“Look, your Highness, an article in the paper full of praise.”
Lisa burst into hospital room as Erna was sat at the window sill, bathing in the sunlight. The article, with the Grand Duchess’ name plastered over the front of it, was completely different to the articles that were printed about her before.
Erna was sitting near the hospital room window, enjoying the sunlight, when she suddenly jumped up in surprise. “Lisa, you can’t run like that with your injuries!”
“I’m fine, my foot barely hurts.”
Having saved the Grand Duchess, according to the rumours, afforded Lisa the luxury of her own suite in the hospital, but she still spent most of her time with Erna.
Erna looked down at the front page as Lisa hobbled over to the window sill, with a mix of fear and curiosity, she read the article.
The Saint’s of Lechen Lift the Poisonous Mushroom Curse.
Under the rather brash headline of the paper, there was a black and white photo of Erna and Bjorn on their wedding day. The article was loudly praising the love of the Grand Duke and his wife that blossomed in the train accident.
It exaggerated a story of Prince Bjorn risking the dangers of the wreckage to save his wife, and of a Princess who devotedly took care of her subjects, despite being injured herself. It ended with the tearful reunion of Prince and Princess, and was laid out like a well thought up story. Although puffed up with lies to increase sales.
There was no exaggeration to say that the love of the Princess broke the curse laid on the Prince by the hateful witch of Lars. With their love burning bright in the face of dire adversity, the Prince was able to break free of the Poisonous Mushroom Curse.
Based on an informant’s testimony at the barracks, The Grand Duke and his wife, who had a dramatic reunion that morning, demonstrated their love through a passionate kiss. The passionate moment touched the hearts of all those that read the article, like it was the most dramatic opera.
“Oh my god,” Erna whispered, after reading the last paragraph. She put he paper down with a concerned look.
The article finished with a detailing of the kiss they had shared in the barracks. It was such an obscene description that Erna could not bare to read the last of it.
“This…” Erna was blushing so hard, she couldn’t speak a word and was just fed up.
It was true that she was a shy woman and unfamiliar with being the centre of attention, but it was unfair for a simple hug to be exaggerated to such an extent, it became a full blown, passionate kiss.
“These journalists are such liars,” Lisa said, pouting. “Still, at least now Lechen finally knows what a good person you are.
Lisa stood tall before her mistress, proud of all the praise she was getting, especially amongst the hospital staff. Although, of course, they were very enthusiastic about the last paragraph.
“Tomorrow you go back to Schuber and I am so glad you get to start well this time,” Lisa said, facing Erna. “Just be careful not to make eye contact with the Prince, don’t want any more of those public displays of affection leaking out to the press,” Lisa laughed. Erna’s cheeks bloomed bright red.
The return of the Grand Duchess happened effortlessly, like the flow of water. From that day onwards, they no longer hesitated to openly display their affection, sleeping and waking up together in the same bed.
Lisa still thought of Bjorn as a Poisonous Mushroom, her mind wouldn’t be swayed so easily, but at least Erna was happy and the Prince seemed to have changed a little. At least her mistress no longer needed to compete for the prince’s affection. Lisa believed this to be true when Prince Bjorn, looking disheveled, visited his wife that morning.
“However, Your Highness, I have faith in you. You’re strong, a lot stronger than people thought.” Lisa said confidently and Erna’s lips curved into a shy smile.
Just in time Bjorn came into the room. He had gone out to inspect the scene of the accident. When he returned, Lisa shied away like she had been saying mean things about the Prince and was afraid he had overheard.
“Lisa,” Bjorn said, striding across the room to stand next to his wife.
“Yes, your Highness?”
“You should prepare to return to Schuber.”
Lisa and Erna looked at the Prince with a puzzled expression, as they did, the afternoon sunlight transformed into a richer, more vibrant golden hue.
Lisa gave a polite greeting and left. As the sound her hobbled footsteps faded, Bjorn turned to Erna.
“Will you be okay to take a train back to Schuber?” he asked, resting his head on his hand.
