“I see,” Constance replied, taking a drink of water.
“They continued the meal in warm conversation, recalling the many adventures of their journey.
******************
Constance sluggishly opened her eyes as she lie on her comfortable bed with streams of sunshine pouring through the window. She knew this was going to be a big day for Drinian, as he was presented to the kingdom as their soon to be king. And he had asked her to stand with him as he made his speech.
“Good morning Constance, how did you sleep?” Marta asked, walking into the bedroom.
“Very well thank you,” Constance replied, sitting up in bed.
“Now this is the day when you’re going to be presented to all the councilmen, lords, duchesses, and dukes. You simply must look your best, which is why I have picked a dress for you.”
Marta pulled a dress from behind her. It was gorgeous, with dark red silk material, silver and gold designs on the hem, waist, and sleeves. Diamonds, in place of buttons, glistened on the sleeves.
Constance quickly arose and put on the dress. Surprisingly, it fit her to perfection.
“Oh, Marta, this dress is way too beautiful for me!” Constance exclaimed, looking down at the dress she wore.
“I know this dress is beautiful, it was once the queen’s engagement dress,” Marta said, buttoning the top button in the back.
“That is why I don't deserve to wear it, Marta.”
“No, Queen Leona would have wanted you to wear it, for you may marry her son someday.”
“Marta! That can never happen!”
“Well maybe not right now, but in the future,” Marta replied smiling.
Constance did not know what to say.
“You do know that Prince Drinian has feelings for you.”
“Yes, I know he does, but only as friends.”
“That is not what I heard.”
“Marta, it is not right to gossip! Besides we rarely agree with each other,” Constance replied, letting her hair down.
Marta spent several minutes putting up Constance’s hair in a neat French bun, which she covered with a ruby woven hairnet.
“Now for your crown,” Marta said, walking away from Constance and opening a glass cupboard containing three crowns.
“A crown? I'm not royalty Marta.”
“I know, but this could hardly be called a crown. Queen Leona wore this before she became queen, and she was not from royalty.”
Marta carefully reached for a solid silver crown, very delicate and feminine, with diamonds across the top. Constance stood and looked into the mirror as Marta placed the crown on her head.
“You look so beautiful, it’s enough to make me weep,” Marta exclaimed giving Constance a hug as someone knocked on the door.
“Come in,” Marta said.
Woodphere, who was in his finest clothing, entered the room. “Prince Drinian is ready to make his speech and I have come to escort Constance down …” Woodphere did not finish his sentence.
“Constance, how beautiful you look.” Woodphere said his face beaming.
“Thank you.”
“Woodphere, you are not taking this girl down already, she has not even had her breakfast,” Marta said.
“Marta, it’s fine, I'm not even hungry. Besides we'll be having dinner within a couple of hours.”
“Alright, if you insist,” Marta sighed.
Woodphere offered his arm to Constance as they walked out of the bedroom.
“Oh Woodphere, I am so nervous, and I'm not even giving the speech,” Constance sighed, as they walked down the hall.
“Why are you so nervous?”
“I don't like to be the center of attention. Standing up there with hundreds of people staring at me, is so frightening.”
“Do not fret, picture everyone as an animal. You are not afraid of them, are you?”
“It depends on what type of animal.”
“I mean something like cats or dogs.”
“If I pictured everyone as animals I would probably start laughing and make a fool of myself,” Constance teased.
“Take my advice, it works.”
“Alright, I'll try it,” Constance replied, as they came to the stairs.
Constance could see Drinian waiting by the balcony doors. He wore a high collar shirt and dark brown trousers, with knee length boots. Drinian’s countenance brightened as he saw Woodphere and Constance approaching.
“You are so beautiful!” Drinian exclaimed, offering his arm to Constance at the bottom of the steps.
Soon the balcony doors opened and they stepped forward onto the balcony. Hundreds of people stood below them cheering and clapping when the trumpets blew to silence the crowd. Drinian inhaled, strode forward, and started speaking, his voice lingering over the crowd.
“People of Avonea, I stand here before you as your soon to be king. But not only as a king, but as your friend and a citizen of our beloved country. As you know I have been away for several years, since the death of my father King Simian. I thank you for not treating me like a stranger, but welcoming me as a friend, even though many of you do not remember me.”
Constance listened attentively to Drinian's speech. His words were humble, but filled with confidence. She glanced over the crowd as he continued to speak. They were very quiet and listening to his every word.
“Avonea, I will do my best as your king and I will try to rule wisely, as my father King Simian once did. I will do everything in my power to stop Princess Penella from taking your young daughters.” Drinian finished his speech with a short prayer, after which the crowd lifted their voices in cheers of joy. Drinian bowed and Constance curtsied, as they left the balcony.
Minutes later back at the castle they were met by, lords, duchesses, dukes, and councilmen.
“Constance, this is Lord Parvienc, Lord Ballmoore, Lord Arklan, and Lord Court,” Drinian said, introducing her to four older gentlemen.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, gentlemen,” Constance replied.
