After the hospital visit yesterday, James was more determined than ever to get moving on the diplomatic processes and to get as much done as possible so that Xilquin could relax when he eventually woke up. However, the next two days were public holidays for the Tolians and almost everyone was out enjoying the parks and festivals that were going on.
James tried to dismiss Msizi and the guards saying he was going to spend the day going over the previous meetings, and that they might as well go enjoy themselves. They politely refused but did try to leave him alone. Msizi occasionally left him some snacks and refreshments.
Sara was spending the day by herself too. She was trying to plan out future meetings and how best to tackle them in an organised manner. She kept getting distracted though by thinking about how James would do it, then getting annoyed with herself for thinking about James. Elle could hear the occasional curse word being said from the next room.
* * *
By the time Msizi brought lunch, James had all but given up trying to work. He wasn't get much done.
"Msizi, I would like to get out of this suite this evening and go for a walk around a park. Could you ask Sara if she will join me, if she is not too busy," he asked. "Would it be too much trouble to arrange for a picnic for us too please?"
"I will certainly ask," he replied with a nod.
"Thank you. In the mean time I am going to take a shower then read a book for a couple of hours. I am not getting much done looking at these notes."
* * *
"Ma'am, Ambassador James has asked if you are free this evening to take a walk around a park and have a picnic," Elle said. "Your evening is currently free so I have provisionally booked the time off for you," she smiled.
"Oh, a picnic does sound nice," she replied a little too enthusiastically.
"OK, I'll tell him it's a date," Elle said.
"It's it not a date," she replied blushing a little. "Just work out the arrangements with Msizi please."
"No Ma'am, of course not. Definitely not a date. Nope," Elle said sarcastically.
* * *
"Princess Sara has accepted your invitation," Msizi informed James. "She will meet you downstairs at five o'clock this evening."
"Thank you."
* * *
"Thank you for inviting me James, it's been a long time since I have had the chance to just walk." She was wearing a flowing summer dress and flat sandals. He noticed that her once short hair was getting long as she absent-mindedly tucked a few strands behind her ear.
"You are most welcome Sara. I saw everyone else out and about enjoying themselves and thought why not. I needed some 'fresh air' as it were. I wasn't getting any work done, so I wanted to try and clear my head. Shall we," he offered pointing the way along the nearest path.
Keeping a respectful distance behind them were two casually dressed guards.
* * *
In the shade of a tree near the palace Elle and Msizi were slowly setting up a picnic. Blanket laid on the ground, arranged cushions, hamper of food, a couple of bottles of wine - the usual picnic/date elements.
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"Are we doing the right thing?" Elle asked.
"What do you mean?. You know they are good for each other," he said. "How many people has she even gotten close to in all the years we have known her? She's never snuggled anyone before!"
"But they have only known each other for less than two months."
"She never leaves his side when they are together. Besides, it's just a picnic right?" Msizi smirked.
"Definitely not a date!" Elle smirked back.
* * *
Slowly walking around the parks, James and Sara were getting a few happy glances from other couples walking the opposite way. The alien and the princess.
"This is nice," he said lazily, "this really is a lovely park."
"Yes, I don't appreciate it enough. There is always one thing or another taking up my time, I never get a chance to enjoy it. Elle and Msizi do a wonderful job of managing my time, but there never seems to be enough of it."
"I know what you mean. Jumping from one meeting to another, there is never any time for ourselves. This is why I suggested it. I was told it's a public holiday today, so I thought why not."
"I am glad you did, " she smiled.
After walking for a bit longer, enjoying each others company and some small talk, they made their way towards the palace and the picnic that had been set up.
"This looks wonderful, thank you both," Sara said to Elle and Msizi.
"Yes," James agreed, "thank you."
Sitting down, James started unpacking a few things from the hamper while Sara laid out two plates and cutlery. Elle and Msizi retreated to a safe distance to spy on them. The guards similarly moved away and blended in.
Holding a bottle of wine, James quipped "I am not sure we should be drinking this, after what happened the other night, but there doesn't seem to be anything else to drink. Just more wine." he said looking inside the hamper.
"What about the other night?" Sara asked quizzically.
"I don't know to be honest. All Msizi told me is that I fell asleep on a sofa and had to be carried back to my room. I was so embarrassed."
"Ah, OK. Let's eat shall we?" she said changing the subject quickly.
James recognised some of the food, he had to rely on Sara to help identify what was sweet or savoury, and what pair with what. It was a comical experience with them both laughing at James's expense.
With the food arranged correctly they filled their plates and started eating and drinking.
* * *
Several hours later and sipping on the last of the wine, Sara and James were laid back against the bottom of the tree, wistfully looking up at the stars. The station lights had been turned down to night time settings and the stars were shining brightly.
"The thing at the palace that Msizi isn't telling you about," Sara started, "it's to save my embarrassment not yours."
"Oh?"
"While you were asleep on the sofa, I was there too curled up and resting against you holding onto your arm."
"Oh!"
"Elle said we looked 'cosy' together," she smiled.
"Did she? Well thank you for telling me. Please don't feel embarrassed, it had been a long day, a long few weeks really, and we were both tired and I dare say a little drunk," he smiled looking up at the stars.
"Can I tell you something?" he said a few minutes later. "I like being in your company. To be able to relax and not worry about etiquette and formalities all the time. Without having to try and please everyone all the time. I can just be myself around you. Thank you for allowing me to do that."
"Since we are being honest with each other, I feel the same way too. The last couple of months has been a lot of hard work but with you being here it has made it so much more enjoyable and less of a burden. I enjoy our endless meetings together."
She reached out and held his hand. "Thank you," she said sincerely.
James looked at her and smiled.
She smiled back giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
Somewhere a bush let out a little squeal of delight.
* * *
After holding hands and staring at the stars for what seemed like hours, James and Sara stood up and walked towards the palace.
"Thank you for a lovely evening and wonderful picnic." Sara said.
"You are most welcome. Although, Msizi did most of the work to be honest. I just turned up." He laughed.
"Well, thank you for turning up," she quipped, smiling back, "well, this is me."
James turned to Sara, holding both her hands in his. "Good night, Sara."
"Good night, James."
Their eyes locked for a few seconds more before she turned away and walked into the Palace.
After a few moments of watching Sara go, James turned and got into an awaiting buggy to take him back to his suite.
"Thank you, Msizi, for organising this I think it went well."
"You are most welcome, however it's back to the grindstone tomorrow, the meetings start again in earnest."
"What a way to ruin the moment, Msizi!" James laughed.
* * *
"So? How did it go?" Elle started, hardly containing herself.
"I think you know, Elle. You were watching from behind a bush after all," Sara replied cynically.
"No good night kiss then?"
"It wasn't a date, just a lovely walk and picnic with a friends" Sara said defensively.
...