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09

The last fortnight had been horrific to say the least. The first three days after being crowned King, Kit had to force himself to eat and attend meetings. There were several days following that, however, in which he refused to get out of bed and forced the Grand Duke to leave him be to wallow until he was ready to meet the challenges of the day – the hardest of these had been the day of and after his father's funeral.

Kit refused to revisit that day, deciding that he'd rather forget the tears he shed in front of everyone and how he'd fumbled in his speech because his emotions were all over the place. That day had been the blackest of his life. For three days he stayed within his chambers, wallowing until a persistent Captain Alistair rained guilt upon him that he was neglecting his duties as king.

Today marked two weeks and three days since his father's death and his ascent to the throne. Kit was in his new study poring over documents that needed his approval but his heart wasn't in his work. His heart was aching again and he'd lost his appetite. After all, he was sitting in the king's study, a room that used to be his father's. Kit threw his quill down and stood up. He felt a need to get out of the castle. These documents he had been slaving over for hours could wait several more.

Rushing from the room, he had a desire to run, to fly away from the stuffy confines he had been living in for weeks. The servants he passed gave their respects, "Your Majesty," they all said. Kit inwardly recoiled every time the title was spoken. By the time he'd reached the stables he was breathing heavily and tears were forming in his eyes. He didn't even wait for Eric to ready Tiberius. Instead he leapt onto his steed bareback.

He reached the gate and shouted for the watchman to open it. The startled man did so though he was very concerned. The King appeared to be in quite the state. Kit knew he was being reckless; the new king riding off on his horse without a saddle and without any guards. He was sure to get a severe tongue lashing from the Grand Duke and Captain Alistair but right now he didn't care. He wanted and needed to be alone.

He forced Tiberius to fly through the streets, the people milling in them flinging themselves out of the way in alarm. Thankfully Kit didn't hit anyone and was able to make it out of the main part of the city and out into the open country in minutes. The loud cry of a warning bell went off and Kit knew from that the watchman had probably informed the others of his hasty departure. Frowning, he directed Tiberius towards the wood.

The horse's hooves pounded into the dirt road and as the wind slammed into him Kit felt a sense of wild freedom. He leaned back and closed his eyes, allowing Tiberius to be his eyes for a moment. The fresh air held the promise that autumn was about to come and Kit breathed it in deeply. Opening his eyes, he looked around. They were still on the dirt road but wild fields of tall yellow grass seemed to beckon to Kit, as if whispering to him to come off the trail into the wood. Acting on impulse, he gently tugged Tiberius's mane to the left.

They reached the thicket, the tall trees above creating a lovely canopy from the late afternoon sun. Some of their leaves had already turned from green to gold, indicating that a new season was slowly coming to life. Kit loved the autumn and looked forward to it every year for it was the time of change, the time to celebrate the harvest, and the time to prepare for the harshness of winter. His anguished soul seemed to be soothed a little as Tiberius slowed from a hearty run to a slow walk.

Kit hadn't really been paying attention to where they were going for he was simply enjoying himself. He knew his time was limited. The Royal Guard was bound to find him soon. Sighing, he pulled Tiberius to a stop. Dismounting, he walked around and patted the horse's head.

"I'm sorry for driving you so hard through the city," he muttered as he stroked Tiberius' cheeks. The horse's dark eyes seemed to gleam as if to say he didn't mind in the slightest. Kit smiled. "They're going to come looking for us, you know. We'll be dragged back into that stuffy palace where memories haunt me every day. I needed to get away, Tiberius, to think, to be alone."

He looked around. They were in a small clearing. Patches of fallen leaves littered the ground from the trees above, some the bright colors of yellow, others the dullness of brown. As Kit took in the scene, a sudden prickle on the back of his neck sent shivers running down his spine and he had a feeling he'd been here before. That's when he noticed the flowers in the tree.

How on earth could he miss them? They were a brilliant cerulean blue, their tiny petals dancing around a small yellow center. It was such a small bouquet; seemingly insignificant but also incredibly captivating. Drawn to the tree, Kit gently reached in to remove the flowers and saw a folded note. His heart was banging in his chest as he twisted the paper in his hands. Mr. Kit was written in an elegant scrawl of black ink. Without a second thought Kit flipped the note open his eyes flying down the page, his heart slamming against his ribs.

