LAVENDER

By now I thought I couldn’t be more surprised, but here I am, relieved that the young lady came when she did.

While it may be her fault we're here to begin with, I never thought she’d pick up on the situation so quickly, or perhaps she’s simply here to cause a fuss. 

I had thought she’d make another remark about men, or even try and get closer to the princess, I had never thought she would do this. 

Or perhaps I should have expected it. 

“Oh, excuse me, I’m Princess Addison Felderyn.” 

Just hearing that woman speak made me want to crack her skull in two, she was the worst sort of woman, a manipulative liar.

Feeling as Lady Alindell grew closer to me, I felt a sort of calmness cross my blood, as if she were shielding me, I had never felt this way before, but perhaps this is what it felt like to protected. 

What a strange thing, for a woman that’s to die soon, she sure has this strange way of toying about. 

Hearing the lady squeak, she shyly looks away. “Ah…my apologizes, I didn’t recognize you, I’ve only seen you in the gossip.” 

I almost let out a chuckle, for once her insults were the best part of my day. 

“I’ve been staying with her family for the summer, I needed a change.” Smiling, I take my arm and place it atop of her hands, as I lean into her. 

Looking at the princess was more priceless than I could imagine, the utter horror on her face was enough to make even a pig squeal. 

“Oh…..w-well, I know! What do you two think of being my guests at a tea party I’ll be hosting?” Clapping her hands together, it was clear she was reaching for straws at this point. 

But as I was about to deny her offer, the lady cut in. 

“Why, we would love to, imagine, my debut at a princess tea party, how dreamy.” Looking down, I caught her smirk, this clever girl. 

“You haven’t been introduced yet?” The princess said with an astonished look. 

I wanted to hurl, this entire conversation was going in a direction I hated, but, perhaps something good will come of it. 

“Yes, I’m afraid I’m a little late, which is why my beloved Count had offered to be by my side whenever I was ready.” Watching her theatrics, I feel as the Lady leans into me. 

“He’s always been so kind and gentle, in more ways than one.” 

I almost cough, my stare goes blank, but to my delight so does the princesses, at that moment I had to make choice, a choice I’d rather not, but, only one thought filled my mind. 

Revenge.

For once, it was her turn to be embarrassed, to have her day shattered by a few actions, thus, I roughly grab her by the hip, and pull her side against me. 

“Now Now little Lemon…..” Whispering to her, just loud enough for the princess to hear, I grab the lady by the wrist and say. 

“What have I told you about our little affairs? That’s our secret.” 

Grinning, I felt sweet revenge as her face bloomed red with not shame, or embarrassment as a noble lady usually would. 

After all, being tainted before marriage wasn’t smiled upon. 

What I saw in her shed was utter joy and satisfaction, her features practically melted, I wasn’t sure why but my mouth felt a little dry. 

Clearing my throat, I smile at her, and then the princess. 

“We best be off, the Baron wanted us home before noon and it’s already past.” 

I said as I took the Lady by her waist, leaving my hand on her back as I turned her around. 

The princess reached out, but I was already walking as far away as I could from the whole ordeal. 

“I hope to see you two at the tea party!…..goodbye Fenton…..”

Walking away, I found myself stopping, and soon the lady bellowed over, laughing, her giggles making her skin turn red as she laughed so hard a bit of drool left the corner of her mouth. 

She wiped it away and looked at me. “Goodness, I didn’t know you knew the princess, Trixxy”

Rolling my eyes, I was half tempted to push her down into the mud in the farthest part of the street. 

“Do silence yourself, we will not be going to such an event, especially not together.” Scowling, I offered her my hand and she took it.

“But it seemed so fun, I mean, who wouldn’t want to go to some horrid disillusioned tea party for a princess who enjoys her own looks so much she was willing to lay her brother.” 

Hearing her taunt the princess, a small chuckle left my lips as I turned away. 

“As fun as it seems, I’d rather not, I try and avoid social gatherings.” 

“And so did I! attending them is always so stuffy, but I firmly believe if we went together, it would be a hilarious memory I could treasure all my days.” 

Feeling her speak, I almost forgot she might not last long enough to attend such an event, while it mattered only a little, it seemed a shame to have such a young lady not be able to riot among the princesses count. 

Covering my mouth with my hand, I couldn’t stop the smile that formed on my face just thinking about this wild woman causing a ruckus among the court ladies. 

“A memory? Why ever would you need such a thing with a man like me?” Before I knew it those were the words that spilled from my mouth. 

“It’s simple really.” She sang. 

Taking a few steps forward, she let go of my hand and spun around, her golden head weaving like webs as she looked at me and said. 

“Because only once in a life does a Lady like myself find themselves at the front door of such an opportunity, and might I say I rather enjoy your company.” 

Stopping, I watch as she approaches the carriage again. 

Enjoy my company?

Following her honey hair, it was almost too strange to understand why I felt the urge to both strangle this woman and pull her closer to inquire what she meant. 

But for now, I suppose it’s time to head home, even if we didn’t get her dress, I’ve had enough of this little town for the day.