The entire court was busy unpacking. They had recently left the Palace of Ceres, and would be staying in another residence, the Apple Barn.
"We're basically living in a huge barn?"asked Fayruza.
"The actual barn is a tiny part at one end of the palace. It's not an actual working barn anymore. But the property was purchased by my great great great grandmother. She purchased the entire property. She loved that the apple trees were just growing wild. It wasn't an actual orchard, just the trees growing wild. She bought it for her daughter, who was to be married."
She pointed out the window. Beyond it, one could a forest. It was true that it the trees weren't neatly planted in lines.
"Well, my grandmother decided to build the palace here. She wanted to live close. She was particularly fond of apple, I think."Ceres told her. "At the best time of the year, too! We're going to get to pick apples! And drink lots of cider! And eat plenty of apple fritters!"
"I thought Your Grace preferred quince fritters."said Malwina.
"I do."Ceres asked.
Malwina didn't look too thrilled at all. She hadn't been too happy when they were told that the court would be moving for a short while to the Apple Barn.
"Did the princess ever stay here?"she asked. "This place is haunted, after all."
"It is?"asked Fayruza.
"Of course it is."Ceres confirmed.
"We're living in a haunted barn?!"
That must have been why Malwina didn't want to come at all. Ceres didn't seem to mind, though.
