Orion couldn't think of a response at this moment. He wrapped his arms around the Princess of the Garden and rubbed her back gently, soothing her to her usual self.
........
Canopy Castle
"High King, there's no need for you to make the journey yourself. I assure you, every detail, from the placement of the decorations to the arrangement of the fruits and drinks, will be meticulously handled," the royal head butler reassured, his voice echoing through the vast hall of Canopy Castle, a space so expansive it could comfortably accommodate four thousand pixies.
"I know that I can trust you to handle everything, Zik, but Mr. Orion, our most important guest, will also be attending this banquet, so I need to ensure that everything is perfect for his arrival," High King Eldric responded, his tone serious.
They watched as hundreds of Pixies flew in and out of the hall, arranging the tables, sections, and every other decoration needed for a large banquet like this one.
Zik nodded tiredly and exhaled, "Okay then, why don't I take you around? You can examine whether you like the decorations," he said, stretching his hand forward for High King Eldric to follow him.
High King Eldric nodded, but just as he was about to follow beside him, a loud voice drew his attention from behind, "YOUR HIGHNESS!" prompting him to halt his wings mid-air.
A pixie guard soared through the air and arrived before them.
"What is it?" High King Eldric asked, frowning.
He had instructed the guard to ensure the security of today's banquet, so he was worried that something terrible had happened.
"We received a message from Mr. Orion…." the guard said before explaining the important message.
High King Eldric's eyes widened in shock and surprise as he spoke before a wave of excitement and disbelief clouded his expression. Even the royal butler before him couldn't help but stare in disbelief, his mouth wide agape.
"Are you sure?" High King Eldric asked, his tone serious. He quickly recomposed himself and wanted to ensure the guard was telling the truth.
The guard nodded solemnly.
High King Eldric's eyes brightened. He refocused on Zik, "I will leave the decorations for you to handle, Zik," he said.
"There's no need for you to worry, Your Highness, I'll ensure that everything is perfectly done," Zik responded reassuringly.
After hearing that the Princess of the Garden would also be attending the banquet with Orion, he planned to ensure that everything was more perfect than they were before.
High King Eldric nodded and refocused on the guard, "Send a group of guards to escort the Princess of the Garden and Orion to the Pixie kingdom borders. And inform me the moment they arrive. The High Elders and I will be present to downsize them to Pixie statures so they can enter the castle," he said, a serious glint flashing through his eyes.
"Inform everyone invited to the banquet about this news and tell them that no one is allowed to arrive late before the Princess of the Garden and Orion's arrival at the banquet. Anyone who disobeys these orders will be punished and have their status demoted by a few levels. You may leave,"
The guard nodded solemnly before he turned around and swiftly flew away.
"I need to inform Rowena," High King Eldric said, ensuring his wife was the first to know so she could prepare and don her best attire and select one for him as well before meeting with the High Elders to greet Orion and the Princess of the Garden at the Pixie Kingdom borders.
He laughed heartily as he soared out of the vast hall. Today must be a blessed day for the Pixie Kingdom, for all he had heard recently were tidings of goodness, each striving to surpass the last.
…....…
Five Pixie maids fluttered around the Princess of the Garden, meticulously straightening her sky-blue silk gown and tidying her artificial Pixie wings to perfection.
Once they finished, they stepped back, bowing reverently before her.
"We have completed the preparations. Would you prefer one of us to escort you to Mr. Orion's room, or shall we notify you when he is ready?" one of the maids inquired, her gaze fixed on the ground.
"Take me to his room. Since I am prepared, I no longer need to remain here," the Princess of the Garden replied.
The maid nodded. "I will lead the way, then," she said before ascending into the air and guiding the Princess forward.
The Princess of the Garden soon discovered that attempting to utilize her Pixie wings to elevate her body was a feat that was far more challenging than she had anticipated. She couldn't fathom anyone mastering the control of such a contraption in a short time.
Fortunately, the maid instantly noticed her dilemma and landed on the floor.
"We can walk all the way there, Princess," the maid added.
The Princess of the Garden internally exhaled in relief while maintaining a calm, serious expression outwardly as she nodded silently.
The maid led the Princess of the Garden out of the room and towards Orion's room.
The moment the door shut, several exhales of relief and exhaustion resounded.
…......
As they approached Orion's room, the Princess of the Garden noticed Orion patiently waiting outside.
He wore a beautiful white shirt and sky-blue trousers that matched her gown. Unlike her bare feet, he wore two black pairs of sandals.
He effortlessly took to the sky as though he had predicted her arrival, showcasing his familiarity with the artificial Pixie wings behind his back.
Orion landed before her and turned to the maid beside her. "You can leave," he said, observing as the maid nodded in understanding and immediately turned around, disappearing into the next hallway.
He refocused on the Princess of the Garden, taking her hand before leaning forward to kiss the back of it.
"You look beautiful, my Princess," Orion said romantically, leaning in to kiss her.
"Thank you. You also look incredibly handsome, Mr. Orion," the Princess of the Garden responded, holding back her chuckle.
She strangely enjoyed the moment more than she had intended and hoped it would never end.
