A/N: This chapter involves the characters of 'The Two Princesses of Bamarre,' also by Gail Carson Levine. It is written from Addie's point of view.
Please review, especially if you have any suggestions.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters from "The two Princesses of Bamarre." I am just borrowing them, and will return them unharmed, and in one piece.
Happily Ever After
Chapter 2- Once Upon a Time in Bamarre
I looked out across the kingdom. It was so peaceful, so serene. It was at times like this that I missed Meryl the most. Although I was overjoyed that my sister had not died, I was still sad that she was not always with me.
A year after Meryl became a fairy, my father disappeared. He never returned from his quest to find the goose that lays golden eggs. Now Rhys was the king of Bamarre, the first sorcerer to ever rule our country. He was a very fair king, wise and impartial, as willing to help the poorest peasant as he was the richest earl.
Shortly after our first anniversary, I gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl. Our daughter was named Meryl, after my sister, and our son was named after the first citizen of Surmic who was willing to lead us through the Aisnan Valley, Gavin. The first to help and the only one not to return home.
My sister was fairy godmother to my children. Now though, it had been nearly five years since I had seen Meryl. I knew that she was having adventures that would save Bamarre from future diseases and more monsters, but I couldn't help but feel depressed every time there was a raging storm, knowing that somewhere high in the sky or deep in the sea, my sister and Drualt were battling horrible monsters.
"Mother?" called a small voice. I turned around at the sound to face my daughter. My Meryl, Merry, as we called her, was very timid and quiet, happy to learn embroidery and read books. Gavin was outgoing and smart, always looking out for a new challenge. He excelled at archery and swordsmanship. Oddly enough though, so did Merry. She could easily beat her brother at any of his challenges, and after she did, I would see the same excited, happy look that my sister used to get, as though she was going to burst with energy and joy. Both children were rays of sunshine in my life.
"Yes, Dear?" I answered her. She smiled and hooked her arm through mine. We walked slowly down the terrace. She handed me a sachet.
"This came among the dispatches today," she said eagerly. Curious, I pulled the invitation out of the envelope.
"To the Royal Family of Bamarre:Your presence is welcome at the Royal Palace in Frell, Kyrria for the 16th Birthday Ball of our Princess Lela, on the twenty-eighth day of November."
I read the paper to myself, and looked over at my Meryl. She was waiting impatiently for my answer. I put the letter back in its envelope and handed it to my daughter.
"Well run along and tell Bella," I said. "There's much to do if we are to attend the party." Merry turned on her heel and danced happily away from me. I had never seen my daughter so eager to be around strangers.
As I let myself begin to get excited, I heard trumpets sounding. They were playing a joyful tune that was reserved for only two people.
Drualt and Meryl were coming.