My Apprentice Monarch,

I learned this morning of your father's passing. I am so terribly sorry for your loss. If circumstances were different, I would fly to where you are but these flowers and this note are all I can give. I am sorry for they are not majestic roses but I feel they are adequate to describe my thoughts and feelings. These flowers are called Forget Me Not.

Mister Kit, I desire for you to know that it is appropriate to grieve. It is necessary to cry. It is understandable to have no appetite. And it is perfectly common to wallow for days on end. Pain and anguish of soul fester within us when we lose those we love most. But I can promise you that pain will turn to memory and, though you will most certainly have moments of sorrow, you will also have moments of joy.

I chose the Forget Me Not because I wanted you to know that I have not forgotten about you. You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. I also desire for you to not forget about me. When you have battled through the shadows and stepped with longing towards the light, I will be there for you even if I have to wait forever.

Sincerely yours.

The letter was signed with a small hand drawn butterfly.

Kit reread the letter ten times and with each read his spirit soared higher. How long had this letter been here? There was no date but by the words it appeared as if it had been written right after his father's death. These flowers were no longer in bloom – it was past their season – yet they were just as blue as if they were still growing from the ground in midsummer! Kit couldn't fathom how it was even possible but should he have been surprised? His mystery princess was just that, a mystery! From the reason she was in the woods with saddened eyes in their first encounter to leaving the ball because of lizards and pumpkins and things; all of these things he couldn't fathom so why should out of season flowers that have been sitting in a tree for three weeks and still look as if they were picked earlier that day be a surprise to him?

Grinning, Kit turned around and sat at the base of the tree, gently twirling the tiny bouquet around his fingers. The petite blooms were positively enchanting when one took the time to admire them and to Kit they meant the world for she had given this to him. She had left him a note. She had told him that when he was ready, she would be there. And from this notion, this small act of kindness, the gaping hole in Kit's chest began to fill. A genuine smile climbed his cheeks and his heart lifted, feeling lighter than it had in days.

He didn't know how long he sat there under the protected covering of the tree nor did he care. He was lost in thought, staring at the bouquet and envisioning his princess spinning around with him in countless circles. He remembered the warmth of her body against his as they pressed close and again revisited the moment he had desired to kiss her porcelain neck exposed to him at the end of their first dance. She had smelt of fresh flowers and spices which aromas seemed to dance before him even now in these very woods.

Was she a fairy? Kit had heard of the fairy folk before. They dwelt deep within the wood and rarely ventured into the lands of men, keeping to themselves until the fates called upon them to perform a higher duty. There were stories told of fairies falling in love with men and having children before but Kit had always thought of them as just that: stories. But the more he thought of his mystery princess, the more he realized that she was shroud in intrigue just like the fairies that occupied the deep wood.

It was a fascinating possibility he had never before considered. Would he change his mind about her if she were a member of the fairy kingdom? Of course not! He'd take her if she were a lowly servant girl if it meant he could finally have her in his life, ruling by his side 'til the end of his days!

He looked down at the note and laughed aloud and though he didn't know it, it was the first laugh he'd made since his father's death. Leaping to his feet, he rushed over to Tiberius. "Look!" he cried excitedly. "She left this for me, Tiberius! Can you believe it?" His eyes swept the woods. "She's out there somewhere," he muttered, "and I think I'm ready to find her."

Threading the bouquet into his jacket near the top by his cravat, Kit put the letter between his teeth before hoisting himself onto his horse. After settling in, he pulled the letter from between his teeth and the bouquet from his jacket to hold them in his left hand while his right steered Tiberius back towards the palace.

Much needed to be done. He had promised himself that his first decree as king would be to marry the owner of the glass slipper and if he was to put his plan into action then he'd have to get back to the palace without delay.

As Tiberius transitioned into a gallop, Kit let out another laugh of joy. They left the thicket and returned to the dirt road. Not even a minute later, five members of the Royal Guard descended upon him.

"Your Majesty, we have been looking everywhere for you!" one of them cried in relief as they cantered up to where Kit and Tiberius were.

