forum Royal Affairs (O/O Closed)

Started May 08, 2023 by @LolaBug

tune

Kaillas watched as she reached her hand across the table to place it on his. He turned his hand, palm up, to grasp her hand. He returned the small squeeze, offering a smile. He appreciated that she was respecting that he didn't like public affections all the much. Even with just the guards present.

He pulled his hand back so he coukd take another bite of his soup and bread. "This is your place now too. You can come here anytime you would like." Kaillas just wouldn't be able to follow each time. He would, however, send a plethora of guards with her to ensure her safety. And his sisters would likely accompany her so she wouldn't be alone.

A couple more bites and Kaillas was done with his food. He set it to the side, sacking his teacup so it woukd be easier for their waitress to come and take it. He leaned back in his seat, a gentle smile on his face as he watched Ophelia.

Ophelia pulls her hand back as well, wanting to finish eating her meal. They still have some walking to do and she doesn’t want to have to carry around leftovers as they shop. With a hum, she goes back to enjoying her sandwich. It only takes her another minute or two to finish it off.

“That sounds nice,” She comments with a light smile. She would love to come back. “Perhaps your sisters and I can come here together on a short trip?” It would be nice to spend some more time with them to get to know them better. Coming here seems like a great way to do it.

She sets her plate down and then moves Kaillas’ empty bowl to set on top to it. Once her tea is done, she stacks the cup as well. There’s no need to make things difficult for their poor waitress after all. The girl already seems so stressed.

Kaillas nodded his head. "They would like that. It's been a couple of years since they've been here. Things at the palace have just been…busy." He knew he wouldn't be able to go. There was going to be too much to do when he got back from this trip. But it might be nice for the girls to have a trip by themselves.

He worried about how much he would be able to focus on Ophelia when they returned. There were… there was a lot to do. He worried he might not be able to see her until night came. He had a feeling he woukd be taking several meals in his office or on the training field. He also knew there was going to be travel in his near future. He needed to see to the harvest personally as they came up on the season. And he needed to visit some of the bigger army camps and check to their trainings.

The door opened once more. The waitress slicked back in and grabbed the empty dishes off the table. "Is there anything else I can get for you, Your Majesties? Perhaps I can interest you in dessert?"

If they were on a time crunch, he would have said yes. They had a wonderful chocolate cake. But they had things to do and so little time. "The check will be all. Thank you." She placed their check on the table and left with the dishes. He looked at the check and placed more than enough coin on the table. A high tip indeed.

He pushed back from the chair and rose. He walked to Ophelia's side, offering her his hand. "Come, we have things to do yes?"

Ophelia knows that things will be busy and intense upon their return and it worries her. She knows that she can't spend every second of the day will Kaillas but she hopes that they won't have to struggle and fight just to get a moment alone. It'll be hard on their marriage if they can't actually spend any time together. With a soft sigh she shakes her head and clears her thoughts. Right now she doesn't want to worry about that. They still have most of a week together and she doesn't want to ruin things by stressing out. She'll have to take what she can get.

Turning her head, she offers a friendly smile to the waitress upon her return. As nice as dessert sounds, they still have much to do. Perhaps they can come back later in the week and try some. For now, they really should head out. "Thank you," She says lightly, hoping the the waitress knows that she did a good job. She stands up and takes a second to stretch. She notices the pile of coins on the table and is pleasantly surprised. It certainly is a high tip. "That's very generous of you," She comments softly.

She takes his hand and gives it a light squeeze. "Let's go," She agrees with a soft smile. "We need to get the pendent for Catalina and maybe some seeds for Kayta." That's all they need shopping wise. They've been pretty successful so far. "Oh, and the toys for the children!" She exclaims after a moment, not wanting to forget about that. She knows that he's not as enthusiastic about it as she is but it should still be fun. She's hoping to convince him to pick out a few toys on his own so he can be properly involved.

"Where to first?" She asks, wanting to know what the plan is. She knows that they still have a few things to do. It's the order of which that she's not so certain about. As long asa they get it all done, she doesn't really mind what they do first.

Kaillas merely shrugged his shoulders. The young girl deserved it. He understood that today had been a big day for her and she hadn't been entirely prepared. She had done well, even if she had been a little too formal.

