Unmarked

Chapter 35

Anghi and Lavina snickered as they chased each other around the palace. They were having some nonsensical fun.

"Woah, woah, woah!" Yxeyhzfkx said, stopping them. "You two are going to hurt someone, slow down."

They laughed. "Yes grandpa." They said together. Then they walked off together, only stopping when they heard their mother's voice in the throne room. They poked their heads around the corner and saw Leo with her.

"Woah." Amilia said, tripping over herself.

"Amilia, you have to learn to walk in the heels."

Lavina snickered.

"What are you thinking about?" Anghi whispered to her.

"Oh nothing much." She pushed her hands together. "Let's give them some help hm?"

"Help?" They snuck their way into the throne room and behind the throne.

"You stay up here and give Leo a little nudge."

"Uh- Lavina- Lavina!" She snuck her way behind her mom and then looked at Anghi, giving him a thumbs up. Then Lavina shoved her mother forward, causing her to trip and fall. Anghi copied her, pushing Leo over. Then they both ran for the door, but stayed close to see the chaos they had caused.

"Amilia, are you alright?" He said, helping her up.

"I uh-" She put her hand on her neck and turned away from him.

"Amilia?" She turned back to look at him and then tripped. Leo caught her, their nose's almost touching. They both pushed away from each other and then fell backwards. "Oh- Amilia!" Leo said, jumping up to his feet. He walked over to her and extended his hand to her. She laughed, but then grabbed it. They went back to walking, but Amilia was still so wobbly. Lavina went through the doorway and smiled.

"Mom!" She said moving towards her.

"Lavina!" She said back to her. Then she tripped again, into Leo's arms.

"Mom, are you ok?" Anghi asked, running in.

"Oh, I'm fine. It's just so hard to walk in these heels."

"Oh really?" Lavina said, looking at her. "Don't you just-" Lavina walked a few steps and then looked at her mother.

Leo laughed. Then he motioned Amilia to sit down, so she did. Leo took off the heels from Amilia and gave them to Lavina. "By all means, Lavina, why don't you show us."

"Why? You don't know how to walk in heels?"

Leo laughed again, "That was one time."

Lavina snickered at him and then took off her shoes. Then she put on the heels and began to walk.

"Wow you're good at that." Amilia said, looking at Lavina." Then they heard Leo laugh. He walked over to her and put her in a headlock.

"She should be, she's been doing this since she was a toddler." Lavina gave the heels back to her mother and helped her up.

"Oh wow, look at you, Lavina."

"So- what are you two doing?"

"I am trying to teach your mother how to walk in heels."

"Oh, is it for your coronation!?"

"Something like that." Lavina turned to Leo.

"So when is it, anyway? Mom won't tell us."

"Oh, Amilia, you sly unwilling dog." He chuckled.

"What, it's no big deal."

He sighed, "Sure it's not." He paused, "It's in a few days."

"A few days!"

"Don't worry, Lavina."

"Worry? This is a big event! I don't want to make you look like a fool! What's the theme, what should I wear?"

"I have everything arranged for the two of you." She said putting one hand on each of their shoulders.

"Oh, and what about you, uncle Leo?"

"Hm? Oh, I'll just wear one of my outfits." Amilia stumbled as she walked closer to him.

"Are you ready to give up that crown, Pepedicie?" She said sarcastically.

"Are you ready to rule a kingdom, Ms. Cripple?" They both laughed and looked at each other.

"So-" Lavina started again.

"What is it, dear?"

"Are you going to go with someone?"

"Go wi- with someone? Whatever do you mean?"

"Well, you know, like a date."

Amilia laughed, "A date? A date!?"

"Yeah! Like uncle Leo." She said pointing.

"What?!" Leo screamed.

"Oh I don't know, Lavina." She said, rubbing the back of her head. "After your dad and all, I don't know if I'm exactly ready to be in the dating pool again." She paused, "At least, not this soon."

"Oh, yeah, yeah, that makes sense." She paused. "Is Ophelia attending?"

"Yes, of course. I don't want to leave her there alone after all."

"Did you pick something out for her?"

"Oh she has a whole arsenal of dresses and things like that."

"Oh, is that a good idea? It's not going to make her remember things is it?"

"Oh no, it shouldn't. She wouldn't remember those things and therefore wouldn't be looking for them. Besides, she is a princess and I'm sure she wants to represent her kingdom with her own dress."

"Huh." Lavina started looking at her. "Are you alright?"

"What do you mean?" Amilia looked at her confused.

"You've kind of been acting weird ever since we got back. You've been around her a lot more, barely leaving her alone. I mean, usually I stop by her school and walk her home, but lately, you've been doing it. Plus you've been making this weird food."

"It's not weird food Lavina, it's just what she grew up with. Besides, she asked me and I know how much she misses home, is it so bad to spoil her just a little bit. And quite frankly, I'm surprised at you, I thought you of all people would understand."

"Well I-"

"No, no, I don't want to hear anymore about it. She's your younger sister now, whether you like it or not."

"Yes, mom."

"Well," Leo said, putting his hand on Lavina and Anghi's shoulders. "If you don't like the unique dishes you're always welcome for dinner here, even if you don't want to spend the night."

"Trying to steal my children away from me, are you?"

"Wha- of course not." He laughed. "Now run along now, your mother still has some work to do before we can crown her queen."