But also seeing her like that made him feel happy, was this what having a child felt like? Sen was really lucky, its too bad he would have loved to help raise her. But he knew that Sen would leave to look after her, he shouldn’t get too involved but he also doesn’t want distance. He’ll enjoy this while it lasts, “Yeah, Dangaroo’s! Let’s go, Princess!”
Ari smiled holding up her hand so they could walk out together. “Want nuggies.”
“Agreed, nuggies,” he took her hand and walked past Sen and the woman.
“And Fwies!” Ari start chattering about what to have for Dinner.
“I like Fwies,” Van had gotten into the habit of talking like Ari during their Tea Time and it always made her giggle when he tried to talk like her. But often talked normal when it was just them and listened to everything she says.
“And yucky broccoli!”
“EW! Not yucky broccoli!” He had also got into the habit of saying what she said previously until he told or showed her that it was alright.
“We need it for the twees!”
“Why? Broccoli is so yucky!”
“We could put gavy on it! It won’t be yucky then!” Ari and him walked out of the building continuing their discussion about what to do with broccoli.
“Gravy sounds like a good idea, we can pretend it’s lava.”
“Yeah! The fwies can be stars that fall from the sky!”
“Those are called Meteors, not stars. Stars are made of gas burning billions of miles away that’s why they sparkle.”
“Wow! Do they burn out like a candle?”
“Hm, I’m not sure. Let’s figure that out later, I want to take you to a Castle.”
“A Castle? Like a Princess Castle? Will there be a Dwaydon?” Ari was helped into the car by Greenbell and she answered this time.
“No, no dragons. Just a lot of Queens, Kings, Princesses, Princes and Knights. With a few assassination attempts from bad guys, you’ll see when we get there little one.” Van looked back and seen Sen and the woman talking, it was clear that they liked each other. He doesn’t know the full details of their relationship but it seems to have been going on for a long while. Now that Sen had more free time he was free to do what he wants and with the daycare situation he’d have a lot of free time.
He could hear the girl giggle and shyly look away from Sen, her cheeks tinting red. He saw Sen smile and looking more alive than ever, they might look well together. He wasn’t quite sure but their giddiness was a good sign that they were attracted to each other, they must be each other’s type.
“That’s Emewy, she so fun.”
“Hm, yeah she looks fun. Your daddy seems to like her a lot, do you think she’ll be around more often?”
“Yeah! Let’s invite her!”
“No, she has other kids to look after right now, she can’t leave yet. Your daddy will invite her later when she’s not with the kids. It might not be soon so don’t bother him too much about it. It might be a month from now.”
“How long is that?”
“30 nights? Sleeps?” he can’t believe that he forgot how to talk to her when Sen and Emily looked at them. He stopped leaning on the car and got in on the other side when Sen started to walk closer.
---
Sen sat up front while Van was in the back with his daughter
Ari chatting about something. His mind was more focused on what Emily had told him enjoying the feeling it left him with.
“That was rather unsuspecting. He’s such a- characterful person at first glance,” Emily commented when Ari pulled Van into the room with other children.
“I thought he was scary at first but really he’s just a giant puppy. It just takes a bit to get used to him and have him open up. I’m guessing Ari helped speed that up and she really likes having him for Tea Time after dinner.”
“They have a whole system, huh?”
“Oh yeah, he’s a child when Ari is involved and he let’s her do what she wants. Even pfft haha dress him up”
“Oh my, the definition of ‘The woman who commands me isn’t born yet’,” Seeing Ari put a crown on Van’s head had them giggling. They followed soon after and seen that Van was going to be rebellious but stayed back to watch what he was on about. Once that was over they stepped out and talked a bit more. “Well seems he has some trust issues.”
“He does but I didn’t think it would be to this extent, I wonder what happened.” They both looked as Van and Ari stepped out and Van started going off on them. But seeing the little girl copying Van’s every move was all the more precious.
They weren’t sure if it was shock or the thought of the smaller Van was holding them from laughing. But Van’s speech was like Ari’s and they talked like that for the rest of their walk out. Sen then started laughing followed by Emily.
“Oh, he’s a character. I think he would make an excellent father one day.” Emily calmed down a bit.
“I think so too, I plan on working for him for a year and moving to a place of our own- uh. I think Ari would love a bigger tea room.”
“Oh that’s wonderful,” they started walking out together, “But why a year? Shouldn’t you look for a place as soon as you can?”
“Yes, that’s what I’m doing currently. I was hoping to drop Ari off at Daycare while I looked around for a house.”
“Ah, perfect planning. But he would help as well?”
“Him? Oh he has work so- or maybe the weekend? I can leave Ari with him while w- I looked.”
“Well if you need any help with Ari I’d be delighted, here you can text me on my cell.” Emily said and left a card with her personal number and headed back inside.
The car stopped which jolted Sen out of his wondering thoughts. He looked out the window and seen a large castle looking back, Van was getting out and Greenbell sat back, relaxing. Sen jumped out and helped Ari out as well. Ari hung back a bit as well as him but Van walked up as if it was his castle. It might as well be.
“Welcome back, Sir Light Van Wolf. Who are you here with?”
“Sen Neko and Sen Ari. Japanese heritage.” Van answered easily.
“Welcome King Neko, welcome Princess Ari. Your highness, would you like to sign your daughter up for the Princess program?”
“Trial today, I’ve come on official business.”
“Of course Sir Light Van Wolf, King Neko and Princess Ari please wait in this room here and an escort knight will give you both a tour of our castle.” The woman lead them to the room behind her and I heard her talk before she closed the door. “Now, what can I do for you?”
