will remember from last year. We give out medals beginning in your second year for improvement and outstanding achievements.”
“I don’t remember that,” Lucian whispered.
“You left early last year, remember?” Adrian asked.
Lucian nodded and returned his attention to the fairies. “Our best improve-ment award goes to Lucian of Maltisten. Last year he had a puppy that couldn’t seem to follow even the most basic of commands,” Diana said with a smile as Lucian flushed. “Now he has a hunting hound worthy of his own skill.” She motioned for Lucian to come forward which he did reluctantly. “Congratulations Lucian on a job very well done,” she said as she pinned the medal to his jacket.
“Thanks,” he said.
Diana smiled and they continued through their medals.
Kaelen was recognized for his continued show of expertise in horsemanship. When they pinned the badge on, he looked almost nervous. “Am I allowed to leave this on?”
Phillipa laughed. “Yes, Kaelen. Those awards won at the school are to be a reminder on your uniform to help encourage you and the students younger than you.”
Beaming, Kaelen returned to the group. “Congratulations,” George said with a smile.
“Thanks.” They listened until the awards were finished before heading to the greenhouse for botany. Several of the boys were now sporting small medals on their uniforms. Each felt he was walking on air as they went to work with the plants preparing them for their final.
By the time classes were done for the day, Lucian couldn’t stop smiling. It had been a perfect day, despite the chill in the air. When he hung his jacket up in his closet, he couldn’t help but trace the edges of the medal he’d gotten. He thought about his dad; he should write to him and let him know. He grabbed a handful of paper and lay down on his bed, patting the side so Rusty would join him. Writing feverishly, he finished the letter home and then wrote to Allegra. Unable to stop himself, he then wrote a letter to Moira. So far, she hadn’t answered any of his letters; but he refused to give up. There had to be some way of getting to know her better. He also sincerely hoped that she hadn’t grown at all during the semester. He figured he’d grown about an inch judging by where his pant legs fell. That would make the height difference five inches rather than six; assuming that she had stayed the same height throughout the semester.
Looking at his clock, he realized it was almost time for supper. He walked outside to see George perusing a letter. George looked up. “Hey. Just waiting on everyone else. Mail came.”
“Thanks,” Lucian replied. He opened his mailbox and found a letter from his parents and one from Allegra. He opened the one from Allegra first.
Dear Lucian,
It’s always so good to hear from you! I know we don’t always get along at home, but I truly miss seeing you. School is going well. I’m not sure you could define me as a damsel in distress. I have a little too much spunk for that. But, I suppose they’ll find some way of taming me.
I’ve made lots of friends. Clarissa and I get along well and we’re friends with the twins in the age group above us. I think you know Eleanor and Leticia. They’re both really sweet. Everyone likes them.
Classes here are so different than at home. I really miss David, my art instructor at home. But, Rhianna is a really good instructor too. We’re only doing pastels right now. I miss my paint set so much; especially when I look outside and see all the beautiful colors. I just want to capture it! This morning it was snowing and so peaceful out, I couldn’t help but sketch it out during lunchtime. I sent it to you. What do you think of it?
Anyway, I’m glad to hear Rusty is doing so well. Let me know how your final goes. I bet you’ll be the best in your class!
With Love,
Allegra
Lucian finished reading the letter and looked at the peaceful sketch of the castle blanketed in snow, as Adrian and Kaelen emerged from their rooms. “We’re waiting on Jacobi now, huh?” Adrian asked.
“Actually, he said to go without him,” George said, folding his letter and putting it back in the envelope. “He’s not feeling well.”
“Is he okay?” Lucian asked.
George shrugged. “He said Tallia gave him some broth and ordered him to bed.”
“Well, I guess we’d best go ahead then,” Kaelen said. The boys walked downstairs after George and Lucian had put their letters away. They chatted about the final weeks of school and meeting their princesses again.
“Have any of your other sisters returned home, George?” Lucian asked after a brief pause.
“Mom and Dad wrote that Camilla is getting married during winter break. Her prince set a record for our family. It was only a year and a half,” George replied. “The other two are still waiting for their Prince Charming to show up.”
