Let me just get one thing straight here before I start: I love Talen Kurikson with all of my heart. I’m almost positive I always have. Well, since he has been born, anyway. You’d think that an ageless Goddess would know how to deal with such things. But, alas, something always gets in my way – if it’s not Talen himself, it’s my father, who should know that I’m able to take care of myself, or my mother - !
Well, I’m getting off the subject. Just keep in mind while you’re reading: I’m very used to getting my way.
Chapter Two: Danae Princess Danae, Goddess Aphrael, Jewel of the Elenia, Daughter to Her Royal Majesty Queen Ehlana and her husband, the Prince Consort, Sir Sparhawk, and future Queen of noble Elenia. Long name, eh? Well, I rather like it. I’m planning on adding “wife to Prince Talen,” pretty soon, but one can’t rush these things. Does waiting for four thousand years for Sparhawk to pop up give you a taste of how patient I am? I can wait for my handsome thief.
”Danae? Put that down,” Mother’s voice commanded from the doorway. I sullenly placed the crown of flowers back on the table and instead pick my diamonded tiara.
”All right, Mother,” I gave in, placing it on my dark brown hair. My mother smiled, and it illuminated her entire face.
”You see, Danae,” she told me, “flowers – though lovely – wouldn’t impress Her Grace the Duchess of the Western Seas. Though I like to discourage judging someone by their appearance, but this is a special occasion.” And with that, the Queen Ehlana scurried to her sitting room, where the Duchess would be greeted by them. I smoothed my skirts elegantly and walked to the sitting room. Unlike my mother – who was absolutely bubbling with excitement on meeting the famed Duchess – I was skeptical about the stranger. She was said to be a great sorceress, but what was she a Duchess of How can one rule a sea, for my sake?? She probably just assumed the title so people would have something to call her besides “witch.”
Gracefully sitting down on a velvet chair, I told my mother,
”Mother, you really should calm down.” But my mother just grinned at me.
”I’m sorry,” she said, “I guess that I’m just so excited that Her Grace is coming to visit. I wonder what she wants?”
I wondered the same thing. But we didn’t need to wonder for long, since Mirtai entered the room.
”Her Grace, the Duchess of the Western Seas,” Mirtai recited, moving aside so Her Grace could come in. And in walked Brigette, my dear, dear cousin, Goddess of animals.