“I quite approved of your speech, Prince Drinian,” said Lord Ballmoore, his white beard hanging to his waist. “Do you plain to stay true to the old traditions, Your Majesty?”
“I will certainly try, Lord Ballmoore.”
“You do know if you follow traditions, you will have to find a wife before you become king,” Lord Court said, in a shaky voice.
“I know of my duties, Lord Court. Now, if will you please excuse us. I need to get Constance to the refreshments,” Drinian said, bowing and walking away.
“Drinian, why did you say that? I could have waited for a drink.” Constance asked, as they walked over to the punch bowl.
“I knew once the lords start talking about tradition they never stop. I remember as a boy how they would talk about tradition for hours with my father.”
“I guess they’re firm believers in tradition,” Constance said, taking a sip of punch.
“Indeed, not all tradition is bad, but some we could do without,” Drinian replied.
Throughout the day Constance and Drinian stood arm in arm, talking with duchesses, dukes, councilmen, advisers, and regrettably the lords.
True Love
Drinian and Constance slipped away to the quiet gardens as the festivities came to an end. They walked leisurely hand in hand until Constance spoke at last.
“Drinian I'm not trying to be nosy, but will you actually pick a bride before you become king?”
“The old traditions say one must marry before becoming king or queen.”
“Are you going to follow them?”
“I do not know, although I suppose the lords will insist,” Drinian sighed. “But it really depends if a certain young woman says yes to my proposal.”
“Really Drinian, what girl wouldn’t be delighted to marry you? You are kind, brave, handsome, as well as being a prince. Plus I know at least one girl that is crazy about you.”
“Really?” Drinian asked, as he walked.
“
Yes, she's head over heels in love with you. You should know who I'm talking about,” Constance said, as she stopped to pick a pink rose from a nearby bush.
“I have an idea,” Drinian replied.
“And do you have feelings for her?”
“Of course I do, who would not,” Drinian said, smiling.
“Oh,” Constance murmured in disappointment. “You know I’m feeling a bit weary from all the activity today. I think I'll go to bed now. Goodnight Drinian,” Constance said quickly walking toward the castle.
“Wait! Constance, what’s the matter? You can't be serious, it’s only 8:00 clock,” Drinian pointed out, as he stopped her.
“Yes, but I'm exhausted,” Constance replied, staring at the ground.
“Constance, what's the matter? What did I say to upset you?” Drinian inquired, lifting her chin and gazing into her eyes.
“Nothing, Drinian. I wish you and Reagan all the happiness in the world together.”
“What!” Drinian exclaimed, in shock.
“I said I wish you and Reagan the very best.”
“Reagan? When did she become a part of this conversation?”
“Don’t pretend Drinian! I already know that you love Reagan.”
“Constance, where did you ever get the idea that I cared for Reagan?”
“It was so obvious back at the Kallies village, that you liked her. I naturally assumed ..,”
“No, I don’t love Reagan. I was referring to you a moment ago.”
Constance felt a twinge of embarrassment creep over her as she thought: What a fool I have been!
“I thought you meant that you had feelings for me.”
“I was talking about Reagan,” Constance replied.
“Don’t you consider me more than a friend?” Drinian asked.
“Of course you are more than a friend.”
“That means a lot to me, since I love you so much Constance.”
“Oh Drinian, do you mean it?”
“I mean it with all my heart. I would have never given you my mother's necklace if I did not love you. Constance please stays here. I need you, and Avonea needs you. “Please, will you marry me? We can wait for a year or two if you wish,” Drinian said, looking into Constance eyes.
“Oh Drinian, I didn’t think it possible to fall in love so quickly, but yet I have.”
“Will you stay here in Avonea?”
“Drinian, I love you, and I love it here in Avonea. But I can't stay here! I must return to my world.”
Drinian lowered his head in disappointment as she spoke.
“I will at least think and pray about it, Drinian, before I give you a final answer,” Constance continued, as Drinian lifted his head hopefully.
“You do what you think is best, and what God directs you to do. I wish you the most pleasant dreams,” Drinian replied, as he strolled back toward the castle.
Constance seated herself on a nearby bench. So many thought were rushing through her head about Drinian and her Uncle Blake. If she stayed with Drinian, her uncle would be miserable the rest of his life. If she left, she might never see Drinian again, and she could hardly stand the thought of that.
“God, why is it such a hard decision? Please show me what I should do,” Constance prayed. Nearly an hour later, she had the answer.
***************
The next morning Constance awoke early, and dressed quickly. First, she must find Woodphere. After several minutes, she found him in the exploration room, looking at old maps.
“Good morning to you, Woodphere,” Constance said in greeting.
“Good morning, Constance. Did you sleep well?” Woodphere asked, looking up from his map.
“No, I didn’t.”
“What is the matter, you look very troubled?” Woodphere observed, walking over to her.
“Oh, Woodphere! I don't know what to do about Drinian.”
“Is this about Drinian asking you to stay?”
“Yes, it is. I love Drinian so very much, you know I do. But I can't leave my uncle,” Constance sighed.
“Did you pray about it?” Woodphere asked.
