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Brulant
Fernshire

Fernshire

Where darkness once stirred,

a dimness peeked,

and pranced inside,

Ray by ray it approached,

until a golden sun lived,

passing through all,

It does not greet,

but now exists indefinitely.

Madeleine urged Rafale forward with a little tap tap of her riding crop. The fiery stallion charged faster, tossing his mane. The sun had barely peeked over the horizon, its light shining in her face. She squinted tired eyes against the brightness.

Maybe she should have at least tried to sleep the night before, but she couldn’t seem to get Justin’s letter out of her head. A tightness gripped her insides, and her weary mind was in a state of utter turmoil.

In the distance stood a boy next to the stables. At once she recognized the Andveltican messenger. She yawned before making her way over, half expecting him to list off invitations from suitors.

Dismounting, she led her horse by the reins towards him.

The boy with tawny-brown skin cleared his throat, announcing her name. “It is with great pleasure that I announce the invitation from King Adrian of Nebrasia to join him and the princes and princesses to the Fernshire flower festival.”

“Fernshire?” she repeated. “Is that the little town just outside the castle?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The thought of the familiar village made a hint of warmth return to her body. “Thank you, Jean. Inform the king that I accept his invitation.”

♛♚♛

Rows of small cottages lined the street. There were vines climbing the sides of buildings, and small bunches of flowers popped out of the ground on every available patch of dirt.

Madeleine admired Fernshire from beneath her French hood. Her hair had been tucked away under it, and she gazed around the busy street. There were shops selling bundles of flowers, little candies, trinkets, and bread. Her eyes devoured everything.

She approached a stand with flowers and breathed in the lovely scents. There were many different bundles of blooms, but a particular one with pink flowers she’d never seen before caught her eye.

“Can you tell me about these?” she asked the woman managing the shop.

The storekeeper in simple, pale clothing smiled. “They’re cyclamens. Very unique flowers. They symbolize everlasting love and affection.”

“Oh, wonderful!”

She considered her. “Be weary though, they can also symbolize eventual separation and the fading of feelings.”

Madeleine raised an eyebrow. “Wait, really? Why would there be two meanings?”

“Flowers often have multiple meanings, but don’t worry. I’m sure they will hold positive meaning if you are truly sincere in your giving of them.”

She smiled. “I’ll take them then.”

The woman obliged, handing a bundle over. Madeleine stuffed her nose into it, temporarily closing her eyes. That’s when a movement caught her eye, and she found herself gazing at the curly haired who had approached a stall selling candies.

An emerald tunic wrapped around his waist with a pale gray undershirt complimenting it. The matching green cloak draped around his shoulders ended at his knees, and the brown curls hanging in his face seemed to glow in the sunshine. He distractedly swept the hair out of the way with one hand, revealing pale, masculine features underneath.

As he left the stall with a marzipan horse, he caught her admiring him. She looked away quickly, her heart racing. They had not talked since his confession, and she was not yet sure how or what to feel about it.

“Is that the young man you fancy?” Madeleine jumped a little when the woman at the cart spoke.

“W-what’s that?”

She chuckled. “It’s just, you’re staring at that handsome, young man and I can’t blame you. He is one dazzling gentleman.”

“Oh, I wasn’t staring. I was just—”

“It’s alright, you don’t have to defend yourself to an old flower-selling coot like me. I’ve found in my experience that sometimes words are not necessary to get the point across.” She glanced down at the flowers Madeleine still held and gave a knowing smile. “Good luck with him.”

Madeleine’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Uh, thank you,” she said politely, not wanting to be rude. The old woman gave a small nod of her head as the princess retreated quickly.

Giving a small exhale, she moved through the crowd, making her way over to where her sister, Amabel, and Yvette stood. She was intercepted by a certain tall blond with stunning sapphire eyes.

“What did you get?” Adrian asked, gazing down at the flowers.

“They symbolize lasting affection.” She held them out to him. “T-they’re for you, actually.”

