Their Princess

Chapter 8

I'm straddling Alerix’s lap, sitting on his king-sized chair in one of the balconies of the castle. He has been peppering my face with a million kisses ever since I surprised him with the baked bread. I giggle as his beard tickles my face. 

I also fed him with my own hands while he was busy massaging my shoulders. God, his hands are so strong and warm. When I told him my shoulders were stiff from kneading the dough for hours, he frowned and wasted no time in bringing me comfort. I love his hands.

I'm still feeding him when a thunder rumbles in the sky. I squeal in surprise and clutch Alerix’s shirt tightly. “ It's going to start raining again. We should probably go inside now.”

I whine. “ No, I don't want to go in. I'm too comfortable here.” That's true. I'm enjoying his warmth and scent way too much. He must be tired from his extra long meetings, but still, he is here with me. 

“ It's going to get cold, princess. Let's take you inside.” I clutch Alerix tightly when he gets up from his throne seat. He just laughs at my antics and carries me inside the castle. 

His movement is lulling me to sleep. I'm sucking on his shirt collar when I hear an angry voice. “ I told you not to come here. You're not welcome at my house. Just leave.” 

Wait, why is Zed booming and at whom? My question is answered by a feminine voice. “ Zed, you're being unreasonable right now. Just hear me out. I'm here to apologize on behalf of Lina’s behavior. And you're screaming at me for no appropriate reason. I didn't even do anything. And why the heck are we adults fighting over children? We should teach them to make peace, not create more war!” Leya screams.

Wow, I wasn't expecting such intelligence from her. I turn my head to look at her, but Alerix buries my head in his neck. “ Cover your ears for me, princess.” I do as he says. He pecks the side of my head and brings me to his home office.

“ Okay, baby, listen now. I'm going outside to take care of some issues. Can you wait here for me until I come back?” When I nod at him, he fawns over me. “ Such a good baby. My baby.” I blush profusely at his praise. He nuzzles my nose with his and leaves the room with a quick kiss on my nose.

I look around me and see some paper and colors. Let's let the artist's art unfold.

After some time, Alerix enters the room with Zed looking furious. I pretend to be absorbed in my work while they talk. It's more like an argument now. I don't like it when people argue. So after some time, when I see there's no end to this, I get up and leave the room.

“ What are you doing, princess?” I see Rey coming toward me. I was having a great day, and now, all of a sudden, I feel grumpy.

“ Just going outside. Has it stopped raining?”

“ Yes, it has. Do you want to go on a walk with me?” I immediately said yes to his offer. Once outside, I convinced him to take me to the nearest park.

“ Be careful, baby. Ground is muddy today. You can slip and get hurt.” Rey warns me.

I ignore him and start my little adventure. I look around for the right place to start. Gemstones are not everywhere. You have to be mindful and patient enough to understand the signs. And once you do, bingo, you will find them easily.

While I'm digging, I see someone observing me.  “ What are you doing?” A boy, slightly taller than me, asked.

“ I'm on a treasure hunt.”

He looks at me confused, so I show him my treasure that I found today. He doesn't comment, simply sits beside me, and starts digging. 

“ How old are you?” I ask him

“ I'm 23. And you?”

“ I'm 24.” I tell him calmly. We don't speak after that. Too absorbed in our hunt. When Eli calls me back, I realize that the sun has set. I collect my gemstones and give the boy a small wave.

“ Wait, take these with you too.”

“ Why did you collect them if you didn't want them?” I ask him confused. 

He shrugs his shoulders and says “ I just wanted to talk with you. So….I….I mean….” 

“ Princess, come on. We need to go home, baby. It's your dinner time.” I would have replied to the boy, but I'm feeling way too grumpy, so I just turn and head toward Rey.

“ Wait. What's your name? And are you really a princess?” The boy really looks stunned with the discovery. 

“ I'm Raelynn, and I'm not sure about being a princess. What's your name?”

“ I'm Tod. Do you live with the Dawn family?” I think he is way too interested in making a conversation, so I quietly return to Rey, who is typing fastly on his tab.

“ Rey Rey. Let's go home. I'm tired.” Rey puts his tab in his jacket and picks me up without giving a single thought that my hands are dirty. I put my head on his shoulder and sigh deeply.

“ Looks like you did a lot of treasure hunting for the day.” Rey asks in his deep voice. I hum and let him do the talking. I actually did a lot of things today, and now I just want my bed. “ Did you make a friend, baby?” 

“ No.” I answered him.

“ No? Then who was that guy with you who gave you his gemstone collection?”

“ I don't know.” I tell him sleepily. 

“ Oh no, baby. Don't sleep right now. You need a bath first.” He tries to keep me awake, but it's too late. My body is exhausted, and I feel myself slipping into a deep slumber.