Author's Notes: Hi, everyone, and thanks for waiting! Here are some more chapters. I hope you enjoy!
And thank you very much to everyone who took the time to leave a review! I really appreciate your feedback and support. :)
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Winter Harmony Mishaps, Part V
Later, Sanjay realized he had perhaps formed a false expectation of people. Or just one person in particular. As someone who had lived the better part of his life in a desert, he had assumed no one would venture into such freezing weather.
And thus he had ignored the first taps upon the door, believing it his imagination.
The second series – a thundering row of bangs – startled him out of his reverie, and, thinking it a luckless traveler, he rushed to the door.
"Ms. Rio!" he cried. "What are you doing here?"
She smiled and held up a package. "Delivery!"
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Winter Harmony Mishaps, Part VI
Rio was freezing and soaked through, but it was worth it. Seeing Sanjay's face light up when she offered the dessert sent her heart skipping and a flush that had nothing to do with the cold to her face.
Amir's smile when he received his gift was also nice, though it didn't warm her as much.
When the prince settled down to eat his dessert, she looked to Sanjay hopefully.
Instead, he said, "I'm sorry, but I just ate. I'll save this for later," and tipped his head politely.
"Oh." She forced her voice even and nodded back. "That's fine."
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Winter Harmony Mishaps, Part VII
Rio eyed the snow outside the arched windows for the seventh time in ten minutes. Another gale struck, howling across the panes.
Amir didn't notice as he fished out the fifth board game of the evening. Sanjay had already left to cook their supper.
And still no sign he'd even touched her dessert.
She'd tried leaving several times, but Amir had insisted she stay, that the blizzard was too dangerous.
It was… awkward, she thought, how much attention he showered on her.
But perhaps it was to be expected. A prince would be used to more entertainment than just her.
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Winter Harmony Mishaps, Part VIII
"Are you sure, Rio?" Amir asked as he followed her into the entry the next morning. "It's no trouble if you stay longer."
Sanjay wasn't far behind. "The snow is so deep. What if you hurt yourself?"
Rio fumbled at her coat buttons. "It's fine," she replied. "I really appreciate you having me, but I should check on my animals."
Then, as she was about to make her escape: "Ms. Rio, wait!"
She turned, just in time for Sanjay to drape the scarf she'd forgotten around her neck.
"Again, thank you for the dessert," he said, smiling. "It was delicious."
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Winter Harmony Mishaps, Conclusion
Rio fell back against her door with a sigh.
A whole night spent at Amir's mansion. It'd been altogether embarrassing and uncomfortable and she must have been so intrusive-
She released another slow breath. It wouldn't help dwelling on it. Better just to forget it had ever happened.
With a groan, she rose and started work.
Her animals and crops were well, she discovered. But, later, she was surprised to find two letters in her mailbox. A polite thank-you from Sanjay, and – in the other – a veritable essay of six pages from Amir.
Well, at least she'd made an impression.
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Author's Notes: Annnd the circle of obliviousness is complete. :D