He blinked down at the gift in slight surprise. “For me?” His hand was over hers as he grasped them. “Thank you.” His eyes lingered on hers. “Would you like something in return?”

She searched his face, spotting the soft rouge in his cheeks. “You don’t need to give me anything, if not simply your company.”

His thumb lightly brushed over hers as he took the bundle from her. “If that’s really all you wish, I will grant it.”

It was her turn to blush then.

Before she could respond, Yvette approached, wrapping her fingers around the king’s arm and tugging him slightly away from her. “Oh, Adrian! It’s so nice to be in the sunshine, isn’t it?” She let out a high-pitched sigh. “I just wish it was not so terribly hot outside.”

“You’d complain of the weather regardless of what it was,” Amabel mused, walking over with Courtney and Antoine in tow.

“Adrian, did you have to invite the bastard?” Yvette complained, rolling her eyes. “I already have to live with her, you know.”

“Perhaps you should have canceled, then, since the outing is so unpleasant for you,” Amabel snapped, a hand on her hip. “I would not mind your absence either.”

“Oh, Madi,” Courtney cut in, likely at an attempt to change the subject, “have you been to any of the flower carts yet?”

She nodded, very aware that Adrian still held her flowers in his left hand. “There are so many beautiful flowers to choose from.” She noticed how Courtney fidgeted slightly with the ribbons on her dress, her eyes flitting up to where Amabel stood. “Perhaps you and Amabel could pick some out,” she added slyly.

Courtney blinked. “Oh,” her voice cracked. “We don’t have to if you don’t want to, Amabel.”

The illegitimate princess considered her, then smiled. “I don’t see why not. They say different flowers have different meanings and can bring you luck or misfortune.”

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“I’m not really the superstitious type, but I do love the look and smell of them.”

Amabel linked her arm with the other woman’s. “I’d be honored to take a look with you.”

Courtney’s ears turned pink. “If you insist.”

Madeleine watched them go, a small smile creeping over her face.

“Shall we be on our way then?” Adrian asked, trying to pry Yvette’s hands off him.

The blonde princess was beaming and barely seemed to notice. “I’ll go where the king goes,” she said cheerfully, and a small sigh escaped his mouth.

“Why don’t we wait for the others,” Antoine said. “We could all attend the concert at the village green together.”

“That’s a wonderful idea, Tony,” Madeleine found herself saying. When the green eyes met hers, she froze slightly under his gaze.

“You adore concerts if I remember correctly.”

She hesitated before nodding. “That’s right. We went to quite a few back then, didn’t we?”

“We certainly did,” came Adrian’s voice. “The village green is a great choice, Tony.”

He glanced away. “Yeah, glad to help.”

“We’re back,” Amabel said, walking over to them with the Andveltican princess.

“Don’t they smell just wonderful, Tony?” Courtney asked, stuffing a bundle of blue blooms into the prince’s face.

Antoine began sneezing. “Oh, yes—achoo! Very wonderful. I’d like them better outside of my nasal cavity, though.”

They both laughed.

“We decided on the village green next,” Madeleine said. “Will you come with us?”

Courtney grinned. “Sounds perfect.”

“I agree,” Amabel chimed in.

The group made their way down the busy street. Madeleine walked on Adrian’s left while Yvette hummed off key to his right. The king gave the Andveltican princess a small smile which she returned, her heart skipping a beat.

They both looked up when a man with strawberry blond hair dragging a second man by the hand pushed past them to a flower cart. The leader was laughing, while the other had a blank look on his face.

“I told you they had tulips, didn’t I, Gabriel? Aren’t they beautiful?” The man with blond hair was beaming at the cart.

Gabriel folded his arms, his face rouging. “They are acceptable.”

“We’ll buy five bundles, Ma’am!” He grinned, then gave the other man a small peck on the cheek.

Gabriel looked away, face reddening further. “This outing has been acceptable,” he said, glancing away.

