The New Life of Amaya

Chapter 17

"Mi amor" Andreas whispered in my ear. "Are you well enough to go to school today?"

I stirred a bit in my sleep blinking my eyes, "Mmmm..?" 

Andreas chuckled, "Come, mi amor. You can have breakfast in bed. I'm going to get dressed first."

I nodded my head and began to sit up in bed. Rex wagged his tail whining as he licked my face happily. Laughing I pet Rex and kissed his head. Suddenly my door opened to reveal Chef Lei herself. She came in with a tray for breakfast walking toward me .

"Excuse me Rex, I need to put this down" Chef Lei said as she set the tray down on the bed over my lap with the legs extended. Rex barked and laid at my feet "The king asked me to bring breakfast to you. I was careful to make sure there are no pineapples. I noticed you really like fruit. I brought some toast with apple butter as well. If there are any other foods you really like, please let me know"

"Thank you, Chef Lei" I said with a smile and began eating breakfast. 

Chef Lei bowed then left the room. Rex inched back up to lay next to me. When I was done with breakfast I pushed the tray back and climbed off my bed. Zhi ran to my side but I shook my head no before walking into my closet and getting dressed in one of my white dresses after taking a shower. I sat down at the little vanity inside the closet and started to dry my hair with the hair dryer then brushed it and found white ballet flats.

"Amaya?" Andreas called coming into the room. 

"In here" I called back coming out of the closet. 

"Are you sure you're ready for the day? It's going to bring about a lot more than just school" He asked pulling me into his arms. 

I nodded my head into his chest, "I think so. I just want to act like nothing ever happened.."

Andreas nodded and lead me out of my room. Zhi already had my school bag, phone, and Art pad in hand as he followed us out. Rex followed closely behind me as we went down the stairs and soon out the front door and into the car. I looked around noticing the extra cars in front and behind us. 

"Why are there so many guards?" I asked as we began driving. 

"I'm holding an assembly at the school today, then again later on in my home." Andreas spoke, "The guards are security and will continue to be heavy around us." 

"Is that necessary?" 

"Mmhmm." Andreas said holding my hand while Rex sat between us. 

"Oh, before I forget, Amaya." Zhi said suddenly, "I was able to get your medicine and placed it in your bag."

"Thank you, Zhi" I said with a small smile. "Wait, are the triplets still part of my classes?"

"Yes, They are security inside the classroom. While class is in session, Zhi and the triplets will accompany us and the rest of the guards will scatter around the school during the day and leave when we leave." Andreas replied in an authoritative tone leaving no room for argument.

Soon the car pulled in front of the school's main entrance and Zhi looked back at us, "Boss, did you want us to leave the cars here or park them?"

"Park them for the time being and we'll adjust as needed." Andreas said

Zhi nodded and spoke into his phone while getting out. Another guard came up and climbed in the front seat as Zhi came to the back door and opening it. Andreas was out first, then he held his hand to me helping me out next then Rex jumped out. Zhi handed my bag and art pad to me before following behind us. The turtle triplets were already walking ahead of us into the school.

The dean was waiting for us, a smile on her face, "I was wondering when this day would come."

Andreas smiled back at her, "You can thank Amaya. She's got me thinking differently and ready to come out of hiding."

The dean smiled at me, "Then I must thank you a thousand times. My nephew can be very hard headed and I was afraid he'd never step up and admit that he is king"

"Nephew?" I asked dumfounded.

They both laughed at me then Andreas spoke, "She is my mother's sister. When my mom became queen with my father she got my aunt to become dean in exchange for her becoming queen."

"That doesn't sound like a good situation.." I mumbled.

"It cannot be undone." The dean spoke, "I am Marie Bentonville."

"It's nice to officially meet you." I said.

"Likewise." Marie said looking at Andreas, "I've set the assembly for now, if you don't mind. Do it before classes and your etiquettes class."

"Thank you, Aunt Marie." Andreas said smiling. "Lead the way."

Marie nodded and we all went into the school to the auditorium where I could see everyone was already sitting and waiting. The turtle triplets were in the front row watching like a hawk ignoring the gawking and murmurs from their new fans. Marie put a hand up telling us to wait a moment as she stepped out onto stage to the podium. 

"Good morning students. Thank you for all of you coming so suddenly to this assembly. As many of you know I am your dean, Marie Bentonville, but what all of you don't know is that I am also the aunt of the King." Marie spoke into the microphone.

Suddenly murmurs broke throughout the room like a wave of sound. Students turned from one to another saying things about Marie being the Aunt of the King to wondering who the King was and what he looked like now. 

"Now, now!" Marie shouted over the noise. "You will have time later in your classes to gossip and talk about this, Right now I'd like to give space to your King, Andreas Amato"

Andreas adjusted his suit as he began walking out to the podium where he kissed Marie on the cheek thanking her. I stood where Andreas walked from and pet Rex's head. Andreas turned toward the microphone and looked at the students who were now talking about how he's so handsome and how he's the king when he teaches etiquette.

Andreas cleared his throat into the microphone and immediately everyone went silent, "Thank you. Now as my aunt so kindly offered, I am Andreas Amato and I am your king. I was originally planning to attend here secretly for one specific person but she agreed to some changes I offered if she were to still attend here. I will still be teaching etiquette and I will be seen here on campus throughout the days this person has classes." Andreas looked at me holding his hand toward me. 

I bit my lip and looked down at Rex who barked at me before grabbing my dress and pulling me toward Andreas. I staggered a bit before walking closer to him and taking his hand. Andreas pulled me to stand next to him.

"Because of this wonderful person standing next to me, I have decided to come out of hiding and be the King I was supposed to be a long time ago. I ask for your forgiveness as the these coming days will be filled with many more people and I thank you for working with me." Andreas smiled gently at them, "I will not keep you any longer. If you have etiquette as your first class please don't be late." 

With that Andreas, Rex, Zhi and I left the auditorium and went to etiquette class. Once there I found myself a seat towards the back while the turtle triplets came rushing through acting like normal students here. Andreas smiled at me from the front of the classroom as Rex laid down next to me. 

"I'm thinking I owe you Chinese food and Sushi tonight for dinner. I'll call ahead and have the chef prepare it tonight." Andreas spoke suddenly.

I smiled at him with a simple nod as the rest of the class filed in.