“True friends are always together in spirit.” ~ L.M. Montgomery
Prologue
The Southern Realm buzzed with the news. Their most beloved Princess Cassandra was to be engaged to the dashing Prince Ryan of the Western Realm. Such a union would unite these two kingdoms and brush aside any lasting grievances over their past disagreements.
The idea that these two different kingdoms could come together for such a joyous occasion brought new hope to all. While the betrothed had never actually met, Princess Cassandra and Prince Ryan were thought to be a perfect match by everyone else.
Chapter 1
Princess Cassandra’s three ladies-in-waiting were thrilled about the wedding and full of questions as they walked through the gardens.
“Where will the wedding take place?” Valeria asked.
“Will it be at first light or sunset?” Melinda wondered.
“What will you wear?” Elena asked.
“What will we wear?” they all asked at the same time, then laughed.
Princess Cassandra’s blonde hair sparkled in the sunlight. “You are all such loyal and wonderful friends, but I have no idea how to answer any of those questions.”
“We’ll need to find out,” Valeria said, running a hand through her auburn curls. “How can we help you plan if we don’t have details?”
“I’ve heard he’s very handsome,” Elena noted, twirling a long, black spiral curl around her finger. “Georgio said he saw Prince Ryan at the art festival hosted by the Eastern Kingdom.”
“Georgio always gets the best invitations,” Valeria agreed.
“We could ask Georgio to tea,” Melinda suggested, her brown hair laced with flowers. “He could help us fill in the blanks.”
“Oh, that’s a marvelous idea!” Princess Cassandra agreed. “We must have tea tomorrow.”
“We could have a garden tea,” Elena said. “The roses are blooming right now.”
“Oh, that would be lovely,” Melinda agreed.
“And we could invite some of Georgio’s friends,” Cassandra added. “Unless you three want to meet some of my soon-to-be husband’s friends?”
“Tempting as that may be,” Valeria said, “I am going to wait for true love.”
“Here she goes again,” Elena said, rolling her eyes. “True love is a fairy tale.”
“I can’t think of anything more like a fairy tale than a princess of one realm marrying the prince of another.” Valeria sighed. “It’s practically perfect.”
Elena shrugged. “When destiny makes plans, we are often the last to know.”
“Oh, fiddle sticks,” Cassandra replied, “and you will be beautiful in an aqua blue gown at the wedding.”
“Aqua blue?” Elena repeated, her brown eyes lighting up. “Do you really think so?”
“It’s my wedding.” Cassandra replied. “I definitely have a say as to what my best friends will wear.”
“I’d like to wear lavender,” Miranda said.
“Pink for me.” Valeria smiled. “I’ve been told I look lovely in pink.”
“I think we can arrange that,” Cassandra replied, smiling at the others.
Chapter 2
“This tea is heavenly.” Georgio smiled at the young ladies seated across from him. “I’m sorry I didn’t have time to bring anyone else with me to such a lovely event.” He turned to Princess Cassandra. “Now, what would you like to know?”
“Oh, Georgio,” Cassandra replied, “you’re always aware of everything that happens in the kingdoms. What can you tell me about Prince Ryan?”
“Surely, you have met,” Georgio said in surprise. When Cassandra shook her head, he added, “He’s a fine young man. Very polite, accomplished…” he looked around at the others, “and quite attractive.”
“Sounds dreamy,” Valeria said, fluttering her eyelashes. “Does he have any friends?”
Georgio laughed. “He has many friends, and I’m sure they’ll all be at the wedding.”
Elena nodded. “I knew he’d have friends worthy of a prince.”
“We’ll find out more at the brunch tomorrow,” Cassandra said.
“Brunch?” Melinda repeated. “They’re coming here?” She glanced at the others. “We have so much to do.”
“We’re meeting them for a brunch,” Cassandra assured her, then smiled. “I received a note this morning that they’re sending a special transport for us.”
“A special transport,” Georgio repeated. “Oh, it has to be an airship.”
“The Western Realm has airships?” Elena asked in surprise.
“The Eastern Realm has airships,” Georgio clarified, “but they do loan them out for special occasions.” He smiled. “Large, colorful fabric above them that holds air and the passengers ride in a special basket.”
“Oh, how unusual,” Valeria said. “I’ve never heard of such a thing.” She glanced at Cassandra. “Do you think it’s safe?”
“I don’t think they would send it otherwise,” Cassandra assured her.
“I’d like to see how this airship works,” Elena said. “I’m sure there are ways we could adapt it to help our own people.”
“Another reason this union is so important.” Georgio agreed. “The Southern Realm is beautiful, but you don’t have the same technologies as some of the other kingdoms.” He turned to Cassandra. “You do want to get married, don’t you?”
“It is my duty and my honor,” Cassandra assured him. “I’ve always known my destiny was to make the best match for our people, and this sounds like one I will also enjoy.”
“I believe you will,” Georgio agreed. “Now, let me tell you about their moonlit gardens, which are simply divine.”
“I’ve heard they’re very beautiful,” Melinda said.
Georgio lifted one eyebrow in surprise. “I thought ladies of the Southern Kingdom preferred their sun-filled gardens”.
“A garden can be beautiful in any light,” Melinda said seriously. “Do they use white flowers to reflect the moon beams?”
“With silver and lavenders,” Georgio replied, “and the fragrances are divine.”
“I look forward to seeing such a garden,” Melinda replied.
“As do we all,” Cassandra agreed.
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