Saving Summer

Chapter Five: The King and Queen of Autumn

“You did a spectacular job, Larissa,” Queen Ingrid said. The two were standing beside the stage. Everyone else was fawning over King Agostino and Queen Yesenia to pay much attention to them. Queen Ingrid did not mind as she wanted to talk to Larissa in private. No one needed to know her true motive.

The witch grinned, “Thanks but the hard part comes next. That chalice is heavily guarded. More so than the others were. It won’t be easy getting close. The Summer kingdom has had many try to steal the chalice over the years.”

“I am sure a witch of your illustrious background can figure out how to get the job done,” Queen Ingrid assured her. “You know what is at stake if we do not succeed. We cannot afford any mistakes.”

The witch inclined her head, “Your Majesty, I will do my best not for you. You alone will be the ruler of Prinaes by the time that I am done.”

Queen Ingrid looked pleased, “Good. See to it that you do not fail. I am counting on you, Larissa. Now, go. We have talked for too long. It will appear suspicious if I speak to you much longer. I am only supposed to look like I am congratulating you.”

Larissa bowed and walked away without another word. Which was fortunate as Queen Maeve and King Hadrian approached her at that moment. King Hadrian and Queen Maeve were both short and thin but that was where their similarities ended. King Hadrian had long, straight black hair that fell past his shoulders while Queen Maeve had lavender colored hair that was styled into a pixie cut. Queen Maeve was wearing a dress made of purple satin with black lace trim while King Hadrian wore a uniform of teal and grey satin. Queen Ingrid noticed that neither one seemed to be bothered by the heat. Which was odd to her considering that like her, the King and Queen of Autumn were used to colder temperatures. Queen Ingrid whipped out her decorated paper fan that she had bought at one of the booths. It offered a little relief from the heat but not much. She knew that she would be much happier once she was back in her own kingdom again.

“Queen Ingrid, what a lovely surprise to see you here!” Queen Maeve exclaimed, beaming at the sight of Queen Ingrid. 

“Agreed. It is nice to see you out of your castle, sister,” King Hadrian said, his eyes on Ingrid. “I guess that not even you can resist going to the Bacchus festival.”

Queen Ingrid quirked an eyebrow, “I am not entirely sure what that is supposed to mean, brother. But yes, I did wish to see the Bacchus festival. Pity that I did not come sooner but I had some difficulties getting here. My carriage broke down near the border between here and the Autumn Kingdom. It took an entire day to fix the wheels and get it running again.”

King Hadrian looked sympathetic, “I am sorry to hear that you had troubles in your travels.”

Queen Ingrid smiled back at her brother, “It is fine. I still managed to arrive just in time to see the talent show. That is one of the best parts of the Bacchus festival. And this year’s talent show was no exception.”

“Indeed, the acts this year were top notch,” King Hadrian agreed. “But that witch certainly took the cake. Maeve wants to invite her to the Autumn Kingdom once she is finished with her time in the Summer Kingdom. She adores magic. Don’t you, my love.”

Queen Maeve nodded in agreement, “Yes, I would love to have her at the palace. I am sure our little Prince Cyran would enjoy her company as well.”

King Hadrian chuckled, “Just like his mother.” Putting an arm around Maeve, he drew her in close and planted a kiss on top of her head. Maeve gazed up at Hadrian, wearing an adoring smile.

Queen Ingrid nearly gagged as she watched her brother. Around Maeve, he always acted like a love sick puppy. It was disgusting. She remembered what her brother had been like before he married Maeve. Many had feared him as King Hadrian was not someone to mess with as he possessed tremendous powers. He did not look intimidating as he was much shorter in stature than the other kings, but he was easily the most powerful of them all. Just looking at him the wrong way would have set off his wrath upon them. Queen Ingrid had admired her brother’s strength and ferocity as a king in those days. Now, he was a shadow of his former self and it was all thanks to Maeve.

Queen Ingrid cleared her throat. This seemed to bring King Hadrian and Queen Maeve out of their daze. Queen Maeve’s pale cheeks turned dark pink and she was looking anywhere but at Ingrid. King Hadrian sighed heavily and looked at his sister.