With her hand in his, he led her outside the restaurant. He only smiled at her as she spoke, nodding his head. They had a checklist they needed to finish. "There's a gardening shop on the way to the jeweler. We can stop there and find something for Katya."

It was the toy store that they would have to go a little out of their way for. It was on the opposite side of the merchant town. The Orphanage was near the center. They would have to walk a little more today but Kaillas could handle it. He only hoped that Ophelia would and that her shoes were comfortable enough.

The little shop was just down the road. The bell rang as he opened the door and let Oohelia in first. An onslaught of different herbal scents caught him off guard. It was thicker than he had been expecting. This shop was ever cottagecore dream. Greenery and plants everywhere. There was a wall in the back devoted to seeds and the rest if store had plants from the beginning of life to full bloom. Katya would love it there.

Kaillas guided her to the back of the shop, looking at the wall of seeds. "What do you think we should get? We need something that can still grow in our environment. Warm, sunny, good for soil. Perhaps something that can be planted in the winter since it's arriving faster than she would have time to plant and bloom the seeds."

Ophelia isn't sure where anything in the town is so she's more than happy to let him follow the lead. There are so many shops and things to do. It's a little overwhelming.

She follows Kaillas into the enchanting gardening shop, her eyes widening with delight as she takes in the abundance of greenery and the pleasant aroma of herbs that fills the air. The atmosphere feels whimsical and comforting, reminding her of the simple joys found in nature. Unfortunately, she would kill anything in here if she tried to care for it.

As they reaches the wall of seeds, Ophelia examines the various options, considering the characteristics that would make the perfect gift for Katya. She wants to find something that would bring color and life to the garden, even during the winter months. Despite her horrible lack of a green thumb, she has a lot of knowledge on different plants and which ones thrive in what climate.

"Considering our environment, I believe some purple passionflowers would be a wonderful choice," She suggests after considering all of the different options. "They thrive in warm, sunny conditions and are known for their vibrant and unique purple blooms. I think Katya would love them. They're beautiful and I know that she doesn't already have them in the garden." She's walked through the garden at least half a dozen times so she's pretty familiar with what they have.

She picks up a package of the seeds and shows them to Kaillas. "What do you think?" She asks, wanting to see if he has an opinion on the matter.

Kaillas admitted that he was watching Ophelia more than he was looming at the wall of seeds. He found her fascination with everything adoring. He could watch her all day and never bore. But her fascination also reminded him how sheltered she was, how kept from the world. He would rectify that as well as he could.

There was always a lingering fear of death, perhaps more so than most royals. His family had experienced it first hand. He would show her the world as safe as he could. But what was life without a little risk? It was control that he would need to learn to loosen. Perhaps he could do that for her. She needed to be allowed to live before she was tied down by the life of a queen. He hoped to give her a better life.

Kaillas had not been listening to a word she said. Not until the end when she had asked what he thought of it. He didn't really know what to think because he hadn't heard a thing she said. He cleared his throat, hoping she wouldn't notice that he hadn't listened.

"I think Katya will like them just fine." And to seal the deal, he went as far as kissing the top of her head. He hoped that would distract her from realizing he hadn't a clue what she was talking about. "Are you ready to check out?"

For most of her childhood, she was locked up in her room. Her parents never wanted to see her, especially after her brother met his untimely demise. Such seclusion means that she's not as well versed on the ways of the world as she ought to be. Her maids taught her basic information until it was time for her to take lessons on being a lady. Those lessons only helped so much since most information was considered taboo. Now she's finally getting her first real taste of the world and she loves it.

Ophelia turns to look at him when she notices the prolonged silence before he actually answers her question. Just as her worry starts to begin, he kisses her forehead. The distraction works. She's pleasantly caught off guard. Usually she expects a little hand holding in public but never little kisses. She knows that he doesn't like to be affectionate in front of others so that makes this moment all the more special.

"I'm ready," She confirms, having found something pretty perfect for Kata. She hopes that her sister-in-law will enjoy planting the seeds and watching the flowers grow. They should bring a fun splash of color to the garden during the cold winter days. It won't be long until the warm days are over. She loves the warm sun but there's good things about winter weather as well. She quite enjoys the snow when its freshly fallen.

