The Good King

'My Beloved Larica'

"I am sorry"

Larica said while handing him that one apple.

"I am sorry too, I was not looking, You can keep it"

He replied and smiled walking away and still stealing glances at her beauty.

"Larica ! Do not stay behind alone"

Mary said as she went back for her.

"I am sorry"

She said.

"Here let's hold hands"

Mary smiled saying.

Even though those two girls were about ten years younger than Larica no one was able to tell since she looked their age.

Also they loved her since the day she came and considered her as a sister.

They walked hand in hand towards Alma who was buying some flour.

"I think we got everything"

She said.

They helped her carry those bags as they walked back home.

The marketplace was not that far from their small house and the road was very beautiful especially after all that rain.

"Is there anything you want to eat for dinner ?"

Mary asked.

"Anything is fine"

Larica replied.

"You always say that !"

Alma complained.

"Yeah you should be more honest with us"

Mary added.

"But I mean it"

Larica replied.

She was glad it was winter and that those long sleeves were hiding the scars she had because she still believes that all what people might like about her is that skin of hers.

"Hello !"

Hawk said while stepping into that house as if it's his own place , followed by the first prince.

"Hawk , welcome back"

Gilda said.

She was surprised since she did not expect him to be back that soon.

"And the mysterious prince"

She added.

"Please do not call me that"

Elmer replied.

She then started laughing and said.

"Do not worry , no one in this village even knows how a prince might look like , I know because I heard a lot about you and your father from a certain someone"

"Alright , you don't have to tell him that"

Hawk complained.

He then sighed and asked.

"Can we stay here for a while ?"

"This is your home so why are you asking ?"

Gilda smiled replying.

"You can take that hood off while being around here"

She said to Elmer.

"Thank you"

The prince said appreciating her kindness.

Since Hawk walked in he has been looking all around the place for some reason and so she teased,

"Are you perhaps looking for your beloved Larica ?"

The old woman asked.

Even though that caught him off guard and he showed an interesting expression he still gave an honest reply.

"Yes..."

"She went out with the girls to the marketplace but they will be back soon , You can rest in the upstairs rooms for now"

Gilda said.

"Hey aren't those horses...?"

Mary asked.

"Is Hawk back ?"

Alma wondered.

Larica's heart was beating so fast as she started running back home in her full speed leaving those two girls shocked behind.

"Why is she...?"

Before Mary finished her words her sister interrupted,

"Let's run too !"

Larica opened the door and the first person she saw was Hawk.

She was very happy and could not express it and so she ran and wrapped her small arms around him in an adorable hug.

"Larica"

He said while hugging her back.

It did not last long even though he was the happiest because she pulled out and then showered him with questions.

"When did you get back ? How was Kardia ? Are your injuries healed ?"

She asked.

Gilda and Elmer smiled softly at that scene and tried to act as if they were seeing nothing.

The prince walked into the kitchen with the old woman as he asked,

"May I help you ?"

She smiled replying.

"You just got here , you need to rest"

Mary and Alma walked in and both greeted Hawk,

"Welcome back !"

But then they immediately asked,

"Where is the handsome young man ?"

The prince was a little embarrassed because he heard that yet he could not help it but walk out to greet the two little girls.

Gilda , her daughters and Elmer were all in the kitchen helping with dinner and also giving those two a chance to talk alone.

"Ida ! This letter has your name on it !"

Marion shouted once she walked in with the mail.

Elina checked the letter before she smiled.

"This is Elmer's handwriting"

She said.

Ida held that letter between her hands and it felt like a dream.

'Just few days' She thought...