“You know, you would not be so annoyed by displays of affection if you would just settle down.”

Queen Ingrid rolled her eyes and huffed in annoyance, “Not this conversation again. I told you that I am happy without someone. I enjoy ruling the Winter Kingdom on my own. A consort would only get in my way.”

“On the contrary, I believe a consort would help you rule with a clearer mind,” KIng Hadrian insisted. “You seem far too frustrated these days, Ingrid. Finding someone to help you take the burden off your hands would do wonders for you.”

“It certainly has helped Hadrian quite a bit,” chimed in Maeve, who was stroking Hadrian’s arm lightly.

Queen Ingrid eyed Maeve coldly. “Yes, I can see that.”

“Just give it some thought, Ingrid,” King Hadrian told her. “I know of a few eligible royals that you might like.”

“If I say yes will that get you off my back?” Queen Ingrid questioned.

“Only if this is what you want,” King Hadrian responded. “But I can see that it is not something that you desire so I will stop talking about it for now. I just know that if our parents were still alive that they would be disappointed that you do not have someone to give your assets to when you die. Or anyone to share your life with for that matter.”

“I do not need anyone to share my life with,” Queen Ingrid claimed. “I am satisfied with having no one. I have all the company that I need back at the Winter Kingdom palace. I doubt that my position on the matter will ever change.”

“Well, if it does, let me know, Ingrid. There are many who would love to be your consort.”

Ingrid snorted with laughter. 

“Yes, I am sure that they would. Not because they cared for me but because of what being my consort would mean for them.”

King Hadrian’s face fell, “Not everyone is like that. Some would love to be with you for you. However, you have to be open to the possibility.”

“You will never know if you do not allow anyone the chance to get close enough to you, Ingrid,” Queen Maeve added. She continued rubbing her hand along one of Hadrian’s arms. A half smiled formed onto Hadrian’s mouth as he glanced at Maeve. Queen Maeve smiled back at Hadrian before turning to Ingrid, “I do hope that you reconsider. Hadrian and I do not wish to see you all alone.”

Queen Ingrid’s lips formed a thin line, “Like I told my brother, I am happy with the way that things are now. Not everyone wishes to be paired off. I am one of those people. I like being by myself and if I need company, there are ways that I can get it.”

King Hadrian’s eyes went wide as dinner plates. 

“Does this mean that you are seeing someone unofficially?” he stammered.

Queen Ingrid shook her head, “No, that is not what I mean at all. I just mean that my palace is never empty. You would know that if you came to visit more often.”

King Hadrian looked relieved, “Well, it is good to know that you are not involved in some sordid affair. You know that it is frowned upon for us to have secret lovers. As for visitation, you are right. It has been far too long since I have been to the Winter Kingdom palace. Why the last time I was there it was before Cyran was born. However, I do believe that it has been even longer than that since you came to the Autumn Kingdom. I think that we are due a visit from you as well.”

“She should come next month during the Samhain festival!” Maeve butted in. King Hadrian nodded in agreement.

“Yes, it is the best time to visit! Samhain is wonderful and I know that you will enjoy it! Everyone does!”

“I suppose my advisor could look after things for a few days while I am gone,” admitted Ingrid. 

Ingrid did not really want to leave the Winter Kingdom to visit her brother. However, she knew that if things happened the way that she wanted them to within the next week that she would need an alibi. And what better excuse was there than visiting her brother and his wife in the Autumn Kingdom? It was too perfect to pass up.

Queen Maeve and King Hadrian were thrilled. Both wore identical grins on their faces as they looked at Ingrid.

“As soon as we get back, we will prepare for your visit,” King Hadrian assured her. 

“Prince Cyran will be pleased that his auntie is coming to visit him,” Queen Maeve told her. “He asks about you a lot.”

Queen Ingrid cracked the first true smile of the day. She adored her nephew. He looked exactly like his father at that age and had his same mannerisms. The last time that Ingrid had visited the Autumn Kingdom, Cyran had just started to walk and talk. She hoped that this time he was beginning to show some of his powers inherited from his father’s side. As a half fairy, Cyran would not possess the traits of a full fairy but Ingrid was positive that he would have certain powers still. And she was determined to use them to her advantage.