"And how did you get yourself out of that one?!" Cotton Candy asked, pieces of meat flying out of her mouth, landing on the table or other people's food.
"Well, Candy, I simply smiled and said, how about we make a deal? Either you call off your invasion plans, or I will remind your dragon clan how you failed the last time you invaded us," Prince Leon said. Laughter burst through the main table at the nightly feast. Although the disappointment of not finding more of the changeling that was leading the invasion was still evident, at least they did it with no casualties.
Starburst, however, had a frown, deep in thought as she stared at her plate of meats and plants.
The children of harmony also enjoyed the beautiful, silk clothing that made the griffon clan well renowned, which beat the rough, equestrian scout clothing they had been wearing for days on end.
"I tell you, friends. We have scouts all over my kingdom, looking for pockets of resistance. We will bring them in and we will march on the capital. We will win the war, win back our land... and the heart of a lovely young princess." King Leon proclaimed as he reached to Starburst's hand and gave it a quick peck.
When star realized what happened, she got up and left without a word, out to the clear, warm night. The hall became deathly silent as Leon felt the sting and embarrassment of her rejection. He snatched two goblets, and a bottle of wine. As he made his way to her, he was stopped by Illusion.
"Look friend. I know how much you feel about her, but maybe you just need to take the hint."
Leon looked at him and scoffed at the suggestion "Nous griffon ne jamais abandonner". He walked out to the camp, stumbling in his drunken stupor and looking for Starburst. He walked past the common civilians, having their own feasts. They were not as lavish as his, instead of pork it was chicken, the wine was replaced by ale and mead, but they were still fed. Their clothes were rougher and less colorful as his, but they kept them warm, and they had shoes to wear. Leon smiled as his subjects saw him. The women and children lowered their head in his presence. The drunken men and wenches raised their mugs to him and gave him a hearty cheer.
"Thank you, men. There will be more mead where that came from when we take back our country!" Leon replied with his goblet in the air.
The men cheered, as they gulped down what drinks they had left.
"Gentlemen, do you see where Lady Starburst went?"
Everyone pointed to the watchtower that was beaten on a rocky outcropping within the camp. That is where he spotted her outline, looking up at the endless sky. He stumbled his way there, passing through more of the tent city that had to do since the changelings took the city he owned. He went up the ramp and walked next to her. He sat down next to her, but far enough where there was room for the wine and cups.
He poured another round for himself, and one for his love.
He tapped her on the shoulder and handed her the goblet as soon as they locked eyes
"Take it, it will take away all your troubles." he assured her
She was hesitant at first but took a small gulp nonetheless. Her face went sour, and she stuk out her tongue in a motion to show her disgust
"Yes, it is an acquired taste, but once you get used to it, it is still better than drinking dirty stream water,"
She still held on to the cup as they stared at the night sky, both of them taking sips from their goblet.
"I remember your mother and father. Nice people, really cared about you, your brother, and your people. If there's anyone who can survive the changelings, it's them," Leon commented. "At least you still have hope they are still alive. One of the first things I have to do when I retake control of my land is to find their remains and bury them in the royal mausoleum. So, I know how you feel that you want to see them again."
Star took another gulp of her wine. "It's not about them that has me thinking,"
"Oh?"
"It's about us... or me mostly."
Leon took a deep breath and ran a hand through his auburn hair.
"What do you mean?"
"You can be with any girl you want. Models, fair maidens, princesses who are prim proper, and posh. So, why me?"
Leon grew silent and took another sip of his wine. He looked to her, and she looked to him. He melted with her eye contact, staring at her beautiful magenta eyes.
" I guess.... it had something to do the night we first met."