A/N: And happy winter in July!

-CCM

007. Snowed In

"Oh, no… Please, Rio, you cannot leave just yet. It is much too dangerous!"

"But what about my animals?" She glanced out the window fretfully. "I'm worried about them in this snowstorm."

Sanjay shook his head, squeezing Rio's hand within his own in an attempt to comfort the distraught farmer. "I'm sorry, Rio, but Amir is right. You'll never be able to make it home safely in this weather."

As much as Rio wished to return home to her animals and make sure they were safe and warm in their barn, she knew that she had no choice but to stay overnight, or at least until the snow outside lightened up, though the latter was unlikely.

After staying a bit too long at the exotic mansion that evening, sharing herb pasta in the company of the prince and his butler, she found that the snow that had been dropping from the sky all day long had failed to cease, even after dinner. In fact, it had gotten even worse. Much, much worse. Outside the window, the snow was piling up ever higher, still falling in thick white clumps. From what Rio could see, they were in the middle of a full-blown blizzard; one that was unlikely to stop anytime soon.

So now, she was stuck in the large mansion with Prince Amir and Sanjay, who were both staring at her expectantly as they drank their after-supper tea at the dining table. Sipping thoughtfully from her mug, Rio reasoned there were definitely worse places to be snowed in at.

She sighed. "I suppose… I might have to stay the night. You're right; there's no way I can make it all the way back to the farm in this kind of weather."

Rio took another sip of her tea and yawned, prompting Amir to give his butler a look. "Sanjay, could you please show our guest to one of the guest bedrooms? I'm sure she is very tired."

Sanjay nodded respectfully. "Of course."

He beckoned Rio forward, and together they took off down the hall. Amir was right - Rio was tired, and she couldn't help but feel worried for her animals back at home, although she had made sure before she left that they were all snuggled safely indoors with plenty of food and warm hay.

Sanjay came to a stop at one of the many guest bedrooms in the mansion and opened the door, bowing formally. "You may sleep here for the night. Please let me know if you need anything at all."

Rio nodded, and as Sanjay began to turn around to leave her to her room, she reached up on her tiptoes to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. Before he could respond, she grinned at him mischievously and turned away to step inside.

"Thanks, Sanjay. For everything."

He lifted a hand to his cheek where the farmer's lips had touched it, a deep blush spreading beneath his fingertips as he stared after her retreating form in wonder. The door closed behind her softly.

"…You're welcome, Rio."