Christopher was charming, and quite the gentleman. He lead me through the castle and out the front gates while chatting pleasantly about how beautiful the town was. Apparently he was just here on official business for his father's kingdom, but he liked to visit often with his free time. He had good reason, the village was gorgeous. Xic had shown me a bit when he'd brought me to the palace, but you couldn't see much in the dark of night. The day light gave the town a sparkling new perspective, making it look like a dream; and Christopher was like the main attraction. 

The townspeople loved him. Many young girls came to say hello and a couple men shook his hand. They all seemed to know who he was. Many asked who I was, but he simply smiled and said I was a diplomatic friend. The girls looked a bit jealous, especially considering he was leading me around by his arm, but he paid them no mind. It was embarrassing after a while though, so I pulled away to walk on my own. He seemed amused by that, but said nothing.

"So how are you finding the town, my lady?" he asked as we stopped by a fountain to rest. 

I smiled and ran my hand through the water. "It's really amazing here. Everyone's so nice and it's all very lovely," I said.

Christopher sat down beside me at the fountain, leaning back to squint at the sun. "Yes, it is a nice place to live," he told me. Then he turned to smile brightly at me. "You'll definitely love it here."

His words made my smile slipped and I sat up slowly, drying my hand on my skirt. "I'm not staying," I said. "I need to get home to Auntie and Uncle. I've been gone for two days now, they're probably worried about me."

Christopher frowned at that. "But..." He trailed off, looking worried. 

I decided to change the subject, partly because I feared he would tell me I couldn't leave, and partly because he looked like a disappointed puppy and I couldn't stand to make him sad. "You know, I'm actually a bit hungry. Is there anywhere around here where we could get some food?" I asked.

He still appeared anxious, but brushed it off and got to his feet. "There's a nice tea house around the corner," he suggested. I smiled and we started off again. Though it was no surprise that the atmosphere was a bit more tense than before. Christopher seemed to be watching me with an expression of concern, however he did not voice his thoughts and I did not ask him to. 

When we reached the tea house, we were seated immediately. The waitress who attended our table seemed overjoyed to see Christopher and asked who I was with a sly grin. "I hope she's not your girlfriend. The kingdom's bachelorettes would be devastated," she said.

I blushed crimson as Christopher laughed. "You tell them they'll find someone far better than I in their future," he told her.

She chuckled and told us she'd be back with our tea and biscuits in a few minutes. Once she had gone, Christopher turned his attention to me, leaning his elbows on the table. "That's Elizabeth. She delivers bakery goods to the surrounding kingdoms so most everyone knows her," he explained.  

"She's very nice," I said.

He seemed surprised to hear me say that and took my head. "Of course, I've only ever known her on professional terms." When I made a face, he cleared his throat, realizing what that sounded like. "What I mean to say is... you're much nicer."

My cheeks flushed and I looked away, feeling more flattered than I should. "Oh..." I tried to smile, though it might have come back as a grimace. "Thank you..."

It wasn't that I thought he was weird for flirting or anything, I just wasn't used to the flattery, especially when it was coming from someone so handsome and well known amongst the village ladies. In my embarrassment, I turned to look out the window, hoping to put some distance between myself and Christopher. It was then that I saw a familiar face across the square, stepping our of another shop. "Oh, it's Xic," I said before I could stop myself.

Christopher frowned and turned to follow my eyes. When he saw Xic, he sat up in his seat. "So it is..." He looked mildly unhappy. "He's probably out on errands for the castle."

I almost suggested we invite him to join us, but then I remember the pond, and the shouting, and all of the other unpleasantries he put me through. "Is he always so... harsh with his words?" I asked.

Christopher eyed him. "He was raised in the castle, but before that he had a rough life. From what I've heard, his relatives didn't take very good care of him which is why the king took him under his wing."

I watched Xic curiously as he pulled his hood up to hide his face from the sunlight and hurried into the crowded streets. The more I looked at him, the more I realized he didn't really fit in. His clothes were dark and meant for strenuous outside work, whereas the people around him wore brightly colored clothing and smiled as they waved at passing friends. Xic didn't seem like the sort of have friends. Even Charlotte was more of a mother figure than a friend to him. He was probably not very good with the ladies, certainly not like Christopher. I wouldn't have been surprised if he'd been slapped by one actually.

I was so wrapped up in my thoughts I didn't realize our tea had been served until Christopher called my name. "Winter? Your tea will get cold," he said, touching my arm to get my attention.

I blinked and looked down at the cup that had been place in front of me. Then I glanced out the window. Xic was already gone. I was disappointed, but brushed it off to enjoy my tea. It was served in was a delicate teacup with a silver pattern adorning the side. Christopher told me that this kingdom was known for it's dishware and antiquities. He offered to show me some of the shops when we were finished and I was more than happy to agree. Once we'd eaten our biscuits, Christopher lead me to a little place near the edge of town. The door jingled with a rusty bell when we entered. 

"Prince Christopher!" A man at the counter greeted us warmly as we entered. "How have your travels been? I hear you settled a new treaty with Undora."

Christopher smiled and brought me over. "They've been well, David. My father was also pleased with the results of the treaty."

David grinned and gave his shoulder a fondly squeeze. Then he looked at me. "And who might you be? The prince does not usually tend to court ladies as beautiful as yourself."

I blushed and Christopher answered for me. "This is Winter. She is... visiting for a meeting with his highness," he explained.

David took my hand and kissed it politely. "Well, you are one important lady then," he said. "It is so good to have you here in my humble shop."

"Your shop is lovely," I said politely, looking around. "Do you run it all by yourself?"

He nodded. "It's been passed down in my family for generations."

"Really?" I went over to table with straw dolls lined up, each with their own apron and hat and little shoes. Picking one up, I smiled softly. Christopher came up behind me and peered at it curiously. 

"Those were my daughter's idea," David said. He came around the counter and I was surprised at how easily he could name each doll. There were so many and they were all cute. It was amazing how much work was put into them. The clothes were all carefully hand-stitched and the button eyes were all different. Blues and greens and chocolate browns, giving them each a different look.

I set the doll down. "Well, you can tell her she's very talented," I said.

Suddenly, there was a jingle as the shop door opened. We all turned and I was surprised to see Xic standing there. He gave the prince a pointed frown. "You're late," he said, crossing his arms. "The king is waiting in his court."

Christopher frowned back at him, lifting his chin. "Right. I shall apologize at once. Thank you for informing us," he said

Xic rolled his eyes, but left without another word. Christopher looked a bit frustrated, but turned to me with a smile. "His highness is waiting for you. Shall we go?"

*******

Hey everyone! So I uploaded all of the pictures from AnimeCTX this past weekend. They're in my Patreon Previews book. Also, I was thinking of having a live chat sometime. I would be happy to meet some of you and talk and stuff! So if you're interested in that, let me know and I'll pick a date. And, if I can reach 100 patrons, I'll take a poll for a fanfiction story! I really want to make it to 100 patrons, guys, so any support helps! Even $1 is a enormous help! It really adds up quickly. If I can get to 100 then I'll be able to start printing real copies of my book to start selling soon which would be like, super cool. Like, I can't even explain how excited I get when I think about being able to print my books into physical, real-life copies. AAAAAAHHHHH! ...Sorry. I'm just excited. Hope you enjoyed this chapter! AS ALWAYS, VOTE, COMMENT, FOLLOW, AND STAY AWESOME!

-Nekoco