Ask the Sinners

Surprise

The sound of soft breathing and the rustle of leaves told me that someone was approaching. Riliane's head jerked up, and she broke into a squeal.

"You're here!" she exclaimed excitedly. I finished setting up the picnic and glanced up.

A girl with long green pigtails and a flower clasped between her hands was before us. She wore a simple brown, white, and green dress. Flowers adorned her hair, and a pretty necklace thumped against her collarbones. Michaela.

  She sat down next to Riliane. That made sense.

  "So," I said carefully. "why did you want to talk to us? Couldn't you have written a letter asking your question?"

  Michaela shook her head. "No, what I have to ask isn't something to write about."

  Riliane gestured to the food I had set out. "Let's eat first."

  This was a tactic I was familiar with. Riliane usually proposed that her guests eat something before they asked her for anything. It often put her in a good mood, which allowed them to speak more easily. It was smart.

  It was a simple meal, nothing to talk about. The dessert portion was what I knew my sister wanted. As soon as our sweets were on our plates, I heard the distant chime of the bells. Three in the afternoon. Riliane's favorite time.

  Michaela fidgeted around as she ate. Her hands strayed up to the pendant at her neck. It was a birthday gift from Kyle.

  "I can't wait any longer," she announced, siting straight up. Her eyes found my sister's and she took a deep breath. "Riliane, as Clarith's self-proclaimed sister, may I ask you for permission on something?"

  Riliane paused, her fork hovering in the air. "Well, that depends on what you say."

  "M-may I have your permission to marry Clarith?" Much blurted out. "I-I love her so much, and I want to b-"

  My sister held her hand up. "On one condition," she said slowly. Michaela stared at her with wide eyes.

  "Anything!"

  Riliane smiled. "That Yukina, if her parents allow it, is the flower girl. I think she would be perfect for it!"

  That took Michaela by surprise. "Tha-that's it? Yukina to be the flower girl? Huh, ok." She grinned and threw her arms over Ril. "Thank you! Thank you so much!" Some of the petals from her flowers drifted onto Riliane's gown.

  The Princess dusted them off, and returned the hug. "You're very welcome. I want to see Clarith happy, and I see how happy you make her." Then, her gaze hardened. "Don't screw this up. She loves you so much."

  "I promise I won't," Michaela swore.

  I kept my head down, working on my dessert. I didn't need to be a part of this. I was only here in case something went wrong.

  The rest of the afternoon was peaceful. Michaela was perfect for Clarith. The nervous girl had grown into a more confident version of herself. I knew that the Freezis family was proud of her. She was practically their daughter too. But Riliane was the one who had to be asked. Not the Freezis family.

  Afternoon turned to evening, and my sister grew tired. Eventually, I had to help her back to the palace, and Michaela returned to the inn she had been staying at. All in all, today had been a successful day.

  Now, I couldn't wait for the wedding.