Goldest and the Kingdom of Thorns (23 page)

The Queen quickly changed the subject, knowing it was best for all concerned. “Please bring over those
emeralds for Floriana to see. The green emeralds used as the beading on your gown will bring out the green within your eyes.”

Sabira brought over the green emeralds for all to see. Floriana, Lowilla and Augean looked upon the green emeralds with delight. All knew that they were the perfect choice for Floriana.

A distressed princess was now deep within her own thoughts. What guarded promise is this that is kept so discreetly secret from myself? the troubled princess asked herself.

The afternoon dragged on for the princess with the sewing of the gowns. They all took a break and decided to go for a walk in the gardens and get some fresh air. They needed to be refreshed. The seamstresses were badly in need of a long break to rest their weary eyes and hands.

They had missed their morning ride together, all having slept in after a most festive night last night with the announcement of Savagio and Floriana also wanting to be united.

In the main dining hall, the King of the Willows sat at the long table eating a late lunch. He had gone riding with his own entourage into the far corners of the Ladybug Kingdom looking for the massive cherry trees that he had heard grew on the far northern boundary of the kingdom. He was impressed when he saw the dark, massive structures looming over him and his riding party.

The cherry trees were monstrous creatures gifted with large, juicy, sweet red cherries; some had even sweeter yellow cherries. A few of the darker bark trees
sprouted vast dark grape cherries. These were really tart and succulent. He had told his entourage that he would have to think of a way to dig up the smaller, new growth of these grape cherries and transport them back to his kingdom to be replanted. The courtiers who had gone riding with him that morning, back to the northernmost boundary, sat with the king eating their lunch. They all wondered how he could eat so much on top of all those cherries he had eaten from the robust cherry trees that morning.

“Better watch, sir, that you don’t get a tummy ache on top of all those cherries you have eaten,” an older maiden of his Court had told him, shaking her finger at him.

The King laughed a boisterous laugh at the older maiden as Aparicio and Ushi walked in together to join him at his table to eat. They had really come to have a special, private talk with him, and doing it over lunch seemed feasible. Everyone knew the King loved to eat, and approaching him with a request or a favor was best to do when he was eating. He was more inclined to be agreeable and grant you your wish than at any other time.

“I understand you two wanted a word with me. I already know what this is all about, seeing that Ushi is taking a bride. Besides, I wouldn’t be a King if I did not see or know what I needed to see or know,” the King told them agreeably.

“Set Ushi free of his vow to you, and let me take his place,” Aparicio blurted out, not caring that members of the King’s Court were present or not. His patience with his father was beginning to wear thin, again.

The women of the King’s Court that were present
at the table gasped at Aparicio’s words and his bluntness, ignoring the fact that the King was at lunch with his Court, and should be respected enough not to have any private affair presented to him at this given time.

The King was upset at Aparicio’s disregard that he was having lunch with members of his Court, and now was not the time to talk business about a private family affair. The King gave Aparicio a hostile look, with both his eyebrows lifted and his forehead furrowed. He took a sip of his wine and let his anger towards his only son simmer quietly. He knew his son had always lacked patience, but he had hoped that being banned from his kingdom and family would by now have molded him into a better character, with virtue and piety.

“Patience is a gift not born from within, but taught and learned. As I see it, you have never grasped it,” the King told his only son bluntly.

Ushi saw how angered the King was, with his simmering now turned to boiling, and knew immediately that he had better step in and settle things. “Let Aparicio make things right, again – for his own family,” Ushi told him seriously.

The King looked up from his wine glass and now gave Ushi an odd look, with both eyebrows raised in question. “You take sides now with my son?” the King asked him boldly.

Ushi gulped, knowing it was best to keep silent now and let the King make his decision.

The King sat back in silence for a few minutes. He wanted to smirk, but knew better. He was now amused at this little, conniving conspiracy. He wanted
to burst into laughter at his Court looking with such appalled expressions at Ushi and Aparicio, thinking they would be in the King’s good graces for thinking ill of the two. He noticed how his Court held their collective breath in anticipation. He decided to humor them all for a while and let Ushi and Aparicio squirm a bit. Would they cower beneath him? the King asked himself secretly.

