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"It has been a rather long time since we've met, Lady Avelynn."

Victor Eirstone was a gorgeous man. Tall, able, and promising. He stood with his back straight, not a flaw in his posture as he addressed me so fluently, smiling so charmingly.

"Indeed it has, Prince Victor," I responded, eyeing him as kindly as my crude permanent glare permitted, "the four of us ought to spend some time in the gardens again, like when we were younger."

"That's right," 

At that, something in his eyes narrowed, then closed in a farce of gentle tolerance.

"I do wish so as well," he spoke with a hint of practiced empathy on his tongue, "but unfortunately, as my duties begin to rise, such daily pleasures are less attainable on my part."

We were still barely preteens, so it was alarming how mature Victor was-- or perhaps, he was simply imitating his butler. 

Luis brought his hands up nervously, "I'm... well, I'm sure we will be able to gain some free time between our, schedules, practice... swords practice, or..."  

"Dear sister is right, Prince Victor," Nicolli beamed hands curled together in a sophisticated manner as she glanced with an innocent sparkle at her fiance, "I would love to show you this flower crown my sister taught me to make!"

With Nicolli sparkling at his side, Victor spent a moment in bafflement before his sigh indicated his resignation.

"I suppose you are right. A day of leisure would be no issue."

"Yay!" Nicolli cheered childishly, "we should bring you to the dandelions, and the freshly bloomed carnations in the back of the garden."

"Father recently returned with a rather unique blend of tea from another country," I added my own input, "perhaps we could request permission and have a taste of it."

"I would prefer a quiet location,"was the only thing Victor could say in return.

And Luis raised a shaky hand, "...cookies?"