“It is good to see you!” he said. “I feared we would never meet again.”
He was as tall and handsome as ever, but his hair was now streaked with grey, and a few wrinkles had appeared on his face. He now looked more like his father had when she first met him.
“I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to come back.”
Queen Alexandra, tall and regal, still had long blonde hair, but wore it piled on top of her head. The years had been kinder to her. She had a mature look, but Caitlyn saw no wrinkles.
“Lady Caitlyn, it is so good to see you,” the queen said with a smile.
“And you,” Caitlyn replied. She no longer felt jealous of this beautiful lady. She realized that if she’d been able to marry Michael, she’d now be as old as Alexandra. “I understand you have three children.”
“Yes. All of them are grown,” Michael said, leading her to a small room with three comfortable chairs arranged in a circle. They sat to talk.
“Your sons are the oldest?” Caitlyn asked.
“Yes,” Alexandra replied.
“Which one will rule when the time comes?”
“Toran is the eldest.”
“Does that fact upset Valentin?”
“Oh, no. It’s good that Toran is eldest,” Michael said. “Valentin is too much of a dreamer. He would make a dreadful king.”
A dreamer. That’s what her mother always called her.
They asked about her world. She told them about her stories. She explained the way she had started writing them because no one believed in this world.
“And you?” the king asked.
“Of course I believe in the world; I’ve been here.”
“Will you stay?” Alexandra asked, hope in her voice.
“I don’t know.”
“Well, you’re here now,” Michael said. “Stay for dinner and meet our children.”
This Caitlyn agreed to do. They assured her she needn’t dress. This was to be a casual family dinner.
They had to return to the receiving room, but first they led her to a room full of wonderful pictures.
“There’s a desk with pens and paper if you wish to do any writing,” Alexandra offered.
Caitlyn thanked them, and they went on their way. She wandered around the room looking at the paintings. They were the sort she might see in a museum at home, and she wondered if they had museums here. Having last been there when she was ten, she hadn’t thought about things like that. There was so much she really didn’t know about this realm. She suspected it was much like a medieval town, like the ones she had once read about in school.
One of the pictures was a painting of the foresters shooting wolves with bows and arrows. Several wolves lay on the ground, arrows protruding from their sides. Others still charged in all directions, some stuck with arrows in non-fatal areas. One, off in the distance, ran away, back toward the woods.
“There’s always one that survives for another day.”
Caitlyn was startled by the male voice from somewhere behind her. She hadn’t seen anyone in the room when she entered. She turned around to see a young man nearly as tall as the king, with light brown hair and the palest blue eyes she’d ever seen.
“Hello,” she said. “I didn’t know anyone was here.”
“I’m sorry if I startled you,” he said, giving her a shy smile. “I’m Valentin.”
“I’m Caitlyn. It’s nice to meet you, your highness.”
“You’re Lady Caitlyn?” he asked, eyes growing wide in surprise.
“That’s what everyone here calls me.”
“But I thought you were quite old,” he blurted, then turned scarlet. “I’m sorry. That was rude. But my parents have talked about you as long as I can remember.”
“It’s all right. When I met your father, I was nine and he was eighteen, I think. Time passes differently in my world.”
“A most curious place, I should think,” he said.
“Is that a painting of something that really happened?” she asked, pointing to the picture she’d been looking at.
“Oh, yes. Ten years past. The wolves had evaded all attempts of the foresters to rid our realm of them. They had grown so many, they thought themselves invincible. They attacked a group of five foresters. They didn’t count on the foresters being such good shots. But alas, one escaped.”
“Were all of the others killed?”
“As far as we know. None have ventured near enough to be a threat to the unicorn.”
“I was surprised Storm was still here,” she said.
“It will be a sad day, indeed, when his day comes,” he replied, looking at his hands.
She tried to think of something else. Storm’s death was too painful to contemplate.
“I’m sorry. I’m keeping you from your enjoyment of the room.”
“No, I like talking with you,” she replied. “Would you tell me about some of the other paintings?”
He smiled and led her around to different paintings, explaining the events they showed. He knew his kingdom’s history well, and was able to give small details many others might not have known.
They spent an hour that way, and suddenly Valentin realized how long they had been there.
“I’m sorry, but I must go, Lady Caitlyn. I hope to see you at dinner.”
“Yes,” she replied. “Thank you.”
Shortly after he left, a footman entered to escort Caitlyn to the dining room.
The room was smaller than Caitlyn expected. It wasn’t much bigger than her dining room at home. She stood behind her chair and waited as the royal family entered. First came Anicia, who stood behind the chair across from Caitlyn’s. Next was Valentin, who stood behind the chair beside his sister’s. Then came Toran, who stood behind the chair next to Caitlyn’s. Finally, the king and queen entered. The king escorted his wife to the far end of the table, and then he took his place at the head. Once they sat, footmen pulled out chairs for everyone else.
The king welcomed Caitlyn and introduced her to his children, who all smiled politely. He told her she was welcome to stay in his kingdom as long as she liked
“I thought you were a figment of my father’s imagination,” Toran said.