The King broke the silence and remarked seriously, “So, I see, another conspiracy…”

“But it is a good one!” Ushi blurted out.

The Court gasped, again – this time in unison. The King wanted to laugh, but dared not give himself away. Some of the Court began to twitch with nervousness. Their muscle spasms had started to set in. This both annoyed and tickled the King. Only Ushi and Aparicio sat with resolute vigor and unyielding spirits.

Quietude set in again for several seconds, with the King leaning back as he sipped his wine. Then he leaned forward and spoke. “I shall put it this way. The Queen will banish me from my own kingdom if I do not let Ushi go and Aparicio take his place!”

Both Aparicio and Ushi burst into laughter, with the King following suit. His Court decided they had better laugh, too. They all wanted to stay in good favor with their King.

“I see Mother can indeed wield her own power once in a while,” Aparicio remarked slyly.

“Do not let the kindness of your mother’s heart fool you. She can be quite harsh and brutal at times, and has closed her door to me many a night,” the King responded.

A relaxed atmosphere had set in again, with the
company resuming their lunch and drinking their wine with placid enjoyment.

Frangelico and Carlos walked in together to join the festive table for lunch. The King was humoring himself and looked forward to the two gypsies joining them for the remainder of the meal. The King felt good about himself, his family and his own kingdom. His own heart beat harmoniously, which made him feel kindly for a change. He wanted to share his well-being with the Gypsy Warriors. He was also in a jolly, humorous mood and wanted to be amused himself.

“So, I see our frog has chosen a philandering Gypsy Warrior to rule by her side,” the King remarked wittily to the couple.

Ushi was annoyed at the King’s words. He leaned forward and reminded him, “Goldest is no longer a frog. Please refrain from referring her to that. She is a Queen now with her own kingdom.”

Aparicio came to Ushi’s defense. “A golden Queen – quite bewitching.”

“Someday, Goldest may come to your rescue from some shadow of evil that still lurks within the Domain,” Frangelico seriously informed the King.

Carlos chuckled within his own thoughts. “All of Esbri’s flamboyant women are shocked and jealous that he has landed a Queen with her own kingdom and that he will be a King.”

Frangelico took a witty look at Carlos. “Imagine that! I just bet you cannot wait to get back and spread the news all over again, and start trouble with the women! Haven’t you been pushed into enough of our wells by now by these females?”

The luncheon turned out to be a gay affair, with the King overeating and yawning loudly. In time, his loud burping and farting began to annoy his own Court. Soon, everyone at the table was slowly taking their leave in order to lie down and have a nap. Only Ushi and Aparicio remained at the table by themselves. They decided it was time to take their leave, also. Aparicio slapped Ushi on the back as they both triumphantly walked out of the main dining hall together. They had become close friends during the past few weeks together, and they decided they would remain friends forever – visiting each other on occasion with their impressive and attractive wives. Ushi was ready for his own son, as he saw how much joy Aparicio’s son had brought him.

“You must be patient and tread delicately with your father, the King, Aparicio. It is for your son’s own sake that you do so. You must not be banished again from your own kingdom. Your father would never let you take both your son or daughter with you. And you must think of Lowilla. It would be too cruel for her to have her children taken away from her again,” Ushi warned Aparicio, with good intentions.

“You are right, Ushi. I must hold my tongue and bow my head to my father, even if I do not agree with him,” Aparicio responded. “But then, that would make me not much of a man or a ‘soon to be ruler’, now would it?”

“Now, you are right, Aparicio. You must adhere to what you believe in or what you feel is not right in order to be a strong man or warrior. Just do it with dignity and grace,” Ushi told him.

They both laughed together at the word grace. “You must prove to your father how trustworthy you are and regain that trust that you have lost with him. And remember, it is never a sinful disgrace to beg for mercy or a pardon, if you need it,” Ushi reminded him.

“I will remember that. I will let no one take my spirit from within me,” Aparicio replied with fondness towards his highly regarded friend.

“Be forewarned – do not bring shame on yourself, your wife and your children. For if you do, not even the shadows will protect you anymore,” Ushi warned him.

