My Husband, The Dragon Prince

We Are the Mischief

Dinner was once again served outside on the patio, as it was one of the few remaining places large enough to accommodate all of the royals. They were served spaghetti all'olio with fresh summer vegetables and herbs. 

Lucia twirled her noodles gracefully and tried not to grimace when she noticed Nakoa cutting his noodles instead.

Amaruq caught her eye, noticing her discomfort. He just rolled his eyes and smiled slightly before twirling his fork with ease. 

She could practically hear him say just be thankful he’s not eating with his hands like he used to.

Inevitably, most of the dinner conversation turned towards the wedding. What was expected to be on the menu? Was it going to be like Elarian or Ainaokalan weddings? Did Lucia have her dress yet? How long would the festivities last?

The kings took turns answering; fresh seafood, fruit, pasta, pork, and poultry were meant to be on the menu, along with a wide selection of summery desserts. The wedding would be a blend of traditions. Lucia’s dress was finished, now just in its final fittings. The post-wedding festivities would last for a week before Lucia departed Elaria with her new husband to her new home. 

“So what happens during these parties?” Nakoa asked.

“Well, typically there’s to be a parade from the cathedral to the castle,” King Jude explained, “The cathedral is where the ceremony will be held, while the banquet and following reception will be at our castle. Traditionally, there would be a secondary procession from the bride’s home to her husband’s home, but that’s not possible. After that, we’re looking at theatre productions, music festivals, and other such performances. Of course, they will be merged with our typical harvest festivals, which will allow you to appreciate Elaria’s culture as much as possible.”

“The harvest festivals here are lovely,” Titania agreed, “especially with your beautiful theatrical productions.”

“We do have some wonderful playwrights and scholars,” Jude said proudly, “and I count myself one of the luckiest men in the world, that I can live surrounded by such wonderful culture and theatre.”

“Excuse me,” Lucia said suddenly, feeling sick, “I-I must take my leave.” She curtsied quickly before running off, feeling tears burn her eyes.

Caterina was quick to follow her, shutting Lucia’s door once she sat on her bed and broke down into tears.

“H-how could he say that?!” Lucia sobbed, Caterina coming to sit beside her and start petting her hair softly, “When he knows I am leaving home in a matter of days, thanks to him. Was he trying to make me upset?!”

“You know he wasn’t,” Caterina said kindly, sniffling a bit herself, “he’s just bragging about his kingdom, like every king does.”

“He’s being callous! Praising our culture and playwrights when I shan’t see them for half a year! And you know that theatrical productions don’t stay in production for very long! What if I miss Dolce’s next masterpiece?!”

Caterina tried to come up with a response, but it came out as a garbled sob.

Very quickly, the two young women devolved into sobs, lamenting the loss of regular updates from their favourite playwrights and artists. It seemed like such a silly thing, but both of them had been under a fair amount of stress recently, and with the wedding and following departure sprinting towards them, tensions only rose.

After some time, the girls had calmed down. Lucia poured them both some water from a pitcher by her basin and they drank, leaning against each other on the bed as they dried their tears.

They sat in silence, years of friendship nulling the need for constant words. Instead, they just enjoyed each other’s company, knowing they weren’t alone.

Perhaps an hour later, there was a knock at the door.

Both girls stilled, waiting to see who it was.

“It’s me,” Titania spoke.

Lucia stood and opened the door to find Titania waiting.She was no longer in her armor, but rather a simple, long green dress with wide, sweeping sleeves that nearly fell to the floor.

“I thought I should come check on you too,” Titania said as she entered, glancing between Lucia and Caterina, “You’ve been shut up here for quite some time, you even missed dessert. The others are worried.”

“I’m sorry,” Lucia said, “we didn’t mean to worry them. And I’m even more sorry that we missed dessert.”

Titania smiled, “Well, I can help with that.” Then she reached into one of her sleeves and pulled out two fruit tarts wrapped in napkins.

Caterina and Lucia took them gratefully and ate them at a small table in the room, Titania wandering around Lucia’s chambers.

“You missed the best part,” she said after a moment, “Nakoa snapped at Jude the moment you left.”

“Did he?” Lucia asked, “What did he say?”

“That your King was being rude,” Titania said idly, picking up a small music box and looking it over, “and he should be more sensitive to your feelings. I couldn’t help but agree with him – for Jude to say that he is ‘the luckiest man in the world’ because he is in Elaria. I will not lie and say that Elarian theatre isn’t superior, but it seemed as though he was claiming that Elarian culture was somehow better than others. Also, he was bragging in front of someone who also loves Elarian theatre and is being ripped away from it by his own wishes.”

“That must have been an entertaining dessert,” Caterina said, “to witness both you and Nakoa snap at the King. How did the others react?”

“King Keahilani seemed entertained, as did Masina. Amaruq was as aloof as ever.”

“For a king,” Lucia grumbled, “he sure has poor tact sometimes.”

“Yes, Nakoa and Keahilani aren’t happy. Not unhappy enough to cancel the wedding though, mind you.”

Lucia sighed as she picked at the tart’s crumbs, “I didn’t think I would be so lucky. Gods, my wedding is tomorrow. I can’t believe it, and not in a good way.”

“We should be out celebrating,” Caterina said, “It’s your last night as a single maiden.”

“Then why don’t we?” Titania challenged, “There are musicians in the streets, wine and food in every tavern, art sold until midnight. Why not take to the town in celebration?”

“Are you sure?” Lucia asked, “As tempting as that is, I can’t imagine my father will be pleased.”

“Your father has no feet to stand on after that dinner. Come on, I’ll fetch Masina. I’ll meet

you in the courtyard!”

“But what about Amaruq and Nakoa?” Lucia asked.

Titania grinned, “I have no doubt they’ll celebrate in their own way. Come on, the night is young as are we!”

With that, Titania swept away, leaving the two girls alone. 

Lucia turned to Caterina, who was staring silently with wide, pleading eyes, though her expression remained neutral.

“Alright,” she finally sighed as she stood up, “It’s either that or wallowing in my bedroom all night.”

“Yes!” Caterina cheered as she stood as well, and soon the girls changed into looser, more comfortable dresses. Their hair was loosed from their braids as they grabbed their coin purses and walking shoes, rushing to meet the other two women.

“I was beginning to worry,” Titania said as she saw the two approaching. She stood outside one of her emerald carriages, and they could see Masina sitting inside already, “Now come!” Titania had changed into men’s trousers and an emerald shirt with a short cloak and gold jewellery.

They giggled as they stepped into the carriage, one of Titania’s footmen spurring the horses into town.

“It’s good to see you two laughing,” Masina said, “I was worried you’d be locked in your room all night.”

“That was the original plan,” Lucia admitted, “but Titania convinced us otherwise.”

“I’m glad she did!” Caterina laughed, “I cannot wait to see what mischief awaits us!”

“You are partying with the Queen of the Fae,” Titania said proudly, a grin sliding onto her face, “We are the mischief.”