Navarre

The time for Amie to visit Prince Peter in Navarre finally arrived. Her heart was racing as Julia helped her get ready, "Do you think he'll like this dress?"

Julia replied, "Of course he will! It's the highest fashion right now and it looks so beautiful on you!"

Amie appreciated having her friend and sister back, "Thank you, Julia. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you by my side."

Julia laughed, "Probably get into trouble with Jacques."

Amie scrunched her nose, "Quit joking about Jacques. And don't say anything around him right now. He's been acting strange since yesterday when King Javert reminded him to pack for Navarre."

Julia responded, "Of course he's acting strange, his muse is about to be married off to somebody else."

Amie rolled her eyes, "Okay, I think that's enough. Oh I just remembered! Julia, could you do a very big favor for me?"

Julia was unsure how to answer, "How big is this favor? I prefer not to be executed if you don't mind."

Amie laughed, "Oh no, it's nothing like that. Could you gather any books in our library and the main library about cartography, including the history of cartography? Any maps you could get a hold of would be helpful too, especially older ones."

Julia raised an eyebrow, "Well that's an odd new hobby."

Amie replied, "Yes, well hopefully nobody will ask about it. I can't think of a good reason for me to suddenly be interested in cartography."

Julia already had an answer, "I'll just say you wish to expand your knowledge of multiple disciplines you think will be useful for becoming Prince Peter's wife."

Amie smiled, "You always know what to say, thank you Julia! I doubt anyone will miss those ancient relics anyways. Oh, I said older maps would be best, but I also need one modern map, preferably one as close to being a detailed map of the world as you can get."

Julia nodded, "World map from the wall of the library it is!"

Amie laughed, "Thank you Julia, but please don't do anything that could get you in trouble."

Julia assured Amie, "Don't worry, I've got this. Consider the matter handled."

Amie relented, "Alright, I trust you. Now let's get moving I don't wish to make King Javert wait. I fear his mood will not change until he sees me married off for his own personal gain."

Julia sighed, "Please be careful, Amie. I don't want anything to happen to you."

Amie sloughed off Julia's concern, "Don't worry, I'll be fine. Now let's be quick."

***

Jacques was in a bitter mood the entire carriage ride. He didn't make any snide remarks to his brother or father and he stayed unusually quiet. He mostly stared out the window with the exception of occasionally glaring at whoever was speaking. Amie knew better than to speak in front of the King or Prince Felix, so she had to wait until they arrived at their destination to ask Jacques if he was alright. Before she could ask, however, Amie was caught off guard by the sight as they approached the palace.

She couldn't believe her eyes. There were trees and plants hanging from above the different rooftops of the palace. The palace had multiple levels, like that of a pyramid, each with a garden sitting on top. The gardens blended together, making the palace itself look as though it was a natural wonder.

Jacques saw Amie staring in awe at the sight, "They call it the Hanging Gardens of Navarre. It's a replica of another more ancient hanging gardens."

Amie whispered just audible enough for only Jacques to hear, "It's beautiful."

Jacques' snarled, "What's so great about it? Our palace could look better than this if I was in charge."

Amie elbowed Jacques out of site of Prince Felix and King Javert, "Say anymore and we'll both be executed."

Jacques muttered, "At this rate, I think I'd rather be executed."

Amie did not wish to press the issue further out of fear of Jacques saying something he shouldn't. Instead she chose to focus on the stunning array of flowers and trees in front of her. There were coconut palms and spruces standing side-by-side. Orchids grew with lilacs and roses with dahlias. Snapdragons dotted the landscape along with tulips and petunias. A single daffodil stood high above a bed of creeping thyme. Amie couldn't fathom all of these flowers and trees living together in harmony.

Not thinking of who was around, Amie spoke aloud, "They must have the world's best botanists to maintain this place."

King Javert growled at her, "They're witches just like you."

Amie jumped, startled by King Javert's voice. She composed herself and bowed to him, "Apologies for speaking out of turn. I thought witches didn't exist?"

King Javert's voice was dripping with malice, "You didn't hear of the witch who was executed a few weeks back? You'll soon be with her after your test at the palace."

Prince Felix came to Amie's defense, "Father, please. Prince Peter is approaching."

Everyone composed themselves the moment they saw Prince Peter coming out of the palace entrance, "Welcome my esteemed guests! I hope you'll enjoy your stay." He turned and bowed to Amie, "My Lady, it is a pleasure to see you again."

Amie blushed at his gesture. She curtsied and responded, "It is a pleasure to see you as well."

Jacques rolled his eyes at the two, "Can we get this over with? We all know you two are getting married."

King Javert chastised his son, "Jacques! Mind your manners!" He turned to Prince Peter, "Apologies for my son's rude behavior."

Prince Peter replied, "No worries, I'm sure the journey has been taxing on all of you. Come in, my servants will show you to your quarters. Once you have freshened up, we can meet in the dining hall for lunch."

King Javert thanked Prince Peter and they followed their respective servants to their rooms.

***

Amie had been alone for only a few minutes when she was caught off guard by someone knocking on the door. Thinking it was a servant, she told them to enter without looking away from the window she found herself near. When she turned around, she was surprised to see Prince Peter standing in front of her.

Amie exclaimed in excitement, "Prince Peter! What are you doing in my room?"

Peter walked up to her and reached for her hands. He kissed both of them before saying, "When nobody is around, it's just Peter." He then moved closer to her, pulling her hands around his waist and wrapping his arms around her in a gentle embrace before kissing her on the lips.

Amie had forgotten how soft his lips were. She leaned in to return the kiss and allowed the moment to last a little longer before pulling away, "Peter, what are you doing in my room? We still aren't married yet, there could be consequences."

Peter moved his right hand up to gently caress her cheek while the other hand stayed firm on her waist, "My dear, what consequences could there be now? An early wedding? I would look forward to that."

Amie blushed, "Careful Peter, I still wish to be a proper lady."

Peter let go of Amie and stepped away from her. He playfully bowed, "As you wish, my love. You will of course entertain me with your presence after we eat?"

Amie's face was turning beat red as she giggled, "Of course." Her thoughts of spending time with Peter were briefly interrupted when something out the window caught her eye, "Peter, could you give me a tour of these gardens? I've never seen anything like this before."

Peter replied, "Sounds like a perfect date. Of course, you'll be seeing these gardens much more soon enough."

Amie's smile couldn't be any bigger, "I'm looking forward to it."

Peter started for the door, "I know it was a short visit, but I hope you don't mind me leaving as quickly as I arrived. The sooner we are ready for lunch, the sooner you and I can walk uninterrupted through the gardens and make up for lost time."

In her mind, all Amie could do was think about how she was acting foolish and couldn't seem to think straight while looking at her future husband. She was able to stumble out of her mouth, "I've missed you, I can't wait to stroll the gardens with you."

Peter stepped towards her once more and gave her a peck on the cheek before leaving. It all happened so suddenly, Amie didn't have time to think. Her heart was racing, everything felt overwhelming. This was her future husband, these gardens were soon to be hers.