They parted, with each going their separate way for the rest of the day.

After spending three months preparing for the triple wedding to take place in the Ladybug Castle, found Ushi and Goldest strolling together, hand in hand, through the colorful and fragrant flower gardens filled with white narcissus, white gardenia, lisianthus, tulips and roses.

“You and I have been through a lot together, Goldest. You watched over me and protected my heart,” Ushi told her.

“What with that Savagio around and your princess having a good time playing with both your hearts, somebody had to!” she exclaimed tartly.

“I remember how smitten you were when you first met Esbri. It is just like you to pick a handsome rolling stone for your King!”

“And I am happy for Savagio and Floriana,” Goldest remarked with a sigh.

“They will be good for each other,” Ushi stated.

“They both plan to stay on in the Ladybug Castle for a while before riding back to Floriana’s Court within the Gypsies’ Golden Castle,” Goldest informed him. “They will have more intimate time here to enjoy one another and to let their love grow together before they are thrown into the whirlwind Court of Floriana’s.”

“You are right about that one. It will be good for
them both to stay on here for a while because I had heard that Floriana’s Court is fiery and very high-spirited. Besides, you were a little stinker to Savagio, and must make it up to him.”

Goldest laughed, remembering that indeed she was. “I know, but that was to protect your heart from being broken.”

She contemplated on how she missed her two snake buddies, Meta and Methna. She had been informed that the Tooth Warriors were bringing them here to her castle tonight when they came for the triple wedding tomorrow. They would remain in her castle as her pets. She knew she would have to lecture them on not munching on any of her ladybugs!

Ushi and Goldest both sighed deeply together, each enmeshed within their own private thoughts.

“My fondest memories will always be of me riding your rump!” she told Ushi, and giggled.

“Goldest is Goldest – and there shall always be only one Goldest!” Ushi remarked with brotherly love and fondness.

They both laughed together, as if they were secret illicit lovers. Ushi stopped and picked an exquisite yellow rose that almost looked like a golden rose. He kissed the rose and gave it to Goldest. After Ushi handed it to her, Goldest kissed the rose, too. Ushi turned Goldest to him and rested both his hands on Goldest’s shoulders.
My, but she is truly seductive, captivating
, thought Ushi to himself. He looked deeply into her golden eyes, eyes that he knew so well; eyes that he had to pat the tears dry from.

“I will always be there for you, Goldest. Remember
that. You were there for me. Never, never hesitate to call upon me – for whatever reason it shall be.”

Goldest began to hiccup as she stood on the tips of her white ballet slippers and gently placed an affectionate kiss upon Ushi’s cheek. Esbri had come looking for Goldest, and unfortunately walked into the rose garden at this given time. He saw the kiss, and he saw her plant the kiss meticulously on Ushi’s cheek. His cheeks immediately flushed darkly with ire. He did not hesitate to withdraw his sword from its sheath.

“Unhand my Queen, Ushi, or I shall have your head!” he shouted angrily.

A surprised Ushi stepped back. Goldest laughed, admiring his jealously.

“Relax, Esbri. Ushi and I were just reminiscing about our good times together when I had to ride his rump and he had to dry my tears!” Goldest informed her Warrior Prince, whom she sometimes teased him by using that name.

“Ride his rump? And what tears do you speak of?” Esbri asked with a quizzical look upon his face.

Ushi chuckled as he walked up to a confused Esbri and put his arm around him, saying, “You play the jealous husband, already. Never mind, Esbri. You will have a most enchanting, stunning wife, as I shall have mine.” He looked at Goldest. “I shall leave you two alone to tease one another while I go prepare for the wedding day tomorrow.” He patted Esbri on the back and quietly left. Esbri’s stare held malicious contempt at Ushi’s retreating form.

A not so happy Esbri put his sword back into its sheath. A smiling and hiccuping Goldest put both her
hands on Esbri’s arms, looked deeply into his eyes and told him, “You will be the man that my heart will love forever. My love for you is so great that there is no room for another’s. We will share our happiness with no one but ourselves.”

