Hey all! Welcome to the USS BROKEN DREAMS! I'm your captain, succorelle! (haha, only kidding.) Sorry that Lady Sonia gets out of character near the end! I usually pride myself on keeping characters in line with their personalities, but there was no way I could finish this up and keep Lady Sonia as herself ( a sweet, naiive, innocent old lady who indulges anyone and everyone). Please review! Reviews are the fodder that keep me going! (correction: GOOD reviews are the fodder that keep me going.)

Broken Dreams: Part Two, Chapter Two

A Pleasant Meal

In Zi Alda, springtime was a gift of the gods. Everyone at the castle agreed that the weather was especially fantastic that day, and the best should be made of it. Thus, it was concluded that lunch should be on the patio.

It had been a good choice. The shaded area was breezy and not too bright. The view of the garden it supplied was framed in apple trees, their boughs heavy with pale, delicate blossoms that sometimes detached themselves and floated slowly to the dark, rich grass. Stepping stones led from the deck to a koi pond with a continuous waterfall cascading from a fountain in its center. Daffodils were planted in artistic swirls around the perimeter of the plot. All in all, it was a stunning sight.

But the beauty of it was lost on the little kyawl sitting in Ishtar's lap. He munched on an orange, scowling. He wasn't sure what he was scowling for; it was a habit he had that he found hard to break.

"Yuujel, I still can't believe that you're back!" Leene exclaimed, giving the prince an enticing smile. "After all this time..."

He grinned mischievously. "I'm only here for the fabulous weather. Once summer hits, I'm outta here." He held up his hands defensively as she gazed, hurt, at him. "Kidding, kidding..."

Ishtar smiled at the banter. She didn't care what the little silver-haired woman did, but she felt sorry for her husband. And the worst thing is that I think he knows he'll never win her over.

The princess appeared to be correct in this assumption, as Ashley simply watched his wife morosely. Leene was oblivious to this, and batted her eyelashes at the prince flirtaciously.

It was then that Lady Sonia spoke up. "Oh, Ishtar..." she said, but stopped as her frame was wracked by painful coughs. Attendants rushed to her side, but she waved them off. She took a breath and started again. "Ishtar, I thought about your proposal. And I've come to a decision."

Ishtar gripped the arms of her chair expectantly. She loved her aunt, but if the old woman said no, she'd kill her.

"I think it's a lovely idea. If you help with the preparations, we can probably have it within two weeks."

The princess jumped up and hugged her aunt. "Thank you!" she laughed. "I'll get right on it!" She rushed off. In five seconds, she ran back, grabbed her cat, and bounded back off.

Yujinn raised his eyebrows. "Mother, you're indulging her whims?"

"It's not just that!" she sighed and leaned her head against the back of the chair. "I'm an old woman, Yuujel. I only have so much time left on my hands, and I want to make the best of it. I think that renewing ties with the rest of the family is a pretty good way to prepare yourself for your death, don't you agree?"

The table grew silent. Everyone stared at her, surprised by her ominous remark.

"Mother, I.."

"Now, now, boy! If you're finished with lunch, you should go help her highness with preparations. I'm sure she'll appreciate it." The woman's eyes twinkled.

He nodded and walked off after Ishtar. After a moment, everyone stood up and left. Lunch was adjourned.