“I started to think this kingdom was a figment of mine,” she replied.
He chuckled.
Toran was not Valentin’s identical twin. Broader in the shoulder, with darker hair and brown eyes, he looked more like a warrior than either his father or brother.
“It was nice of you to return,” Anicia said. “I hope you will be able to attend my wedding.”
“Your wedding?” Caitlyn asked.
“Yes. I’m to be married to Prince Goroweth of Maundia.”
Caitlyn was startled. She thought she had made up Goroweth, the character in her story. And Maundia was a country here, too? She hadn’t remembered Elsie mentioning it.
“Is something wrong?” Anicia asked.
“No. It was nothing. I would love to come to your wedding if I am still here.”
“Have you someone waiting to wed you in your land?” Toran asked.
“No. I’m only eighteen. That’s much too young to marry. I haven’t seen anything of life. Besides, whether or not I ever marry isn’t the most important thing in my life just yet. If I meet someone I love, then I’ll make that decision.”
“You’re eighteen and not yet betrothed?”
“You’re twenty-three. Are you?”
“I’ve been in fighting campaigns. Besides, men need more maturity before they marry. They must provide for their families.”
“So must women,” Caitlyn countered.
“What an odd idea! Would you fight wars? You don’t look like you have the muscle for it.”
“One doesn’t need to fight wars to provide. Do you expect your future bride to sit at home doing nothing?”
“Well, she would be queen one day. She wouldn’t really need to do a great many things beyond bearing children. And would it be so difficult t
o sit about in this ‘house’?”
“My brother is quite traditional,” Valentin said. “I hope you aren’t offended by what he has to say.”
“I’m offended by you thinking you need to apologize for me,” Toran said. “Any girl would be lucky to be chosen as the future queen.”
Caitlyn wondered if Toran assumed she wanted to marry him. She would rather have Elsie’s life than that. She thought Toran was probably the most boorish man she’d ever met. He was certainly quite full of himself.
“Did you have the chance to write anything?” Valentin asked.
“What would she possibly write?” Toran asked.
“Lady Caitlyn writes stories,” Valentin replied. “I would like the pleasure of reading one someday.”
“My brother is such a girl,” Toran said, clearly offended by Valentin’s coming to Caitlyn’s defense.
“That’s enough, Toran!” the king said. “Your rudeness does not become a prince of the realm, much less a future king.”
“I speak what I see,” he replied petulantly.
“Perhaps thinking before speaking would suit you better,” the king said calmly.
Toran had the sense to be embarrassed.
“Please forgive my son. He forgets he is no longer with the knights in battle,” Michael said to Caitlyn.
“He has caused no offense to me,” Caitlyn replied. “It simply lets me see his true colors, and know they are no part of my palette.”
Valentin wiped his mouth to hide a grin. It wouldn’t do to let Toran see his amusement, and Caitlyn had embarrassed the young man far more than his father could. Without saying it directly, she had just let him know she would not welcome any attempt at interest from him. She certainly didn’t need that prince.
“Do you know much of our land?” Anicia asked.
“Only a little,” Caitlyn replied. “I was a child last time I was here, and I realize there are many things I never thought to ask.”
“I would be pleased if you would spend tomorrow with me,” Anicia said. “I could teach you all you need or want to know.”
“Thank you, your Highness. I would like that very much.”
The king’s children – Valentin and Anicia, at least – asked many questions about Caitlyn’s world, and she was happy to answer. They were quite surprised to learn that there were neither dragons nor unicorns in her world.
Anicia was stunned to learn that Caitlyn attended school with boys and girls in her class, and studied the same subjects as the boys.
“What need have you for those studies?” Toran asked when he finally overcame his embarrassment. Clearly, he thought women had no use for the sciences, much less a long education.
“I plan to attend college, and need those subjects.
“Then you won’t stay here?” Valentin asked, disappointment clear in his voice.
“Well, I didn’t plan on coming here. Now I don’t know.”
“In your world women can have the same jobs as men?” Anicia asked.
“Yes. Can’t they here?” Caitlyn replied.
“Some of the commoners have similar jobs for men and women, but royalty is more limited,” the king said. “Perhaps that is why Elsie chose not to become royalty.”
“She never had the opportunity, did she?” Caitlyn asked.
“She did. My father’s older brother wished to marry her, but she had her own reasons for refusing him. Later, he was killed in battle, so my father became king.”
“She never told me.”
“Elsie keeps her own counsel. But she is entitled, and has always been a good and faithful citizen of our land,” King Michael replied.
“I’m glad,” Caitlyn said. “I like her very much.”
“She had many sorrows in your land, as I understand it,” he said. “But what they were, I do not know.”
Dinner ended, and Caitlyn left shortly afterwards. Valentin escorted her out to where Storm waited for her.
“I hope you weren’t offended by Toran’s remarks.”
“No. I’ve met boys like that before. Nothing ends a friendship faster than an attitude like that. Is he always that way?”
“Rude?” Valentin asked, smirking. “Most of the time. Many girls will put up with that from the crown prince as long as he notices them. He likes girls who won’t give him an argument. I fear he will be bored by his choice for a wife.”