She steps over to the counter and politely greets the shopkeeper. After listening to some basic care instructions for the seeds, she thanks the man and pays him for their purchase. As lovely as this shop is, they still have much to do so there's no time to linger.

Kaillas slipped Ophelia the money for the seeds as she went to buy them. He didn't want this coming out if the money he gave to her. That was to be spent only on herself… And then she would donate the rest of it. Everything else on this trip was being paid by him. He had more than enough funds for it. If anything, he was just giving the people their tax dollars back.

"We can return another day this week if you would like, my darling." While he had a couple things planned, it didn't mean things couldn't change or moved around so they could make another trip. He took the small bag from her and held her hand with his free hand.

"Come on, the jeweler isn't to far from here." He hoped that he would be able to convince her to get something for herself. While the palace had a cache of jewelry that had been worn through the generations, that didn't mean she couldn't have something new for herself. Something that wasn't worn by a dead grandmother or other.

It was just another block down before they reached the jeweler. The shop door was already open for them, waiting for their arrival. He always took a visit here. Whether it wad brining in old jewelry to be fixed or purchasing a new piece, he and his family always made a point to visit on their trips.

"Ah, Emerson, wonderful to see you again," he said as they stepped into the shop. The older man gave him a big smile before bowing at the waist.

"My king, you look well. Marriage suits you. I always knew it would." He stayed behind the counter but he was every bit of welcoming. "What are you in for? I just got a new shipment of jewels. I've crafted a few tiaras in anticipation for your arrival. I've got a few new necklaces and bracelets from this collection as well."

Kaillas glanced down at Ophelia, silently praying that she would at least take a look at them. And if she didn't, he may just buy then for her and gift them as a present later on. Perhaps as part of her birthday gift. Of course he would give her more than just that. He would gift her something more personal.

"We were wanting to take a look at some of your medallions. We're trying to find a gift for Catalina. And you know her, she will accept nothing extravagant or expensive."

Ophelia doesn't even try to protest when Kaillas gives her the money to pay for the seeds. She should have known that he wouldn't let her use the money she's meant to use on herself. With a soft hum, she hands the coins over to the shopkeepers. Once the purchase has been completed, she offers a thanks before following Kaillas out of the shop.

"Another visit would be fun but I worry that I may accidentally kill some of those plants," She says with a weak chuckle. She's only half joking. As much as she likes being around plant life, plant life doesn't like to be around her. She can't even keep a cactus alive. With a light smile, she takes his hand when its offered. She's glad for the sweet gesture.

Seeing as she spent much more than anticipated at the first shop, she doesn't plan on making any purchases at the jewelry shop. While she doesn't doubt that they'll have some beautiful things, she doesn't want to spend more money. She has her own lovely collection of fine jewelry and now she has access to the royal collection as well. Besides, she doesn't doubt that most of the products in the shops are going to be expensive. She doesn't want to spend a large amount of money on herself. It feels wrong.

She steps into the shop and offers a friendly smile to the owner. It only takes her half of a second to learn the man's name. It seems as though the shop owner and Kaillas are familiar with each other. She's glad for it.

The look her husband is giving her isn't lost on her. She knows that he's hoping she'll buy something. While she can't promise that she will, she'll take a look at everything to at least be polite. She glances towards the display cases curiously to get an idea of what there is to offer before shifting her attention to Emerson.

"Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated," She says lightly, hoping that he'll be able to help them pick something out for Catalina. She feels clueless when it comes to buying a present for the other woman.

"Ah, yes, that woman can never accept anything." Emerson shook his head. Catalina had stepped foot in his shop more than a few times as she accompanied the young royals. And when she wasn't there the little princesses were telling him about her. Though he supposed the princesses weren't so little now.

He unlocked a glass cabinet and pulled out a case of medallion necklaces. They ramged from coins to stamps. Some were different shapes and sizes. "If you're going to find her one she'll accept, it'll be one of these. They're one of our lower priced medallion necklaces but still good quality. The chain shouldn't break on and it can always be resized if you think she would like a longer or shorter chain."

Kaillsd urged Ophelia to take a look. He figured a coin would likely be better. Catalina wouldn't want anything as fancy as a heart shaped medallion or some intricate stamping. He bent at the hips, trying to get a closer look at the coins. And then one captured his attention.