Kit smiled at them apologetically. "I apologize, gentlemen. I merely needed a moment to compose myself."

His cheerful demeanor threw the guard into silence for none were prepared to see such a jubilant expression on their mourning king. They suddenly noticed the flowers and note in his hand and curiosity stirred within their breasts. Who had given the king flowers and why was he so happy?

One of the guards managed to break from his shock in order to ask, "Are you well, Sire?"

"Very much so," Kit replied with a smirk. "Come, let us return to the palace! I'm sure the Grand Duke will be livid and I can't wait to receive that tongue lashing I'm sure is to come!"

And with a light laugh, he spurred Tiberius away from the dumbfounded soldiers who after several moments of disbelief urged their horses to follow in his wake. A couple of the guards broke away to tell the others he had been found and by the time Kit returned to the palace most of the royal staff and the guard stood outside to meet him. Kit wasn't used to seeing a sight such as this with so many people displaying how worried they were. The relief in their eyes deeply touched him as he slowed Tiberius to a stop and hopped down.

The second he turned around, however, he was enveloped in a hug. "Don't you EVER run away like that again!" a shrill voice chastised him.

It took a moment for Kit to realize that the woman squeezing him to death was none other than the Royal House Keeper. Prudence pulled away and Kit was astonished to see her gray green eyes were full of unshed tears. This side of her he had never seen so he had absolutely no idea how to comfort the woman who looked as if she was fighting an internal war between her emotions and her pride. Swallowing, he rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm sorry," was all he could think of to say.

Prudence exploded. "Have you any idea how distraught we were when none of us could find you?! What were you thinking running off like that?!"

"I wasn't –"

"Exactly!" she interrupted. "You weren't thinking! Oh, the very idea, getting all worked up and then fleeing from the palace grounds without so much as a saddle! It was uncouth, Your Majesty! Childish behavior such as that can never happen again, do you understand?"

Kit knew she was genuinely expressing not only her worry but the entire staff's as well but he couldn't help it. He let out a laugh. He laughed so hard he could hardly stand. Here he was, the King, and he was being reprimanded by his House Keeper! His sides began to hurt over as he reared back his head, joyfully releasing pent-up energy. To the shock of every person in the vicinity he reached forward and hugged Prudence before stepping away with a twinkle in his eye.

"Forgive me for laughing, Prudence," he chuckled. "As King I am not used to being scolded by my house keeper."

Prudence's face reddened a little as she tried to compose herself. "Well, you were in need of one!" she snapped.

Kit inclined his head. "Yes my good lady I was."

Every mouth in the vicinity dropped open. The man who stood before them now was not the man who had wandered the halls yesterday. Their shock deepened as Kit turned his attention to everyone in general. "Thank you all for your kindness and patience with me. I assure you all that I am fine. Come, let us go inside!"

And with that he happily climbed the steps with a spring in his step. Once it became known that he had returned, the Grand Duke swooped upon him and gave him an even bigger tongue lashing than Prudence. He yelled at him for his irresponsibility for over half an hour, his face a deep red, before Captain Alistair forced him to leave the king's study.

The second the Captain and Kit were alone, the two stared at each other for a moment and then Kit burst out laughing. Captain Alistair, however, remained stony faced.

"I am sorry," Kit laughed, trying to compose himself.

"Kit, what you did was entirely irrational."

"I know," Kit said now devoid of laughter.

Captain Alistair stared at him for a moment before offering a smile. "Though what you did should never be done again, I see that it did you good. This is the first time I have seen you cheerful since…"

"It's okay, Alistair," Kit assured, a tad bit solemn. He looked down at the small Forget Me Not bouquet and his smile returned. "You are right of one thing, I am better than I have been in a long time."

"What happened?"

Kit held up the flowers. "She happened, Alistair."

The Captain's eyes widened. "You saw her again?! Your mystery princess? Is she here?"

"No," Kit sighed, shaking his head. "She left this for me along with a letter."

Captain Alistair broke into his own genuine grin. "And what did the fair lady say that lifted your spirits so, Your Majesty?"

"She said that after the time for mourning had passed, she would be there for me. She's waiting until I am ready."

