A Princess Reborn

"This is all one enormous mistake. We should have reached the palace by now," Rune says, pacing back and forth in the room. I'm busy tidying the bed where I slept. "What do you mean?"

"So that you can rightfully assume your position," he says.

I face him, perplexed. "And leave Hannah in her endless slumber? After she saved my life?"

Rune hesitates.

"Is that what you're suggesting?" I inquire.

"Absolutely not."

The bedroom door creaks open, and a smiling Mara enters. "Ah, good! I thought I heard voices. Did you both rest well?"

"Um... yes, thank you."

"As well as can be expected."

***

Rune and I both make our way downstairs to the herb shop. Mara stands proudly, accompanied by an elderly lady. "Children, allow me to introduce my dearest old friend, Helia."

They look more like sisters than friends.

"My, my, what a beautiful granddaughter you have, Mara."

"Pleased to meet you, ma'am. Thank you kindly."

"Please, call me Helia, young one. I may be old, but there's still plenty of life left in these old bones. I can assure you of that!" Helia bursts into a hearty laugh and then turns her attention to Rune. "Ah... and this must be the groom. A handsome lad, indeed."

"A pleasure, ma'am... Helia."

"Mmm. Uh-mmmm." Helia scrutinizes us both, a frown forming on her face. "You haven't been intimate. I can tell."

Oh dear, what did she just say?

"Yes... I can see that your innocence remains intact. At least not with this young man here."

I turn beet red.

Mara steps forward. "They're saving that for their sacred night, Helia. It's part of our traditions."

"Nonsense! Those traditions are for old fools like you and me, Mara. Not for these vigilant youngsters standing before us."

Oh goodness, this is so embarrassing.

Helia continues, "The youth have their own ways. It's only us old hags who still cling to the past."

Even Mara seems at a loss for words due to her friend's forwardness. "So, child, how many young men have you been with before this one... if any?"

I'm not about to answer such a deeply personal and inappropriate question. "I trust you're not too tired from your journey?"

"Uh-hmmm. So, no one has trespassed into your inner chambers, eh?"

"Helia! Spare the child!"

Helia assesses both of us again. "You two look like nobles. I can sense... what is it now?" Helia taps her nose. "Is it noble blood? Or perhaps... royal?"

"I'm afraid you're mistaken, Helia," Rune says.

Helia studies me with suspicion. "Such splendid individuals belong in castles, not dwelling in remote villages."

Mara turns to Helia, defending her village. "This is no remote village, my friend."

"Of course you'd say that, Mara. You've spent your whole life here." Helia chuckles with her characteristic glee. "You always had a knack for humor, even as a child. You were as lively as a donkey's rear end."

I feel sympathy for Mara. I should interject. "My grandmother is a dear and precious soul, and I believe she's beautiful."

Mara looks at me with a small smile. "Thank you, child."

"Cool your jets. Mara knows me too well. I'm envious of you, my old friend. I have no child to call my own, yet here you are, arranging the marriage of your own granddaughter."

"I'm indeed fortunate."

"I'm honored to be part of their wedding. I'll share in your happiness, dear friend, as if it were my own."

Rune's eyes widen. "Wedding!?"

"What?!"

"Helia... their wedding isn't until next spring. They've only come to visit me."

"Oh, what a pity! Now I won't see them in their wedding finery." Helia sighs dramatically, looking crestfallen. "And even if I were to attend the wedding next spring, who's to say I'd still be around? Perhaps I'll be six feet under. What a tragedy."

"Wait a moment. I have an idea. Let's have a pre-wedding dinner tonight, and they can share some of their plans for the special day."

Helia turns to us. "Would you do that for an old hag like me?"

"What do you think, children?"

Oh dear, it's hard to say no to two smiling old ladies. "Well, if it will make you happy."

"As you wish."

***

I step out to join the others in Mara's backyard. They're already seated at a charmingly set table, passing around glasses of wine and engaged in lively conversation.

