Little Queen

Chapter 36

This is not edited or read in any way to see if it's cohesive cause I'm tired and y'all have waited long enough for this. Hope you enjoy it anyway though!
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Idalia's POV

:::

It only takes me a few short steps to get to the wall of windows that overlooks another outdoor area. I try my hardest to keep a straight face by nibbling on the corner of my lip but I can't keep my head from tilting to the side.

"Is that... dirt?"

Draven's breath fans across the back of my neck sending a chill down my arms. His arm wraps around my waist and pulls me close so that my entire back is pressed against his front.

"Not just dirt little one, it's space for a garden."

I spin around so fast that he has to wrap a second arm around me to keep me from pulling away.

"A garden?" It comes out breathy, kind of how Gunner sounds after Ranger punches him in the stomach.

"Yes, is that all right?"

My entire bottom lip falls under my teeth and my eyes flicker across Draven's face. I can't seem to find the words to show my appreciation despite how fast my mind is racing. My body is already pressed up against his but I throw my arms around his waist and thrust my forehead into his firm chest. He grunts in surprise at the force behind my hug but I just squeeze him tighter, hoping that he understands how grateful I am for him.

"Yes it's alright. Thank you for being so good to me."

His hand runs from the top of my head to the small of my back and I can't keep the tears from gathering in my eyes. I've always been treated well at home, but never by someone that has no reason to. The family is scared of my papà, more specifically what he'd do if he heard someone was mistreating me. Maxen, Gunner, and Ranger all cared for me and treated me well of their own accord but they never had to go out of their way like Draven has because I always had everything I needed.

I sniffle and try my best to breathe through my emotions like Ranger always tells me to but it only makes me cry more when I feel my chest shake from the inhale.

"Baby, are you crying?"

I sniffle harder and keep my forehead pressed to his chest, "No."

His big hands gently force my head to tilt back so he can get a good look at my tear-soaked face.

"My baby," he coos, "why are you crying? I thought this would be a good surprise."

I sniffle again and press my fists into my eyes to try to stop the tears, "It is a good surprise."

He slowly pulls my fists away from my face and lowers them so that our fingers are entwined.

"Careful little one. Tell me why you're crying, yes?"

My chest expands with a big breath, "You're too kind to me."

His head is shaking 'no' before I even finish my sentence, "try again little one."

"You have no reason to be this kind to me."

His bear paws squeeze mine in what I assume is a warning.

"And why would I not be kind to you? Is you being you not enough of a reason for me to be kind?"

I nibble on my lip and shake my head no.

"You are kind, you deserve to be surrounded by people who are kind back capito?" [understand?]

I nod my head and give him a shaky smile, "Will you plant it with me?"