Aideen's Answer

-Chapter Thirty-Four-

Garrett reminded himself to breathe deeply as he watched the departing princess. Her giggling friends behind him did not exactly help matters, though he strongly suspected that he had found unlikely allies with these two. He turned to offer the young women a smile and tip of his hat before turning and heading straight for the courtyard.
Why had she insisted upon freshening up beforehand? She was so beautiful, with her face fairly glowing with happiness and just a bit red from the sun. Her beauty had caused him to come close to forgetting why he had intercepted them.
But could she want to freshen up for him? Perhaps his opinion meant something to her?
Garrett distracted himself before he could allow himself to go too far down that road. He reached the courtyard and sat upon a small stone bench to ponder her.
Her. Aideen. The woman he had promised himself to, with his parents blessing. Was it possible that she was willing to let go of the worm, in order to see what sort of plans God had in store for them? He had heard of her coming back into the fold of the Shepherd, and had rejoiced together with her family. And now, with her faith restored, was it possible? He hoped so, he sorely hoped so...

------Aideen

The woman in question rushed about her room, trying to make herself look presentable and wondering why it was so important that she do so. She managed in her allotted time, and she marched down the corridor, Enrique following as always.
Her head was swirling with enough thoughts to give her a pounding headache, so she shoved them all away and poured all her concentration into reaching the courtyard, something she probably could have done in her sleep.
She saw him before he saw her, he sat on a stone bench, staring into the swan fountain that graced the middle of the area. She walked slowly to it, remembering how many times she and her brothers had played in this very fountain as children. She could not stop herself from reaching out and let the water splash over her hand.
"You came."
"You say that as if you thought I would not," Aideen answered him, eyes still on the dancing waters.
"I admit, I had my doubts," Garrett said wryly. "You are not a predictable woman, Princess."
She laughed aloud at that, "Me? Unlikely, for I always do exactly as I am told, I am the calm, obedient one of the family."
"Remind me, then, to avoid meeting your brothers," Garrett chuckled.
Aideen was startled when she realized just how much she like the sound.
"Well then," She turned to him with a smile, starting a bit to find him only a few steps away. However, she recovered herself quickly. "Shall we begin our walk?"
Garrett looked at her doubtfully, " I have not decided yet."
Aideen hid her doubts skillfully, but her mind went into action immediately.
'What have I done? Did I take too long? Perhaps he has changed his mind about me, wait, why am I even worrying about this?'
"You see," Garrett gestured to the hand that was still cupping water. "You would get me wet simply by taking my arm, you see. And with this being a brand new coat," He shook his head ruefully. "I simply do not know if it is worth the risk."
Aideen fought her traitorous smile, which was threatening to peek through.
"I see," She turned fully to the water, as she slipped her other hand in it as well. "Well, I can see that you have a most grave decision to make, so whatever will you do?"
"I have not yet decided," Garrett said. "I suppose I could go back inside, but it seems a pity to waste such a beautiful day."
Aideen swallowed a laugh and nodded, "Indeed."
"Or perhaps I could call upon a servant to bring you a towel!" Garrett exclaimed, as if he had only now thought of such a wonderful thing. "I do believe that it is the perfect solution!"
He took a tiny step forward, it was almost enough. Just a little more...
"Why yes, I think that is what I shall do, for it saves my coat as well as saves me the trouble of scouting out a new walking partner."
"Well, we certainly would not want you to have to go through any trouble, Your Highness."
Garretts eyes narrowed just a bit at her sugary-sweet tone, but it was too late. He moved closer.
And she swung her hands around, hitting him directly in the chest with the water she had held in her hands.
"Would you like that towel now, Prince Garrett?" She asked with the same tone, eyes wide with innocence as she watched him stare down at his jacket with disbelief.
"You are going to sorely regret that, Princess."
Her laughter was her only response. She did, however, put some distance between herself and the fountain.
That is, until he growled and lunged for her, catching her around the waist before she had managed to run two more feet. He dragged her back to the fountain and laughed mercilessly when she screamed.
"Garrett! No! No, do not! Put me down, I say!"
He laughed, and lifted her in his arms, directly over the fountain.
"Apologize."
"No!"
"Very well, then, enjoy your swim."
"No! I am truly, dreadfully sorry!"
"I do not believe you," He answered as he stared down at her.
"Well, nor do I," She replied. "But you never said that I had to mean it."
He threw his head back and roared with laughter.
"Fair enough, Aideen, you need not swim, but since your apology was half hearted at best, you still need to be punished."
And with that, he lowered her entire head into the fountain, pulling her out and setting her down before she had fully comprehended what happened.
"You!" She sputtered.
"Yes?"
"You-you dunked my head! I-" Her hands went up to her soaking, ruined hair, her dripping face.
"I am glad to see that you noticed."
Again with that roguish grin, this man was going to drive her insane.
"Well, this looks like a grand time!"
Both Prince and Princess whipped around, to see to identical men leaning against the entrance to the courtyard, like twin pillars.
"Jayden! Jeremy!" Aideen exclaimed ecstatically as she ran and threw her arms around them both.
Garrett came forward a bit and tried not to be intimidated by the glares that both brothers sent him as soon as their sister could not see.
"I am so glad you are home!"
"We found him, sis," Jeremy spoke quietly.
Aideens hand went to her mouth.
"Kevin?" She whispered.