Flora

K O A

and they will shake their heads
and wag their bony fingers

Tucked within the bouquet he left her, the letter is written in a surprisingly neat hand, a sprig of pressed rosemary sealed within.

Her Majesty Queen Flora, First of Her Name, Fairest Flower of Torchline’s Shores,

Congratulations on your ascendency to the echelons of royalty, My Queen. I hope your celebrations live up to the magnitude of the occasion.

While I am sure the responsibilities of governance shall keep you quite occupied, it would be my honor and delight if you'd permit me to escort you on a congratulatory outing - at your convenience, of course.

I await your reply, oh radiant lady.

Your humble knight,

Koa Carpenter

in all the wrong directions—
and by daybreak we'll be gone