n

n

nAfter he had pushed the chest just below the foot of the bed, he cleared his throat again.

n

"Goodnight,

" and then left.

n

"Huh?

" I uttered while staring at the closed door in puzzlement.

nMy eyes then slid down to the chest and then to the key on my palm.

n'A treasure chest? Is there going to be gold in here?!'

nWait. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. A treasure chest would be impossible…

n'Then what is this?'

nI got up from the vanity table and sat down on the bed. Inserting the key on the lock, my breath was automatically held in as I slowly opened it..

nInside, there was another box, but longer and quadratic in length. I pulled it out and what greeted me next, were a bunch of things. My eyes stared, and blinked before I started noticing that these were all familiar.

n'Wah--'

nI pulled out one, it was spherical and has water in it. You guessed it right! It's a snowglobe. The same snowglobe that I was looking at from the trinket store. I picked up another, some kind of windchime which I was also checking out on the day of our outing.

n'He bought this all?'

nIt was every single thing that I was admiring, and I sat there baffled and amazed. I stared at the snowglobe on my hand and shook it, watching the scenery inside with a bemused expression.

n'Oh Nathan…'

n

"Why are you so sweet, brother? Come on…

" I mumbled as a smile stretched my lips.

nMy heart was overflowing with emotions, mostly love, sibling love. I could honestly say that I love my brother now. I mean, who wouldn't?

nI then glanced at the other box, getting curious as to what it contains.

n

"What might this be…

"

nI placed the box over my lap then opened it, and got extremely shocked that I almost dropped it off of me.

n

"Wha--

"

nI almost choke on air, I tell you because inside was the familiar white ivory bow from the armory. The gold pattern glinted as the light hit it, looking mesmerizing as hell. I slowly closed the box and sniffled.

nYes, I was crying. Tears were streaming down my cheeks like waterfalls. It wasn't from sorrow, but from joy. I just couldn't help it, I was so moved!

nI have never thought or noticed that Nathan had seen me looking at this. Most importantly, he was preoccupied with his talk with the shop owner.

n'When did he see me then? Does he have eyes behind his head?'

nWhatever the reason was, it doesn't matter. What matters is the effort he had put in and the thought that came with it.

nI then stood up from my bed and ran out of the room.

nThe door to Nathan's room opened with a bang, which surprised him. Nathan was at the bedside, probably going to bed. He was done changing from his knight uniform and was wearing his pajamas now.

nHis eyes trained on me, looking very much confused.

n

"Nadia? Why--

"

nI interrupted his words by suddenly flinging myself at him and hugged him really tight. Nathan stood there rooted on the ground, seemingly turning into a pillar. He might have gotten shocked by my sudden action and couldn't get to think of what to do. He was just there, frozen stiff.

nWell, I don't care! I will hug him!

n

"Thank you, brother,

" I mumbled while my face was buried on his chest, still sniffing.

nIt might be true that my snot and tears are being transferred on his pajama top but who knows, right?

nHe wasn't moving so I looked up at him with tear-stained eyes and saw him wide-eyed and panicky. Like a fish out of water...

n'Heh~ Cute…'

nAfter seeing my crying face, he suddenly frowned and gently wiped away the moisture on my cheek. The expression on his face was so sincere that it brought fresh tears to well down, and he became more panicked.

n

"Why are you crying? You didn't like it?

" he inquired.

nI shook my head and pouted,

"I'm just happy so I cried.

"

nHis forehead was still furrowed as if he didn't get it at all. So I hugged him tighter, clinging like how a boa constrictor would. Nathan, who did not know what to do earlier, stroked my hair. It felt so comforting so I let him do it, relishing the feeling.

nWe continued like that for a while before I released my hold on him and looked up, beaming.

n

"Thank you, dear brother! I promise to use it well~

"

nNathan studied my face for a moment. His right hand then reached out and patted my head gently.

n

"Of course…

" was his reply.

nAfter some more minutes, I left his room and went back to mine, still feeling giddy. I lied on my bed, feeling excited for tomorrow. I cannot wait for daybreak to come, so I could show the bow to the world.

n------***

nIt was finally the day of The Hunt. Nathan and I were already dressed in hunting gears which were delivered to us a week before. The outfit that Adele had prepared for me was up to my standards and taste.

nThe top was white and had long sleeves, and is made from stretchable material. The wais part is cinched with a brown corset, but it wasn't constricting either. The bottom part is stretchable too, and very comfortable.

nIt was simple, just like what I wanted.

n

"My lady, the Marquis wanted to give this to you,

" George suddenly approached me and handed a box.

n'Oop- Another box…'

n

"He did?

" I uttered and opened it.

nInside was a complete set of archery gear, starting from the gloves to a bracer and the finger tab. It was all in great quality as well. I would bet everything that these cost a fortune. Knowing my extravagant father…

nA smile appeared on my face,

"Thank you, George. I would personally give my thanks to my father later as well.

"

nMari helped me put it on, grabbed my bow set and I was now raring to go. With these, I'm ready for the show.

n