“He’d hate me, then,” she said.
“I don’t think you would be to his taste.”
“Good. I don’t need a prince to make me worthwhile – no offense.”
“None taken. You certainly don’t. You are a very important person, Lady Caitlyn. Never let anyone take that from you. I hope you and I can be friends.”
“Yes, of course. I’d like that. I like you very much,” she said, blushing.
He helped her mount Storm, and watched until they had gone from his sight.
Chapter 5
When Caitlyn awoke the next day, Elsie made her breakfast. Over their meal, Caitlyn recounted what had passed at the castle. Elsie scowled at the girl’s recounting of Toran’s behavior.
“Very much like his great uncle, that one,” Elsie said.
“The one who proposed to you?”
Elsie blushed. “He didn’t get far enough along to actually propose. But he had the same kind of attitude. Once I realized that was his true self, I decided I didn’t want a prince. The real world had too many people like that, and I didn’t come her for more of the same.”
“Was he very angry?”
“Oh, yes. When he went off to war, I think it was to prove what a great warrior he was, and make me wish I hadn’t refused him. Of course, no matter what sort of warrior he was, that wouldn’t have impressed me. And he was headstrong. He died because he would not listen to wiser heads.”
“Do you think that will happen to Toran?”
“It could. I hope it doesn’t. I hope his father succeeds in taming his spirit. He could be a good king one day. I only hope that happens.”
Michael says Valentin would make a terrible king.”
Elsie laughed. “That’s true enough. I would imagine you were quite taken with him, weren’t you?”
“He is nice.”
“Nice enough to stay for?”
Caitlyn shrugged. “I had so many plans for my life. And I wouldn’t be ready to get married for at least ten years. I have other things I want to do first.”
“You’re not obligated to stay.”
“I know.”
“Everyone will continue if you leave. You don’t have to feel bad about whatever your decision is.”
“What do you think I should do?”
“I can’t answer for your heart. Only you can decide. I love you like a daughter, but even mothers must let their children fly one day.”
Caitlyn hugged Elsie, and then got ready to go to the castle to spend the day with Anicia.
The princess was elated by Caitlyn’s arrival. She showed Caitlyn her wedding gown, and talked about the plans that had been made. Caitlyn couldn’t believe all of the people necessary for a royal wedding. She couldn’t imagine going through all of it.
Caitlyn thought they’d go through dry history books so she could learn about the kingdom. Instead, Anicia took her into rooms of the castle she would never have been allowed to see on her own. They looked through closets and cupboards. She showed Caitlyn jewels and armor, swords and silver goblets. It was like playing house, grownup style.
Each goblet or necklace had a story, and they wiled away several hours in recounting the stories. Caitlyn learned of the Sacred Cup of Bithra that had healed a young knight thought to be mortally wounded. She also learned of Queen Maura, who gave away pieces of her wedding necklace to the poor. Each piece magically turned into food to help the people stay strong enough to reach a village in need of workers. The village had an overabundance of food as well. The grateful people had a necklace of the finest gold forged for the queen in gratitude for her care. A
nicia was able to show Caitlyn the People’s Necklace.
Anicia spoke often about Valentin. Apparently, they were close. Although Anicia didn’t say, Caitlyn had the impression that no one was very close to Toran. He kept people at a distance, except for his fellow knights.
“He has to be strong to be king, but Father is kind. I’ve never heard him say anything rude.”
“Could Valentin become king?”
“Only if something happened to Toran. And that would kill Valentin. He doesn’t want to be king. Like you, he has many things he wants to do with his life. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he wanted to go to your world. If you decide to return, he’ll be very sad. But don’t tell him I said that.”
Much as she didn’t need a prince, Caitlyn was flattered to know that Valentin felt that way about her. She thought she might feel the same way about him. He would probably be the deciding factor in her decision to stay or go.
How much had changed in a day! Only the day before she wanted to go straight back to her own world without a second thought. Then she met Valentin, and everything had changed. Caitlyn was behaving the way her friends had when the time came for the prom!
In truth, Storm, Elsie and the royal family – except Toran – all tugged at her feelings. It wasn’t as simple as saying, “Take me home.” First of all, she wasn’t exactly sure how to go back. And then, she had been told this was her last chance. If she decided to return to her own world, she couldn’t change her mind and come back, ever again. She had to think carefully before she made up her mind
At home she had her parents, her friends, Violet and Sasha, her plans for her future, and all of the people who enjoyed reading her stories. She thought she could really be an author after she finished university. All of her teachers for the last eight years had told her she was a talented writer, and showed great promise. There had to be something to that.
Also, time moved more quickly here. She would grow old and die long before she would have in the real world. And what if Toran turned out to be a bad king after his father, her dear friend, Michael, died. It would be too late to return by then. Her decision now would affect the rest of her life.
She might well like Valentin, but he was a prince. He had been raised in ways she was unfamiliar with. There were certain expectations of royals that could be difficult for a non-royal to get used to. And what if he didn’t like her as much as she thought he did? She might choose to stay here to be with him when he might prefer someone else.
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