The coin was made the same year Catalina came into the service of the royal family. And while Kaillas hadn't been alive then, he knew she would appreciate such a thing. With careful fingers, he reached forward and plucked the necklace off the case. He showed it to Ophelia. "What do you think?" He murmured.

He didn't share that the bit about the year. Not yet. He wanted to make sure that it was something and Ophelia had that eye. Even though she hadn't known Catalina long, he trusted that she would tell if the medallion was ugly or too much for Catalina.

Ophelia's gaze falls upon the collection of medallion necklaces displayed before her. She examines each one attentively, considering Catalina's taste and preferences. As Emerson mentions the simplicity of the lower-priced options, she agrees that such a style would suit Catalina's understated elegance. There is a wide variety to choose from so she wants to make sure she gets a good look at them all. Amongst all of these options there's bound to be at least one or two that would work.

Though everything is lovely in its own right, nothing is standing out to her yet. She feels like they need to find something truly special for the woman who has to manage the entire royal family.

But it is when Kaillas plucks a particular coin necklace from the case and shows it to her that her eyes widened with delight. She takes the delicate necklace in her hands, observing the coin with keen interest. There is a certain charm to it, one that she thinks that Catalina will appreciate. It isn't anything expensive or flashy but it also doesn't look like they walked into some random shop and grabbed the firs thing they spotted. A thoughtless gift is just as insulting as no gift at all in her mind.

"It's beautiful," She replies, turning her gaze back to Kaillas for a moment. She admires the craftsmanship and the subtle elegance of the piece. Though she didn't yet know the significance of the year, she still thinks that this is the right necklace for them to be getting.

"I think this would be a perfect gift for Catalina," She informs him, her eyes meeting Kaillas' with certainty. "It has a timeless quality, and the simplicity of the coin makes it easy to wear and not too fancy for Catalina's tastes." She isn't sure why he decided to pick this necklace up in the first place but she's certainly glad that he did.

Kaillas smiled as Ophelia examined the necklace. Good, he had chosen the right one. He had picked it because of the year, not because of its appearance. But he felt a rush of pride knowing that it was beautiful. And something that Catalina would like.

He took a step closer to Ophelia. "Look at the year," he said, "it's the same year she came to work for my father. It was a few years before I was born." He looked uo at Emerson, nodding that this was indeed the one ans they would be taking it. He handed the jeweler the necklace back so it could be packaged properly.

Emerson wrapped the necklace in delicate tissue paper before putting it in a small bag. Then, he unlocked another glass cabinet and pulled out two cases. One had a couple of tiaras, the other with a couple necklaces and bracelets. All cut from the diamond. A black diamond. Incredibly rare. Incredibly valuable. And the first time it had ever come through his shop.

"They came in just this week. I've been working day and night to have these ready by your arrival. Please, take a look at least." The accessories varied in simplicity and complexity. While Kaillas knew Ophelia would likely never contemplate the largest of then, perhaps she would be interested in a set if a simple necklace and bracelet. And if she got those perhaps he might be able to convince her to complete the set with a simple tiara.

Ophelia leans over and takes a look at the date on the coin. Her smile widens when she hears what’s so special about it. “That’s perfect! It’s such a sweet meaningful touch.” It feels as though the necklace was made for Catalina. She can’t wait to give it to her. Hopefully the woman will like it just as much as she thinks she will.

Realizing that the new few items pulled out are intended to interest her, she sends a very quick pointed look into Kaillas’ direction. It’s not as though he’s forcing Emerson to show them the items but she knows that he’s playing a part in this. However, she’s much to nice to not look at what’s being shown to her. That’s how she ended up making her clothing purchases earlier.

She steps forward and takes a look at all of the items on display. She would be lying if she said that she didn’t like several of them. The black diamond is stunning. She would have to be a fool to not see how valuable it is, hence why she doesn’t spend too much time looking at it. While she does love the look of it, she isn’t comfortable with the price tag.

A few of the simpler items seem more doable. She usually prefers the look of silver to gold so she focuses her attention on those. “This is all so lovely,” She compliments Emerson, picking up a dainty necklace to take a closer look at it. She wouldn’t mind buying something small. It would please Kaillas and she does enjoy having options for her day to day jewelry.

