Silver Creek She was a Playboy, Brigitte Bardot

Europia was kept in high spirits, despite the weeks pasts events. How could she not be? The sun was bright, the sky was clear, and despite the pollen making her feel all stuffy there was little to complain about.

Trotting through the trees, the princess picked flowers as she went with little on her mind. She knew that when Haedwig returned that the witch would scold her for being wasteful, but could she really be blamed? If they were meant to be used purely for medicinal purposes, they wouldn't be so pretty.

Allowing herself to fall into the green grass, she laid on her back with her bundle of flowers clamped in her jaws. As joyful as it was, it was impossible not to see how mundane this life could be.

When would it be her turn to be whisked away?

Though she had managed to clear out the den--hiccups besides--there was still much to be done before the Queen's return. A Queen's den would need proper bedding: only the softest moss and feathers she could find. Flowers and herbs, too, for both comfort and to freshen the air. The Raven Queen bore a heavy burden, and Korinna would do all she can to ease it.

The meadows bloomed with wildflowers, and it did not take long for Korinna to find what she was looking for. Yet it was not only flowers she found; the Princess herself was among them, clutching them in her jaws. Where Korinna knew little of the Queen's brother, she was far more at ease around her sister.

"Would you like me to decorate your fur with flowers, Your Highness?" Korinna asked with a smile. She enjoyed combing Thalassa and Europia's soft raven-black coats. They were unlike her own, yet they brought her just as much comfort as the sight of a familiar face would.

Breaking her from her trance was the voice of Korinna. She knew little of her sister's servant, in fact she was completely neutral on her, but the girl seemed friendly enough.

That's alright, she responded, spitting out the flowers. I was only picking them for the fun of it. The moment those words left her mouth she seemed to frown. Pretty dull, huh?

Maybe she shouldn't be complaining. Korinna was a servant, a job that surely had more problems than she had ever had. Her mother would have scolded her for having so little empathy.

It isn’t dull if you enjoy it, Your Highness, Korinna said kindly, her blue eyes glittering.

She tilted her head. It had not occurred to her the girl might be bored, but it made sense. The Prince had his own duties—hunting and patrolling, she guessed, though truthfully Korinna knew little of the man—while the Queen bore the mantle of leadership, and all that required.

But Europia had nothing to occupy herself with. There, Korinna might be able to help.

We could play a game if you wish, Korinna offered with a slight wag of her tail. Her work could wait; assisting the Queen’s little sister took precedence, in Korinna’s mind.

A game? She repeated. What sort of game?

Part of her wanted to insist that games were for children and she needed no such thing, but given her brother wasn't watching.. she would indulge herself; but only for a little while!

Standing up, she shook the flowers and their fallen leafs and petals from her dark pelt.

Anything you like, Your Highness, Korinna said. Hide and seek, maybe? It’s a good way to learn all the secrets of this place.

Korinna could not help her sly smile as she spoke. As a pup, she had discovered many excellent hiding spots in their old home. They had proved useful for caching pelts and herbs to be retrieved later, or simply staying out of sight when she wanted to be alone. (Such places could be life-saving, should the worst come to pass—but Korinna did not wish to think on such things.)