The Echinae family seemed to have quite the passel of children. Junie was the eldest at eighteen, Max was sixteen, Brun was Fourteen, Felix was eleven, Joyce was eight, Taft was seven, and little Tildy was almost four. Their hospitality and friendliness drew them in, and Will and Chammielle suddenly found themselves as Bill and Cham fast friends with the whole lot.

"Mr. Cornwall, you and your wife have such a way with children. My youngest can't seem to get enough of you."

Tildy sat in Chammielle's lap now. Her fingers were knotted in her auburn hair and she was talking about how it looked like a pretty fabric she'd seen a rich lady wear one time. She hugged the child lightly and couldn't stop smiling.

"Cham here grew up with four you get sisters. I had two younger myself."

"And all girls? Goodness, you'll most likely have yourselves a load of pretty little lasses before long."

Will shot a smile at her and she couldn't help gazing at the little girl in her arms. It was uncanny how much she looked like him.

"When you have girls can you bring them for me to play with?"

She smiled and nodded.

"Absolutely. You'll have to wait a while though. Babies take a while to grow up into charming little girls like yourself."

"That's ok. I like babies."

Will couldn't keep his eyes off of her except when Mrs. Echinae spoke to him. Chammielle felt the heat in her ears, but she was enrapt with the tiny conversation the child was having all by herself.

"I just hope my work can bring me home often. Being a merchant and traveling puts plenty of food on the table, but I must keep my wife happy at home."

Mrs. Echinae laughed and called for her son.

"Max, bring these two some more cream coffees."

Tildy sat forward and called across the room, too.

"And I want a moon biscuit!"

"What's a moon biscuit?"

She bounced and chewed on one of her own curls with a goofy grin.

"Really yummy."

Chammielle looked to Will and he smiled before calling out as well.

"And a round of moon biscuits? Why don't we all have some? Moon biscuits for everyone!"

The other patrons raised their mugs and bid them their thanks and Mrs. Echinae twittered.

"Oh, so generous. My goodness Mrs. Cornwall, you do have such a good husband."

"Yes I do."

The afternoon had worn on beyond what they'd expected. It was two hours until dark and they left after paying for everyone's drinks and biscuits. Tildy asked to go with them, but her mother pulled her back and said they might see them at the festival after dark. She promptly went up to take her nap so she'd be awake for the fair much later.

The two headed down to a flower shop and bumped into Augustus.

"How is it? Are you liking Torheit?"

Will clapped him on the shoulder and the knight blushed and nearly dropped the white rose he'd been holding.

"I uh, well, yes. It's lovely."

Chammielle got a glint in her eye and decided to tease him.

"Who did you find in the span of a mere day to give a white rose to, Augustus?"

He blushed and laughed, scratching at the back of his neck.

"It's not too much is it? White is for purity of intentions isn't it? Or that I think she's pure?"

Will's eyes widened and he laughed.

"Really? Pure intentions for a pure lady? My my, what will my wife tell your sister, eh?"

He put his hands up and seemed to back track.

"I mean...she was dancing so energetically last night with her friends...and I wanted to try...and and she just pulled me right in sweet as can be... I didn't know I'd find her at the Bunny Brew again...and we talked and...and...she's great..."

Chammielle covered her mouth and then stepped forward to hug him.

"I will never understand this love at first sight business, but I'm glad so many around me are catching it."

Will pulled her back into his own arms and kissed her cheek.

"Do you mean to tell me you don't remember falling for me after our first meeting, dear?"

She giggled and kissed him back.

"I remember giving you a fierce tongue lashing. Took you several days after that to win me over."

Augustus blushed at the two of them.

"You guys..."

"In the spirit of romance and love at first sight, I will buy you that rose for your lady love."

...

The stars rolled out and Chammielle swept her hand over the new dress.

Lilac cotton with yellow starbursts stitched tightly over the bodice and along the hem. She had a dark blue knit shawl for her arms and shoulders and a pair of low leather boots for dancing tonight. She let her hair hang down and tied it only half up with a bright yellow ribbon. They'd bought a wild bouquet for the house and she stole some lavender and baby's breath and tucked it into the hair about the crown of her head. She wanted to look beautiful tonight.

She opened the door and took in William. His suit wasn't much different from the day before, but he'd pinned a white rose for himself in his lapel and he seemed so clean and refreshed. She stepped down the stairs and watched his eyes as they went to her.

"Chammielle..."

It was everything she wanted and more.

"Bill darling."

He smirked and produced a second white rose and stepped up to tuck it behind her ear.

"Cham, you are the most lovely creature I have ever known."

"Come on you, I'm only having one flaggon of Spring Ale tonight. You'll have to rely on that abundant charm of yours to pull me into an alley again."

He chuckled and wrapped his arms about her waist, spinning her down the last steps.

"I'm counting on it."