Emerson, while a great salesman, would not force the queen to take anything from his collection. Not only would it likely anger the king to be so forceful, it would be bad for business if she walked out of here with nothing. The princesses already wore items from his collections. While adding a queen to his patrons would be a dream come true, he didn't quite need it. He had good business already.

He took a step back as Ophelia looked at the jewels. He did not want to seem as crowding. Kaillas seemed to have the same thoughts as he took a half a step back from her.

Kaillas wanted her to find something that was uniquely hers. Not something she had brought from her old life and nothing that was shoved in the royal cache of jewels. Despite their large collection, he had no qualms about adding to it. But he wouldn't force her to buy anything. She had already shopped some and he was content.

Emerson looked at the necklace she picked. Something simple and dainty. But he knew that the queen didn't need anything extravagant. Something simple to compliment her neck and gown.

"It looks lovely, Your Majesty. Would you like to try it on? I have a mirror if you'd like to see it on you." Emerson always believed everyone should try ut before they bought it. And that went for a multitude of things even if society didn't believe the same thing.

Ophelia appreciates it when both Kaillas and Emerson back off to give her some time to look at everything without feeling pressured. It helps her to relax a little. She smiles graciously at Emerson's offer and nods. "Thank you, I would love to try it on." She thinks that the necklace is wonderful but it’ll help to see it on herself before she has to make any sort of decision.

As he motions towards a nearby mirror, and she walks over to it with the necklace safely clasped in her hands. She carefully fastens it around her neck and then takes a small step back. She looks at herself in the mirror, admiring the way it rests delicately against her skin. The necklace's design is indeed simple yet enchanting, a perfect addition to any outfit.

The necklace in question is a silver chain with an opal dangling from it. There are a few small diamonds circling the gem and adding a little sparkle. It’s simple and elegant. Not to mention that due to the opal being iridescent, it will match any gown that she has on but won’t be too overpowering.

Though her plan was to not buy anything, she’s decided that one more small purchase wouldn’t hurt. Besides, it would be nice to add something of her own to the royal collection. The necklace can be passed down to her daughters, should she have any.

She turns back to Kaillas and Emerson, having officially talked herself into going through with it. “The necklace is beautiful,” She compliments. “I’ll take it.” There is still plenty of money left over from her purchases to donate so she isn’t too terribly worried about buying one more thing.

Kaillas stepped forward, knocking her fingers away as he took hold of the ends. He clasped the necklace around her neck before moving her hair off her shoulder and letting it fall down her back. What kind of a man woukd he bed if he stood aside while his wife tried to clasp a necklace?

He squeezed her shoulders before taking a few steps back and allowing her to look at her reflection. He tried not to show that he was completely enamored by her, not with the company they had. But the knowing grin that Emerson have her said otherwise.

Emerson knew that look the king had on his face. He had experienced it only once in his life. His late wife had been the reason he had become a jeweler. He loved making pieces for her to wear. He had started this shop for her and he continued it for her. Her body may not be with him but her spirit was.

He smiled kindly at the queen, bowing his head. "Would you like to wear it out? It looks positively beautiful on you. I don't want to take it from your neck if you're happy with it right where it is." He coukd easily ring her up and charge her without ever having to take the necklace off.

Ophelia's startles a little when she feels someone swatting her hands away from the necklace as she points it on. Her initial surprise at Kaillas’ actions is quickly replaced by a warm sense of appreciation. She feels his gentle touch as he clasped the necklace around her neck, his hands lingering for a moment on her shoulders. She finds it incredibly sweet that he’s doing this.

The knowing look on the shopkeeper’s face is lost on her. She’s so wrapped up in that kind gesture from her husband that she’s momentarily forgotten about the other man in the shop. That is until he speaks directly to her. Then, she finally gets herself out of her own head and focuses on reality.

She considers Emerson's offer, glancing at herself in the mirror one more time. The necklace rests gracefully against her skin, enhancing the natural beauty of her gown without overpowering it. She knows that she has found something special. It seems like it will be easier for everywhere if she just wears ir out. Less bags for them to carry and all that.

