Chapter 34
"Should we tell her?" Koga whispered to Seiji as they observed their queen in the garden, force-blooming many of the flowers that grew around the large fountain that sat in the center.
Seiji shook his head. "I'm sure he has his reasons. Although, we should probably announce Chieftain Duris' impending arrival."
Koga chuckled. "Yeah… We should probably do that. It might be advisable to announce the Elders too."
Seiji smirked. "You realize that if we do that, she will suspect something just as we do…"
"One does not have the ability to be inconspicuous with a league-long caravan of gift laden carriages trailing behind one as he is seated on a golden-haired horse, while crossing the borders of Lah from the East." Koga chuckled quietly as he whispered.
Seiji looked back at him as he strode forward to their queen. "You are right in that, my friend. I suppose it's time to actually do our job."
Koga sighed. It was times like this that made him think of her. It had gotten easier this past year without Momiji. There were still times when he thought of her, but recently he had met a sweet, yet shy little flower fairy named Asahina and it hurt a little less than it did before.
She was a bundle of nervous energy. Why didn't he contact me? Could that caravan be his? What is the meaning of all of this? Those were just a few of the questions that she had rolling around in her mind as she hurried to prepare for all of her other important guests that were beginning to trickle in for what reason she wasn't certain of. It was as if they all decided to come at once and pay their respects to her.
"Your Highness, Chieftain Duris has arrived." It was announced.
She quickly took her place in the throne room and sat elegantly before allowing his entrance.
Eltra Duris languidly approached the throne and knelt before her. "My Queen, I was in the area and came to pay my respects."
She snorted. The lie was too obvious. "Really Eltra… Do you think you can lie to me so easily? What really brings you here? Dayjowey is not a day's journey for you."
He chuckled. "I suppose you're right. I truly wanted to come by for a visit… and perhaps see the sights."
She cocked her head in curiosity. "And what sights would those be?"
"I heard there will be a festival and celebration soon." He answered with honesty.
She thought for a moment. There was nothing in her schedule such as that. Although, it had been a bit more than a year since her kingdom had began to revive, and the citizens hadn't had a celebration for it yet. Perhaps that was what he was referring to. Things such as that were usually planned and carried out by the locals anyway. "I see… Then you are more than welcome to stay and enjoy the festivities."
"King Lory of LoveME has arrived!" It was announced shortly after with all of the flair and fanfare that usually accompanied him, along with a small troupe of musicians that included a familiar singing chicken. He had left Maria with Kyoko a few months ago and was just now returning. Maria restrained herself and stood stoically at Kyoko's side, as if she were one of her top advisors or her personal mage. He was so very proud of her.
Then it came. Almost as if it had been perfectly timed by all of them. Somewhat suspicious she would later think. At the moment she was entire too flustered by the final announcement. "King Kuu, Queen Juliena, and their son Crowned Prince Kuon of the Eastern Fairylands!"
Lory and Eltra stood off to the side silently with very large and very conspicuous grins on their faces.
Kuu knelt before her, along with Kuon, and Juliena curtsied deeply and elegantly. "Your Royal Highness, Empress of all of the Fae… We have come to offer an allegiance, through marriage to my son Crowned Prince Kuon Hizuri."
She let out a soft gasp when she saw those nervous, beautiful green eyes glance up at her. It was at that moment she saw the shy fairy that had run from her as she bathed, blushing and all. He was so beautiful. "Welcome, your Highness. It would be my pleasure to discuss such an alliance." She smiled mischievously, noticing that the tips of his pointed ears were turning more and more red.
~xoxo~
Never in his life did he believe for a moment that his own father would strive to embarrass him so much. He was making such a big production of something he wholeheartedly wished to keep private. What if she were to say no? How would he have had the courage to ever face any one of the others that were in that throne room?
Not once did he think that his grandfather, his godfather, her entire counsel and court, Maria or her closest would be in attendance on that day. He knew the moment that he'd seen them that his own father had sent word to have them gather for this event. His embarrassment was palpable and obvious. He'd somewhat expected it, but for them to actually gather to witness this was far more than he thought it would be.
"It would be my pleasure to discuss such an alliance." He heard her say as he hid the fierce blush on his face, by keeping his head turned down, staring at the marbled patterns on the floor.
"Does this mean that you accept this proposal, Your Highness?" He heard one of her advisors ask.
"I do." He heard the smile in her voice and his gaze shot up to meet hers. There was a smile on her face and her eyes were filled with emotion as if she were about to cry.
He quickly rose from his position and approached her, presenting a small gold ring that looked as if it were made of little vines, with a tiny rose in the center, that had a beautiful little pink stone as its heart. "I'm sorry it took so long, My Love. I wanted everything to be perfect. I won't make you wait again." He whispered to her as he placed the ring on her delicate finger.
She glanced up at him and gave him radiant smile. "I understand, Kuon. Just… Next time, at least let me know you're safe. Okay?"
He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly. "I promise."
It had been over a year since that beautiful day and several months since the Royal Wedding. None were quite sure what to expect next. Would there be children in the future? If so, how would they arrive? Would they be as powerful as their parents or more so? Who would they look like? Well, there was an easy answer to all of that once three, large, fist-sized, closed rosebuds appeared in a sheltered area near their private quarters one day. It had been a very long time since an actual fairy child had been born in Lah and many weren't sure what the roses meant, as they hadn't even opened yet. As they remained closed for many months, they grew larger and larger. Then, one beautiful morning, just as the dew was glistening in the sun, one could seen a peek of petals between the cracks of leafy-green of the buds that were now the size of a small dragon's egg.
"Viviane, Oberon, Freyja." Each was named as their tiny little infant bodies were displayed on the center of the fully bloomed, royal-blue roses.
Two daughters and a son were born into the royal family that year. The three would go on to become myth and legends in the future. Viviane loved the water. Oberon lived for the forests. Freyja was partial to the winters and snow. All were as equally as powerful as their mother and father, and reigned over their regions wisely.
~fin~
A/N: Thank you very much for being so patient with me. I really hope you enjoyed this story. Sorry it wasn't a bit longer, but I just couldn't squeeze any more out of this particular story; although, I may have a distant future sequel in the making. Just keep your eyes peeled. LOL.
