"Brother Chipmunk!"
Before anyone could react, a small white blur launched through the air and collided right into Luca's chest.
"Ooof!"
Luca took a stumbling step back, laughing as he caught the little princess who had quite literally flung herself at him.
Princess Nina clung to him like a happy koala, beaming from ear to ear. She wasn't wearing her usual frilly dress this time, but a pair of training clothes that made her look like she'd escaped from the palace guards' practice yard. Somehow, despite the mud on her boots and the leaves tangled in her hair, her white hair gleamed and her eyes sparkled like polished gems.
Even with grass stuck to her elbow, she still managed to look royal.
"Brother Chipmunk, how was it?!" she asked eagerly, tilting her head up with the most innocent curiosity. "Was the auction fun? Did you enjoy it?!"
Luca couldn't help smiling as he adjusted her in his arms. "It was… eventful."