Being the lady’s man that Esbri was, he passionately kissed a hiccuping Goldest. The unpleasant circumstances was quickly remedied by his kiss. The incident was soon forgotten as Esbri strolled hand in hand with his dearly beloved. The other females in his life were now dismissed. He would be true to her and her alone. She was now the only keeper of his soul. His selfish love for this exquisite golden woman would bind him to her and keep him enslaved for all of eternity. He was still a Gypsy Warrior and would always be one. He knew that would make him be a strong King for his Queen. But the growing love for Goldest had changed his philandering gypsy ways forever – but he would always remain an honorable Gypsy Warrior.

That night everyone retired early for the festive day of the triple wedding on the morrow. The Queen of the Willows with the little Princess Augean escorted Goldest, the Tooth Fairy Princess and Floriana to their rooms and tucked them in for the night. She lit candles of lemon jasmine, the scent filling their rooms, which would lure them into a deep sleep while soothing their nerves for the big day tomorrow. She then set guards in front of each door to make sure they were not disturbed. The King of the Willows secretly chuckled to himself, knowing full well what secret lay beneath her doing so – to protect the women from having a secret encounter with their mates before their wedding day.

“So, after all these years, she still remembers how I tried to sneak into her room the night before our wedding day, only to be thrown out by her grandmother – who was standing watch over her inside her room!” the King mused to himself.

The maidens, servants, kitchen and castle staff would be up early, preparing the rest of the food. Many stuffed poultry and pheasant would be served, with both red and yellow potatoes, golden sweet potatoes, yams, corn, a variety of home-made breads and soups, with lots of different sorts of cheeses. Fruit and numerous sweet cherries picked from the northernmost boundary would be in abundance. Pastries, tarts, strudel and many cakes would also be served after dinner. A variety of wines, which had aged since Goldest’s grandparents ruled over the kingdom, would be brought up from the castle’s wine cellars. Wine barrels full of cider had also been fermented for the occasion.

The Ladybug Castle was filled with many different fragrances, since a variety of fresh flowers had been picked and cut from the gardens and planted in every room and every hall of the castle. Calla lilies and many different types of orchids were in abundance, as well as many different shades and varieties of roses. The exotic vases also came in a range of different structures and colors. The castle was warmed by the richness of the floral profusion.

Outside the castle, urns and pots burned with incense and spices for success, love and luck. The villagers burned incense cones of strawberry for love and friendship. The visiting kingdoms’ representatives
who came for the triple wedding and festivities bathed in the outdoor aromas of the spice and strawberry cones. The castle grounds were filled with warmth, love and friendship. Everyone was merry as they made new acquaintances and friends, or renewed old friendships. The Kingdom of the Ladybugs was a wonderful, friendly kingdom, filled with color and innocent gaiety.

The gala decorations, both inside and outside the castle, also made the castle gay and festive, especially as pastel sashes and banners, glittering with gold, silver or platinum, hung everywhere! The castle was brilliant with color, and so was the merrymaking.

No other kingdom could have had a more bewitching, stunning castle or triple wedding as Goldest, the Tooth Fairy Princess or Floriana had that morning. Sobs of happiness could be heard, and tears of joy falling from the carefree, joyous eyes could be seen. The three glittering Queens walked into the arms of their warriors, as they were unveiled and presented to them. The three warriors were all attired in tight black pants and white blousy shirts, which revealed their massive, handsome chests, and their black leather boots shone to perfection. Their polished swords hung proudly from their waist – no warrior would ever think to wed without his sword being present on him.

All three brides wore their hair long, looking the picture of innocence. Platinum glass slippers graced their delicate feet. On each of their heads sat royal tiaras. Goldest’s tiara was of the finest pearls, with pearls sewn on the bodice of her dress. Pearls she wore
for her earrings and necklace, too. Her white bridal gown being full and extravagant.

The Tooth Fairy Princess’s tiara was of diamonds, with diamonds around her neck, hanging from her ears, and a tight-fitting diamond girdle around her waist. Pink pearls were sewn in among the diamonds on her bridal gown, creating a more rich, lavish decoration. The pink pearls also added color to the white diamonds, with both stones complementing each other. Her bridal gown was not full like Goldest’s, but hung straight down from her bodice. Her bridal dress clung to all her curves with a train at the back, glittering with diamonds and pink pearls.

