The Imperial Witch ⚜ Ch. 4

The greenhouse was one of Faraja's favourite places. Perhaps it was coming from Ethiopia that made her so fond of the diversity of green. Perhaps it was the game of jumping over the snapping plants. Either way it was fun to her.

She was tending to a pair of snappers, hoping that they'd sprout into a snap-apple tree. There was a small grove in the corner of the garden dedicated to the plant that crackled when its fruit was ripe.

When she finished etching tiny runes into the thin, twisting stalk to help it grow, she stepped back to clean up a bit. With a wave of her wand, she wiped away the soil and dirt, and let her thick hair into a half-up style. Just because, she added a few more small gold cuffs to her braids.

Humming happily, she left the greenhouse, almost bumping into someone at the door.

"Oh sorry. Headmaster Horvath. What are you doing out here?" she asked in surprise.

The man gestured to the path behind them and said, "Care to join me for a moment?"

She put on a smile and nodded. Inside she was terrified that she and her friends were in trouble... "Of course. What's going on sir?"

Clasping his hands behind his back, he carefully admired the beautiful array of plants. "Well Princess, I have something to ask you. Now I know it's early in the year still, so I hope I've given you enough notice."

"Notice for what?" she asked curiously.

"You seem to be a good, organized student, and I have it under good authority that you are creative as well," he said.

She raised her brows. "Oh. I- well, I suppose."

The Headmaster stopped and turned to her. "How would you like to be on the committee to help plan the Magic Academy's Winter ball?"

The princess gasped. "You have to be joking. Me? A first year? I get to help plan a ball? The Christmas ball?" She bit back a squeal of happiness. "Yes! Can I please?"

The man chuckled. "Glad to see you're excited. In last years we've have up to ten planners per castle, so if you feel you need more help as you and the others go along, you can recruit responsible friends."

"Okay," she squeaked.

"The first meeting is this weekend in the downstairs northern turret. The older students will likely take charge, but every member of the team is important," he explained.

"I'll be there," the witch nodded excitedly. "Thank you sir."

He smiled and bowed. "Of course. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go to the broom course."

Faraja stood on the path for a bit, her mind going over every potential detail.

After a few minutes, Valentina came up the way. "Hey, what are you doing out here."

Grabbing her friend's shoulders, she gushed, "I get to help plan the Christmas ball! Oh, and I've always wanted to have a European Christmas with snow and Christmas trees and old carols and eggnog!"

Valentina chuckled. "Congratulations, now you get to do both!"