Summary: Summary: When Raydan buys a gift for Kenna, he discovers just how meaningful it is.
Even after all this time, being back in Lykos still brought back so many bad memories. Although he was now King of Stormholt, Raydan vividly recalled the years he spent living as a street rat. He was so lucky to have escaped that life.
He and his family were visiting his sister. It was the first time that Adder had seen her baby nephew Leonidas. Kenna held their infant son in her arms, while their young daughters Gabrielle and Marcelline played with their dolls. Their older children Adrian and Adelia sat nearby.
Adder filled them in on what had been going on in Lykos. “We initiated a new member into the Order of the Black Asps last week.”
“The test of the sword. I remember it well.” Kenna looked at Raydan and smiled. “That was quite a night.”
Raydan nodded. “Most definitely.” He knew she didn’t just mean his initiation. They were both thinking of their first night together in the command tent. Thanks to Kenna, he finally had some good memories of Lykos. Kenna had made him happier than he ever thought possible.
Later on, he quietly slipped away. He decided that he wanted to do something nice for Kenna. He had noticed a jewelry shop nearby, so he headed over there.
A man greeted him as he walked into the shop. “May I help you?”
“Yes, I’d like to buy something for my wife, maybe a necklace.”
The man showed him an array of necklaces. Raydan looked them over and was drawn to a silver necklace with diamonds and sapphires.
Raydan pointed to the necklace. “I’ll take this one. The color of the sapphires is perfect for her.”
“I bet it will look lovely on her. Is blue your wife’s favorite color?”
“Blue is one of Stormholt’s colors, so it’s a good choice for Kenna.”
The man’s eyes widened. “You’re King Raydan of Stormholt?” He bowed. “It is an honor to meet you, Your Highness. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the people of Lykos. You changed my life. I left home when I was very young. It wasn’t safe there. I ended up living on the street. Life was hard for me, until you set up a shelter here. I finally had a place to stay, and food to eat. The workers at the shelter helped me get an apprenticeship with a jeweler, and eventually I opened up this shop. I owe you so much. Again, thank you.”
Raydan’s eyes welled up with tears. “I’m so glad that I was able to help you. I know how hard life on the street is. It’s a pleasure to meet you. What’s your name?”
The man smiled at him. “Elias Vasilakis.”
“I’m so glad we met, Elias. If I’m looking for more jewelry, I’ll definitely come to you. I’m in Lykos from time to time, since my sister lives here.”
Raydan paid Elias for the necklace, and then returned to Adder’s residence. He quietly slipped inside, and then approached Kenna.
Kenna turned to him. “There you are! You just disappeared.”
“You know I’m good at that, my love.” Raydan smiled, then reached into the pocket of his tunic. “I have something for you.” He held out the necklace.
“That’s beautiful! Thank you.” Kenna leaned closer to Raydan and kissed him.
“You’re very welcome. You have given me so much, and brought me such happiness. I have so many bad memories of this place, but thanks to you, I now have some good ones. I wanted us to have one more.” Raydan walked behind Kenna, then placed the necklace around the neck and closed the clasp. He then moved in front of Kenna and gazed at her. “It looks stunning on you.” He paused for a moment, then continued. “There’s something special about that necklace. The man that made it used to live on the street, like I did. Because I set up a shelter here, he was able to get off the street, and now he has his own jewelry shop. It makes me feel so good that I was able to help someone who was in the same position as I was.”
“That’s wonderful! I’m so proud of you.” Kenna moved closer to Raydan and hugged him, then kissed him again. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Kenna.” Raydan held her tightly.
Their daughter Adelia ran over to them, and looked at Kenna’s necklace. “Ooh, that’s so pretty!”
Raydan looked to Adelia. “I should get something for you too. I know the perfect place.”