They soon were swallowed up by the crowd and no longer visible to the king and his group. Watching them, Madeleine wished she could have her own private outing with Adrian. Perhaps then the king would give her a small peck on the cheek or perhaps somewhere else. She nonchalantly felt her mouth with her hand.

A sound of disgust escaped Yvette’s mouth. “How can they be so shameless? Can’t they keep all of that private?”

“Yvette,” Amabel said sharply, “I wouldn’t be saying that whilst you’re presently entangled with the king.”

The blonde princess glanced down at her arms which were now wrapped snugly around Adrian’s arm. “Pfft! It’s not the same. I don’t understand why that kind of thing must be everywhere I look. It’s not natural.”

“You saw one couple,” Antoine interjected. “That’s not everywhere. Why do you detest relationships like that so much anyway?”

“I’m just saying. Anyone who’s like them should be more aware of how uncomfortable they make everyone else feel.”

Something flashed across Amabel’s face, and she looked away while biting her lip. Courtney touched her shoulder reassuringly, but her hand was smacked away harshly.

“What’s gotten you so upset?” Yvette questioned, tightening her grip around the king’s arm.

Adrian pried her off him and Madeleine had never seen such a furious expression cross his face before. “Princess Yvette, kindly take your hands off me, and don’t invalidate what others have simply because you do not understand it. Your ignorance is unbecoming.”

They all stared at him.

Yvette held her mouth agape and inhaled in prepared protest when Madeleine spoke first. “We should all really hurry before all the best spots are taken at the village green, don’t you think? We wouldn’t want to miss the performers.”

“Yes, let’s make haste,” Antoine chimed in, wrapping a friendly arm around Yvette’s shoulders, and leading her away from the king. “Don’t want to miss the show.” She glared up at him.

“True,” Courtney added, walking more quickly, “Very true.”

Yvette folded her arms in a huff but trudged forward as they all made their way down the street. Amabel looked completely subdued now.

There was a long silence then as none of them said a word. After walking a block or so, Madeleine nearly jumped when fingers brushed past her own.

“Madi,” Adrian said softly. “Many of the council members have mentioned you to me a few times now.”

She blinked over at him in surprise. “They have? What’d they say?”

“They told me how impressed they are by your maturity and knowledge. Count Alexandre even added how valuable your contribution is.”

She tried to maintain her composure. “Oh. That is rather unexpected.”

“Is it?” He beamed down at her. “Why shouldn’t they praise you?”

She blinked up at him. “T-thank you.”

“Of course.”

Madeleine noticed Adrian fiddling with something in his right hand and glanced down at the jewel encrusted knife.

“Oh, is this what you bought earlier?” she asked.

He blinked, then held up the dagger proudly. “Yeah. This one caught my fancy.”

“You bought a knife the last time we went into town, do you remember?”

“I do. I’ve been collecting them ever since, I suppose.”

Yvette straightened her skirt, lifting her nose into the air. “When did you come here last, Madeleine?” she asked ahead of them in what sounded like an attempt at a casual tone.

“Madi visited Nebrasia five or six years ago,” Adrian replied, “when sweating sickness was sweeping through Andveltica.”

Madeleine watched the blonde princess try to contain her jealousy. “That was a very long time ago.”

“Did sweating sickness ever affect Cappeland?” Madeleine asked.

Yvette rolled her eyes. “Of course not. We are too far removed and in a lovely arid climate. I believe sweating sickness only affected Andveltica.”

“Yeah, it did,” Antoine chimed in. “That may be because Andveltica is surrounded by that massive mountain range. It’s a pretty easy area to quarantine.”

“I would not know too much about that,” Yvette said quickly. “I’ve never been. This is my first time leaving Cappeland.”

“What?” Antoine exclaimed. “You’d never left before? Then, you’ve never left either, Amabel?”

Amabel nodded, seeming to have recovered slightly from earlier.