“Yes, I would love to wear it out, thank you.” She appreciates how easy Emerson has made this shopping excursion. She didn’t feel pressured at all and he offered his opinions to help pick out the best pieces. She’ll definitely have to come back here whenever she wants more pieces to add to her collection.

Kaillas shared another look with Emerson before focusing back on his wife. A flash of an image with Ophelia naked in his bed wearing only that necklace appeared in his head. He cleared his throat, subtly adjusting his pants. God, he felt like a teenage boy all over again. He needed to get a hold of himself.

Emerson did not point out the now growing buldge and instead went to the register to ring up the second purchase. He took the coin from Ophelia, giving her a wide smile and bowing his head once more.

"Thank you for visiting my shop, Your Majesty. Have a wonderful day." He bid them goodbye as they began to leave the shop. He had a satisfied smile kn his face. It always warmed his heart to help young couples. It kept the image of his own wife alive in his head.

Kaillas pulled her out the door, smiling down at her, and looking at the necklace. "You made a lovely choice," he said, "Emerson will be happy another piece of his is at the palace." There were only a few pieces but a few pieces own by royalty might as well be a ton in the eyes of merchants.

"Let's get to the toy shop." They still had a few hours but he had a feeling Ophelia woukd want to spend every minute she could with the children before having to leave to the theater. It would only be an hour or so long play. They woukd grab dinner in town and then head back home where they would likely fall right asleep. It had been a along day already.

Ophelia smiles back at Emerson, grateful for his assistance and the warm atmosphere of his shop. She had a very pleasant shopping experience here and she appreciates what he does to ensure that his customers are relaxed and don’t feel pressured.

Glancing over to Kaillas, she nearly doesn’t notice the way he subtly moves his pants. Though amused that he seems to be having a minor…..problem in public, she isn’t entirely sure what caused it but that won’t stop her from teasing him. She so very rarely gets the chance to do so properly after all. “I didn’t know you liked jelwery so much,” She whispers teasingly, ensuring that no one other than him can hear her.

"Thank you," She replies with genuine appreciation. "Your craftsmanship is truly remarkable.” She’s certain that this necklace will last generations with how well made it is. It’ll be nice to have something so personal to pass down to any future children.

As they leave the shop, she feels Kaillas's hand gently guiding her. She’s glad to have made a purchase. Most shopkeepers would be thrilled at the idea of royals purchasing their products, especially more than once.

“I can’t wait to pick out some things for the children!” She’s incredibly excited for their next stop. This is the place where she won’t have a hard time spending any money. It’ll be fun to pick out a bunch of toys to make the children happy.

Kaillas grabbed her hips as she neared him, squeezing her side. "You cheeky little…" he murmured back to her. She would pay for that later, when they were in the safety of their home and there were no eyes around them.

Emerson smiled at her kind words. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I do hope you are satisfied with your purchases." He knew he would see them again some day. This was their vacation home. Even if it took a few years for then to come back, he was always here.

Kaillas had his hand placed on the small of Ophelia's back as he guided her put the shop and down the street. It would be a bit of a longer walk to get to the toy store. It was on the otherside of town. Despite his growing reluctance, her enthusiasm warmed him. "I know you are, darling. Remember, we do have somewhere to be tonight so we can't stay forever."

He had a feeling he was going to have to drag her away. And if the theater had been anything professional he likely would have let her stay until they went to dinner. But this was a theater run by mostly the children in the town. There were a few young adults but they were mostly schoolchildren. He knew Ophelia would want to watch the performance.

Ophelia laughs lightly at his response to her tease. She got the reaction she was looking for so she’s pleased. She doesn’t think that there’ll be any consequences for her actions so she’s happy to tease and taunt as much as she thinks she can get away with in public.

She bids farewell to Emerson before heading out of the shop. Having his hand on her back makes her happy. Even such a small display of affection puts a smile on her face. It’s not secret that she’s a very affection heavy person. Affection isn’t something she got as a kid so she craves it now.

“I know we do. I’ll be fast.” That’s a lie. A big lie. She’ll be in that store until he drags her out. It’s not as though she’s not excited for the theatre, she just gets wrapped up in things like this. It’s hard not to. Shopping for others is fun, especially shopping for kids.

