from looks, and I think Kara knew that it would happen at some point." Marlin rubbed her shoulder comfortingly. "Don't be too disappointed. Laura's smart, she knows how to survive and if it's meant to be, the power of Avalon will guide her back to us."
Emily sighed and leaned into him and he automaticity wrapped his arms around her. "I know," she said in a sad tone. "It's disheartening. But she really wasn't happy. None of the other children liked her much and she was always looking for a way out of ruling. Pity, a goblin-fairy princess would have united the kingdoms. Queen Raelda was so looking forward to seeing her granddaughter rule." Emily let the letter fall onto the floor.
Marlin tilted her up to look her in the eyes. "You should go. Kara needs good friends and comforting. I heard Adriane is coming too. "
"But-"
"The kingdom is in good hands. The merfolk are well protected and I think I can handle ruling by myself for a few days or so." King Merlin smiled warmly.
Emily couldn't help smiling back; she nodded and turned to her lady in waiting. "Make preparations for my leave and ask Kee-Lyn if she would consider letting me borrow Meerka for a few days, please."
"Yes, my lady!" she disappeared down the hallways. Emily knelt to pick up the letter and read through it again; she still couldn't believe it, but there it was written in Kara's own handwriting:
A calling to the beloved Guardians of Avalon:
As you might have heard, Laura Davis, princess of the Fairy Realms, has gone missing. I would like to request a gathering to discuss what actions shall be taken on behalf of this dilemma. The gathering will be held at the Ravenswood Manor on the ninth of June.
In good health and prosperity,
Queen Kara Davis, the Fairy Queen
Emily smiled slightly. Despite the conditions they'd be meeting on, it would be good to see the others again. The life of a guardian was busy and usually didn't require the presence of another guardian unless it was a dire situation.
And something like that hasn't happened in years.