The lights were so cheerful and the songs were as silly and lightheaded as before. They had one more night after this and she was enjoying every moment of it. She was sure she wanted to return here every year after this.

"Are you the Cornwall's?"

A freckled man with brunette hair and beard came up and she recognized the little girl holding his hand.

"Tildy!"

She ran and hugged her knees and she caught her so she wouldn't fall.

He chuckled and shook William's hand.

"I'll take that as a yes. Philip Echinae. The wife and I were going to go and have a drink if you care to join us."

They followed him, Tildy pulling at Chammielle's hand.

The whole family was out and Mrs. Echinae had clearly had half a stein before they even arrived.

"Oh bless you! You didn't have to come see us!"

Will chuckled and put his arm about his wife's shoulders.

"Nonsense, we cannot abandon new friends."

Max and Brun were talking and eyeing the ale. Perhaps hoping their parents would share a bit with them. Junie turned her eyes here and there, looking for someone in the crowd. The younger four were begging to go and see the fireworks on the hill and get some toys.

"Felix, Joyce, Taft, Tildy, tonight is date night for me and your mother. If you want to see the fireworks at midnight then you'll have to see them from your bedroom window because we are not going with the four of you."

The children pouted but went quiet. Chammielle touched Will's hand.

"Bill...I've never seen fireworks before."

He smirked at her and turned to the man of the Echinae family.

"Could we take your children? Would that be alright?"

The missus turned her wide eyes at them.

"Are you sure?"

"I think it will be good practice for us. What do you think?"

The couple looked at each other and smiled brightly. Philip finally tossed his head from side to side and answered.

"Of course! But don't give into every one of their pleas. I can't rack up any credit with the two of you. I'll never be able to repay it!"

Tildy hopped up and down and Will picked her up and set her on his shoulders. Joyce took Chammielle's hand readily and pointed to a stall with hair ribbons.

"No promises, but I don't take account for debts on my honeymoon!"

The six of them set off together after a few ground rules and some directions back to their spot in the main square in case they were separated. And just as she suspected, William spoiled them rotten. Every stall they stopped at, and every shopkeeper was left happy.

They sat along the rim of the fountain eating roast mutton and bunny eared dumplings. Tildy had cheese all over her face and Chammielle watched Felix clean her up.

"Tildy, that's not ladylike."

She snickered at that.

"Oh, I don't know about that. I wasn't much different yesterday when I tried one for the first time."

Those huge brown eyes stared up at her.

"Really?"

"Yes, really. Isn't that right Bill?"

"Cham was a mess. I had to clean her face off with kisses. Couldn't waste the cheese."

Felix made a face but the littler children giggled at him.

Tildy reached for the younger boy's pinwheel to hold as she ate and he pushed her hand away. She tried again and he shoved.

"Tildy, that's my toy and you'll get cheese on it."

"But I want it!"

He made a fist and hit her on top of her head. It jarred her and she dropped the cheese dumpling on the ground and began to cry.

"Taft!"

Will didn't wait. He stood and took the boy's hand and walked a little ways away. Chammielle scooped the little girl into her lap and hugged her.

"Shh, shh, it's alright. Did that hurt?"

"Y-yes!"

"Don't worry. Count to fifteen with me and it won't hurt anymore. Do you know how to count all the way to fifteen?"

"Noo-oo..."

She hiccuped and Chammielle wiped at her tears.

"It's a magic number. I'll count first and then you after me, ok?"

"Ok!"

They counted together until eight and then she followed after her. The more she had to concentrate on these new words the slower the tears came. Finally, she was not upset at all.

"Fifteen!"

"Good job! How does your head feel."

She winced as if it was terrible but then brightened.

"It's all better!"

"I told you it was a magic number. Now, I need to talk with you. There are two things that need to happen when your brother comes back over here. I need you to listen, ok?"

She nodded.

"One: you need to say sorry for trying to take his toy when he already told you no. If he is going to share with you, that is his choice. And you need to be okay with it if he says no."

She took in her words and shook her curls up and down.

"Two: he needs to apologize to you for hitting you. Hitting is not good. Him hitting you or you hitting him. He is your brother and you need to show him you love him and forgive him. Alright?"

She nodded again, looking down.

"Am I in trouble?"

"Not if you apologize and forgive him."

"Okay."

Will came over then with Taft in hand. The boy suddenly seemed taller. Restrained, and yet confident. His mouth was turned down and he ran to Tildy and hugged her while she was still in her lap.

"Tildy, I am so sorry. I don't want to hurt you. Not ever."

She hugged him back tightly and Chammielle felt the weight in her chest once more.

"I forgive you! I'm sorry I tried to steal your toy! Stealing is bad!"

She looked up to William and wondered what he'd said to the boy. Taft escorted Tildy carefully back over to the dumpling stall and bought her a new dumpling with money Will gave him. He held her hand the whole way, making sure she stood behind him when a group of teenagers ran through the crowd. It was like he was her guard all of a sudden.

