The Problematic Prince - Side Story 6 - The Scent of Oranges on the Wind

Stepping through the archway and into the courtyard, Erna was greeted by a sweet aroma that captivated her senses.

Pausing to take in the view, she admired the palace gardens, the Orange Blossom shimmered in the morning sun.

“This place feels like heaven, your highness,” Lisa said. “But the gardens at Schuber Palace are even more beautiful.”

Erna simply nodded with a smile and carefully ventured into the garden. Their footsteps echoing softy along the promenade and accompanied by melodious birdsong.

The Lechen delegation were accommodated in an annex next to the Orange garden, the pride of Lorca Royal Palaces. The Crown Prince of Lorca, who had welcomed them personally, emphasised the enduring friendship of the two nations. Erna found herself in a world unlike anything she had ever known.

Golden sunlight bathed the exotic city, with its towering trees, vibrant flowers, the unique attire people wore and the unfamiliar architecture. Erna had read a travel book on Lorca and gained a wealth of knowledge and yet, as she peered through the carriage window, she felt humbled by the unfolding scene. The most striking of all was Lorca’s Palace and gardens, which were intricate works of art.

“Your Highness, you won first place,” Lisa said in an idle, chit-chat manner. “The entourage took a vote.”

“A vote?”

“Yes,” Lisa nodded excitedly. “We wanted to determine who the most beautiful Royal couple were and you won, Lechen truly is the best country.”

“Its just a bit of fun.”

“Indeed, but everyone was so united in their loyalty, it was a challenge for the others not to vote for their own Prince and Princess. Most agree that our Prince is the most handsome, but everyone agreed that you are the most beautiful Princess.”

With a satisfied grin, Lisa looked at her Mistress. Erna, feeling embarrassed, hurried her pace, passing under the shadows of a line of Palm trees. It was then that she noticed there were others approaching from the other direction.

Catching a glimpse of them, Lisa quickly bowed her head. Erna followed suit, her face displaying a hint of nervousness. It was the Queen of Lorca and her entourage.

Erna gracefully approached the Queen, who stood observing them. Erna greeted her politely in Lechen and the Queen responded in Lorcan. Despite the language barrier, the greetings were amicable.

As they had done previously, over the last few days, they walked side by side. The picturesque garden, where the babble of the fountain chorused against birdsong, it was as serene and beautiful as a painting.

The Queen of Lorca led Erna along a path lined with orderly rows of Orange Trees, which resembled a chess board, and toward a pergola. As they walked, Erna grew more relaxed.

Erna’s first encountered the Queen a few days ago, during her first morning at the palace.

As was her custom, Erna roused early to go for her morning walk, just like today. It was then that she came upon the Queen, also enjoying a morning walk. She was plainly dressed and accompanied by a single attendant.

Unfazed by the unexpected encounter, the Queen greeted her with a warm smile. Although they lacked an interpreter and couldn’t engage in proper conversation, the two shared an intimate walk. By the time they parted, Erna’s smile was more natural.

Erna got the impression that she was an enigmatic lady and Erna found comfort in the elderly ladies thoughtful atmosphere. She felt relaxed in the presence of the Queen, similar to resting under a tree with her grandmother.

The two sat under the pergola, admiring the garden. Occasionally they exchanged quiet smiles when their eyes met, then returned to gazing out at the Orange Trees, adorned with snow like blossoms. As their time together reached its end, Erna worked up the courage to speak.

“Excuse me, your Majesty, may I make a request?”

Queen Lorca turned her attention to Erna. The maid quickly approached, she spoke and understood a little Lechen and Erna hoped she might know enough.

“May I take a small branch of the Orange tree? I would like to share the wonderful scent of these flowers with my husband.” Erna looked at the Queen, doing her best to express with expressions and movements of her hand.

The maid translated as best she could. The Queen looked quizzically at Erna, her white brows coming low, her eyes sparkling. Erna felt like the Queen was judging her and she wondered is she had made some faux pas, but then the Queen burst into laughter.

The Queen nodded energetically and spoke a few words in Lorcan. The maid bowed low, leaving Erna and the Queen alone, in the Orange scented pergola.

