The Lion and the Warrior

Something Special

After dinner, James and Eliana decided to seek out Rhaella. She was in the garden, catching the last few hours of daylight on the swing beneath a cypress tree. Eliana ran ahead of James, eager to give the princess her box of chocolates and new ribbons.

"Slow down before you fall and spoil the surprise!" James shouted.

"I can't!" Eliana shouted back without turning around.

James continued on, taking his time. When he made it to the swing, a good minute later, Eliana was already talking Rhaella's ear off about the day.

"Slow down El." James said.

"Oh, it's alright, I enjoy hearing about her day," Rhaella said.

"Alright, you can give our princess her surprises now."

Rhaella opened the box of chocolates first and smelled them. "These smell so good! I can't wait...let's have some, shall we?" she offered one to Eliana.

"No, no, no young lady! You've had half a box already. Remember what happened last time you had too much chocolate?"

"Yes, well that quite unpleasant."

"Indeed it was. It's quite impolite to vomit on your brother."

"James!" Eliana exclaimed.

"Oh, look who is embarrassed. There is a first time for everything I suppose." He said laughing.

"Not funny," she said, turning her attention back to the princess. "We also bought you these." Eliana handed her another box, tied up with a pretty purple ribbon. "These are from James, but I helped a little."

Rhaella opened the box and was immediately excited. "Wow! These are beautiful, James. Eliana, you did a great job helping! Thank you both so much. These are so pretty. I love this blue, and this lavender and look at this deep pink how gorgeous!"

"So...you like them?"

"I love them, I really do. Thank you so much. I have a new dress that I can wear this with tomorrow when we go to into the city to see the children. Are you coming tomorrow?"

"I am not sure. If I can, I will."

"Well...if it please Your Grace, I will leave you two here and go play with my new doll."

"You may go play, Eliana, and thank you again for helping James pick those beautiful ribbons."

"You are quite welcome," she said, and gave her big brother a hug and a kiss on the cheek, "he really didn't need much help, I must say. He has good taste." Eliana skipped off to go play.

Rhaella smiled at James and he walked over closer to her. "How was your day my lady?" He asked, standing inches in front of her.

"It was a great day, my lord. I have a big surprise coming for you soon."

"For me? Really? Wow...what have I done to deserve a surprise?" He flirted, placing his hands on the ropes of the swing in which she sat.

"Well, you know. Nothing!" She laughed, "Your name day is just a few days away."

"Gods, you're right! I had forgotten all about that. I am getting old."

"You did not forget your own name day, James Renley!" She laughed at him again.

"Now I am excited. You bought me a present...I can't wait for the next few days to go by. Give me a hint?" He said stepping behind her, and giving her a gentle push.

"Nope. Absolutely not, that's cheating."

"Oh but this is torture, Rhae, just a little bit of a hint, a little tiny one?"