William grabbed all of their attention once they'd returned.

"When we're done eating, what do you all say to us going to the hill and finding a good spot for the fireworks? You can all play with your new toys there while we wait."

The children chewed more vigorously and were done quickly.

Before long they'd made their way to the grassy knoll overlooking the brightly lit fife. It seemed magical. A few fireflies dotted the woods surrounding and Chammielle sat on the green watching the children play. Taft was paying special attention to Tildy.

"Bill..."

"Hmm?"

"What did you say to Taft?"

He chuckled and put his arm around her waist, pulling her into his chest as he kissed her hair.

"I gave him the same speech my father gave me when Violet was born. The what it means to be a Prince speech. Of course, I told him every little boy is a Prince."

She leaned in and heard the steady beating of his heart.

"I'd like to hear it."

"Alright..."

He sighed and held her closer. His eyes on the slope where the children were rolling down and running back up. Lights dancing in his eyes.

"You are a Prince. This doesn't mean you can wear a crown and swing a sword and everyone has to do what you say. It means you have a responsibility to those weaker than you. You must care for them. Any good Prince must consider the feelings and needs of their subjects, and give ear to what they are saying to understand even when they seem unreasonable. A good Prince must defend the weak. Heroes are made only when they protect those who need them. This doesn't mean you must hurt others who are trying to hurt someone smaller, but put a stop to it no matter what that means. And most importantly, a Prince is part of a Royal family. His sisters are princesses, his brothers are princes as well. You may look up to those who are older than you, but remember the ones who are younger are looking up to you. A little princess may seem boring and not want to do the things you like, but she looks up to her princely brother. Lend her your ear and listen, teach her how to rule the kingdom, and above all be patient with her. Right now she believes you to be the best person in the world. Be the best person to her and she always will. So when she is ready to play with you the way you want to play, she will want to too. Because you've always been there for her."

Her eyes softened as she saw Taft help Tildy up and hold her hand as they went up the hill together. Even running slower so she could keep up. She stumbled and he held her up and spoke encouraging words to her.

She sighed and held him tighter.

"Bill...you're the best."

"I should hope so. I'm your husband."

A bright flash flew into the sky and exploded. Taft and Tildy ran up to them, quickly grabbing onto their hands and Will stood and picked up the little girl to hoist her onto his shoulders. Chammielle stood with Taft and listened to him point out which colors were his favorite as more went off.

Half a dozen of the skyrockets were in the air at one time. It seemed Alfrina had purchased these expensive items for her favorite little escape anonymously each year. Everyone was happy here. A content and thriving community. She wanted all of Garten to be this peaceful and joyful.

As the golden glow was cast over the lawn, she looked at her husband. His eyes glittering with the multicolored sparks in the sky. She felt it. And she needed to tell him.

Not a moment later would do.

She tapped him on the arm and his eyes found hers.

"Will, I love you."

His eyes went to hers and his smile melted into a passionate pout. She stood on her toes and he leaned in to kiss her. The warmth and admiration they shared flowed through it and the lights made everything magical. It was pure. It was special. And she couldn't imagine life without him at her side.

It was right.

...

The children had been dropped off at home, with Tildy being carried up by her older brother after she'd fallen asleep on Will's shoulders. The whole walk home he twirled her and stole kisses, asking her to say it again and again. They were sober but acting drunk. Love seemed to do that.

He carried her up the stairs and lay her on their bed. She giggled and kissed him, pulling him on top of her. Will was happy to oblige and grasped her, kissing her from head to collarbone and tugging fruitlessly at her hem.

"Why are dresses so hard to take off?"

She giggled, so happy to be here with him.

"So handsome young rogues such as yourself cannot simply have their wicked way with young ladies."

"Ah, that makes sense."

He grinned and went back in for a kiss. His lips hot, wet, and demanding.

"Mmh, wait, let me go take this off."

She got up and headed to the trunk. Opening the top of it and unlacing the bodice quickly. She felt she'd burst into flames if she didn't.

An epiphany struck her and she slowed her movements. The burning sensation smoldered and she felt warm and desirous for something more. She wanted him. But more than that, she wanted what he could give her. What they could have together.

She pulled off the dress but left the chemise. Her finger hooked at the bow and she turned to him. He sat on the edge of the bed, removing his boots.

"Will..."

"Yes? What's wrong?"

His eyes were concerned and she wanted to laugh at him. It was the most marvelous feeling to want him this way.

"Four."

"Four what?"

She untied the ribbon and pulled at her collar.

"Four. I want four. Four beautiful children with you. To raise and tell stories to, sing lullabies and let you tell the Prince speech to them someday. I want your babies, Will. I want to be with you."

His eyes burned with tears and he took a deep breath.

"Are you sure?"

She slid her arms from the sleeves and all at once let the last piece of clothing fall to the floor around her ankles.

"I'm sure."