Their Princess

Chapter 14

I and Tod have become good friends since the last time I met him. Whenever I go to the park, he will come to play or collect gemstones with me. It's nice to have him by my side. He is not overprotective like the brothers, and that might be the reason why I have taken a liking toward him.

But that doesn't mean I don't like being spoiled by the brothers. I love it, actually. Anyway, Tod told me that his school is taking his class to a trip, which he is really excited about. And the way he is explaining everything I want to go with him too.

“ Can I come with you?” I finally ask him.

He looks at me for a second, then replies “ You could've joined me, but the tickets are already sold. There is no way you can come now. Why didn't you tell me before that you wanted to go? I would've bought tickets for you.”

I shrug nonchalantly, but deep down, I'm sad that I lost the opportunity to explore this planet. Should I ask Eli? I look up and see Eli talking on his tab while occasionally looking at me. But the tickets are already sold…

Tod is looking at me in pity. So I gave him my meanest glare. “ You can come see me off if you want. Then I can also introduce you to my friends. They will be happy to meet you.” Tod is sweet, but I don't think I can wake up that early just to say goodbye. No way I'm losing my beauty sleep for him. Besides, it will hurt me more seeing him go when I can't. I know it sounds childish, but I can't help what I'm feeling. 

I get up when Eli calls for me, but before I can move, I see a woman coming toward me, glaring daggers at me. I take a step back in fear. She is huge and looks really mad. She picks Tod like he weighs nothing and starts to shout at him.

“ So this is why you come home all dirty. She taught you this?” She starts to come toward me. “ Did you teach him this stupid thing? Where are your parents? I want to have a talk with them. Is this what they teach you?” I feel a shadow looming over me and sigh in relief. 

I want to climb on him and hug his strong body so that nobody can come near and hurt me. I look up at Eli, and he is looking really furious. 

Oh, no.

The woman freezes. I would've done the same thing if I were her, but I'm so glad that I'm not.

“ What? What do you want to talk about?” Eli roars and pushes me in his chest. The woman might have connected the dots because now she is stammering.

“ I'm so…sso….sorry sir. I didn't know she is…she….is with you. I apologize for mmmy… behavior. My child here g…gets sick really easily, so.. so I got scared when he started to come home with mud on his clothes. I know you don't have experience with children, but I must advise you that…”

Before she can finish, Eli covers my eyes with one hand and asks me to cover my ears too. I do so obediently. I can only imagine what is happening with Tod’s occasional whimpers and Eli's growl. 

Eli picks me up without uncovering my eyes and starts walking. “ Eli, what's happening? Let me see.”

“ Nothing, that you need to worry about, baby. We're going home. Did you have fun today? What did you find? You'll have to show me everything when we reach home. Okay?”He starts talking normally like nothing happened. I really wish to know what happened in the park. I guess I have to wait until Tod comes back from his trip.

—-------------------------------------------------

I'm sitting in the living room on my favorite window seat when I hear a voice call for me. “ It's a beautiful day. Isn't it? You should definitely go to the park.” Neri tells me.

No matter how motherly her voice gets, I just can't erase the events from my mind. I still remember her tugging Dana’s hair and…. Let's not go there. So without turning my head from the window, I reply. “ I will be bored. My friend isn't coming for a few more days.” 

“ Why isn't your friend coming?”

“ He has gone on an amazing school trip.” I sigh sadly. I should've asked the brothers. But what good that will do? Tickets are already sold. I need to get a grip on my emotions. “ What are you making for dinner, Neri?” When she doesn't reply, I turn to look at her.

She is analyzing me. Can she read my face? Does she know that I know her secret? Oh no, that will be embarrassing. I tried my best to be normal around her, but it's a little hard. Before I can say another word, Zed enters.

“ Zedy.” I exclaim happily and rush to hug him. I missed him. He has been busy the whole day. Thankfully, he is home now. I can spend some time with him.

“ How's my little girl?” He carries me to the couch. I open my mouth to give him the details, but Neri beats me to it.

“ She wants to go on a trip.” I glare at her. That's mean.

“ What trip?” Zed asks me.

“ Her friend went to one. And she thinks it's an amazing place to go.” Neri speaks for me. Again.

Zed looks at me “ Do you want to go, baby?” 

“ I can't. Tickets are already sold.” I shrug like it doesn't bother me.

“ Do you want to go?” Zed repeats.

“ Zedy, I already told you I can't….” He interrupts. 

“ I'm asking, do you want to go or not? Just reply in yes or no.” Zed sternly asks. 

“ Yes. I want to. But I…”

“ We're going then.” Zed interrupts me again. Rude.

“ Where are we going?” Rey asks from the door. Eli is trailing behind him. 

“ Princess wants to go on a trip.” Zed answers.

“ Really baby?” Rey asks, smiling at me. He comes forward, picks me up, and sits on another couch. He set me on his thighs and started to kiss my jawline.

“ Hey! I picked her first.” Zed protests.

“ No. You cheated. I drove here first, but you ran in to get to her first.” Rey replies. I giggle at this.

“ That's not fair. I still came first. At least in the house.” Zed is pouting like a child. I see Eli come toward me. He leans down to kiss my head and starts asking.

“ Where do you want to go, baby?” 

I think for a second and realize I've forgotten the name of the place where Tod went. “ I don't remember the name Eli. But my friend from the park went there with his class. He said there are lots of mountains there and hot tub baths.” Eli frowns at this.

“ I guess she is talking about Rowgve. That's where they take kids these days.” Rey replies, still kissing my jawline and inhaling my scent. But I'm worried about Eli. He is not a big fan of Tod.

“ Eli, can we go? My friend told me that an event is happening but tickets are sold. We don't have to go there but we can still see the place. I like mountains a lot. So can we go? Please?” I'm looking at him expectantly, but he is in deep thought.

“ Of course, princess, we will go. Right Eli?” When Eli doesn't reply, Rey moves his head from my jaw to look at Eli. “ Eli? What is it? Princess is asking something.”

Eli finally comes out to his senses and gives me my favorite smile. “ Of course. Whatever you want, princess.”