that a list like that would be kept at Fair Damsels?” Jacobi asked.
George frowned. “Probably, but how would we get something from over there?”
“Well, that’s easy enough,” Lucian replied. “I’ll write to Allegra and ask her what she can dig up. Maybe that will help us find some answers.”
“That could work,” George admitted.
Lucian wrote a short letter and then the boys continued to do their research until it was time for bed. For the next few days they didn’t have much time to work on it as the fairies piled on more and more homework. But the break was long enough for Lucian to get a response from Allegra.
Dear Lucian,
Classes have been going well. I went to our library to look for things about the lost princesses and was able to find a journal-like book that has been kept for about the last three hundred years. It has a list of every princess who ever graduated from Fair Damsels in that time. Obviously that’s an awfully long list and I don’t want to copy the whole thing down for you, but I was thinking that if you give me a specific time frame, I can narrow things down that way. It’s very interesting because not only does it list the princesses, but it also marks those that were found, sadly which ones died, which ones returned to the school single and those who never returned. I found Rowena, Queen Lavinia, and Mom in there. I’m still trying to find Nana and our grandmothers, but I’m sure they must be in there somewhere.
Anyway, let me know what exactly George wants and I’ll get it to you. Maybe I’ll just bring it to you at the spring meeting. That’s only about a month away anyway!
Lots of Love,
Allegra
Lucian shared the letter with George and Jacobi as soon as he received it. “So, tell me exactly what you want and I’ll send it to her.”
“I’d say the last fifty years,” George said. “Anything past that it’s more than likely that the princess moved on, whether to someone else or through death. But within the last fifty years is reasonable enough. Here, I’ll write a little note that you can attach to your letter to her.
“Sounds like a plan,” Lucian replied. They each wrote their notes and when they separated for the night, Lucian placed them in an envelope and placed it in his mailbox to go out the following day.
The weeks went by and winter melted into a lush, glorious spring. Lucian was out in the greenhouse with Russett the day before meeting with the princesses. He was working on a large floral arrangement as the sun shone through the glass ceiling. “It’s looking pretty good, Lucian,” Russett said after a while.
“I hope so,” Lucian replied. “Russett, why are plants so easy for me to handle? I know most people have to work at it more than I do.”
“I wish I could tell you, Lucian,” he replied. “It’s not something I can explain.”
“I was afraid you’d say that. Oh well, I guess I should be grateful, it’ll make some things easier.”
“Hey, you’ll always have a lovely garden. But, it’s time for you to head to your next class. I suppose you’ll want to give this arrangement to someone special tomorrow?”
“Actually, that one and the one I did earlier this week.”
Russett nodded. “I’ll have both of them ready for you.”
Early the next morning he went to the greenhouse to pick up his flower arrangements. He knew there was no way to hide them, so he simply put them on a table he was standing near. When Moira and Allegra came to greet him, he handed the white roses and lavender to Allegra before handing the larkspur and daisies to Moira. “I love larkspur,” she said with a smile. “How did you know?”
“Lucky guess,” he replied. “Shall we go to breakfast?”
“Yes, that sounds lovely,” Allegra said while Moira nodded. Each accepted his arm and they went into the dining hall for breakfast. They chatted easily with Jacobi, George, Clarissa and Leticia.
“Can you believe we’re graduating this year?” Jacobi asked.
“Well, you might be,” Clarissa replied, “but Allegra and I both still have a year left after this one.”
“I’m sure it will fly by for you like this year has flown for us,” Moira said.
Their conversation was interrupted by Calista announcing their annual scavenger hunt. The boys soon found themselves holding a slip of paper with a list of items written on it. When Lucian looked at his slip, he saw that Allegra would be joining him with Moira.
“Leticia will be with me today,” George said.
Leticia smiled. “Shall we begin?”
George smiled, “We’ll meet the rest of you out at the picnic.”
Lucian was fairly sure that with three of them they would be more at a disadvantage than the others and it turned out he was right. It was more challenging to choose directions and so they were the last ones to return for the outdoor picnic. “Oh well,” Lucian said as they sat with their friends at a picnic table. “Do you guys know who got out here first?”
