The Horns of Kern

  *

  Norman was in the great hall. She was wearing a beautiful lavender-colored dress. There were people running here and there like so many mice trapped in a maze. She looked over as she saw her parents enter the room. “How do I look, Mother?”

  “Like a princess, my dear.” Emmaline smiled at Norman. “King Justinian, Queen Sophia and their son Elliot will be arriving first. I have rooms available for them in the north wing. I made sure the rooms were spotless. They should be arriving shortly. Norman, do you remember their son, Elliot, at all?”

  Norman scrunched up her nose. “My memory of Prince ‘Idiot’ leaves a bad taste in my mouth! I remember well how he poured all of that salt on my meal. He was a contemptuous little brat…”

  “Did I hear the word ‘brat’ and ‘idiot’ in the same sentence as my name?” There stood Prince Elliot in the flesh. “I am sorry to intrude so early. I got bored riding slowly and hurried on ahead. My father and mother should arrive shortly.” The prince strode in and bowed before Octavius and Emmaline. He turned and took Norman’s hand, knelt and kissed it. “I must say, dear princess, that you do not look like a scrawny alley rat anymore. You’re far, far more beautiful than I could ever have imagined.”

  “And you, Prince Elliot, were never true to your word the last time we met. Why should I believe your flattery now?” Norman withdrew her hand.

  “I see that you are a woman with your own mind. I like a challenge, but I shall win your heart in time.” He smiled, got up and turned to address the king and queen.

  “Please forgive my breach of etiquette. Mother and father say that I am far too impulsive. My dear mother says that I am ‘totally impossible’.” Elliot looked over his shoulder with an impish grin at Norman.

  “I shall have a page show you to your bedchamber so you might freshen up a bit.” Emmaline rang for a page. “He will stand outside of your room in case we have neglected to anticipate your needs.”

  “Thank you, Your Highness, that is very kind of you, however my parents have told me amazing stories about the hospitality to be found in your kingdom. I am sure that I will find everything I shall need.” Elliot bowed before Octavius and Emmaline and turned once again toward Norman. “You delight my eyes, fair princess. May I be most forward and ask you to take a walk outside with me upon my return? You will brighten up the winter landscape for me.”

  Norman looked pleadingly towards her parents. Seeing no response, she looked directly at the prince. “Very well, I shall walk with you under one condition…”

  Prince Elliot smiled impishly once again. “And what may that condition be, my lady?”

  “That you keep your impulses to yourself, Prince.” Norman looked Elliot squarely in the face. She almost broke into a smile, but held the sternness upon her face.

  “I shall return shortly, Princess. I look forward to the walk.” Prince Elliot smiled and followed the page out of the room.

  “Do you wish for me to have a guard walk with you, daughter?” Octavius pointed over towards one of the guards in the room.

  “That will not be necessary, Father. I believe I can handle the idiot, I mean the prince.” Norman turned and left in a pout.