The Fire Inside

Amoret

Throughout the next week, Mor had grown used to her schedule, her dog, her mother and father, and her life with more freedom than she'd ever dreamed of having. She'd spent time with the other kids, and nights with her mother and sometimes father. But six days had passed, and this morning her mother woke her up with a smile. "Goodmorning, Kova."

She'd even gotten used to her (new) name.

"Goodmorning, ma'am." Mor groggily picked her head up, rubbing at her eyes. Elise walked back in with two trays, one for the queen and one for the princess. "Goodmorning, Miss Elise."

"Goodmorning, Kova. Here you are." She placed a plate of french toast topped with caramel strawberries and raspberries in front of Kova, placing one just like it in front of the queen.

"Thank you, ma'am." Mor immediately dug in, scarfing down the food. One thing she hadn't grown used to was the constant flow of food and having however much she wanted. She ate it quickly every time, still afraid that if she didn't they'd take it away.

"Thank you, Elise." Camille stroked her daughter's head before continuing to eat. When finished, she stacked the tray on top of Kova's. "So, love. Today, Dad is going to meet us here just after lunch. We're going to meet your family today, Kova." She brushed her hair. "Is that okay?"

Mor smiled secretly. "Really?"

"Yep, really." Camille smiled.

"Does...does that mean everyone?" She looked at her with big eyes.

"Close. All of the blood aunts and uncles. Or almost all, anyway. That means your grandparents, your brothers, a few of your aunts and uncles, but two of your uncles can't come because they're too busy to. They can't wait to meet you, though."

"No one's gonna..." She didn't need to finish.

"No. No honey, no. I promise no one's gonna touch you or hurt you. I know that this all has been really hard and that it's strange and difficult to get used to. But no one's like that here, I promise. Now that you're here, and safe, and with us, I can promise you that no one will ever harm you again." She pulled Kova onto her lap. "You're safe, and loved," she whispered soothingly. When her daughter rested her head on Camille's shoulder, she smiled. "You can go back to sleep, darling. I love you."

And Mor fell asleep with the words ringing in her head.

At one o'clock, Camille sat with Kennit's mother while the kids ate at the large table in the center. She watched her daughter sit with Caroline and Ivelle and giggle and laugh, scarfing down chicken sandwiches and mac and cheese. When she was finished, Camille came up to Kova and said quietly, "Hey, darling. I'm going to go downstairs to meet your dad and change, when you're finished Elise is going to take you down to meet us, okay?"

Mor looked up at her mom. "Okay."

Camille kissed her forehead. "Alright, I'll see you in a few minutes, love."

When her mother left the wing, Mor finished her drink then looked at her nurse, who stood behind her a bit. "You all done?" She nodded. "Okay."

Elise took Kova's hand and led her to her cot, where new clothes already waited for her. "Here, Kova. It's cold out, so here are some warmer clothes. I'll be right on the other side of this curtain if you need anything, okay?"

Mor nodded. "Okay." When Elise pulled the curtain closed, she looked at all the clothes. There were two pairs of black pants: leggings and joggers to go on top; a warm deep purple sweater, a white fluffy coat, and matching blush pink gloves, hat, and scarf. She pulled on the clothes quickly, knowing her mother was waiting and opened the curtain for Elise, who stood there with a pair of black boots and thick white socks.