The 'Princess' (Grumbo)

Chapter 6; Bonding

 "N-Not really..." Griana muttered, her hand finding its way to her short hair to play with it anxiously. "I mean, I like being a girl, but sometimes I want to wear other stuff...!" Griana started rambling, her face contorting into different emotions as she spoke. Mumbo watched and listened, slowly leaning in to give her a hug. She immediately stopped, her face reddening as Mumbo gave a small hum.

"Sorry, I had to. You can continue now," Mumbo blushed slightly, pulling away as he looked away shyly. Griana giggled, continuing her rambling.

The sun peeked over the horizon and the bright light filtered into the guest room of the castle, waking the sleeping prince from his slumber. Mumbo's eyes blinked open, his red eyes tinted with exhaustion as he forced himself up.

He and the princess had stayed up all night chatting, and while he was glad to get to know the princess better, he regretted staying up so late. He stood from his sitting position, changing into one of his usual, fancy tuxedos before going to groom his hair and mustache.

He made his way to the princess's room, knocking on the door quietly so that if she is awake, she will hear it, but if she is asleep, then it won't wake her up.

Mumbo waited a few seconds before an equally tired Griana opened up the door for him. Mumbo smiled, offering his hand as they walked down to the dining hall.

The breakfast was loud, Mumbo and Griana sitting next to each other as the royals and nobles chatted with each other. Mumbo could hear talk of the two, and sometimes some glances over to them, but it didn't seem bad.

Mumbo looked over to Griana, noticing she got some food on her cheek.

"Griana" he gave her a small poke as he whispered, her looking over to him in confusion.

He gave her a small peck where the food was, successfully cleaning her cheek and getting her to blush madly.

"What was that for?" she gave a harsh, playful whisper as Mumbo giggled.

"You had food on your cheek," he whispered back, continuing to eat his breakfast.

After breakfast, the two went on a walk through town. Chatting peacefully about many different things, getting to know each other better and better.

"And then, my brother came in! You would not believe how awkward it was!" Mumbo finished off his story, causing Griana to giggle.

"I can't believe you did that, are you sure you aren't telling lies to impress me?" Griana continued to giggle, "that story was almost too ridiculous to be true."

"I promise it's true, you can ask my brother for confirmation, too!" Mumbo barely suppressed a laugh as the two continued to chat, making it to their destination.

"Anyways, what did you want to plant?" Mumbo questioned, his eyes looking around the already blossoming garden.

"Forget-me-nots, they're one of my favorite types of flowers," Griana smiled, handing Mumbo half of the seeds they were going to plant. Mumbo nodded, following Griana as she led him to the place they were going to plant them.

There stood Tango, smiling as he saw Mumbo and Griana come into view.

"And the lovebirds arrive, is this the Griana you were goin' on about?" Tango smiled, surprising both Mumbo and Griana.

"You were talking about me?" Griana questioned, trying to look hurt. Mumbo looked not only confused, but very surprised that Tango was here and not at the castle.