Chapter Text
“Sounds like it may have been an excuse to see you.” Helen smirked over her cup of tea; Miranda rolled her eyes.
“I don’t think it’s like that.” Miranda told her.
“Sure, it isn’t.” Helen smiled, turning her attention to Sofia who was watching them curiously, chewing the ear of her bunny toy. “But, hypothetically speaking, what if it is?” Helen asked, Miranda sighed.
“I don’t know. I honestly don’t know.” She replied with a small, sad frown.
~*~*~*~
“Miss. Miranda, I’m glad you could make it.” Kind Roland bow politely to her, Miranda smiled as she held Sofia close as she stepped out of the carriage.
“Thank you for the invite.” Miranda smiled, accepting his hand as he held it out to her.
“You’re always welcome, I find I like your company. You are a joy to be around.” He said, Miranda blushed deeply at his words.
“I’m honoured you think so.” She smiled lightly. Roland led her up the stairs, heading to the drawing room. Sofia was looking over at Roland with curious eyes. He smiled down at her, causing her to smile and squeal happily. Miranda kissed her forehead. “You do like meeting new people, don’t you sweetheart?” Miranda said. Sofia babbled in reply, her hand soon found its way into her mouth, muffling the babbles. Roland laughed as Miranda shook her head with a smile of her own.
Roland pulled out the chair for Miranda to sit before sitting across from her, Maids came in and poured them tea and brought in some treats.
“Do you need anything for Sofia?” Roland asked.
“No, I brought some things for her. She does love mashed Banana though, if you have any. She is still very fussy with new foods.” Miranda said.
“No problem at all.” Roland nodded to the maids, who went off to get it. “I remember when Amber and James first started with solids, it was like a fight to get them to eat anything sometimes.”
“I know, right now Sofia refuses to each carrots.” Miranda sighed, tapping Sofia on the nose, causing the child to look up at her. “I’ll get you to eat them one day.” She said, Sofia babbled lightly before going back to lightly tug on the table cloth, her small hand clutching it tightly.
“May I hold her?” Roland asked, Miranda looked at him in surprise.
“Well, if you come and get her, she is usually pretty clear on whether she wants to be held or not by someone.” Miranda said, Roland moved round to them and he held his hands out to Sofia nervously. Sofia stared at him for a moment, before giggling happily and holding out her arms. Miranda chuckled and lifted her up into the King’s arms. “I don’t think she’ll mind.” Roland smiled happily as he returned to his seat with Sofia on his lap.
Roland had a huge smile as Sofia happily giggled on his lap, babbling to him quickly and excitedly, clearly thrilled to have someone new to talk too. Miranda watched them happily, sipping her tea.
“She is so precious.” Roland said happily. “I remember when Amber and James were this age!” He gave Miranda a sheepish smile. “They weren’t as conversational as Sofia.” Miranda laughed.
“Sofia will happily talk off anyone’s ear. Not sure if when she learns to talk will be the same, but I look forward to future talks.” She said, Roland nodded in understanding as he began to respond to Sofia, who excitedly babbled more, pleased he was finally replying.
Amber and James hurried down the halls with big smiles. When their father had told them he was inviting Miranda and Sofia for tea that afternoon, they could barely stay still during school, wanting to get back in time to see them as well. Of course, their friends had questions, but they said nothing, not that it was their business anyway.
“The carriage was still outside, so she made it and it still here!” James grinned. “We made it home in time.”
“I know, I’m so happy! And excited.” Amber agreed. “Father was so nervous! And we get to see Sofia again!”
“Yeah! I want to hold her this time though.” James said.
“Of course, but I at least want a hug. She is just so soft and cuddly, and quite curious. I just love her!” Amber sighed. The twins opened the door into the drawing room where they saw their father teaching Miranda to dance. Sofia was fast asleep in a padded basket, looking very peaceful. The twins smirked at each other and looked back to their father and Miranda, they didn’t want to intrude on such a moment, especially as the adult seemed to be enjoying it.
“There, you’ve got it.” Roland smiled as he twirled Miranda around, she chuckled as she took his hand again.
“You’re a pretty good teacher.” She complimented, “Thank you.”
“It’s a joy, Miranda.” Roland smiled softly. “Honestly, I was very nervous about today.” Miranda looked up at him curiously.
“Why?” She asked.
“It’s hard to think of the words, to be honest.” Roland sighed. “Sorry, I wish I could speak as honestly as my feelings, but I really enjoy speaking to you, spending any sort of time with you, and Sofia.” Miranda blushed, “I know this is so early into meeting you, and I know you are likely still griving the loss of your husband, I feel terrible-” Miranda stopped, looking up at him with a sad smile.
“I know what you mean. I also enjoy these small times we can just talk, I love how you also take such an interest in Sofia. I’m not sure how I feel about everything just yet – but, I hope we can still meet like this, even if we haven’t had many moments.” Roland smiled.
“I would love that.” Roland nodded. “I do like Sofia’s deep conversations.” Miranda giggled happily.
“She is quite the chatter box.” Miranda agreed happily. James and Amber grinned and opened the door, causing the adults the jump a little.
“Hi father! Miss Miranda.” They bowed.
“Welcome home you two.” Roland smiled.
“Miss Miranda, I actually have a small question. Could you possibly teach me how to sew?” Amber asked, Miranda looked at her in surprise.
“I would love too.” She agreed. “Next time we have tea, it should be on a day off, I will bring the things you’ll need.”
“Fantastic!” Amber beamed “Thank you.” Miranda just smiled. The four of them sat back at the table to drink as Amber and James spoke about their day, every now and again, Miranda would notice how Roland would glance over to check on Sofia, she felt at ease knowing the King loved her daughter as much as she did – But she needed to speak to Helen about everything.