A knock sounds on my door and I stand and open it gently. Malick stands on the other side waiting. I open the door and walk out.
"I Prince Malick, of the West Civilization, am here to escort you to a romantic picnic for two." He bows and I bite back a laugh. How much did his brother pay him to recite all of that. He holds his arm out and I take it tenderly.
"Where is this picnic?" Malick has a grim look on his face.
"Not suppose to tell you Princess." I nod and take careful steps down the stairs. My father wait at the bottom holding a fur shrug.
"My dearest Princess you look stunning." He holds his arm out as I reach the bottom and I let go of Malick and do as I am suppose to. My father walks me to the doors and waits for two servants to open them. Outside is a horse drawn carriage meant just for me. The horses are wrapped in emerald silk ribbon and the carriage itself is emerald laced with gold. My father helps me into the carriage and Malick sits in front with the driver.
"Where are we heading to Princess Lila?" The drivers eyes flicker back to me as he waits for my answer.
"I have no idea Hacoli." He looks at Malick. Malick leans over and whispers to Hacoli.
"Yes Prince Malick." Hacoli pulls on the reigns and gets the horses moving. We head towards Colbridge Park where Prince Darlig first proposed his offer of wealth and child. I should have known he was going to take me back to that dreadful place with that dreadful memory. Why couldn't father choose a nice boy that I like not some prince with the attitude of a kitty cat.
"Princess you know your father only wants what is best for you." Malick has turned around to look at me.
"That's where you are wrong Malick. He wants what is best for him." Malick sighs when I say his name without prince in front of it.
"Well its either marriage or get in the carriage and off to coven you go." He knows my weakness and flaws for we were once the best of friends a girl could ever have. Looking at him now I see a powerful man not a boy who use to climb trees in the back garden. His hair the dark shade if midnight falls slightly over one eye and his eyes so beautiful make any girl want to falk at his feet.
The carriage pulls in front of the park and Malick comes to help me down. He holds his hand out and I gingerly take it, careful not to hold to tight or to intimately. He leads me down a path past the roses and lilac trees. We enter a clearing and all I see is beautiful willow trees and a blanket spread out under them. Malick bows to me as I head to the blanket and take my seat. Prince Darlig comes out from behind one of the trunks and bows before me.
"My dearest Princess I am so glad you have accepted my invitation. You look so beautiful as always." His eyes gleam with content.
"Thank you Prince Darlig I am glad you have asked me here."I do my best to smile and to keep the sarcasm out of my tone.
"The reason I brought you here is to start the planning of our wedding. I know you have a dress and the venue is set up of course now it's just deciding where to honeymoon." His eyes sparkle with each word and go dark with desire when he says honeymoon. I cringe but nod.
"I was thinking we should stay at my castle." I was hoping my suggestion would entice him but he looks outraged.
"No! We shall stay at my castle where we will honeymoon for two weeks and then we shall return to your castle." I nod solemnly and sit quietly.
"Now let's enjoy our picnic." He hands me a roll stuffed with meats and cheese.