Stolen Kingdom

IV

Leopold surprises me when he suggests a picnic. He surprises me again when he asks if a picnic in the meadow of Riftborne is all right. I am actually excited for this lunch now. He is getting me out of the castle, and he also has freshly baked muffins in the basket. It may be ridiculous that I can depict muffins specifically from the delectable aroma, but it's true. I asked to make sure I was correct.

The carriage ride to the meadow is brief and not much speaking is done. Once we arrive, he takes the blanket he brought and lays it out neatly in the field. There are others in the meadow spread throughout, children with their friends and parents. They are so wrapped up in their games that they do not notice four palace knights guarding a princess and prince.

There is a light breeze that contradicts the heat of the sun, making the minutes under the blue sky indescribably wonderful. I treasure moments out of the castle, even short ones. To feel the wind tossing my hair and the sun kissing my skin. There is no other feeling like it.

We eat in silence, but even that will not tarnish my mood. I smile simply because the children are laughing and playing. They are free, something I wish so desperately for. To run around the meadow until my legs tire out and my lungs ache. The sudden urge to do so hits me so fiercely, I contemplate doing exactly that. However, Leopold finishes his sandwich and taps his fingers on his thigh. I frown. Perhaps he is waiting for me to finish.

"The children are so noisy," he complains, scrunching his nose at them.

"I quite like it," I admit, my smile stretching again. "They are being themselves, and having fun whilst doing so. Haven't you ever imagined what that feels like?"

He snaps his head in my direction as if I had hit him. "Do you not enjoy being a princess?"

"That is not what I said."

"I never found the interest in child's play."

"Then I suppose you and I are very different."

His eyes widen then, a twinge of worry in them. "Princess, did I offend you? I-it was not my intention--"

"No," I say and get to my feet. "I am not offended."

He scrambles to stand. "I assure you--"

"Prince Leopold," I say firmly, halting his stammering. I manage an easy smile. "You are honest with me, and I cannot be offended by that."

He swallows, Adam's apple bobbing. He looks down the way, then back to me. "S-shall we take a stroll?"

I loop my arm in his though he had not offered it to me. "I would like nothing more."

He nods, uncertainly, but begins to walk, leading us out of the meadow and into the streets of Riftborne. This is where we catch attention. It is hard not to with four palace knights in tow. I had tried to get Max as one of them, but being Captain of the Guard to the king is a busy role. Sometimes I don't understand how he balances me with all of his other duties. I am glad he does nonetheless.

We near the jeweler's booth, and he stops. "I wish to surprise you with a gem that shines as bright as you."

See? Men are all the same...

"Oh, that is not necessary. I do not need--"

"Nonsense. It shall be a gift from me to you," he says with a smile.

I sigh as he leaves me on the side of the hustling streets. Villagers shuffling this way and that, stumbling over each other when they catch me standing off to the side. Two knights had followed Leopold while the other two hover me. I give them both a look--Luca and Peter. They have escorted me on the rare occasions Max had been unable to. With my look, both offer an innocent shrug.