---
Van walked to the counter and pointed to the ribbon collection, “I heard Sir Rumble Lionsblade was retiring. I know my sister Queen Wolfe wants to reward him for his boundless loyalty and servitude over the years he was appointed as my sisters personal knight.”
“Of course, he retires in 15 days, would Queen Wolfe be present to present such an honour?”
“Yes and if not then I will take her place to present on his last day.”
“Of course, please pick the honour ribbon. The further right the colour is the highest of honour, I remind you that these ribbons are not cheap.”
“I understand,” Van said and looked at the colours, black and purple was the highest. The ribbon also counted towards how much the man will make in his last years. Not only that but will keep the man in the castle to teach younger knights. Sir Rumble Lionsblade was also his mentor when he first started as a knight here, this man can not leave the castle. “The Purple and Black ribbon.”
“Of course now the metal design and gem. As I said before the furthest right is the highest honour.”
“Yes understood,” the designs were simple, simple flashy, simple elegant, flashy, elegant. The gems were placed by rarest as they were real. The metal was also made from real gold, silver and platinum. “Elegant Lion gold with an Oval Benitoite and Orange Sphene eyes.”
“Right away, we’ll have it finished in 7 days. Well call you for the inspection and pick up.”
“Thank you, I’ll file the first part of Princess Ari’s registration, I would also like to have her as Queen Wolfe’s younger sister.”
“Of course, which part would you like to put in?” He listed off her favourite foods and drinks her favourite colour to wear and which design would look best on her as well as the gems of choice that would best match her at the moment. He mentioned which times she enjoys her tea and requested that she would pick her own knight to serve her. “Should I register her as your daughter instead?”
“Don’t tease me, she’s my personal chef’s daughter. I just look after her when I get off work,” Van defended quickly. The woman gave a few chuckles and wrote the information down in the registration. “Don’t mention this to Sen, her father. If he has more to add then add it, if it’s on there already then just pretend to put it in.”
“Both views are welcome but I’ll keep it quiet. Is there anything else you would like to add?” He thought for a moment wondering what else he should add but couldn’t think at the moment as she and her father were returning.
“No, we’ll be back in a few days, it’s likely that they’ll want to talk about it before joining. I’ll pay for the card and registration as well as the honorary ribbon.”
“Dawddy! Dawddy! Look what I drew!” Ari ran up to him all smiles.
“Will you explain it to me Princess, please? I have to pay for my ribbon.” Van said and turned his attention to the machine while he listened.
“This blue person is Daddy, the pink one is me and the yellow one is Dawddy! We are standing in front of our house with the sun and dwaydon. In the back I had that man write it for me. It says I love both my daddies! And our new home!” He nodded along as she listed what she drew and was suddenly shocked at what she said.
“I’m s- what? Huh?” the woman at the counter, Sen and the knight who he now noticed was a long time friend were laughing at him.
“That’s exactly the reaction I’d expect from you, Light.” the knight straightened himself out smiling. A typical prince charming knight actually one of the few people Van acknowledges as a person. Blond hair, blue eyes a smile to die for or to charm the pants off you leaving only the socks. A cute stubble, not sure how he managed that but hell it was darn cute.
“hehehmmhm, your receipt Sir Light,” he quickly took the paper that was printed out for him and looked at the drawing Ari drew closely. It was also approved by the instructor with a note on the back. ‘Look forward to seeing you again Sir Doggy.’
“Should we start calling you Sir Doggy now? Well judging by the red face I’m guessing we should.” Van snapped back and coldly stared at the knight. “Or not! Haven’t changed at all, how did you manage to calm his temper? He was wild back in the day.”
“You’ll have to ask Princess Ari that, all I do is cook for them.” Sen smiled.
“Don’t fall for Prince Charming’s tricks! He’s a fiend!” Van quickly said and instantly regretted it.
“Prince Charming? Is that how you saw me all these years? And here I thought we were only friends,” the knight smiled his charming smile. Van wasn’t sure if he wanted to strangle the man or perhaps kiss him.
“How dare you use your charming smile against me!” Van suddenly got the sense of being attacked and looked in the direction of an arrow soaring towards him. He tried to reach for his sword to deflect it but forgot that he didn’t have it. Charming pushed Van behind him blocking the attack with his sword in a swift motion.
“Curses, we’re leaving!” Van quickly started his way out of the Castle.
“When you said we?” Van yelled and let go of Prince Charming. The feeling of wanting to curl up and die or run and hide was rising. “Don’t worry, I’m used to being dragged around by you. In all honesty you saved me from a lot of trouble by doing that. Aw, your ears are red you blushing again that habit just doesn’t want to die?”
“Alright Prince – Uh Sir,” Van started to speak after staring at Prince Charming for a few moments but was quickly silence by the handsome man.
“It’s okay, you can call me Prince Charming,” he said and smiled. He used his hand to quickly cover Van’s mouth from speaking anymore. This annoyed him and smacked the hand away with force hat he didn’t mean to use.
“Sir! Dwight. One I have a girlfriend. Two You are the reason I left. Three I’m only here to carry out Queen Wolfe’s request.”
“I have so many questions but I understand. I’m just glad to see you and be your Prince Charming for a few minutes. Good day, Sir Light Van Wolfe and I do hope to see you again.” Sir Dwight said again smiling at him and turned to return to the Castle. The crushing feeling of seeing the man go was almost unbearable.
“Dawddy!” Van felt relieved to hear Ari calling out to him from the car but also regretful that he’s leaving the Castle. Again the thought of curling up in a dark place was tempting but he needs to resist that urge as he has more places he wants to visit with Sen and Ari.
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