The Problematic Prince - Side Story 12 - Pretty New Cookie Jar

The landscapes of Lorca often erupted in radiant beauty, giving birth to a range of vivid colours Erna would remember forever; the emerald sea that shimmered and sparkled under the bright sun. The red city that sat, nestled among the dunes of the desert, and the vibrant roses.

Erna meticulously sifted through all the photographs, she wanted to put them all on display, but feared it might be a bit excessive. She struggle with the task of picking out only a few and ultimately decided to keep those she cherished most as personal treasures. A decision she made out of respect for the dignity and pride of the Grand Duke.

Sipping at her tea, Erna studied the frame she picked out for her favourite photograph. It was the capture of her and Bjorn under the orange tree. A smiling face beaming at the camera as the Grand Duke looked at his obsession. Erna’s long, flowing formal gown hid the fact that she was on her tiptoes, bringing her up to just below Bjorn’s chin.

Lost in the moment, Erna looked at the photo as if she could feel the warm breeze and smell the oranges. Her heart raced as though the scene perfectly captured the essence of their love.

Erna pushed herself out of the chair and headed over to the secret place she kept her cookie tin. Far larger than the snowman she once had, the floral tin was big enough to fit the framed photo.

“The monster has a friend,” Mrs Fitz had once said, when she saw the tin.

Bjorn had presented it to her as a gift, filled with cookies, and although it was far larger than any cookie jar Erna had ever seen, she loved it all the same. The cookies were especially delicious and shared out amongst the staff at the palace.

“Its big,” Erna had murmured, more to herself than Bjorn. “It’s really big.” Erna felt that if she crouched down, she could fit in it.

Suppressing a laugh, Erna pulled the lid open and laid the photo within its depths. She admired the tin’s enormous size, which allowed it to hold so many memories. While she found it charming, she never truly expressed that thought, feeling that it was why Bjorn had picked it out in the first place.

Lovingly placing the photo in the cookie jar, Erna felt her heart swell with warmth as she looked upon it, nestled within all her other memories of the spring.

A knock came from the bedroom door. “Your Highness, its Mrs Fitz,” came a polite voice.

“Yes, come in,” Erna said, replacing the lid of the jar. Mrs Fitz entered silently.

The two got themselves comfortable on the balcony overlooking the Abit River, they then went into deep discussions about the forecast for Summer. The schedule was packed, but Erna was eager and motivated.

After hours of talk, the two sat in silence, sipping at their teas and moistening long dry throats.

“Oh, I see the trophy has a new ribbon,” Mrs Fitz said, with a smile. She noticed the gold antler trophy was now adorned with a blue ribbon, matching the Grand Duchess’ eyes.

She surveyed the room and every where she looked, she found reminders of the Grand Duchess’ eccentric taste; the ribboned trophy, a typewriter, the elephant statue and now the oversized, floral biscuit tin.

Lorenz Diggs had been desperate to remove this gaudy artefacts, claiming they clashed with the rooms aesthetic, but Erna remained steadfast. Though the objects might be unsightly, they were reminders of the Prince’s love for the Princess and in that, they were the most beautiful decorations in the room.

“Oh, look at the time,” Mrs Fitz said, as her eyes past over the clock on the mantelpiece. “You have to meet with the architect in thirty minutes. You better get ready.”

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

The prince arrived home earlier than expected. Upon hearing this news, the servants of the Grand Duke’s residence quickly assembled at the entrance to welcome the carriage adorned with the golden wolf emblem.

“Her Highness is in the living room, meeting with Mr. Emil Barser,” Mrs. Fitz informed the prince, delivering the most important news.

“Barser?” Bjorn questioned, still standing at the entrance, puzzled.

Mrs. Fitz sighed softly, “He’s the architect who will design the greenhouse as per your request via telegram during your visit to Lorca,” she clarified.

“Ah, yes,” Bjorn nodded and smiled. He straightened his cane and proceeded across the lobby, climbing the stairs to the living room where the Grand Duchess awaited.

As soon as Bjorn opening the door, the architect instantly rose from his chair. “Oh, Prince!”

Bjorn acknowledged the architect’s greeting with a slight nod before sitting down next to Erna. Several design sheets were spread across the table, indicating that Erna had not yet made a decision.

“Bjorn, I’m glad you’re home. I’d like your opinion,” Erna said, smiling brightly.

Bjorn glanced at the pictures on the table. “It’s your choice, so pick what you like,” he replied tersely, unbuttoning his glove. Erna looked displeased with Bjorn’s cold response. “But Bjorn, this is for Schuber Palace.”she said, smiling gently.

Familiar with her mannerisms, Bjorn recognized that her persistence was strongest when she smiled in that gentle manner. Erna then picked up two pictures from the table and held them him. “Firstly, there are two designs I like, but I’m having trouble choosing between them. See which one you think is better.”

Bjorn sighed, impressed by his wife’s growing ability to sway him. He gave in and shared his thoughts. “Which one has the highest construction cost?” he asked, examining the greenhouse illustrations. The gray-haired architect hesitated for a moment before pointing to the design on the right.

“This greenhouse design is the largest and most expensive to construct, Your Highness..”

“In that case, let’s choose this one,” Bjorn decided without hesitation.

“Bjorn?”

“If you’re struggling to choose, remember one thing, Erna. There are no good cheap items in this world. Expensive items are costly for a reason.”

“But a higher price doesn’t always guarantee quality, right?”

“That’s why it’s crucial to ensure the outcome is worth the price you pay, whatever it takes,” Bjorn said, smiling at the architect. “Isn’t that right, Mr. Barser?”

Emil Barser seemed disconcerted, hastily clutching the selected construction sketch while stealing glances at the door, keen to make his exit at the earliest opportunity. Bjorn then allowed the seasoned greenhouse architect to take his leave.

With the living room door closed, Erna smiled in relief. “In any event, Dniester consistently chooses and crafts the most magnificent, doesn’t he…”

“Indeed.” Bjorn casually acknowledged the indirect compliment.

“Thank you, Bjorn,” Erna said, gazing at his polished, well-kept loafers. She now understood that this was Bjorn’s way – the prince of Lechen, the bank president – of showing his love. A man who provides his woman with the most luxurious and finest things in the world is a proof to his love for her.

Bjorn only laughed and gazed at Erna. As their eyes locked more intensely, Mrs. Fitz unexpectedly knocked on the door, making Erna to quickly divert her gaze and sit back on the sofa.

“Your Highness, there is urgent news from the palace.” Mrs. Fitz approached them and presented the letter she carried on a silver tray.

Come to the palace tomorrow morning. As this is a significant event for the royal family, ensure that both you and your wife attend.

Bjorn’s brow creased while scrutinizing the letter. The Queen’s handwritten note took him aback, for his mother had never penned anything like it in the past.

“Do we need to go to the palace now?” Erna asked, her face tense as she inspected the letter Bjorn handed her.

“No, Erna. If that were the case, my mother would have undoubtedly requested my presence at the palace immediately.”

“What’s happening? Has something terrible happened?”

“I’m not sure.” Bjorn took his platinum wolf-headed cane that leaned against the chair’s arm. “Perhaps it’s related to the Crown Prince’s peculiar behavior lately.”

He felt certain it was connected to Leonid Dniester. Despite lacking solid evidence, Bjorn couldn’t dismiss the nagging intuition.