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Aironell hugged the king and queen. She went to Alzerion and reached out her arms to hug him, but instead he shot his hand out. She grasped his hand. He felt the warmth of her touch. Her skin was smooth like folded silk. Aironell lowered her eyes and walked toward the door, where Isabella and Quairken waited. With that, Aironell followed Isabella and Quairken upstairs. The king and queen left to go to their rooms, and Alzerion followed suit.
HEIRLOOMS AND ADVENTURES
T
he sun rose a mix of pink and yellow-orange. Such vibrant colors shone through her room. Aironell rolled on her side, peering out the window. What could possibly be better? Aironell felt lighter, somehow. It was like she was never gone from this place. She stood up in a hurry but remembered her parents were in a morning meeting, so she sat back down on the soft bed.
“Hmm, what to do?” She tapped her fingers against the silk bed sheets as she looked around.
She wanted to do more than study the history of Bachusa. Those large tomes sat, over there, by a quaint little fleur-de-lis shaped bookshelf. It hung behind—yet still close—to her little table and chairs. “Well, I do still need to explore,” she said with a sly smile on her face.
After a few minutes, there came a knock on her door. “Come in.”
The door swiftly opened and Isabella stood with a small silver plate of something delicious smelling. She walked to Aironell’s bed and sat down by her. Isabella placed the plate beside them on the bed.
“What smells so good?” Aironell sniffed around the plate.
“Those are new from the kitchen. Not sure if they have a name yet.” Aironell sat mouth practically watering, as she glanced over at her. “It is some sort of dough that has been fried and tossed in powdered sugar.”
Aironell’s eyes widened. “May I take one?” Her hands reached for the plate even before Isabella nodded. It was warm, fresh. It had this soft textured feel to it. Aironell raised it to her nose, tossed her head side-to-side, and then took a bite. She could have melted into a puddle of sweetness. “Oh—my—goodness.” She spoke between bites. She knew it was not behavior for a princess, but she couldn’t help it. The sweetness of it just melded together.
“I guess you like it.” Aironell nodded as she handed a piece to Isabella to try. “Now I see what everyone in town has been talking about.”
Aironell finished the last bit of hers as she saw Isabella scanning the length of the bed.
“Did you sleep well?” Isabella smoothed out the pillow off to her other side.
“Yes, I did.” Aironell wiped her hands together, getting any last bit of dusting off. Her eyes shifted as she held her breath. Isabella laughed. It wasn’t harsh sounding but light, warm-hearted.
Aironell tilted her head, “What’s funny?”
Isabella placed her hand to her chest and cleared her throat. “Sorry. It’s just, well, you reminded me of when you were a little girl.”
Aironell wrinkled her nose, briefly, and observed Isabella. She revealed nothing but a radiant smile. “How so?” Aironell finally asked.
She softly patted Aironell’s hand. “When you were little you would make the cutest faces.” Aironell focused all her thoughts onto the words. “Aironell, you were so expressive. It was rather comical.” Isabella rubbed Aironell on the cheek with her other hand. A loving gesture—one that happened a thousand times before. Aironell beamed. So many memories they had.
“This is all so strange, don’t you think?” Aironell starred down at her hands. They were fumbling with the tie that hung around the waist of her crème-colored nightgown.
“What do you mean?” Isabella narrowed her eyes.
“Well, not long ago, I thought you were my mother. It’s not so easy to just, change.” Aironell sounded flat—almost mechanical. It was like she was not present—like the breeze from her window could blow her down.
Isabella grabbed her hands. Aironell felt her touch gripping, squeezing, both hands. “Everything will take some adjusting. I’m sure of it.”
Isabella watched her. Aironell could see the softness in her gaze. Like she did when she was younger. It always grounded her, when she was scared or unsure of things. Aironell kept steady eye contact. She nodded and pulled her in for a tight hug—arms wrapped around Isabella as she let the scent of vanilla wash over her like a dream. When she pulled away, slowly, Aironell beamed. “I know you’re right. You’re always pointing me toward what’s true.”
“Aironell you will feel right at home,” Isabella rubbed Aironell’s arm as she gave a slight squeeze. “I will need to adjust, too.”
“How so?”
“I’m so used to checking in on you and taking care of you. Now that’s not my job anymore. I came here this morning out of habit.”
“I see,” Aironell looked down.
“I’m glad I came,” Isabella patted her back.
Aironell smiled sweetly. “Me too. Isabella? Is everyone else, um, awake?”
