Whistling wind. Hopefully, that didn’t seem aggressive.
Arisanna starts to answer, but Grandmera interrupts her. “We are fully prepared to offer the appropriate remuneration for your delights, my good man. Everything looks exquisitely crafted.”
“Yes, well. I was just making sure before you handled all the candy stores.”
“A wise precaution. Arisanna, go ahead.”
Arisanna looks a little uncertain as she tears her gaze away from the man, or what she can see of him around Cerian, but she reaches for a brown paper wrapping and begins opening jars and adding myriad treats until the little bag is full. Then she starts on another one, much to his surprise.
How much candy does she think Elowyn needs?
After filling the second wrapping and a third one, she proceeds to the counter and eyes the display before rattling off a rapid succession of requests that the man quickly fills. The more she orders, the less wary the man appears, and Cerian’s heart swells watching her.
She’s probably buying more candy than the man typically sells in an entire day. She truly is amazing in every way.
His plant magic prods him, and he shoves it back, trying not to let his panic show. All Arisanna’s efforts would be for naught if he started growing vines around the man’s shop. Of course his magic shows up when he doesn’t need or want it.
“That should do it.” Arisanna nods, and the man sets her haul on a scale before naming his price.
The number means little to Cerian.
“I may need your assistance to count the proper coinage, my youngling.” Grandmera opens the pouch of Nunian coins Father collected before they traveled here for the binding ceremonies. She must have retrieved it from Father before they left the hotel.
Arisanna rummages in the pouch for a few coins whose faces mean nothing to Cerian before setting them on the counter. “Keep the change.” She smiles as she gathers the packages the man tied off with strings.
“Thank you, Your Highness. Please, stop by again soon. I’ll have more of the coconut chocolates your brother always asks for waiting for you.”
“He’ll love that. Thank you.” Arisanna gently sets the packages on Cerian’s apples in the bucket and steers him through the door into the bright sunlight again. Then she turns to Grandmera. “Forgive me for spending so much. I’m sure my father will reimburse—”
“Nonsense. That about-face was well worth the coins it cost. Thank you, my youngling.”
“We’ll be eating candy for days,” Arisanna says sheepishly.
“Elowyn will be delighted.” Grandmera smiles and squeezes Arisanna’s shoulders as a train whistle sounds in the distance, and Arisanna’s entire face lights up.
“Father’s here,” she whispers before tugging Cerian toward the station.
Whistling wind. Not another train.
A Welcome Distraction
Episode 79
Itmustbeafull train. Arisanna pulls Cerian along behind her as she weaves between people, searching for the private car Father would have traveled on, but it’s not on the tracks.
Maybe he’s not here yet, unless he journeyed in a regular passenger car.
It’s hard to see around all the people. Feressa must be growing. It used to be a quiet town at the border, but now it’s bustling with new businesses. Perhaps as their alliance with Lostariel finds its feet, the growing city will become a hub connecting the two kingdoms.
People squeeze past them, only briefly glancing at her dress and Cerian’s ears before hurrying on their way. What a strange sensation it is to be lost in a crowd without guards to keep people at a distance.
No one guards Cerian most days, but several elven warriors are often at King Lorial’s and Queen Nestraya’s sides, and Cerian’s parents speak to them as equals. Friends, even. Perhaps they’re part of King Lorial’s personal warrior band. She read of such things during the Lostarien civics lessons her tutors assigned her. Every Lostarien king has one. His elite warriors. The ones he calls on to protect him as he marches into battle.
Hopefully, there will be no battles again any time soon.
It’s hard to see over all the people, and Arisanna glances up at Cerian. His height gives him a better vantage point than she has.
Stars above. He looks on the verge of panic. How did she not notice his heart racing? And what was she thinking, dragging him into the middle of a crowd of human strangers?
