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And then they said together, “We love our little cousin.”
Lucinda went on, “You see, we spend most of our time alone. We have only ourselves for company. And we divert ourselves with storytelling.”
Ruby continued, “Oh yes, we get carried away at times.”
Then Martha said, “We’re very sorry.”
The Queen smiled. “I thought as much. I’m so happy to hear this. It grieved me, the thought of having to scold three of the King’s family. Now there seems to be little need for it, other than to advise you to be aware of your odd tales and stories, and not to recount them before my daughter.
“So tell me, ladies, what diversions would please you while you are here?”
The three of them answered as one, “A picnic with Snow.”
The Queen laughed. “Perhaps you mean a picnic in the snow. It is nearly the winter!”
“Yes, but there is no better time—”
“To visit the forests—”
“Than when the trees are in their death throes—”
“And flashing their brilliant colors!”
“And if that is too cold—”
“Then there is always Apple Blossom Meadow”
A picnic—so, that is what Verona must have overheard the sisters planning when they spoke of taking the girl into the woods.
“What a wonderful idea,” the Queen said, “And it can easily be arranged. I think she would love to have an outing; what a lovely day that will be. We should make a grand event of it and dress for the occasion; she will feel like a proper little lady.”
Lucinda looked disappointed about something, but before the Queen could ask what, she was distracted by one of the servants coming into the room with a message on a small pewter tray.
“Excuse me, my ladies,” said the Queen as she broke the letter’s wax seal. Her eyes widened, her face glowed, and then she burst out in elation, “Oh! This is wonderful news, indeed. I am so pleased.”
She turned to the sisters. “The King will be home in a fortnight!”
The three sisters smiled and said, “In time for the winter solstice.”
The Queen was puzzled. “Excuse me?” she asked.
“We assume you will keep up the traditions here in your new home,” said Lucinda.
Ruby continued, “We’ve heard such b
eautiful tales of how your family made such a lovely spectacle of the holiday.”
The Queen was taken aback that the odd sisters should have heard such tales of her family. But she didn’t have the time to pay it any mind. The King was returning.
“I hadn’t thought of celebrating in that fashion,” she said. “However I think since the King is returning in time, we should make a festival of it. I quite like the idea. What a wonderful homecoming it would be, and he will be so pleased to have his dear cousins here—say you will stay for the festivities!”
The three odd sisters answered in tandem, through odd, wide smiles.
“Of course we will, dear.”
The entire castle was bustling in preparation for the winter solstice. The servants were in a tizzy making everything perfect for the King’s return, and the Queen was seeing to every detail.
“I think we should have the King’s favorite, of course, and then a little something more delicate for the ladies, pheasant I think, in a mushroom and wine sauce. That would be lovely, don’t you think? Wonderful, and some roasted sweet potatoes with rosemary, and I think the King would come to the kitchen personally to thank you if you made your pears in brandy sauce.”
