As the royal family of Aurelais left behind the capital city of Valors, the youths couldn't help but feel tremendous exhilaration. The school year had just concluded, and thus the family would visit their great-aunt Duchess Genevieve of Orlanne.
Grinning Ginny as her nickname, she remained alive and kicking. Some say she was too stubborn to die. Others hypothesized once magic had been permitted back into the kingdom, everyone had received a spark of magic.
The spark they theorized helped give the residents an extra boost for their health. At least that was one hypothesis since Cinderella's children each had their own problem.
Or course, the possibility remained, given how her children weren't born till years after Lenora's kind were welcome back home. Either way, Grinning Ginny was still kicking, and the family couldn't wait to see her.
They frequently spent their vacation time in Orlanne because it was removed from their everyday lives in the capital. The fresh air and slower pace were perfect for relaxing and recharging.
It also provided the children's puppy B. J. a chance to run around freely. The dog's proper name was Bruno Jr. The original Bruno had passed away peacefully before the children were born. Finally, after three days of travel, the family arrived at the gorgeous countryside estate of the Duchess. Instantly the children's faces came alive with smiles.
They practically stampede once they're allowed outside. Or, in Ash's case, nearly run over by her chair. Charles and Cinderella merely smiled, seeing their young ones having such a good time even if they had just arrived.
They greeted Ginny, who was more then happy to see them and started doing the usual adoring the children. She was giving them lots of love and affection. Even her own children didn't receive this as much.
However, to be fair? The Duchess's children and grandchildren didn't tend to visit a lot. It was primarily out of their perceived humiliation from the royal court despite clearing the family name years ago.
Either way? Ginny consistently loved to shower her niece-in-law's children with love and affection. So, as she did with their dog B.J., She'd given the children the puppy as a Christmas gift. Like his namesake, he, too, was an adorable brown bloodhound.
She invited the family outside to lunch in the beautiful fresh air. She continuously expressed the fresh air did everyone a world of favor regarding their health. Chase and Chance raced each other to the outdoor pavilion as Cindy helped push her little sister Ash's wheelchair gradually over. The twins tended to forget sometimes that their youngest sister needed some help moving.
"They never change, do they?" Ginny asked as the adults calmly strolled to the summerhouse.
"No, they don't," conceded Cinderella with a smile. "Despite each of their issues, they're as alive and kicking as you are, dear Genevieve. However, I agree that coming to the countryside usually boosts their boundless energy times ten."
"Being in the fresh air will do that to you. If only George did it more often. How is that brother of mine? I haven't heard from him in a month."
"Father is doing quite well, Aunt Genevieve. Since the school year concluded, he's been having his own little vacation by the seaside. Lenore suggested that he come with her."
"Oh, she suggested it?" the retired king's sister asked with a mischief expression.
"I think its an open secret. Those two are lovebirds. It's not easy to keep many things a secret!" giggled Cinderella as they finally reached the children.
They'd calm down some as their manners returned upon the adults' arrival. Then, as they sat down for a mouthwatering outdoor lunch, Ginny asked the children how their school year had been.
The children each took turns describing various tales of what the past school year had been like. Also, they'd been working extremely hard to overcome all their disabilities.
Ginny reminded them as they sipped tea everyone had an impediment of some kind. Where you could see it or not didn't matter. We all have something we're struggling with.
After lunch, the family headed to a nearby lake to enjoy the swans. They even got to feed them and the other waterfowl that gathered at the lake. After spending two hours at the lake, the family toured the rose garden.
The children were all in agreement. Spending their summer vacation at Orlanne was the best. A chance to be normal and not royals and enjoy life's simple pleasures. So they could unwind and be rejuvenated by the time they came home. Yes, visiting Aunt Ginny remained one of their favorite things in all the world!
Don't Fear
Don't be afraid of your fears. They're there to show you did what matters most to you.