Spotting the toy store, she picks up her pace, tugging Kaillas forward. “I want you to pick out some of the toys as well.” She knows that it’s not his thing but it wouldn’t hurt for him to pick out just one or two so he’s properly involved.

Kaillas definitely was not going to let her get away with her little jab. But what he had planned for was not to be seen by anyone else. So it woukd have to wait. That was alright. He could be a patient man. And the longer he waited, the more time he had to plan what he was going to do.

"Mhm," he did not sound convinced. He highly doubted that she woukd be in and out of the shop and orphanage. He could tell that she loved children. She was going to try to stay there as long as she could. Hence the need for him to drag her away so they would make it in time for the performance.

He smiled as she began to tug him forward. He knew she was looking forward to this but he laughed as she began to tug on him. He shook his head, increasing the length of his stride to keep up with her easier. "And I will, darling." With, of course, checking in with her that it was a good choice. He did understand children's toys to a point. Katya had been seven when he had returned to the palace. He did know some girl toys, such as dolls and brushes. And he bet he could pick out some toys for boys seeing as he was a boy.

It wasn't the issue of picking out things they would like. It was just that most children were terrified of him. His face was nowhere near handsome. And while the scar had faded over the year as it healed, it was still an ugly thing on his face. And children always had to ask questions and push and it made him uncomfortable. He didn't like to talk about it.

Ophelia tugged Kaillas along excitedly, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I'm glad that we're doing this," She says, beaming up at him. "I think it'll be a lot of fun, and the children will love having you there too." It seems like he's pretty uncertain about going to the orphanage and spending time witht he kids but she think that it'll go perfectly. The kids will be so excited by all of their new toys and the opportunity to meet the king.

As they enter the shop, her eyes widen with wonder at the array of toys and colorful displays. Colorful toys and plushes line the walls and fill up bins. Her eyes lit up as she takes in the joyful atmosphere. She would have loved to visit a place like this as a child but she was never afforded that opportunity. She keeps her grip on Kaillas' hand as she moves around the shop, picking up various items and examining them with delight.

"Let's start by finding something for the younger children first, shall we? Maybe some cuddly stuffed animals or interactive toys. And for the older ones, we could look for puzzles or art supplies. What do you think?" It might be a little overwhelming to do all of this shopping without having some sort of plan in mind. She also worries that she'll go overboard with too much freedom.

"Goodness, there are just so many options," She gushes, excited about this. She's never seen so many toys in one place before. It's almost overwhelming. Hopefully her husband will relax a little and help her pick some things out so they can enjoy this experience.

Kaillas highly doubted that the children would enjoy him being there. He didn't exactly have a welcoming face even if his personality was a bit if the opposite. Not that he couldn't be hard and stand his ground. He most certainly could. He's spent half his life and most of his childhood in the army. He has seen plenty of things that have hardened him. But his sisters helped him bring back his humanity. He was better than he used to be, that's for sure.

As they entered the shop, he squeezed her hand gently before letting go and letting her rummage through the store. He clasped his hands behind his back, watching her thoughtfully. Her fascination fascinated him. While he may have been around plenty of women in his life, none were quite like her. And that was a good thing.

He nodded his head, following her to the part of the store meant for younger children. He smiled at her conflict. "Remember that there aren't too many orphaned children around here. A couple dozen at most." It was a smaller town, even as popular as it may be. Some merchants woukd drop of children they picked up abandoned on the road. A few lost their parents young in town. And some were born to those who, for whatever reason, couldn't raise them and they turned them over.

"You are also donating money to them. You don't have to buy out everything. Statt with a few things and they can use the money to get more should they need it." The town provided things like lodging and food and most of the shops would donate things or money to help them. It was small knot and everyone took care of each other here. Or at least their children.

“Yes, I know,” She assures him. “I won’t go overboard.” She won’t drown the children in toys, of course, but she wants to make sure that they have a variety to play with. The donated money will surely go to necessities which is wonderful. She just worries that with their situation, the children aren’t able to experience their childhood properly. It seems like such a small thing to most but playing and having toys is actually a good way to build certain skills and help them become more social.

Though she would love to buy every single item in this store, she has a list in her head to avoid doing that. “Come help me out,” She instructs him, handing him a few puzzle toys. “Tell me what you think.” It’s important for her to get him involved in this process since she thinks that it’ll help him warm up to his their visit. She knows that he’s a bit apprehensive about it still.

