Queen Marinette Snow White and Prince Adrien Agreste are engaged.  The couple kissed to seal their agreement, surprised by how quickly events unfolded to lead to this moment.  It wasn't as if the lady in charge of the castle and the kingdom had ever done or said anything to hint at how she truly felt. Yet, at this moment, it was clear, she loved the young prince as much as he loved her.  

      So far, they had not seen Princess Kali, standing in the doorway looking on with a gazy of happiness. The child had not said a word about how close the couple sat, or the dreamy look in their eyes. Somehow, she did not need to.  The servants heard her sigh and looked up only to nod their heads in approval at the sight before their very eyes.  Everyone approved of the scene as it was laid out.  It was almost as if they were looking through a mirror. Only this was not a mirror. 

       Suddenly, Princess Kali ran out to greet her father and his fiance. The servants tried to stop her to no avail. She sat on the grass between them smiling big.  "Father, do you have good news?"  She asked.  The prince pulled away from the queen. He turned towards his daughter. "Ah, what brings you out here, child? I was not aware of your presence until now?" He replied. One of the servants caught up to her, "I am sorry, Your Majesty's she insisted on barging out here at once." "It is quite alright, Juleka," The prince stated. "My daughter was only curious," He remarked.  "Yes, quite curious, I might add," The girl said. "Father, what is your news?" She wanted to know.

      "Well, if you must know, your father has asked me to marry him, and I have agreed. I hope you find that answer to your liking,"  Queen  Marinette Snow White said.  "Yes, oh, yes!  Do I ever? Why, I could not be happier if I tried," The princess said bursting forth into happy tears at once. She hugged her friend and soon-to-be stepmother first, then her father. 

          "Congratulations to you both, "Juleka said unsure how to proceed.

           "Why thank you. It will be all for now. Good night," The queen and prince said. The servant returned to the palace with the little one behind her.  She was yawning, but grinning big as she went inside to prepare for bed. 

               The queen and prince stood up.  They entered the castle together holding hands. They shared their good tidings with the others. Then, they stood outside on the balcony. The queen felt like a nervous wreck. She soon forgot the words she wished to state to her loyal subjects. The prince, soon to be king, gave a speech. He approached everyone with kind, assuring words, and finished with the announcement about the royal engagement. It was obvious most of the subjects were thrilled as they cheered them on.   A few kept silent and betrayed their feelings of disagreement, hatred, and more for the queen and her chosen king.

                 Soon, the couple turned back inside to go in for the evening. The queen was tired, and so was the prince. He carried her to her quarters where he paused  to kiss her before he returned to his room. They had agreed not to sleep together until after the wedding was complete.  This was so as not to bring shame to both families' names and to ensure no heirs were born before they were ready for such a huge responsibility.

                The adopted princess was fast asleep when her father checked in on her before he went to bed. He and the queen had no way of knowing that the worst of times was not over. He slept well dreaming of his future with his bride by his side, Kali all dressed in white as the flower girl, and a few orphan children as the ring bearers, and more. He had not slept so well in years.

                 The queen was excited but found her sleep came fast. She had no more nightmares.  She suspected Kali was hiding something from her and her father, but dared not question it. Perhaps, in time the young girl would tell them both. 

      The story continues in Chapter 36

     Until then,

bye-bye,

Little owlets!

Summer out!