Yvette glanced away. “My father was always very busy, and my mother has never not been pregnant during my lifetime. You could imagine how ecstatic I was to hear her ‘news’ at dinner the other night.” She let out a short, quick breath. “As the oldest, I was always expected to raise my younger siblings by myself and be kept out of sight. The only reason she didn’t leave me and Amabel behind is because of our potential to find suitors in Nebrasia.”

“I also help with all the child rearing and so do the servants,” Amabel corrected, “though my duty to be married-off is less emphasized.”

“If by less emphasized, you mean not at all,” Yvette huffed, “then I’d agree.”

“It’s amazing that your stepmother is still having children,” Courtney directed her words to Amabel. “She must be very tired all the time.”

“She is,” Amabel said, “which means she never has time to actually see any of the children she has after they are born.”

“It’s like we don’t exist,” Yvette said, and it was the first time Madeleine had seen the two sisters agree on something.

“Has she always treated you like that?” Madeleine asked.

Yvette sighed. “She acts like such a great queen, but she’s a headache to live with, trust me. Anyway, stop asking me questions. It’s not like we’re friends.” She let out another short exhale before saying, “King Adrian, I wonder, what color you will be wearing at the signing of the treaty tomorrow?”

Madeleine’s eyes widened.

“The king always wears gold at events,” he replied evenly.

“And the prince always wears silver,” Antoine chimed in.

“I had almost forgotten that was occurring,” Madeleine said, realizing with a sinking feeling that her time left in Nebrasia was coming to an end.

Yvette sneered. “Had it slipped your mind the whole reason we’re here in the first place? I’ve been so terribly bored all the weeks we’ve been here, except for when I was with you, of course, King Adrian.”

“Here we are!” Adrian said quickly, pointing to the grassy area ahead, his voice slightly strained.

The village green had a few musicians already playing, and Madeleine beamed at them. The group found a spot on the luscious grass and sat down. Adrian took a seat beside her, leaning up against a cart on his other side. Madeleine swallowed a grin, imagining steam coming out of Yvette’s ears as the blonde princess glared at them both, resigning to sit on Amabel’s left.

The air was so nice then, and Adrian’s hand discreetly found hers. It caused butterflies to flood her stomach. The music was lively, and she briefly closed her eyes as she listened, feeling content.

Adrian leaned over to her. “Do you remember when I stole bread from that cart just over there?” He pointed to some shops in the distance.

She nodded with a smile. “Of course. Tony and I waited forever for you to return. We were certain you’d been caught.”

He let out a soft laugh. “Perhaps we can go over there after this, and I can buy you something appetizing, yes?” His thumb brushed over the top of her hand as he spoke. “I do want to give you at least something in return for the flowers. It’s only fair.” She spotted a small lump in his tunic pocket where he’d put the bundle of cyclamens carefully away earlier.

“I’d like that.” She smiled gently, searching his face when something caught her eye behind him. She squinted slightly.

A man in dark clothing looked around sheepishly then ducked under a sign. He began speaking to a taller, gruff-looking man with a shaggy beard and tattered clothing. She stared, thinking the figure looked familiar, then he turned around. “Is that Cardinal Vauquelin?” she questioned.

Adrian turned, looking in the direction she pointed, then nodded. “It is. I wonder why he’s here. I didn’t take him for the type to want to attend the flower festival.”

Madeleine didn’t like the way the cardinal was looking around nervously. “Something doesn’t seem right.”

They both watched, and after a while, the two men disappeared into a building.

“That is rather curious,” Adrian remarked. “I wonder what shop that is?”

“Perhaps we can check it out after a few more songs?”

He nodded. There was a brief pause as they continued to stare at that spot, but no one came out of the building again. Looking back at her, he shrugged. His hand hadn’t left hers this entire time, and she looked down at it then, her cheeks rouging. His gaze followed hers and their eyes met.

“Madi,” he said softly.

She searched the blue eyes. “Yes?”

He lowered his voice. “After the signing of the treaty tomorrow, how about we meet in the secret garden where my mother’s statue is?” He leaned in to whisper, “There’s something I wish to discuss with you.”