Princess and Pies

"And then, the Prince leaned down to the Lady Of Snow and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips. It took a heartbeat, but she soon gasped a breath and returned his kiss. The Lady of Snow was no longer frozen, for the kind Prince had melted her frosted over heart...." A soft, warm voice read aloud as soft babbling was heard. Little Dimitri was reading a leather bound story book to a young toddler, his little cousin Blair. She was giggling and reaching over, patting her hand over the face of the prince in the story book. He looked over at her with a warm smile and huge eyes, poking her lightly on the nose.

"Aw, I'm sure you'll meet someone just as kind as the Prince." The little girl babbled some more, excitedly waving her hands and the boy gasped in mock surprise.

"Oh really? You really think that'll happen? Hm, yes, I'm sure you'll meet a man of frost white hair like the Prince too, little flower."

"Pip pip pip!" Blair announced loudly, kicking her legs out with a loud noise. He put his hand to his mouth to hide his laughter, and continued to pretend she was telling him a story.

"Now, now, I don't think you'd ever get kidnapped, you silly flower! I think you're joking with me!" He grinned.

"No, Pip! No, no, no, no, no! Ki.. kid... kidnap!"

"Haha, okay okay! I agree with you then. You'll be kidnapped and taken on a crazy adventure, huh? Then me and your prince charming will need to find you, huh? Is that it?" Dimitri asked, smiling widely. Blair nodded excitedly, clapping her hands with a squealing laugh. Her joyful laughing made him finally join in, laughing warmly. The two children continued to laugh until they heard the door creak open. Both of them turned their heads, watching with wide blue and green eyes respectively as a beautiful woman in a flowing emerald dress slipped into the room. She offered a small, gentle smile and started to walk over. Dimitri's deep sage eyes narrowed and she stopped, letting them have their space.

"I'm sorry Little Flower, it looks like I need to go for today. I'm sure you can manage without me for a bit, huh?" Dimitri's voice quivered a bit uncertainly as he spoke, turning to Blair and gently brushing her hair from her eyes. Her blue gaze grew huge and tears flashed in them and she grabbed his arm tight, pouting.

"Noooo, Pip!! N... need... stay, read." The toddler whined, looking between the woman and young boy with watery eyes. The woman frowned lightly at her when she called him Pip, shaking her head. Blair sniffled and Dimitri gently wiped her tears away with a thin smile, not wanting to leave either but not having much of a choice. "Piiip...."

"Blair." Dimitri sighed, sharing a look with the little one as he gently patted her head. "I know, I know. I'll finish the story with you tonight, okay? And you can tell me all about your prince. Maybe I'll even draw your wedding for you, huh? How's that sound, little flower?"

Little Blair sniffled a bit more before nodding and throwing herself onto him, hugging him tightly. He hugged her gently in return, patting her back. "Okay, Pip... See later? For sure?" She asked, looking at the woman. When she nodded with a small smile, the little girl nodded and let go of her cousin. She poked his nose. "Bye Pip."

"Bye Little Flower. Behave yourself, don't go breaking hearts while I'm gone." He marked the place and closed their book, setting it on the table. He got up, lightly poking her nose in return.

"Hehe, okay!!" Blair smiled brightly, then watched them leave. It was a hesitant action, Dimitri approaching the woman with guarded eyes. He paused a moment, studying her anxiously before finally reaching out and gently taking her hand. With that, the two left the young girl to play.