Giulia wasn't quite sure that her growing was much of a thank you- if she got bigger she would be far too heavy for even a big strong PrinceKnight like this man to carry around on his shoulders after saving her. Unless he wanted her to grow so she wouldn't need any more rescues? That would make sense.
"You don't have to think you're a prince to be one. You can be a prince because of good manners, or lots of money, or being super nice." Though maybe good manners was also very knightly. Hmmm.
"You can be a knight if you don't want to be a prince, Mr. Munhummer." her tiny hand patted his hair gently.
"You are a very handsome knight, like Lancelot. I bet you will be the very best." Not even a doubt in her mind. He had been so big and brave to jump to her rescue when she was scared- he really was a good knight. And he recognized her princessness.
At the end of her driveway, Mr. Manhummer paused, and Giulia cooperated happily as he pulled her off his shoulders, her bright light-up shoes flickering wildly as her feet moved for purchase. Plopped to the ground, lightly, controlled carefully by her very strong, brave, and nice Mr. Knight. And then he kissed her forehead, and Giulia beamed at him happily.
"I'll see you again, Mr. Muhneimer." she couldn't return the kiss, but she could blow him one, and she did; her cheeks were bright with pleasure. With one last bright, cheery wave, Giulia darted away from the tall man, her butterfly-winged light-up backpack bouncing- and lighting up.