Erna looked more lively than she did yesterday, but her pale complexion did not put him at ease. The doctor had said that the journey to Schuber would be difficult and if Erna was having difficulties, there was no reason he could not delay their departure.
“Yes, I’m fine,” Erna said with a bright smile.
“There will be lots of onlookers,” Bjorn warned.
He pointed to the newspaper that had been casually discarded on the table. It had been distributed yesterday afternoon, which gave Lechen all the time it needed to raise a fuss. The platform at Schuber station would be bustling with people, mostly victims and relatives of the crash, but there would be a lot of people eagerly waiting for the Prince and Princess to return.
“Don’t worry, I’m ready,” Erna said, looking directly at Bjorn.
A smile spread across Bjorn’s face as he looked at Erna and the confidence with which she answered. Erna thought his eyes resembled sunlight on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
“You look confident,” Bjorn said.
“Yes,” Erna replied without hesitation. “I am the Grand Duchess of Schuber.”
The low laugh that Bjorn let out as he looked at his wife, the Grand Duchess, softly penetrated her heart and filled her with warmth.
“That you are,” Bjorn said. “You are also the saint of Lechen.” His words were playful.
Blushing with embarrassment, Erna did nothing to rebuke the unwarranted praise. It was a ridiculous compliment, but it still lifted her heart.
“There is a present I would like, if you’re ever in the mood to by lavish gifts,” Erna said, pulling the newspaper close. “I would like a new cookie jar.” Though the article was ridiculous, it still marked a monumental occasion and she wanted to keep a part of it, because it’s the first time she received proper recognition and praise since becoming the Grand Duchess.
“You mean…bank account?” Bjorn said, raising and eyebrow.
“No, of course not, a real cookie jar, I need a new one.” Erna laughed. “Please, wouldn’t you buy me a new cookie jar? So that I can fill it with our new, happier memories.”
“Okay,” Bjorn nodded, “for you, I will.”
Bjorn smiled kindly and slowly lowered his head to plant a kiss on Erna’s forehead. His lips moved passed her blushing cheeks and button nose, to rest on her soft lips. Erna accepted the kiss without a seconds thought. For the pretty new cookie jar she’ll be seeing soon.
*.·:·.✧.·:·.*
The train for Schuber left Kassen early in the morning. Leonid had changed his mind and stayed in Kassen for a few more days, to help deal with the accident.
Bjorn and Erna travelled the train together, back to the place Erna had fled at the back end of last summer. They went with the loving stories and promises to continue to share a happy life together.
When Spring comes, the two would go on a trip, a second honeymoon, where they would see all the things Erna loved and Bjorn enjoyed, together. They would take long walks and have lavish picnics. They would go boating across vast lakes and wonder around enormous museums.
In the Summer, Erna thought it a good idea to learn horse riding. She was afraid of her horse, but with her husband by her side, the master equestrian who had earned many trophies, she had no doubts she would quickly learn to befriend the horse.
In the Fall, they would come back to visit Buford, which would be coloured beautiful golds, browns and deep reds. The fabled man of Lechen, who had come out of no where and won the harvest race, would return. This time, with a wife who was more determined to win than he was. Bjorn like this idea, as he had grown a fondness for Buford wine.
When the winter came round again, what then? What would the Grand Ducal couple look like after a whole year? None could say, not even Bjorn.
By the time the two came to think about the winter season, the train pulled up into Schuber. There were countless people on the platforms, trains were constantly coming in and out of the station. It was the same crowded metropolis as it had always been, but this time, Erna was not afraid.
Erna put on her gloves, her hat, which she tied with care under her chin and organised the folds of her dress. When the train stopped, there were more spectators on the platform than actual passengers waiting to get on.
“Are you ready, my wife?” Bjorn stood up and offered Erna his hand. Erna gladly took it and let Bjorn escort her from the carriage.
*.·:·.✧.·:·.*
As the Royal couple everyone had been waiting for emerged, the platform became a tumultuous storm of padding feet and shouts. Everyone wanted to get a closer look.
“Back off, back off I said,” came the shouts of the police escorts.