She understands his concern about the children's reception of him, given his appearance and background. However, she also knows that his presence and support will mean a lot and would likely make a positive impact on the children's lives. They’ll remember this day forever. She trusts that one day Kaillas will look back on this day fondly as well.

After awhile of dragging him around the store, Ophelia has gathered a nice haul of toys. Granted, it may be more than the children need but she didn’t go overboard like she promised. She made certain to get a wide variety of toys and puzzles so there’s something for everyone.

Kaillas didn't think he quite believed that either. She seemed like the type that would go overboard, getting anything and everything they could possibly need. He realized then, if they did have children, he was likely going to have to be the one to put his foot down, making him the bad parent. That was, if their child liked him anyways.

He took a few steps forward, then, to examine what she had pulled out. He gave her a few yes's and a couple no's. He leaned very quickly with having sisters he couldn't say yes to everything. He even pulled one or two things from the shelves he thought they might like.

She did better than he thought she woukd, even with his hands full of toys and games. He half expected her to buy out the entire store. While he would preferably send someone else to do this for him, he couldn't deny that he was enjoying his time. But it was only due to his little wife dragging him around everywhere. He firmly believed that she could make any experience better with just her presence.

He took a look at all the things in their hands. "Is this all you're going to get? Or would you like to shop a little bit more?" He knew it was dangerous offering her a choice like that. She might very well keep them in there for an hour.

While Ophelia certainly would spoil any children they had, she also knows the importance of discipline. As much as she loved her brother, her parents never set any rules or boundaries for him since he was the favorite. It did not end well. She doesn’t want to repeat the same mistakes that her parents made.

She’s glad that Kaillas is going along with her madness, even picking out a few things on his own. She was hoping that he would but she hadn’t been sure so it’s a pleasant surprise. It’s nice to see him trying to get involved, even if he would prefer not to.

As wonderful as buying out the entire store would be, she managed to rein herself in. Even she knows that ir would have been ridiculous. “If you let me shop anymore, there won’t be a single toy left on the shoves after we leave,” She warns him with a laugh, mostly joking.

She forces herself to walk to checkout, making sure that she doesn’t get distracted by anything else. She knows that they have other places to be so it’s best that they leave the store now before she goes overboard.

Kaillas only smiled gently and nudged her towards the counter at her words. As much as the shop keeper might like the profit, they couldn't very well buy out the entire store. Other people would like to make use of it.

The shopkeeper was quick to bring up the transaction, surprisingly given how much there was. He gave the queen the total and took the coin from her, dipping into a bow as they made to leave. Kaillas handed the bags of toys to the guards. He wouldn't have Ophelia carrying them, they were too heavy. He handed two bags each to their two guards and took the other bag himself.

"If you're satisfied, we can go to the orphanage now. We'll have about an hour and a half before we need ti head to the theater," he said to her as they exited the shop. The should give her plenty of time to play with the kids before they went to dinner and them to the theater.

He looked up, noting the sun beginning to set. It was about half past four. A trick he picked up in the army, how to tell time based on the sun position. It coukd be useful sometimes when he wasn't near a clock.

Ophelia piles all of the toys onto the counter and then waits for the shop keeper to get all of the prices sorted. It takes much less time than she thought it would. She’s pleasantly surprised. She happily hands over the coins, thanking him for everything. The toys will be a big hit at the orphanage, she just knows it.

Knowing that she bought a lot so they bags are heavy, she makes sure to thank the guards and Kaillas for carrying them. She wouldn’t mind carrying a few herself but there’s no way she would be able to manage all of them on her own. That’s the downside to buying so much.

“That sounds wonderful,” She agrees, happy to head to the orphanage. An hour and a half sounds like the perfect about of time to spend there. She doesn’t want to throw off any routines the children may have but she also wants to ensure that she has adequate time with them.

Not knowing where the building is, she follows after Kaillas. The layout of the town is fairly simple and easy to navigate if one knows where they’re going but she doesn’t. Glancing up at the sky, she hums quietly. She doesn’t know the exact time but she knows that it’s later in the day than she thought.