“We did,” Leticia replied with a smile. “I must say, George, I didn’t realize you were quite that competitive.”
“I am sorry,” he said.
“What, did the two of you sprint?” Moira teased.
“Just about,” Leticia grinned. “But it’s the most fun I’ve had in a long time. I really enjoyed myself. We were racing I think three other couples to the finish.”
“Only two,” George corrected, blushing.
“Oh, just two,” she repeated with a smile. “It was wonderful just having fun. I guess you never realize when you’ve gone a little melancholy until someone pulls you out of it. Thank you, George.”
He blushed but didn’t answer. In fact, he wouldn’t look at anyone in the group. Before long everyone was chatting. Even George wasn’t immune and soon the group was laughing as they did every time they were together. The afternoon went by quickly and no one was ready to say goodbye when the princesses were gathered to leave.
“Have a safe journey and I’ll see you in June,” Lucian said as he led Allegra and Moira to the carriages.
“One last time,” Moira added.
“Yeah,” Lucian admitted. He waved as the carriages left. He saw George standing by himself, the basket hanging loosely by his side. He walked over. “Hey, are you alright?”
“It’s not right,” he said quietly. “I shouldn’t feel like this.”
“Like what?”
“Liking her. It’s not fair. Do I actually like her for who she is? Or is it because she reminds me of Eleanor and I’m still very much in love with her? I shouldn’t be giving Leticia any hope that maybe I’m her prince. I lost my princess; I’m not the right guy for Leticia.”
Trying to lighten the mood, Lucian teased, “You got all of that out of a scavenger hunt?”
“I’m serious, Lucian,” George snapped.
“Okay, well, here’s something for you to think about,” he retorted. “Eleanor isn’t coming back. Eventually, whether Leticia or someone else, you’re going to fall in love again. If you don’t, you’ll simply be miserable. Leticia and Eleanor do share a lot of similarities. They should; they’re twins. But, they’re also very different. If you think the only reason you like Leticia is because she’s like Eleanor than you’re right. It’s not fair to Leticia because you’re not trying to look at who she is. You’re looking at her as a replacement.”
Before George had a chance to reply, Lucian walked away. He knew he’d been a little harsh, but he also knew somehow that George needed to hear it. He needed to pull himself out and really evaluate what his quest was going to be. Lucian didn’t think it so far-fetched at all for Leticia to be George’s princess. They actually would work really well together.
At dinner that evening, George sat next to Lucian and said, “Hey.”
“Hey.”
It was quiet and George continued, “Look, you were right earlier. I’m not being fair to Leticia. It’s just so hard sometimes. I guess it’s only natural to wonder. She may have some other prince we don’t know of.”
“
It’s possible,” Lucian agreed. “And I’m sorry I came down so hard.”
“No, I deserved it. I was being selfish. By the way, did Allegra bring the list we asked her for?”
“Yeah, she did,” Lucian replied. “It’s in my room.”
“Lost princesses, here we come!” Jacobi said with a grin.
After dinner was over, the three went to Lucian’s room and he got out the list. He handed it to George. “It’s really long, sadly enough.”
“I kind of expected it to be,” he replied. “Just by the way Gelasia talked about them.” He scanned the list. “Wow, that’s just sad. There are princesses from as little as six years ago who are still waiting. We knew some of those guys. These poor girls,” George said.
“Poor families,” Jacobi added. “Can you imagine the five years ending and still your daughter doesn’t come home? I can’t imagine how painful that must be.”
“Especially if all your friends’ daughters come back and get married,” George stated. “Alright, well, this gives me a starting place. I think I’m going to call it a night; I’m beat! Good night all.” He and Jacobi left Lucian’s room. Once they were gone, Lucian changed into his pajamas before blowing out the candles and flopping into bed.
His dreams carried him to a distant castle. There were storm clouds thundering as lightning danced. He could hear a dragon hissing, but couldn’t see it. Rain pelted him, ringing against his armor and dripping through his hair. He had no helmet and his shield was badly dented. His sword flashed as lightning split the sky. “Do you really think you