I join the group at the table. Mara's gaze is fixed on Rune and me, and she looks utterly enchanted.

I lean towards her and whisper, "Why are you looking at us that way? It's all just pretend, after all."

"Quiet down, dear. Helia might hear. She's old, but she still has sharp ears."

"She's talking to Rune, and she seems to be thoroughly enjoying it."

"She always had a fondness for handsome men." I steal a glance at Rune and smile. He truly is quite handsome.

I turn back to Mara. "So, are you really enjoying this, or is it just an act for your friend's sake?"

"Don't be unkind, dear. You're too young to understand the heart of an old woman. Or perhaps... for me, it's not an act. This is a precious and delightful moment, one I'll treasure for the rest of my days."

Suddenly, Helia shifts her attention to me. "So, tell me, how did you two youngsters meet?"

"We met in a nearby field, close to my house."

Recalling that first meeting fills me with warmth.

"Ah, unexpected, was it?"

"Very much so."

I steal a glance at Rune, but he's gazing off into the distance.

"Ah, that brings to mind a cherished tale."

"The royal love story?" Mara asks.

"Yes, the story of how the late king and queen met, Princess Liana's parents. Are you two familiar with the legend of that family?"

My heart seems to skip a beat. If she's talking about Princess Liana's parents... that means she's talking about mine. "I'm familiar with the legend."

"When the queen was a young princess, she sneaked out and ventured to the Arkhandra Bush alone. Quite a foolish thing to do."

"Why is it considered foolish?" I inquire.

"Royals are always in danger."

Rune gives me a knowing look, as if to say, "See, I told you."

"It so happens that the king, then a young prince, also decided to visit that spot on the same day. They fell in love immediately. But alas, calamity struck. An evil witch's henchman attacked the princess, and the prince was the only one there to defend her."

"What happened?"

"He saved her, of course."

"How?"

"The power of love is the mightiest weapon of all. That, and the prince happened

to be an exceptional swordsman."

It sounds like... he was an extraordinary man.

Helia turns to Rune. "And what about you, young man? Would you rescue your beloved from any peril?"

"Absolutely."

"Would you shower her with love and assure her of your unwavering devotion?"

"Yes."

"In that case, I believe it's time for you two to share a kiss."

Rune and I lock eyes. I want him to kiss me-not only for the sake of the two elderly ladies, but for my sake as well. But will he?

To my surprise, Rune gently caresses my cheek. His gaze is tender, reminiscent of the moments we once shared.

No one has ever looked at me like that before.

He leans in and softly presses his lips against mine. I part my lips beneath his touch, and a flutter of excitement stirs in my stomach.

"Ah, young love. It's the purest thing in the world."

Rune pulls back, a hint of a smile on his lips. He brushes my cheek again before abruptly looking away. Just like that, he's distant again. At least I caught a glimpse of the old Rune.

An uncomfortable silence hangs in the air, then Helia stands up. "I've had a wonderfully enjoyable time at your pre-wedding dinner. I haven't had this much fun in ages. But now I must retire and rest my old bones."

I jump up, ready to collect the empty plates and glasses from the table.

"Oh, leave those be. I have some hidden friends who will take care of that for us." Helia winks at me, waves her hand once, and mumbles something almost inaudible. The dishes start levitating as if invisible hands are doing the cleanup.

"But how?"

Rune answers, "Magic."

"Indeed. It's quite useful for an old soul like me." With that, Helia leaves the backyard, her laughter trailing behind her.

Mara turns to us. "Well, dear, tomorrow we'll save your friend. Thank you for this evening. It's been... oh, it's been the most wonderful night of my life."

"Are you crying?" Rune asks.

"Oh, pay no attention to me, dear. I must've gotten something in my eye. I'll see you both at dawn tomorrow."

This evening meant more to Mara than I could have imagined. Rune looks at me. "We should get some rest as well. Tomorrow, we set out for Hannah."