Floriana’s tiara was of the finest emeralds, with emeralds sewn in the bodice of her gown. Her gown hung straight, also, but was of the finest silk, and outlined her elaborate curves softly. Emeralds graced her neck and ears. All three Queens held sweet-smelling white roses for everlasting love.

After the grand ceremony, which united them with their warriors as one, platinum bands trimmed in gold adorned their delicate fingers.

The enormous main dining hall was filled to capacity with men and women of royal blood, a complex of interesting and enchanting characters from all over the Domain from many, many different kingdoms. Royalty bowed to Royalty. They ate and danced together, made merry and met with other people from other kingdoms that they hadn’t seen for a long, long time. Friendships were renewed, royal Courts intermingled with other royal Courts. Warriors mingled with other warriors, as well as with the fair maidens, all
looking for their own woman to unite with and come home to. Dancing, singing and jocund feasting lasted throughout the night. The jolly King of the Willows enlivened the party by dancing wildly with his Queen of the Willows.

“I must tire her out so that she will leave the newly united ones alone for the night,” he jested with his own Court. “If I do not, then they may never get to consummate their marriages tonight,” he continued jesting in his jovial mood.

Outside the castle, the gleeful village people intermingled with other visiting village people from the many kingdoms. All came to partake in the festivities. Many were artists and craftsmen and brought their wares to sell. Most of the females had brought woven rugs, creative articles that they had crocheted, as well as articles of clothing they had sewn creatively to display and sell for themselves. Numerous tents and camps were set up behind the castle, which extended out into the fields and beyond. Campfires were too numerous to count. Many fond friendships were made around these burning fires. All displayed respect among the different animated sects and shared things with one another. There was also plenty of food and drink to keep them gleeful and in a state of bliss for several days. Like the King of the Willows had always said, “If you make the people of the kingdom happy, then you have a happy and peaceful kingdom!”

The colorful gypsies had brought their own brightly painted wagons to live in. They knew from experience that there would be merry feasting for several days inside and outside the castle walls. All came prepared
for several days, and all were elated with the calls for their wares, crafts and jewelry. The distinctive gypsy fortune-tellers were in great demand, with both males and females wanting them to read into their future and find out what was awaiting them. A few of the male gypsies were taking on too much of a blithe disposition, only to be sent back to their wagons by the ardent female gypsies for a much needed rest after too much food and drink.

Different styles of dance enlivened the castle grounds. All were entertained by the distinct, unusual and artistic sects. Light-hearted and quixotic artists spaced themselves among the merrymakers and were given silver and gold coins by interested customers who wanted their portraits drawn and painted to take back to their own kingdoms. Even the visiting Royalty inside the castle came out to select their favorite artist to draw and paint their portraits, too.

Inside the castle, seated at the long main table in the enormous dining hall, sat Goldest, Esbri, Savagio, Floriana, Ushi, the Tooth Fairy Princess, the King and Queen of the Willows, Augean, Aparicio, Lowilla, Frangelico, Carlos and other royal personages from many of the other distinct kingdoms. The hall was filled to capacity with gypsies, Tooth Warriors, and other courtiers from these other kingdoms.

The ladybugs had gathered at the windowsills, watching the feast take place. They were all happy and content and certainly entertained by all the strange, animated people from the many lands abroad. The ladybugs felt lucky and were at peace with themselves about being back in their own original homeland,
which was growing and multiplying and becoming a very exotic kingdom. They went about their daily business while enjoying the glittering ponds and lakes with the new growth sprouting forth. They also had developed special unit clusters, as they called themselves, which flew to all the boundaries of the kingdom to inspect and keep watch for intruders or invaders. They appointed themselves as Keepers of the Kingdom of the Ladybugs. From time to time, Goldest would come to visit, which would excite them immensely. They felt needed and very special now, more special than they had ever felt while dwelling in the Kingdom of the Willows. There, they were just ladybugs. Here, they were the keepers and the vigilant – the watchful protectors over the kingdom. Their enormous beautiful eyes were always peeled, searching for any trouble brewing.