Erna tried to maintain her poise, meeting the Queens gaze with curiosity. The maid eventually returned, just as things were feeling awkward, with a branch filled with white blossom. The Queen took the branch and stood up. Surprised, Erna stood also and faced the Queen.

The Queen of Lorca personally handed a branch from the Orange Tree to the Princess of Lechen. The Queens words roughly translated by her maid.

“The Prince of Lechen is lucky to have such a lovely wife.”

Whispered sweet nothings floated gracefully on the wind, entwined with the delicate fragrance of orange blossoms, tenderly enveloping Erna in a soothing embrace.

****

Erna is coming.Bjorn could identify her by her soft, whispering footsteps. She approached gracefully, stopping by the bed where he lay. Bjorn decided to remain in bed, as Erna carefully sat down, the sound of wind chimes could be heard as she sat.

“Bjorn,” she whispered. “Time to get up for breakfast.” Her hand gently brushed his cheek, he could smell something floral.

“What is that?” He asked, not opening his eyes.

“Its Orange blossom, the Queen gave it to me as a gift.”

Bjorn sat up and could see Erna was holding a small branch crowded with white flowers. Bjorn motioned for Erna to come into his arms.

“The Queen, really?” Bjorn sighed.

He knew that Erna liked to take morning walks with the Queen. It seemed that Erna had a knack for being able to charm elderly ladies.

Erna settled into his arms and discussed the plans for the day. They were more excited than usual, since they had arrange to spend the whole afternoon together.

“Bjorn, look into my eyes, what day is it today?” Erna’s tones became serious.

Bjorn understood the question and smiled as he looked at his wife. Erna shifted her position to hold her husbands face.

“Remember what you promised? ‘Today I will spend the whole day with my wife’  You don’t forget it, right?’” Erna said, in a mock Bjorn voice.

“I have not forgotten,”  Bjorn said.

“Really?”

“Really,” Bjorn said, planting a gentle kiss on Erna’s cheek, seeing her doubtful expression.

“If something unavoidable comes up, you have to tell me.”

“hmm.” This time he kissed her adorable little nose.

“Can I trust you?”

“Hmm.” This time he kissed her pouting lips.

As their playful kiss deepened, the bedroom fell into silence once more. The sunlight shone through the blinds, casting thin bars of dark shadow and golden light.

“I remember Erna,” Bjorn said with a smile, wiping his wife’s blushing cheek. “I won’t forget.”

“Hey, Bjorn,” Erna said, just as he was about to pull the bell rope. Bjorn looked at her.  “Well, they said I had won first place,” Erna said, hesitantly.

“First place?”

“Yeah, the servants all voted on who was the most beautiful couple and I heard that it was unanimously in my favour.”

A faint smile appeared on Erna’s lips as Bjorn looked at her as she made her bold claim. Her face glowed scarlet and a bashful smile played on her face, she was truly irresistible. He could almost see the delicate deer tail swishing beneath her gown.

“Well, congratulations, my wife is the prettiest in all the lands.” Bjorn bowed his head. Erna beamed and blushed as he picked a flower from the branch and placed it behind her ear.

“This is yours,” Erna said, mustering the courage to place a blossom in Bjorn’s ear as well. “It was close, but you won first place too,” she whispered, barely able to contain a laugh. Bjorn looked at her, bewildered and then gave a half-hearted laugh.

His reaction was some what aloof, but Erna chose to understand. It was a well known fact that he was the most handsome prince in the world. Of course, she hadn’t met all the princes, but there were some undeniable facts that didn’t require verification.

Bjorn pulled the rope and got out of bed. The flowers Erna had given him hung loosely in his fingers. The most handsome prince in Erna’s world placed the flowers in a basin and headed for the bathroom.

Erna held her breath, approached the window and stood in front of the bronze bowl. The feeling of flowers blossoming in her heart as likely due to the sweet scent of Oranges carried by the wind.

Before turning away, Erna gently placed her flower into the bowl and let it float with the others. She was captivated by the sunlight pouring down on the waters surface, where the Orange Blossoms swam together.