Mikhail and Sophia looked at each other. Unlike the latter, who did not feel awkward, the former felt that he could not produce anything to give her and did not know what a six-year-old girl liked, so he wallowed in self-doubt in silence once more. He had planned ahead what he would say to Natalie, but Sophia was not in it. Now…
Mikhail felt embarrassed again. After a long while, the man in his fifties finally threw out a question. “Sophia, is there anything you want to do recently? Is there anything I can help you with?” Sophia tilted her head and pondered for a moment.
“Riding.” Mikhail nodded, feeling his confidence surge as he replied, “Sure! I can certainly find you the best foal in Yaleview and hire the best equestrian teacher. When the time comes, I’ll gift you the horse ranch as well, so when you feel like riding, you can go there anytime-”
“That’s not what I want!” The little girl grew anxious and placed her hands on her hips. “If not this, what else?” Mikhail was also a little confused. “Or… Do you wish to ride a horse in the prairie instead of the city? If that’s what you want, that’s also easy. I’ll charter a plane for you.
“It’s not that!” Sophia shook her head again. “Umm… What do you want then, Sophia?” “I want to ride one at home!” The little girl gestured to him. “What I meant is that someone becomes a horse, and I can sit on his back!”
Sophia had long wanted to try that. But many things have been happening at home lately. Daddy has to take care of the injured Mommy, so even if I longed to play this, I’m too embarrassed to ask Daddy. The reasonable Uncle Steven is not around either…
Mikhail immediately knew what his precious granddaughter wanted from her description. Just as he was about to agree, Brody offered, “How can I allow you to do that? Leave it to me!”
His reason was simple. If we let a child sit on his back, isn’t that forcing His Majesty to kneel and ruining his prestige as a ruler? Just leave this kind of trivial matter to me, his attendant. There’s no need for His Majesty to do it himself!
However, he did not expect Mikhail to roll his eyes at him as soon as he expressed his loyalty. “Tell me! What do you mean?” “What’s the matter? Do you wish to take away my task?” the king asked cynically.
“I’m not.”
“Really? If that’s not the case, do you think you’ll get a chance to do something like that?” Mikhail commented cynically again. Brody was stunned. If he had not heard it in person, he would never believe that the king he had served for more than ten years would say such shameless words. What I saw and heard today has utterly shaken my worldview as an attendant! Tsk! It’s true what they say- grandparents spoiling their grandchildren is the worst. This girl’s parents most likely never did this, but once it’s the generation above, the pampering will become excessive.
“Ignore him, Sophia. Hop onto my back!” Mikhail bent over with a smile, placed his hands on the ground, and let Sophia sit on his back. Then, the two started playing.
Soon after, Emma came over with steaming coffee and freshly baked pastries so the king could sample them. Never did she imagine that she would be greeted with a scene like that as soon as she stepped out of the kitchen.
She hastily put down the plates, intending to stop them. This is unacceptable! However, before she could get close, Brody reached out to stop her. “What are you doing?”
“His Majesty… Umm… Doing that for a child…” Emma stuttered. “How can I allow that? I must tell Ms. Sophia not to play this kind of game! If she offends His Majesty, she’ll be in deep. trouble!”
Brody appeared unfazed, like he was used to seeing that. “His Majesty is having fun! Should you dare to disturb him now, it’s not Ms. Sophia. who will get into trouble, but you and I,” he reminded her out of “goodwill.” Emma was stunned by his words.
To stop her, or not to stop? That is the question.