“I know you told me once how many sisters you have, but how many have finished school and been rescued?” Kaelen asked.
“Sarah, Naomi, Phyllis, Andrea, Tabitha and now Camilla have all finished school and been rescued. The first five are married now and Camilla’s waiting until I get home for break so I can be her ring bearer or something like that.” George rolled his eyes. “I’ve been a ring bearer five times already, you’d think my sisters would come up with something more creative. Anyway, Samantha just went out last spring and Susan has been out for three years now. Marissa graduates in two years.”
“How do your parents keep track of them?” Adrian asked.
“My dad bought each of my sisters has a locket with her name engraved on it and her birthstone. I think it’s so he’ll remember when their birthday is, but they tell me it’s because he loves them. Maybe it’s both. The sad thing is Dad had completely given up on having a son, so there’s a locket at home waiting for my princess.”
“Your dad bought you a locket?” Kaelen snorted.
“Hey, give him some credit,” he said. “He got it before I was born.”
“So, I guess the next question is do you and Eleanor have the same birthstone?” Lucian teased.
“Surprisingly enough, yes we do. She’s two weeks younger than me. So the birthstone will still help Dad remember her birthday.”
“I hope it doesn’t have a name engraved in it yet,” Kaelen said.
“No, Dad always waited until after the baby was born,” George smiled. “So, when Eleanor is officially part of the family, her name will be engraved on it.”
The boys were glad when finals were over and despite himself, Lucian actually looked forward to seeing Moira. The last day of term came and Lucian woke up to gentle flurries fluttering past his window. He got up and dressed quickly. He now had two medals on his jacket; one from hunting and one from fencing. Adrian had earned a medal in that class as well for showing the most improvement. Lucian was glad Adrian had been recognized for all the hard work he put in. Lucian had been thrilled when Adrian, being ambidextrous, was able to be his fencing partner; but also knew that learning left-handed was hard.
Arriving downstairs, he found his friends waiting. As the ladies entered the castle, Lucian kept an eye out for Moira and Allegra in hopes that he’d be able to talk to his sister. However, when Allegra spotted him and came closer with a bright smile, his heart plummeted to his shoes. “You grew,” he accused.
Allegra grinned that saucy smirk she always did when she outdid him. “I know. Medea had to teach me how to make flounces for my dresses because they were becoming embarrassingly short. What do you think of this one? I did it myself.”
She spun around for Lucian and he looked at the delicately embroidered ruffle she’d added to her favorite green gown. “It’s lovely, Allegra, but you’re taller than me.”
“I know, and I plan on enjoying it while I can. Adrian, it’s good to see you again,” she continued as Adrian stepped up behind Lucian.
Spying Moira, Lucian turned his attention to his princess. She was wearing a creamy yellow gown with the same lacey flounces he’d seen on his sister’s gown. As she came closer, he was grateful to s
ee that she didn’t appear any taller. “Hello Moira.”
She flushed and nodded. There was awkward silence for a while before she said, “Thanks. For your letters I mean,” she continued when Lucian looked confused. “I, I enjoy hearing from you.”
“You’re welcome. I keep hoping that I’ll hear back from you.”
Stammering a little, Moira was saved from responding as Calista announced that breakfast was waiting for them in the dining hall. “After breakfast, we’ll have an assortment of games in the gym.” She continued speaking, making the same announcements as last year.
Lucian offered Moira his arm. She hesitated momentarily before accepting it and allowing him to escort her to the dining hall. Each table was set with flatware and steaming trays of food. After helping his princess to her seat, Lucian served first her plate and then his own. Conversation around the table was lighthearted. Kaelen had been dragged away by Esmé to sit with her friends. Leticia had convinced Nathan to sit with Eleanor and George. While Nathan wasn’t any better than normal, Leticia was a welcome addition to the table. Softer-featured than her sister, Lucian imagined that Leticia had the look of a nymph with her titian hair and fair, freckled complexion. Eleanor was darker-haired, with strands of red. Her face was childlike and youthful, with a spattering of freckles across her nose. Only in personality and eyes were they identical; sparkling green eyes that held joy and laughter.
When