"I am not sure what this word means." Raina explained as she stood up and walked over to Rose. She handed her the book and pointed at the offending word. It was clear she was a bit annoyed and embarrassed.
"Rejuvenation, it means to make young again, or to give back a youthful appearance or feeling." Rose replied, a bit surprised to find that this word was what gave her trouble. It was not a common word and certainly one that she would expect her to have trouble with. "I see you have an advanced vocabulary. I am pleased to see you are enjoying learning."
"Thank you, Aunty Rose. I enjoy it very much." Raina admitted with a touch of pride in her eyes. She had taken her studies very seriously and it was nice to be noticed for them.
"You are turning 8 correct?" Rose asked, putting a strip of cloth into her book to hold her page. She closed the book and let it rest on her lap. Raina nodded and Rose smiled brighter. There was something she wanted to share with the child. "Do you mind if I give you a present a bit early?"
"If you wish, it is your present to give and I can be patient." Raina replied politely. She did not know Rose well enough to speak her mind yet. This world was a bit more uncertain to her still. Ice, snow, cold and such a different culture than the caste system she had come from.
"Then come with me. I want to show you something." Rose replied standing up and tucking her book against her side. Raina nodded and put her book mark in her own book. She smiled and followed as Rose led her down the hallway.
Raina had explored the palace, but it had always been with her mother, uncle, or Grandfather to help guide her. Now, she was following Rose. There had been a small note of uncertainty before she followed, but she knew Mommy trusted Aunty Rose. If Mommy didn't, she would have warned Raina to be careful as she had about the others.
Rose lead the child down the hallway quietly, they were headed toward the library. She wondered briefly if Raina would understand the importance of what she was about to be shown. Then again, she was turning 8 years old. Even if she didn't understand it, she was intelligent enough to learn.
They entered the library and the familiar walls covered in books, handwritten tombs from different eras in history. Raina was enjoying the familiar scent of the parchment and ink. There was something beautiful about the sensation of this room.
"Did anyone tell you why we have a giant library here?" Rose asked curiously. Raina shook her head and looked up at her, hoping she would continue with more information. Rose smiled "Then I think, dear, it's time I tell you a story." There was a twinkle of excitement in her eyes.