Their Princess

Chapter 27

“ Planet Ethna has three continents. One is Et where we live, Nat is in the south, a forbidden place run by rebels. And, the last is Han in the Far East, mostly covered with forest and predators.”

“ Nobody leaves their continent unless they have a death wish…..Both Et and Nat have been fighting each other for the last 10 years.”

“ Why?” I interrupt Grace.

“ Nat wants resources from Et. They have destroyed their continent, fighting against each other, and now they think that they have the right over our resources.”

“ Why can't we share?”

“ Because they're bad. They are attacking us with dangerous weapons and stealing our resources……”

Grace continues her class while I listen to her patiently. When I told the Brothers that I was interested in learning more, they hired Grace to teach me. Goal one to be that Princess: Get education.

So far, I'm enjoying my classes. She is very patient and passionate about her work. We started with the basics, and for my sake, she has kept the pace low. I have my own study room now so that no one disturbs me. And to be honest, I'm more excited about decorating my space than studying.

From the corner of my eye, I see one of our helpers admiring Grace. I understand his desire. Grace is beautiful, with her luscious blonde hair, tall figure, and feminine features, I bet she can rock anyone's world.

Yes, just stay away from mine.

When we pack up and leave the room, Rey is there to receive me. He asks Grace about my progress and all. I blush when she compliments me. Rey immediately captures me in his arms and smothers my face with kisses. 

I'm happy that I made him proud.

“ I knew my baby could do anything. Thank you for your assistance, Miss Grace. It means a lot.”

“ It's my job. Now, if you allow me, I've some work…”

“ Yes, sure. Thanks again.”

When she leaves, Rey rewards me with cookies. “ Let's call Alerix and let him know about your progress.” Before he can call Daddy, I stop him. 

“ Don't call him, Rey. I don't want to talk to him.” I pleaded with him. He frowns but relents. 

“ Are you upset with him?”

I just shrug, implying I don't want to talk further about it. He takes the hint and doesn't prod further. We play some board games when I start to yawn.

“ Looks like it's nap time.” I nod in reply. I rubbed my eyes to remove some sleep so that I could finish the game. But Rey isn't having it. He picks me up to take me to my room. On our way, Zed joins us, arguing he puts me to sleep.

I ignore them as I think about daddy. It's been twenty days, and he still hasn't come. Yes, he calls several times a day, but his absence is making me mad now. Today, specifically, I don't feel like talking to him. I just want to stay mad at him. 

I see Rey’s tab lighten up with Alerix’s video call. He looks up at me expectantly, but I shake my head. 

“ What? aren't we picking up his call?” Zed asks.

“ Princess doesn't want to talk to him.” Rey replies.

“ Why baby?” I just shrug again.

“ Alright, get out, Zed. It's our nap time.” I giggle at Rey’s reply.

“ You're also sleeping?”

“ Yes. Do you have a problem with that?”

“ No. Why would I've a problem with it? But it looks like you're growing old. You always look tired, and now you want more sleep, you know….” Zed teases, suppressing his grin and making Rey growl at him.

It's funny to see them teasing each other over who is getting older first. Before Rey can retort, Eli enters frowning.

“ Here they are. Rey, why weren't you picking Alerix’s call? He got worried, thinking something happened to Princess.” The moment I hear Daddy’s name, I hide under my blanket. “ Relax, brother, she is fine. Here, baby talk to him.”

I hold my breath, praying to vanish in thin air. Is there any technology that can help me vanish?

“ Alerix, we will call you later. Princess is sleeping right now.” I hear Rey saying.

“ Eli told me she was awake……fine. Let her know I called. I haven't talked to her since this morning……” He trails, then continues. “ Can I…Let me see her face, at least?”

I clutch my blanket tight around me. I know I'm running away instead of talking, but old habits don't die easy.

“ Umm… she is….in the blanket.” Zed says.

“ And?” Alerix arrogantly asks.

“ Looks like she doesn't want to talk to you, Alerix.” Eli concludes.

“ Wwhat? Why?”

“ Let's talk outside” 

“ No. I want to talk to her right now. Eli, get her to speak with me. I want to know what's going on in her head. Move the cam toward her.”

I hear some shuffling and then feel the bed dip under someone's weight. “ Baby, what is it? Why are you not talking with him?”

Eli.

Why are they making such a big deal out of this? I just want some space to handle my raging emotions. Sighing, I reply. “ I will talk later, Eli. I just don't want to right now.” Peeking an eye out of my blanket, I plead to Eli. “ Please.”

“ But you'll talk later. Right?” I know he wants me to promise him which I do but reluctantly. He leaves me to that.

“ What did she say, Eli?” I hear Daddy’s impatient voice. I want to talk to him but I'm mad. I want him to come home now.

“ She will talk later. I will call you in the evening.” 

“ No. I want to…..” I hear Eli shut the door.

“ That was interesting.” Zed mumbles under his breath. I don't come out of my blanket but feel a hand patting my blanket covered head. I drift to sleep with a heavy heart.

My dreams are filled with my life back on earth. At one point, I see Alerix there, but he doesn't recognize me. I call him, but he just keeps ignoring me. It hurts way more than it should have. I woke up with tears in my eyes and Kai hovering over me, his hand reaching for me. 

Before he could touch me, I screamed in horror and ran.