I can't believe I had actually forgotten about something as important as the kingdom's foundation day. It was only last week that I was all feverish about it & here I'm, being so engrossed in my life at the bookstore that I don't even remember what day it is. I'll need to have walnuts and almonds I think, but let's just save that for later.
"You should see all the street stalls they've got this year, there's way more than last year!" Rio said biting the apple beignet in his hand. "Really? Are there any stalls I should be visiting?" I asked, my voice sounding like that of an excited child. Rio clapped his hands together, his expression brightening as he said, "That's right, there is! I saw a second hand bookstall." Now, that's something that caught my attention. Damn, I really want to go & check it out! I bet they have tons of books I haven't read, too! But if I leave the store— As if reading my mind, he said, "Off you go, Ria. Go and have some fun." "...What?" that took me off guard, "I'll take care of the bookstore, while you're gone." he reassured me, but as though sensing my hesitance, he added, "Just who do you think I'm? I'm your future husband and I have to make sure you're always happy!" "In your dreams, Rio! But thanks, I really appreciate it." he knew how to annoy me, but he also knew what makes me happy. "You could thank me with a hug, you know." he winked at me. "Forget it, I take my thanks back." I said, and he looked at me with puppy eyes. "Anyways, I won't be long, I promise. And I'll bring you a present, too!" I smiled at him & his usual cheerfulness returned. "Okay, have fun!" he waved at me. "...I just hope that sweet smile doesn't attract any undesirables" I thought I heard him mutter the words under his breath as I was leaving, but I pretended I hadn't.
"Ria! It's always good to see you! Here, let me give you this rose hairclip to celebrate the Foundation Day!" said a stall owner, he was an old man in his 60s probably. "Wow, really? Thanks, it's gorgeous. I'll wear it with pride, and tell everyone where I got it from!" I felt overwhelmed by his kindness, he has always treated me like his own daughter. "Ria! I bet you'd like our brooches, too! Here, this one's for you— but don't tell anyone it was a gift" said another one. "Are you sure? Thank you so much. I love it!" I was already carrying an armful of books that I'd bought, and it was a struggle to figure out what to do with all the gifts. But I was grateful for the kindness of the stall owners, and I thanked each one with a bright smile before moving on. As I made my way down the street, I noticed banners everywhere, proudly proclaiming 'Roísín Kingdom, the Kingdom of Roses.' Sometimes I get so caught up in my books that I forget to pay attention to the real world, but... I love it here. Roses influenced our traditional arts and crafts, our architecture, and even the palace in the distance was surrounded by them. A deep breath brought me the familiar, sweet scent of roses in bloom, and I smiled, glad all over again to be a Roísínite.
And now that I've got some new books, I should find something nice for Rio to thank him. I wonder if he'd like— "Watch where yer goin', you little brat!" "Huh?" my thoughts were suddenly cut off. The gruff, angry yell was so out of place that I stopped and turned to look, along with everyone around me. My gaze was immediately drawn to a red-faced man, towering over a small boy who was sprawled on the road at his feet. "Waah... Waaaaaahh—" the boy wailed in pain. "Whaddya doin', huh? Ain'tcha gonna apologize? Well!?" Not good. The drunken man raised his fist threateningly, and I dashed forwards, putting myself between him and the young boy. "And what do YOU want?" he snapped at me. "What on earth are you doing?! He's just a little boy!" I knew it was stupid of me to talk to this drunk mam, but I need to do something, anything to stall for a little time. "Shuddup! It ain't got nothin' to do with ya!" he raised his fist again, and it was suddenly flying towards my face. I wasn't about to abandone the young boy, and I jerked my arms up to block his attack, my books tumbling to the ground. Almost without thinking, I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for the blow. Hang on... Wasn't that supposed to hurt?
"That's enough of that." It was a voice I'd never heard before, but it had a compelling tone to it that made me open my eyes. The drunkard's fist hovered in the air, caught in the powerful grip of the tall, muscular man who stood behind him. "If you really want to kick up a fuss, I'll take you on. What do you say?"