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Part 10
"So why am I going with you today?" Willow walked beside Buffy as the group made its way to the palace. "I know you guys are worried about the queen and all, but you left me alone yesterday. Besides, if she thinks I'm dead, then she'll leave me alone."
"The King wants to meet you. So you're going to meet him."
"Me? But why?"
"Because you're a princess, and as visiting royalty, there are certain formalities that must take place. One of which is meeting the residing royalty."
"But, Giles, I've been here for two months. Why has he waited until now to call for me?"
"I don’t know. But most likely, it is because he did not know you were here. Most dignitaries would have gone to the palace first, but you kept your presence secret. Once he discovered that you were living with us, he requested an audience with you. It's only proper that he be able to welcome you formally."
"If you say so, but I still don't understand why…" Willow's voice trailed off as she saw the towers of the palace rise in front of her. The morning light reflected off the stones, creating a halo of rainbows around the turrets and battlements. The steam rising from the moat at its base made it seem like the castle sat upon a cloud, when really it was perched on top of a hill. The gates were open and the drawbridge was down, welcoming those who came upon it. Willow stopped and stared at it for a moment.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?"
"I've… I've never seen its equal. And yet, it seems familiar. Like my father's castle in Rosenberg. I mean, I know it's not, and it really doesn't look like it, but there's something that reminds me of home." And Spike, she thought to herself. It looks like one of his carvings.
"Well, I'm sure you'll find it just as welcoming. Come on, or we'll be late for work, and you for your audience with His Majesty."
"Wait here, your Highness. My lord the King will join you momentarily." The footman guided her into a large sitting room, presumably reserved for receiving heads of state and other dignitaries.
"Thank you." She nodded at Ethan, then surveyed her surroundings as he left and closed the door. The room was grandly furnished with rich jewel-toned fabrics. Willow quickly took in the large chairs, mahogany desk, and crackling fireplace to her left. She then followed the tapestries surrounding the doors by which she had entered the room as they depicted the history of Sunnydale. The next wall contained more weavings, but these showed many of the far-off lands of which Anya had spoken. The final wall had no tapestries, but instead was covered with drapes of rich amethyst brocade. Peeking behind the heavy fabric, Willow discovered something she never expected to find. A garden beyond description spread before her view. Roses of every color imaginable formed a maze to the left, and on the right grew an orchard of the finest fruits. Small, long-stemmed flowers lined the footpaths, and in the distance, Willow could see a greenhouse.
"Lovely, isn't it?" Willow turned and blushed as she disentangled herself from the drapes. "Buffy said you enjoyed gardens, and this room offers one of the best views of the courtyard. My wife, Queen Drusilla, is quite fond of flowers and growing things, but she has no talent for it. Beyond the greenhouse is the gardeners' quarters. I must admit that I have no real knowledge of plants either. So tell me, are they doing their job well?"
"It's… I've never seen anything like this. They're magnificent. Even grander then my garden at home."
"I'm glad you like it." The two stood in uncomfortable silence for a moment.
"I don't mean to be rude, your Majesty, but may I ask you a question?"
"Certainly, Princess. Ask what you will."
"Why did you bring me here? And why now?"
"You are visiting royalty. As ruler of this land, it is my duty to see that while you reside within my borders, you are well and comfortable. Are you?"
"Yes, of course. But why now? I've been here for two months. Why did you not send for me before?"
"I was only just informed of your presence here, milady."
"You've known I was here for at least a month." Willow stared into Angelus' eyes as she stated what she knew.
Clearly surprised, Angelus paused for a moment before smiling and responding. "Ah, but you're a bright one. How did you know?"
"It wasn't hard. Buffy mentioned introducing me to you a month ago, and once she sets her mind on something, it's only a matter of time until it happens."
"I should have known that you would figure it out."
"So why am I really here? To gain your approval, meet your son, or marry him? And remember, I know Buffy. She's got this idea that your Prince William and I should be wed. If that's all that this is about, then I'll go and stop wasting your time. I tried to tell her that I'm just not interested in courting or being courted by anyone."
"I am truly sorry to hear that, Princess. I had hoped that you would at least give my son a chance. You see, he is quite taken with you from the stories that Miss Summers has told. He was very eager to meet you, and was disappointed to learn that his Royal duties as Prince would keep him away from our meeting today."
"I do not wish to be disrespectful, but your story, while very pleasant to hear, and flattering to the listener, does not seem likely. You tell me that your son suffers from a broken heart, much as I do, but yet he is anxious to meet another girl as soon as the opportunity arises? Either he is not as willing as you make him seem, or his heart was never truly broken."
"Or perhaps his has begun to heal, where yours has not. Perhaps he could help you heal. It hurts, I know, to lose one you hold dear. But you cannot dwell in the past. Besides, it wouldn't have worked out in the end. A princess such as yourself should be wed to a prince, or at least a courtier. Not some peasant boy who has never even seen the inside of a castle. You have a duty to your country, Willow. It is good that you learned that now, before it was too late."
"How can you say such a thing? Have you never
known love to not be willing to give up all you know and hold dear in the
hopes of keeping it? The day I never told him goodbye was the day
I died inside. If I ever love again, it will not be a prince or a
minstrel that my parent arrange for me to marry, but a common peasant boy
who has more nobility within himself than you, your son, or any royalty
I have ever known could hope to gain through birthright!" With that,
Willow turned and ran out of the room into the gardens to wait for her
friends to take her home.
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