The Cerulean Kingdom

Chapter 2 - DINNER BASKET

PRINCE WARREN RICKHARDT

“Warren, when will you see her again?” my brother asked me in displeased. He was no fan of the Lancaster’s such as the Lancaster’s were no fans of us, the Rickhardts.

“I will see her tonight, when the sun goes down.” 3 days had passed since Princess Avery’s brother, King Theodore Lancaster, found out that we were lovers. I was determined to see her tonight.

“Very well, you’re dismissed,” He watched me walk out of the throne room with annoyance. As I was walking, I could hear Queen Josephine whisper to him. I loathe her and never liked her once she stepped into this castle. There was something fishy about her. I finally made it to my room and had to plan for tonight.

Hopefully, she received my letter so that we can see each other . . .

My brother was king of the Woodland Kingdom and he was set on reigning the Cerulean Kingdom. Anything that had to do with the Lancaster’s, he despised. Same, with his wife, Queen Josephine Rickhardt. Meeting Princess Avery was my brothers’ plan. It was to distract her from her role as a princess, under King Jeremy, and to fall in love with me. Unexpectedly, I had fallen in love with her too, but my brother is to know nothing of that.

I sat at the edge of my bed, frustrated, with my hands softly pulling my hair. I cannot lie to her, but I could lose her if I tell her the truth.

We can run away, far far away. Somewhere where the sun shines on us. Somewhere where we can hide when the moon cannot find us. Somewhere where our future children would be safe.

I had to think hard and fast.

QUEEN JOSEPHINE RICKHARDT

Something has changed about Prince Warren ever since he was to meet Princess Avery. I could sense it and my husband would be such a fool to not notice it as well. King Jeremy and I sat on our throne in silence, I waited for him to say something, but he did not.

“My love, you must not worry about Prince Warren,” I can’t’ believe I just said that.” He is a Rickhardt now and forever.” I was disgusted at myself for saying such words.

“I’m not worried about him,” He was upset. “I’m worried about the plan. King Theodore has found out about them and now it could ruin everything.” Princess Avery was our key to dominate her and her family, even I am not sure if our plan will succeed now. I tell myself she is such a foolish girl and naïve, there should be no reason why we need to worry.

The door to the throne room busted open. “King Jeremy and Queen Josephine,” My lady-in-waiting, Anna, called, “dinner is ready.”

“Thank you, Anna.” She nodded and left us to be alone again. I reached out my hands to my husband, “Come, we must eat. Let us not starve ourselves.” He grabbed my hand and we both left the throne.

PRINCE WARREN RICKHARDT

I was starving but had to skip dinner tonight with King Jeremy and Queen Josephine. I told Lance, my servant, to tell the kitchen workers to pack a nice basket with delicious food in it and the finest wine we had with two goblets. Thirty minutes passed and there was knock on my door.

“Come in,” I said anxiously while trying to finish my note. I turned to see who it was. “Oh Lance, is everything prepared, even my horse?”

“The basket is ready, but I will get your horse ready as soon as possible.” Lance rushed out the door and left the basket with me.

Great, now I am going to be a couple minutes late . . . I’m never late . . .

I sprayed a scented mint of pomander on myself, grabbed the basket, and rushed out my room. I made it to the front entrance and saw Lance with my horse.

 “All set and ready, sir.” He gave me a smile and watched me climbed on the horse. “I will let King Jeremy and Queen Josephine know that you are on your way to meet Princess Avery.”

I gave him a nod and rode off.

PRINCESS AVERY LANCASTER

He is late. He is never late.

Just be patient, he will show up . . .

Minutes past and then I hear something. I panic and assume my brother must have found out I left the castle.

It must be one of his men. Oh no, I must hide . . .

I hid behind a tree, that was surrounded by tall bushes. I kneeled and gave no signs of breathing. I heard horse footsteps getting closer. Then it was quiet, and I heard someone jump onto the ground. The leaves started to crunch, and my heart started to pound

“Princess Avery, are you here?” That voice sounded familiar. I peeked through over the bushes and saw who it was, Prince Warren. My heart calmed and I popped out in glee.

“Warren, Oh Warren. I was worried that something must’ve happened to you.” I ran up to him with his arms opened wide to me. ” What happened? Why are you late?” He just stared at me and now I wonder if he was listening to anything that I was saying.

PRINCE WARREN RICKHARDT

I didn’t listen to anything that Princess Avery was saying. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Her eyes gleamed under the moon, a beautiful green with flicks of gold. Then I kissed the top of her head and took in her scent.

Mmm . . . strawberries . . .

I ran my hand through her auburn hair. It was soft and it reached halfway down her back. I softly pulled her head back and we stared into each other’s eyes. Suddenly, I kissed her, and she kissed me back, hard. I wanted her right here, right now.

Not now . . . this is not the time . . .

I stopped kissing her and she looked at me with disappointment. “Princess Avery, we can’t… please” I begged. A sigh came out of her and she stared down. I grabbed both her hands and gave them a kiss followed by a kiss on her forehead. “Have you eaten?”

“No, I was hoping you would’ve surprised me with a late-night dinner…I am starving, Warren.” I walked up to the horse and untied the picnic basket from the side and turned around. Her eyes let up like the stars.

She held the basket while I laid a thin straw blanket on the ground. I grabbed the basket from her, “Please, Princess, after you.” After she sat, I followed. “I’m not sure what’s in the basket but I’m sure you can find something delicious in there.”

“I’m sure I will,” she said with a smile on her face. She pulled out grapes, blueberry muffins, baked chicken, and a wine bottle. I grabbed the bottle from her and then reached in the basket to get the two goblets. I poured us some wine.

I knew we didn’t have much time tonight as we did then, so I savored every moment.

“Do you think we’ll ever be together?” Her eyes grew sad which made me distress.

I grabbed her hand while the other was holding the goblet. “Princess, I would do anything to be with you, I just need to know if you would do the same?” She paused and looked down. I know deep down she loved her brother, and she doesn’t want to hurt him, but she must make a choice soon.

PRINCESS AVERY LANCASTERB

How could he ask me that? He already knows the answer.

“Princess, it’s getting late and you must go now,” I wanted to cry after hearing that. I love this man so much, of course I would do anything to be with him.

I lean over to kiss him one more time before I go. He grabbed the back of my head and now our tongues were tangled up with one another.

I need him . . . I WANT HIM . . .

He carefully pulled himself away from me and reached down his vest. From the pocket he pulled out an envelope and handed it over to me. “Avery, please read this letter when you are in your room…away from everyone else,” I said with a stern voice. “No one is to see you read this, do you understand?”

She gave me a nod, stood up and was about to leave but then stopped, “Warren, I love you.” I started to feel so warm inside when she said that. I love this woman so much.

“I love you too, Princess. Please, you must go now,” She put the letter in her shirt, turned around, and ran. I watched her go until I could no longer see her. I started packing up the leftover food, rolled the straw blanket and tied it on the horse. I looked back to where she ran and missed her more than ever. I finally hopped on the horse and rode home.

Princess Avery, I want you more than ever . . .but if you could only see the truth. . . you would no longer love me . . .