Their Princess

Chapter 24

“ Do you need anything, princess?” Eli asks for the twentieth time in the past hour. He has been working in the living room so that he can look after me and work as well. So far, I don't think he has made any progress in his work.

From the corner of my eyes, I see him looking at me with worried eyes. It has been five days since Alerix left, and everyone has been treating me like a porcelain doll.

I would admit that it was hard in the first few days, but I think my nervous system has settled now. I won't lie, I felt abandoned when Alerix left. I couldn't sleep alone. On day one, Zed had to spend the whole night with me. After that, Rey decided that one of them would sleep beside me.

My queen sized bed couldn't fit them, but they didn't complain. They just held me through the night, whispering sweet nothings into my ear until I fell asleep. Alerix also wasn't doing much better. He would call after every few hours to check on me. 

He was working really hard to come home early, so I tried to assure him that I was doing better, but he still wasn't convinced. 

“ No, Eli. I'm fine.”

“ Come here.” He put his tab and files on the table to make space for me on his lap. I do as he says. Pecking my head, he starts to play with my fingers. “ Tell me, how are you feeling? And don't say you're fine because I know you're not.” 

I feel like he is scolding me, but for some reason, I like it. I bask in his body heat and cuddle against him. 

“ I don't know Eli. My mind wouldn't be calm.”

“ Do you…. I mean, do you want something? Like normally, you will suck Alerix’s collar or thumb. Do you need anything like that?”

He's right. I have been missing Alerix’s scent and touch. Now that he has reminded me of it, I can't sit still. I want it now.

Tears of frustration fill my eyes. “ Eli… please don't remind me.” I hide my face in his chest, sniffing and sobbing silently. His arms tighten around me. 

“ I'm sorry, my heart. I didn't mean to….” He waits, then continues “ Do you want to go outside? We can do something fun.”

Wiping my eyes with my sleeves, I ask. “ Like what?”

“ Whatever you want. We can shop, play, go for a walk or we can meet that friend of yours.” 

I think for a moment, then reply “ I want to see the art studio that Leya was talking about. Can we go there?”

“ Of course we can.” Eli beams at me.

I think a change in the environment will help me a lot to better my mood. Ever since Leya talked about this art studio, I've been wanting to go there. I knew it would brighten my mood, and it definitely did.

“ Eli, look. That's so pretty. And that one, too.” I've been pointing out my favorite paintings and sculptures to Eli when I noticed a room at the end of the hallway. Without mentioning anything, I drag Eli there.

“ Pottery class?” I nod excitedly at Eli.

“ I've always wanted to learn it. Let's go and see inside.” Leaving Eli, I wander around the small room, looking at the display items carefully, examining the structure and detailing of each item. All of them are exceptionally beautiful. The intricate designs and finishing explain that whoever made this knows what they are doing.

I love it when art flows so freely out of artists. Like they know no boundaries or limits. They just pour it out in the world. 

I jump when I feel a hand on my shoulder. “ Eli! You scared me. Look, aren't these beautiful?” I show him the plates in front of me.

“ Yes, these are. But I thought you liked painting not…..Pottery.” He makes a face at the end.

“ I do. But I've been wanting to learn Pottery for so long, Eli. If you don't mind, can I join this class, Eli?” I ask nervously.

Crossing my fingers, I wait. Please say yes. Please say yes. Please say yes. Eli hesitates, thinking for a second, then shaking his head. Looking back at me, I know what he is going to say. I know that look very well, so before he can utter a word, my face falls.

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

“ Pottery? Seriously, Eli? Out of all the classes, you got her into a Pottery class.” Zed makes a disgusting face.

I don't know why they are shocked and disgusted. What's wrong in learning Pottery? It's such a therapeutic activity. 

Eli simply shrugs, feeding me. “ She wanted to. She looked so happy when she was there. I couldn't tell her no.”

Rey comes and puts me in his lap. “ You go eat your food. I will feed her.” Eli hands over my plate to Rey. 

“ But our princess likes painting. Why didn't you take her there first? I bet she would have enjoyed that class more.” 

“ Oo shut up, Zed. Stop acting like an old man. If my baby wants to make pots and cups, then she will make it. No one can stop her from doing so. So now, keep your judgmental mouth shut and eat your food. Because I will not tolerate any kind of negativity around her.” Rey orders.

Zed huffs, crossing his arms, glaring at Rey, but says nothing further. I wonder how daddy would react. Looks like Pottery isn't as applauded as paintings are.

“ Don't worry, princess. Don't listen to him. He has started to age before us. This happens when you hang out with the wrong company. You did well. Okay? I know you're going to make me proud in that Pottery class.” Rey’s words boost my mood.

Maybe I can make something for Daddy as a gift. I can also make something for Rey and Eli or maybe Zed, too. But before that, I needed to learn the basics. The teacher looked polite and calm so I hope everything will go fine.

I'm making a mental list of what I can make easily and what the brothers will like. It's a difficult task, but still, I do it when someone enters from the front door.

“ Hey, you all. How are you doing?” Kai asks excitedly.

What is he doing here again? He had already spent a week in our castle and now he is back. I don't have any personal issues with him, but he is way too clingy.

Last time when he was here he would follow me around, try to feed me from his plate ( which I denied), bring me snacks, and one time he went as far as offering to put me to sleep. Thankfully, only Zed was there to hear his offer, who politely refused him. 

Now he is back with lots of bags. I just hope that they do not contain his clothes. I can't tolerate his clinginess anymore. 

“ Why is he here again?” Rey mutters under his breath. I giggle at his reaction. I'm happy that I'm not the only one who doesn't like Kai's presence. 

He presses his lips on my head and turns to Kai, who is putting all the bags on our couch. “ So, what brings you here this time? Because I don't remember inviting you.”

Kai laughs like Rey has told him a joke. “ Oh no, you didn't. Dad told me that Alerix had to go to Tzior, so I thought you might need my help here.”

“ Help?” Eli asks, coming toward me. I notice he has a cookie in his hand. 

“ Yes. You know you guys are busy with work, so I thought you might need a hand with the princess since Alerix is not coming for another week.” My hands grabbing the cookie from Eli stops midair, processing Kai's words.

The room fell silent. 

“ Eli, can you take our princess outside for some time? I want to have a word with Kai.” Rey asks in a calm voice. 

I turn to look at his face. He is glaring at Kai. Wanting his attention on me, I nuzzle in his chest. He cups my face in his big hands and presses a kiss on my cheek. “ I will sleep beside you tonight. Okay? Until then, can you accompany Eli for me?” He asks gently.

I nod at him, smiling. With a peck on his cheek, I leave with Eli.