Charity Intolerance

I grab my coat before heading into town, picking up various things from the market I'm going to need with the kids today. After what just happened, I think both of us need a break from reality today.

This town has, and always will be one of my favourite places to go whenever Nick's off doing training, and I can't reach him. I was with my personal guards, Gavin and Derek (who I'm not allowed to leave the castle walls without). There's always been something about this town that always calms me, I don't know what it is, it just makes me feel free. Perhaps, it's because I'm not confined within the walls of the palace, or under my parents torment. Whatever it is, I'm always delighted to be here.

I walk along the rows of the stalls, searching for more items that could be added to the collection. After I looked at what I've bought so far, the guys' were curious, and wanted to know what I was going to do with the children.

"So what's all this stuff for, your highness?"

"Yeah, I think we should know what we're carrying, don't you think, your highness?" Derek was almost dragging the bags along the floor.

"Guys, I've told you this before, call me Evelyn, we're all friends here."

They apologise profusely, and it made me crack a smile. It brought back memories of when I first met them.

After hearing my parents hired "personal protection" to follow me around, I went straight to where they were staying to make sure they acknowledged that I didn't need them, and that it was just another way for my parents to try and take control of me. When I got to know them, however, I knew they wouldn't give me trouble like the rest of the guards did, specifically when it came to stuff like Nick and I being together.

After I'd seen what all the stalls had to offer, I gathered what we'd collected and headed towards the orphanage.

"I see her! I see her!"

"Princess Evelyn! Princess Evelyn!"

"Over here! over here!"

The closer I got to them, the more excited they all became. And seeing their adorable, little faces was just what I needed right now.

They all bow at my arrival, which is not needed, but cute nonetheless.

"Your highness, the kids have been waiting for this moment ever since they were told you would be coming. You should've seen their faces, I've never seen them light up that much before! You really have an impact on them... Oh! Where are my manners? Come on in, the fireplace is about to warm this place up -if he ever shows up and actually gives us the fuel, that is!"

"Thanks Cathy, and I'm glad they look forward to my visits, I really like coming here!"

"You'll probably be bored out of your mind." I hear a familiar voice.

"Nick? What are you doing here?" I realise he's holding a few logs, waiting to be put in the fireplace, so I step aside. After he throws them in, he turns around to face me.

"Cathy called me this morning to say her usual delivery guy was busy elsewhere, so she asked me if I could help out. And since I didn't have anything important to do today, I thought I could help out." He whispers the rest into my ear. "Sorry that I left without a word this morning, you looked peaceful and I didn't want to wake you up early. I know how you're not really a big fan of socialising with your parents. To be fair, I did intend to call you when I finished, but it took longer than expected."

Before I could respond, the kids realised I didn't come empty-handed and were suddenly interested what I brought with me. I thought this was a good time to tell them my plan to save their building from my 'loveable' parents, who had with a plan to demolish this building that they didn't deem "important" to the town.

"I want you guys to put on a play, showing how much this place means to you. We're going to convince my parents that this building is much more meaningful than they think it is. Before you worry about how much this is going to cost, I've got the whole thing covered. All you have to do is show up, and put on the best performance of your life!" After I finish explaining, I showed them what I brought with me.

"But your highness, this is all too much -we couldn't possibly accept this!" Cathy was shocked that this was even happening.

"Sure you can, that's why I'm here to help. I'd hate for this building to get destroyed, especially when there was something I could've done about it."

After I convince Cathy to accept my offer, I tell Gavin and Derek to go off by themselves, so I can sit by the fire and collect my thoughts.

"You okay, Sunshine?" Nick whispers, while finding a spot so he can sit next to me.

"There's just a lot going on right now, and I haven't had the time to process it all..."

"Eve, you know you can talk me whenever you need to, it doesn't matter what I'm doing, if you need me- I'm there. No questions asked."

"I know, and I'm grateful for that, Nick. But, you have your own life to think about, and I don't want to take that away from you."

"Eve, we've had this conversation before. I don't care what's happening in my life, if you need me be there for you and listen while you vent your feelings- I'm there. You are the bane of my existence, and I don't know what I'd do if I never saw that smile of yours, that I love so much and spend my nights thinking about." He's being so cheesy, I swear I could smell it.

"God, I love you."

"Good, because I love you too, Sunshine."

Time passes abruptly as we talk for what only feels like a few minutes, before Gavin interrupts.

"Hate to break up this little moment of yours, but it's getting late, and Evelyn, you promised that you wouldn't miss the ball this time."

I looked at the time and he was right, if I didn't leave then and there, I was going to be late. I collected my things and said goodbye to the kids and promised to see them again soon. We rush back to the palace to find that we made it just in time. I say my goodbyes to Nick and tell him I'll see him later, and I head to my room to get ready.

This was going to be rough.