To what makes a princess.

Athanasia De Alger Obelia

I've heard that she is a bright little girl. I've heard that she laughs with a sparkle in her eyes. I heard she speaks with bells in her voice. I heard her eyes shines like the most precious jewel.

When Claude walked her into the tea room, I was delighted to know that all of these rumors were true. I kneel down to her height. 

" Hello Athanasia, my name is Evangelina, your aunt. It's very nice to finally  meet you sweet girl. " She slightly hides behind the guard. Her eyes are so wise, so clear that I can see my own reflection in the deep depths of her blue eyes. I come to one conclusion as i watch her look around, she is calculating.

" Felix, go get her. " Became a common order for the red headed knight as Claude calculates his own with quick precision.  " Your growing fond of your daughter." I comment and he gives me a bored look. I can't help but giggle a little bit with the look he gives me. 

" Athy!" I drop down to the floor as she run towards me. " How are you doing sweet girl." I greet her with the brightest smile i can muster. She beams and replies with something like ' i wanted to see aunty and daddy' or something along those lines. She's just so cute that I hug her tightly before placing her in her seat for tea time. 

" Let's all go out for a walk." I suggest this standing up. " Elder brother, why don't you escort little Athy through the garden. I'm sure she'll love the roses. They are in perfect bloom around this season." I brush off my dress before picking up my niece and passing her to my brother. He holds her cautiously before holding her in his arms, comfortably. 

" What about Eva? Who's going to escort Eva? " I smile at her. " I have no need for an escort sweetie, " I go on to explain but Claude interrupts me.

" Felix" 

The red headed guard offers me an arm with a kind smile. " May I have the honor of escorting you on this walk milady?" 

" Get to handy and I'll cut off your hands." My brother's cold voice echos in the room as he leaves with his daughter. I see the knight visibly shiver. 

I curtsy, taking his hand.

" Thank you dear knight."  He locks our arms together, leading me to follow my brother. 

" How have you been doing Felix? " I try to make conversation with the poor knight as we walk. He gives me the same kind smile as he usually does. " Things have been quite interesting since the princess has started visiting more often. Everyone in the palace has become very fond of her. She is loved by so many."  I nod. That wasn't what I wanted to ask. 

" I was actually asking how you are doing as a person. I worry for you Felix. Hopefully elder bother doesn't put you through too much.." Realizing his mistake, he erupts in a bright blush. 

" Thank you for your concern Milady, I am doing very well and my day has gotten even better since I've been escorting you. " He gives me a childish grin. 

" How smooth my dear knight.  Make sure Elder brother doesn't hear you, he'll really cut off your hands, or maybe your tongue." I joke but we both know Claude's threats are anything but a joke. 

He laughs quietly. We walk a few paces behind the Father daughter pair and watch them bond. Athy looks to be trying really hard to bond with her father but Claude doesn't look to be having much of it. To me, I see the difference. I see the new light in the windows of his soul. 

" He's changing for the better. " I whisper more to myself but I see Felix smile from the corner of my eye.  " and as his sister, That's all I can every hope for.  To live in peace, knowing that my Elder brother will be alright." I smile at red head. 

" but what is it that you wish for princess? What is would make you happier than any other person in the world? " We stop walking and he looks me in the eye. He kneels down and takes my hand in his. 

" If it is anything that this humble knight can accomplish, I would be honored to make your wishes and dreams come true. " I kneel down and take his face in my hands. Even I can see how delicate my hands look against his weathered skin. I can see how tired his eyes look. How kind his smile is. 

" My dear knight, Sweet sweet Felix. Not even you would be able to give me what I want. And even if you were able to, my brother would probably kill you for it. So i'd rather just watch others being happy. Like my beautiful niece and my honorable brother. " I look towards the pair that continue to walk away. They turn a corner towards the water, out of sight

" Excuse my forwardness Princess, " before I close my eyes for a moment and when I open them again, I'm staring into the many threats that make up this man's uniform. His arms tightly wrapped around me. Hugging my tightly, I can feel the beat of him heart. Strong and steady. I can feel the heat of his body. Comfortably warm. i feel his breath brushing past my ear. 

" Milady, you will find your own happiness one day. If I am unable to to bring you this happiness, I will find someone who can. I promise you but until that time comes, if only i can bring a some comfort, I will be happy." He whisper so softly.

I find myself wrapping my arms around him as well. 

" Then Felix, my amazing knight, wrap me in your arms, if only for a moment. even if it is only when other are nowhere to be seen. Bring me comfort when this one has no one else to turn to." 

" Yes milday"