“Yes, and I thought I found my answer, but when I woke up I didn't really know what my decision was anymore.”
“Why not follow what you first thought God was telling you?”
“How do I know that it was actually God telling me?” Constance said, putting her head down.
“Constance, look at me. “You know God has spoken and you have made the right choice when you have a peace deep in your heart after seeking His guidance.”
“How will I ever tell Drinian?”
“Drinian loves you Constance, and when you truly love someone you want the very best for them. Whatever your answer is, I am sure Drinian will understand,” Woodphere replied.
“Thank you so much Woodphere,” Constance said giving him a warm hug.
Constance left Woodphere in better spirits and soon found Drinian in his study. He had been writing to Princess Penella, to discuss matters between their countries.
“Drinian,” Constance said calmly.
Drinian lifting his eyes toward Constance, noticed the troubled look on her face.
“Constance, what is wrong?”
“Drinian, I have made my decision. Don't mistake me, although I love you very much, I must return home.”
Drinian tried to conceal his disappointment, but could not hide the pained look in his eye.
“I'm so sorry. I would love to stay if there was any way my uncle and aunt could join me.”
“I understand. When do you wish to return?”
“Would it be alright if we left tomorrow morning?
“No, that is fine. Constance before you leave, would you enjoy a picnic with me this afternoon?” Drinian asked.
“That would be wonderful! Thank you, Drinian,” Constance replied smiling.
**************
Later that afternoon, picnic hamper in hand, Drinian escorted Constance to one of his favorite lookout views, the Edge of Beauty. Below the deep blue ocean stretched as far as the eye could see. To the west, high peaks, like the Himalayas on earth, loomed in the distance. To the east, looking like a doll house set, stood Castle Melody and the surrounding village.
“It’s beautiful,” Constance sighed dreamily, as she looked around her.
“Indeed, this is where I often came as a boy to think about my troubles. Mostly it was to escape from Lord Court’s daughter who had a habit of following me.”
“That was your biggest problem?” Constance inquired.
“Yes, and sometimes I wish life was that simple again, instead of the responsibilities I am facing now.”
“Don't worry, Drinian. I have a feeling that you’re going to be one of the best kings Avonea has ever seen.”
“Hopefully your right. Come, I have one more thing to show you. You must close your eyes, however”
“Why?”
“Just close them, and hold on to my arm,” Drinian said as he deliberately led Constance up the hill and finally came to a stop.
“Alright, open your eyes.”
Constance slowly cast her gaze upon the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. Had she died and gone to heaven? The sun was warm on Constance’s face, as a soft breeze blew through her hair, and the ocean sparkled far below her feet. The soothing sound of a waterfall reached her ears and turning toward it, she fixed her eyes on the green ferns, wild flowers and tropical trees that were nearby.
“What do you think?” Drinian asked, breaking the silence.
“I...I don't know what to say, it is just so incredible!”
“I wanted to make sure that you saw this before you left Avonea. I was hoping it had not changed since I was last here. It has not, it has only become more beautiful.”
“I'm so glad you brought me here, I will never forget it.”
As they turned to leave, Constance felt her bracelet slip from her wrist. “My bracelet fell into the ocean! It was my favorite one
too,” Constance gasped.
“Do you wish my fair maiden for me to leap off the cliff and retrieve your bracelet?” Drinian said dramatically.
Constance smiled, “Yes, please, please do my knight in shining armor, who whisked me away to this romantic getaway!” Constance replied playfully.
“Very well my beautiful lady, I will return most hastily,” Drinian said, acting as if he were going to jump from the cliff.
“Drinian, you had better not get so close to the edge. You’re going to fall, if you are not careful!”
“Are you sure my fair lady, for I would do anything you wish.”
“Do stop please, my dear knight, before you get yourself killed.”
“If you really want me to I can climb down and get your bracelet.”
“I would rather have you alive than have that bracelet.”
“Alright, but you have to admit that would be very chivalrous of me. Brave, adventurous, and fun, too! On second thought, I think I will.
“Don't you dare, or I'll never speak to you again!”
“That is not a very good argument, for you are leaving tomorrow. After that you will never speak to me again anyway.”
“You’re too smart.”
“And is smartness a bad thing? Especially when you’re going to become king? Drinian asked crossing his arms.
“No, but since you’re in such a giving mood, you can do something for me.”
“Your wish is my command!”
“Great, you can teach how to handle a sword after supper,” Constance replied.
“Very funny, that's a good joke.”
“I'm serous, Drinian.”
“How could you be serious? You shouldn't want to fight.”
“I don't want to fight; I just want to know how to handle a sword.”
“That does not make any sense, you’re a lady.
“Really Drinian, you’re sounding like a child.”
“I didn’t mean it that way. Sword fighting is something ladies don’t in Avonea.”
“And why not?” Constance asked, crossing her arms while lifting one eye brow.
Look Constance, do you really want to get into an argument before you leave?
“Drinian, you do remember that you said that my wish was your command. Are you going to back down from your promise?”
A Path Toward Home (The Annals of Avonea) Page 12
