A Gift for Father, Scene v1

This scene immediately follows after "A Handful of Flowers". These small introductions are getting repetitive, so I'll start keeping them short after this one. Thanks to everyone who has been providing constructive feedback, it has really helped me a lot in making the stories better, as well as improving my writing as a whole. Please continue to provide feedback, as always!

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Kismet returned to Delphi’s room and knocked on the door, the cavalilies hidden by her side. “Delphi? It’s Kismet.”

Helen, Delphi’s handmaid, continued tending to the room when she answered, “The princess isn’t here right now.”

“Know where she is?” asked Kismet. The sound of footsteps clomped behind her. Kismet spun around and saw Delphi entering the sitting room. “Nevermind.”

Kismet stepped toward the young princess, whose hair was still down and damp from her bath. “Hey, Delphi. Feeling a little better?”

Delphi continued walking toward her room as she replied disappointedly, “Where did you go? I was looking for you.”

“You said you wanted to be left alone.”

The two entered the bedroom and walked to the full-length standing mirror with a wreath border. “When someone tells you to leave them alone, what they really mean is they want someone to comfort them!”

Helen draped a folded towel over the armrest of the chair beside the mirror, and closed the door behind her as she left the room. Kismet grabbed the towel and began drying Delphi’s golden hair one section at a time. “Oh? You mean like last time, when it just made things worse?”

“That…that was different, okay?”

Kismet chuckled. “Well, I decided to go out for a walk, and I was worried about you, so…”

Kismet brandished the bundle of cavalilies hidden at the back of her leather belt. Delphi slowly took the flowers in her hands, a bittersweet smile crossing her face. Kismet could see envy in her eyes, as she caressed a petal with her finger without saying a word.

“I know you would’ve rather picked them yourself.”

“It’s okay. At least now I can give some to Father. Thank you, Kismet,” replied Delphi, with a gentle embrace.



King Marcus, adorned in a red silk robe with silver embroidery, stood at the birdcages in the garden, listening to their song. Delphi approached her father while Kismet stood at a respectable distance, as she always did. “Father, I have something for you.”

“Ah, cavalillies. My favorite.”

Marcus closed his eyes, his whole body relaxing as he breathed in their sweet fragrance. “They’re absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Delphi.”

The king gestured for his daughter to sit with him on the nearby wooden bench. He set the flowers aside and placed his hand atop Delphi’s. He gave a small frown, partially hidden behind his neatly trimmed full-beard. “I thought you weren’t able to pick any before Sara brought you back.”

Delphi was surprised, and a little confused. “Wh—how’d you know?”

“Your mother told me when I spoke with her earlier. You know very well that you’re not supposed to leave the castle without our permission.”

“But Kismet was with me. Lydia always gets to leave with Nakita,” argued Delphi.

“Yes, but Kismet isn’t a member of the Royal Guard,” explained Marcus.

“But I’m going to pick Kismet to be mine anyway.”

“A member of the Royal Guard must be with you, that is the rule. We can’t risk having anything happen to you, Delphi. You’re still too young.”

“But Lydia has been able to leave the castle ever since she was ten. I’m older than that and I still can’t,” stated Delphi, her voice becoming louder with frustration.

“That is true, but we need to be more careful with you. Your lessons must come first, so that way you can become a fine Queen once I step down. Once you’ve finished with your studies, you’ll be able to leave the castle whenever you want,” encouraged Marcus, comforting Delphi in his arms.

Delphi gave up arguing with a frown. The king gestured for Kismet to come closer. “Kismet, I appreciate how you’ve always been by Delphi’s side, but that also means you need to know when to put her safety first. After all, rules are in place for a reason. And now that you’re a soldier, you really need to start showing some more discipline, especially if you wish to become Delphi’s bodyguard. You understand?”

Kismet nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty. I’m sorry.”

Marcus continued. “I trust you enough for the position, and you know that, but others won’t be as supportive. You have to prove yourself, beyond doubt, that you deserve that position.”

A messenger spoke before Kismet had a chance to reply, “Pardon my intrusion, Your Majesty. I’ve been sent to inform Kismet that General Devin has called for her. He said to report to the castle gates for her next assignment.”

The messenger bowed before the three, then took his leave. The king placed his hand on Kismet’s shoulder. “Don’t disappoint us, Kismet. Show everyone that our trust wasn’t misplaced.”

Kismet nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

She quickly hugged Delphi and gave a small lick to the cheek before she left the garden.



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