“I rather like ‘Mr. Grumpy,’ actually,” she replies, her sparkling eyes alighting on me once more.
“Thanks a lot, Sofe,” I grumble. The last thing Fabiana needs is more names to add to her already bulging arsenal.
“Are you going to shoot, Max? Or just glower at Fabiana?” Sofia asks, calling me out.
Sisters.
I collect another arrow and line up my shot, all too aware that Fabiana is watching my every move.
“Don't forget to breathe,” my sister instructs.
I gulp in a breath, hoping Fabiana doesn't notice, and then release my arrow. It hits the target, but only just, slicing into the white outer ring.
I lower my bow as Sofia says, “Better luck next time.”
“Were you not aiming for the yellow in the middle?” Fabiana asks, and I’m certain she’s mocking me.
“He was. The yellow at the center,” my sister replies helpfully.
Fabiana pulls her brows together. “That's a shame. Do you want to have another try, Max? I can film it again.”
An idea hits me.
“Why don't you have a go?” I say, proffering my bow. “Let's see which color you can hit, shall we?”
Fabiana places her hand over her chest. “Me?”
“Why not? I'll even film you, if you like,” I reply. “You can make a TikTok out of it.”
She shakes her head, her ponytail swooshing from side to side, and I do my best not to notice how pretty she is in that girl next door kind of way. “I don't think so. But thank you all the same,” she replies.
“Why not? Chicken?” I goad.
She straightens her back, her lips tight. “Not in the least.”
“Oh, I think you are. I think you're afraid you'll miss the target altogether.”
She lifts her chin, and I note with satisfaction that it seems to be my turn to get under her skin.
Sofia shakes her head at me, her lips pursed. “Why don't you use my bow?” she says to Fabiana. “I need to go anyway, and Max’s bow will be far too big for you.”
“That’s so kind of you.”
Sofia hands Fabiana her bow, sliding her quiver of arrows from her shoulder strap. She pauses, studying Fabiana's face with a slight tilt of her head. "Have we met before? You seem familiar somehow."
Fabiana's smile tightens. "You probably know me from my social media posts. I would certainly remember meeting you, Your Royal Highness."
"Sofia," my sister corrects absently, still looking at her with that thoughtful expression. "That must be it. I suspect I’ll only be in the way if I stay.” She shoots me a smile.
“Thank you, Sofia,” Fabiana says.
“And don’t listen to Max. He’s just annoyed that he missed his last shot while you were filming. Aren’t you, brother?” Sofia asks.
Something like that.
“Have fun, you two. And Max? Be nice to our guest.”
Fabiana bites back a smile. I'm certain she's enjoying my being bossed around by my older sister.
