The Forest Gate Royal Gardens
The sunlight filtered through the trees and cast a shady light on the tea table. It was three chairs long on either side with two at the short ends of the table. Laid out across the center were rice balls, little sandwiches, cookies, and cakes of all types. There were also two separate tea pots, each with a different but pleasant aroma that filled the air.
Sitting at the table were the twins Nathaniel and Daniel, both seeming a little impatient as they watched the gates. They hadn't wanted to start serving the tea until everyone was here. Little Drynala, and her nanny were already present and playing with a little doll. Keen was sitting at the end of the table sneaking snacks when the Twins were supposedly not looking. To be honest, they saw it all. However, it was easier to let him be a little thief than correct him. Afterall, his nanny would just chide them should they try and correct him.
"Why must we wait for her? She probably won't even come. She left remember? She doesn't want to be part of this family and good riddance." Keen whined, he was eyeing the chocolate and raspberry concoction that was just out of his reach. There was no way to sneak that one, and the brothers wouldn't let him get away with that anyway. It would be too brazen.
"We can wait a few more moments." Nathaniel replied, but he shared a look with his brother. They both knew it was a long shot that Raina would join them. She had never really felt like part of the family, at least not till she was gone. The brothers had forgotten how unbearable Keen could be by himself, and Raina had been a breath of fresh air. As much as they liked little Dryn, she was still a toddler and they had to spend more time looking after her than enjoying her company.
"If the sundial moves to the 4th mark we will begin the meal without her." Daniel agreed, it was nearly at the mark anyway, but they had hope. Just then, they heard a lady's laughter.
Coming to the shirt wooden gate, was a girl just under under Daniel's height. Her long black hair was tied back into a high, neat ponytail so the strands curled and waved down her back. Her bangs were swept out of her blue eyes and the dress she was wearing… wasn't a dress at all. It was a formal outfit, consisting of a high front dress tapering to the ground behind her. The front itself turned into more puffy shorts peeking out from under the dress. It was made for playing, but the delicate sword at her side made it clear this was a sparring outfit.
Daniel stood and pulled the chair out on his left, across from Drynala for Raina to take her seat. She flashed him a confident grin. "Sorry, I am late. I was not informed of tea until just a moment ago." Raina apologized, smoothing her dress down as she sat. "Thank you, Prince Daniel." She spoke carefully and with all the formal training she had been given. Daxin would have been proud of his prized pupil.
"Not at all, welcome Princess Raina. We are pleased you chose to join us." Nathaniel offered with a friendly grin. He had yet to see his cousin like this and would have been lying if he said she wasn't adorable.
"Well, you are late. That is bad manners all around. Yet, nothing more than we expect from you." Keen told her, his words sounded kind, but in a mocking way. He had always been able to reduce her to sheepish whispers or tears. Keen saw no reason now should be any different. He was still bigger and therefore better than her.
"Bad manners is to hold the past against the present. It is true I was often late in the mornings but I was weak and sickly. Surely you can not hold such things against me even now." Raina asked, casting her eyes down in a heart wrenching way. He suddenly felt a little ashamed for a moment.
"No one holds it against you, Raina. Let us enjoy the tea, shall we?" Nathaniel shot a glance at Keen who ran a hand through his hair a bit nervously. Raina's attention was drawn to the little girl across from her and her eyes lit up.