by E. D. Baker
"Prince Torrance comes from a good kingdom," said Queen Olivene. "But he wouldn't be your best choice. He's a second son, and his elder brother is reputed to be exceedingly healthy."
"There's also Limelyn," said Chartreuse. "He's terribly brave and has the nicest smile. I feel tingly when he kisses my hand."
Grassina stood up and stretched. "Have you noticed that she doesn't care if either of them has a brain or is honest or true? The man I marry must have a good heart and love me for myself. He must be smart and caring and—"
"No one asked for your opinion, pipsqueak," said Chartreuse.
Queen Olivene didn't look happy. "Limelyn is also a second son. His kingdom is small and poor. He wouldn't bring enough to the marriage to make it worth your while."
Chartreuse extended her hand over the water. "I'm going to try that spell again. Maybe if I concentrate harder. .."
"Careful," said Grassina. "You'll give yourself a headache."
Chartreuse smiled sweetly at her sister. "Be nice, Grassina, and maybe I'll let you marry one of the other princes. Not Stephen or Clarence; they're both too serious and I've never seen either one smile. Miguel, perhaps. You like animals and such, so you won't mind that he doesn't talk about anything except horses and dogs. I think he's a tremendous bore. I'm sure you'd find him fascinating."
'You're too kind," Grassina said.
"Or perhaps you'd prefer Rinaldo. He acts more like a merchant than a prince, but some people might think that's endearing. Princesses should never lie, Grassina, so be honest. Don't you think one of them would be ideal for your*
Olivene looked annoyed. "Don't be so quick to dismiss them, Chartreuse. Miguel and Rinaldo may not share your interests, but they are both the sole heirs to sizeable kingdoms. Either one would be a good choice."
"Not for me, Mother," said Chartreuse. "All either one cares about is his own kingdom. I want a husband who will care about Greater Greensward. Now be quiet, Grassina, so I can try this spell again."
Grassina held her breath as her sister recited the simple poem. Chartreuse had tried one spell after another over the last few years, but so far not one of them had worked. Part of Grassina wanted her sister to succeed. After all, the kingdom needed a Green Witch in every generation, taking over when her predecessor was no longer strong enough to protect the people of Greater Greensward. Another part of her, however, was so jealous that she got a sour taste in her mouth every time she thought about Chartreuse being able to work magic. It would mean that one of her greatest fears was about to be realized: she, Grassina, would be the untalented nobody in a family of special people.
After reciting the spell, Chartreuse waited expectantly as a few errant bubbles drifted across the water. She'd worn her hair loose that morning, so when she leaned close for a better look, a curl fell forward to trail across the water's surface. Chartreuse wasn't aware of it until a large fish, mistaking her hair for a floating insect, snapped at the curl and yanked. "Ow!" she squeaked as she lost her balance. She fell in the water far enough to drench her face and hair, and might have tumbled in all the way if her mother hadn't grabbed the back of her tunic. When she sat up spluttering, Chartreuse had bits of water weed plastered to her face.
Grassina laughed. "Now, that took talent! I'm sure your suitors will be impressed when they hear what you can do!"
"Don't you dare tell them!" cried Chartreuse, lunging at her sister.
Their mother stepped between the girls. "That's quite enough," Olivene said. "Chartreuse, princesses do not strike their sisters, so stop trying."
"But she's so aggravating, Mother!" complained Chartreuse.
"And as for you, Grassina," Olivene continued. "I expect that you will show discretion and refrain from telling anyone about your sister's lessons."
Grassina started backing away. "I won't say a word as long as no one asks me how Chartreuse's magic is going. But you know that princesses must always tell the truth." Hiking up her skirts, Grassina turned and ran.
"You'd better watch out!" shouted Chartreuse. "When I'm the Green Witch, I'll teach you not to be such a brat!"
"You'll have to get your magic first!" puffed Grassina as she disappeared around the side of the castle. "And I'm not holding my breath until you do!"