"And are you?"

Kit's entire face split into a dazzling grin. "I think I am, my friend. My father's dying wish was that I would be cheerful and find the girl who has become famous for losing her shoe. Tomorrow I will end the time for mourning and send out a decree stating that I will marry the woman who wore glass slippers to the ball."

Captain Alistair was so excited that he clasped his hands on Kit's shoulders. "I am glad to hear it, Kit! But, are you sure you're not pushing yourself too hard?"

Kit shook his head. "Alistair, I left the palace broken and came back restored. It was she who did that to me and if a mere letter and a small bouquet of flowers can do that, imagine how she will further transform me! How I feel now, this elation, this peace, this happiness – she is the cause! And I know the sorrow our kingdom has been wallowing in will come to an end with this announcement of her becoming my queen. We are meant to live in happiness, Alistair, and we shall begin the road to that state tomorrow."

"Then let us retire for the evening and pray the sun speedily returns," the Captain chuckled.

"Quite so!" Kit laughed. "But first, perhaps we should have dinner."

The Captain grinned as he heard the king's stomach growl. "Hungry, Sire?"

"Famished is a better word," Kit muttered, his cheeks darkening.

"Then it is good that the cooks have already prepared dinner. They were sure to have everything ready as a means to appease your troubled spirit after being chastised by Prudence and the Grand Duke."

"You heard about Prudence too, did you?" Kit asked in good humor as the two made their way to the dining hall.

"Everyone in the palace has."

"Of course," Kit chuckled. "I am going to go down in history as the first King to be thoroughly chastised by his House Keeper and Grand Duke all in the same day."

"I think there is more in store for you to go down in history for than that, Your Majesty, but I wouldn't doubt the tale will be told at parties for years to come."

Kit shook his head. "You humor me, Captain."

For the first time in weeks Kit ate a full meal, including dessert. The royal staff was ecstatic and the cooks even threw a party in the kitchens long after His Majesty had retired for the evening. Something had happened to their king and none of them dared to ask for none wanted to break the euphoria that had descended upon the castle.

The next morning Kit awoke to his whole body feeling energized. His gaze turned to the bedside table where the glass slipper, letter, and Forget Me Not bouquet sat, the latter being in a crystal clear vase. A warmth spread at the sight of these three precious objects and Kit couldn't help but happily sigh after stretching his body. Then, grinning like mad, he flung the covers of his bed aside and rushed to his closet. He had been wearing black for so long that the colors before him hurt his eyes but, oh how welcoming they were!

His eyes searched his vast wardrobe until they rested on the jacket he was looking for: the green one with the yellow embellishments he'd worn when he first met his lovely young maiden of the wood. He hadn't worn it since the day of the hunt but today he was going to change that! Pulling out a pair of soft beige breeches, brown knee length boots, and a blue cravat to match the jacket, he set everything on his bed before pulling the cord by the door to summon a servant.

An older maid arrived, curtsying once he opened the door from her faint knock. "Your Majesty?"

"Would you mind sending servants to draw up my bath?" he asked.

"I'll send for them right away, Sire," she promised.

"Thank you," Kit smiled before closing the door.

The bath was drawn in remarkable time and Kit rather enjoyed the fact that neither Henry nor Lance was there to wait on him; both were probably still preparing themselves for the day. In their defense, he had risen earlier than he had in weeks. They were surely expecting him to sleep in again. Oh were they in for a surprise.

After bathing and dressing himself for the day, Kit actually whistled a thoughtless tune as he combed his hair. He hadn't felt this happy in weeks and goodness it was a wondrous feeling! Walking over to the windows, he flung the drapes aside, exposing the first golden rays of a happy sun and what appeared to be a beautiful day. Smiling, Kit strode to the doors and threw them open. His guards, ever alert, jumped from the sudden noise and twisted around with their weapons slightly drawn.

"Good morning, gentlemen!" Kit cried cheerfully.

He walked passed them with a spring in his step. They watched him go with dropped jaws for he wasn't wearing black and gave off a positively radiating countenance. In the two and a half weeks of mourning even the guards had worn black. To see the king in something so colorful could only mean one thing…

The time of mourning had passed!