Competition (2)

"I heard this is a big social event because the king is coming. Will he be here today?" Annalise asked.

"He will not be able to attend this year, but someone from the palace will be here in his place. There will be a time for you to see the king," Rafael replied, occasionally looking back at her to make sure she was behind him.

As he walked, he was approached by women and men. Men wanted to speak about his travels or for him to pay careful attention to someone they knew who was participating and women wanted to offer a charm for his sword or some other gift.

Annalise could not believe how Rafael walked around and there was some young lady at every step offering him a gift. If he would let her, she would gladly accept them from young women. Gifts should not be wasted. Not when she could make use of them since Rafael did not want them.