The constabulary had cordoned off a safe passage through the station for the pair and although everyone was desperate to get a look, none violated the sacred barrier.
Bjorn and Erna stopped and paused on occasion, to give polite greetings and pose for pictures. They gave curt nods and waved jubilantly. Erna was a lot less reserved than Bjorn, who had a lot more practice in these social activities, but Erna found she enjoyed it all the same.
The admiration of the people showed how much they cared for the Prince and Princess, like none of the past two years had ever happened. The cooed at the way Bjorn held his wife close. Protecting her from the over excited mob, some said.
“Come on, back away, back away, clear some space,” an officer was saying, though none were in the way and the crowed barely even seemed to register his presence.
Bjorn stopped in his tracks, as he eyes the growing crowd of people and let out a loud sigh, his eyes narrowing as he studied the crowed, then his wife.
“Bjorn?” Erna said, looking up at him with concern.
After a brief thought, Bjorn shocked Erna when he gave her a big hug, then scooped her up in his arms. The crowd cheered excitedly. Bjorn laughed as he strode through the crowd, carrying his wife in his arms. He knew it must have looked crazy, but he didn’t feel so bad about it. After all, this is what the crowd wanted, proof that the Prince was madly in love with his wife. He saw no reason why he shouldn’t fulfil that wish.
“The Prince loves his wife,” some started to chant, “he is mad crazy about his wife.”
As the prince departed from the platform, holding his wife as if she were a precious treasure, it was an undeniable truth. A prince, once cursed but saved by a beautiful saint, had fallen in love with his savior. In that moment, Lechen’s fairytale love story grew even more enchanting and beautiful.
*.·:·.✧.·:·.*
The carriage ran at high-speed back to the palace, crossing over the bridge in near record time. Erna turned her attention away from the rose red waters of the Abit River to look at her husband.
“I will not do it in front of our servants,” she said, still unable to shake off the surreal memories from the station.
Erna had been embarrassed the entire time she was in Bjorn’s arms, blushing brighter and brighter with each chant from the crowd. She had almost let out a scream it had been s embarrassing. Though, she couldn’t deny the fact that it made it easier to get out of the station.
“I want to go back to being a lady.” Erna conveyed her opinion on the matter with a much more haughty tone. She wanted to be the perfect lady, more than ever, though her past mistakes could not be erased.
“Really, is that so?” Bjorn said thoughtfully. “Well then, if that is your wish.” Bjorn’s posture was elegant and refined, and in complete contrast to his tone, as if he had some plot he was working on.
Calm and graceful, like a lady. Anytime, anywhere.
Erna repeated the mantra as the carriage pulled up to the porch of the Palace, doing her best to ignore the wolfish grin her husband shone at her every time their eyes met.
*.·:·.✧.·:·.*
“Welcome home, your Highness and Prince,” Mrs Fitz said, being the first to welcome them back. “On behalf of all the servants of Schuber Palace, I would like to extend our heartfelt happy returns.”
Contrary to the old woman’s bloodshot eyes, puffy cheeks and tear streaked face, Mrs Fits maintained her composure quite well.
Erna and Bjorn nodded to Mrs Fitz and entered into the Grand Ducal residence. The servants of Schuber Palace were lined up on both sides of the entrance hall, bowed their heads in unison. Erna held her breath and couldn’t help but feel nervous.
Perhaps Bjorn got a sense of this and gently squeezed Erna’s hand, lending her his strength. Erna looked up at him and he mouthed Like a lady.
Erna wished this could be their happily ever after, but as she looked over her shoulder, to the door and the wide world beyond it, she felt that there was never truly a happily ever after. Things happen and sometimes they’re good and sometimes they’re bad and it just kept going, with no true end in sight.
Erna conveyed her conviction by smiling brightly. A beautiful destiny lay out before her and although there would be hardships, there would be joy as well.
In a world illuminated by the radiant glow of a splendid chandelier, Erna began to take delicate and graceful steps.
She embarked on a beautiful journey to love once more, alongside her beloved prince, as their destinies intertwined in a tale of love and happiness.
– Finish-
(We’ll back with side story)