Just Us

|13|

"Each territory has a leader," Pia stated. "and you are in charge of all the leaders."

Vinícius nodded, urging her to continue.

"Each territory was broken up by some sort of value that they hold, like high population, or natural resources."

"Okay, Pia," Vinícius smiled, "good job, but we've been studying for two hours. Are you ready to call it quits?"

Vinícius had been teaching her about the land he rules, and the laws and specifications that went with it. Pia was adamant to help him with his work, and she had to know the basics first. She was so intelligent, and picked up on everything so fast. She truly looked forward to helping ease the burden of his workload.

"Fine, we can quit," Pia gave in. "Only if you promise to hire someone to help you with all you work. I'm not going to be able to contribute much immediately, and this is too much for one person."

He stood up, walking over to the couch in his office that she was sitting on. She was all wrapped in a blanket, and she looked up at him with her big brown eyes full of love and adoration.

He sat down next to her, pulling her gently into his lap. She snuggled close.

"I guess it gave me something to do, but you're right. I want to be able to maximize my time with you and Ada as much as possible," he said, kissing her forehead.

"I love you," Pia whispered.

"I love you," Vinícius repeated sincerely. "How do you think Ada's first lesson went?"

Pia shrugged, "I'm sure she's overwhelmed. There's so many basics she doesn't know."

He nodded, "But she is so intelligent and bright for her age. I imagine she will enjoy learning."

Pia hummed, wrapping her small arms around his shoulders, pressing her cheek to his chest.

Vinícius felt so content as he held her close. He couldn't believe the joy that had filled his life in such a short time.

"Want to see if Ada is ready for a lunch break?" Pia whispered.

"I guess," he whined playfully, stretching his arms as they stood up. "I do miss our princess though."

They found Ada in the large living room, cluttered with workbooks and fresh artwork.

"It looks like a party in here," Vinícius laughed, gaining the cute girl's attention.

"Vinny!" Ada giggled, jumping up from where she and her teacher were packing up. "And Pia. I missed you."

Vinícius swept her up into a tight hug, "Did you have a good lesson with Ms. Beth?"

She nodded eagerly, "We sang songs and painted pictures. It was so fun."

Beth walked over. She was a shorter plump lady with olive skin and laughter lines that gave her a cheerful aura.

"Your highnesses," she greeted politely with a ducked head. She held out a stack of art that Ada had worked on. "Adalie here is absolutely brilliant, if I may say so."

"These are lovely Ms. Beth," Pia smiled shyly. "Thank you. You can call me Pia."

Beth smiled, "Pia. I've heard so much about you."

"Let me help you clean up," Pia said, bending down to gather scattered papers.

"Nonsense, I can get it from here. You are too kind."

Pia felt her cheeks heat as she glanced over to where Vinícius and Ada were talking happily, as if they had been apart for days rather than hours.

"Look at all of this beautiful art she did, Viníscius. We need a special place to put it," Pia wrapped her arms around her sister in a tight hug.

"Wow! These are amazing, Ada. We are so proud of you. Now, what do you say to Beth for teaching you today?"

"Thank you, Ms. Beth. See you tomorrow."

During lunch, Vinícius had a large board hung in the dining room so Ada's artwork could be pinned and displayed for everyone to see.

He continued on to work while the two girls took a stroll through the gardens.

Adalie was busy swinging their joint arms and humming a tune when she said, "I am very happy here."

"You are?" Pia wanted her to continue as she took a seat on the bench that overlooked the fish.

Ada hummed in agreement,"I love you. I love Viníscius. I love Sherry, and Lucy, and Beth."

"I'm glad, Adalie. We all love you very much."

"I'm glad Vinícius found us. Are you going to marry him?"

Pia was shocked by the question. She had never given it any thought. Marry him? Did demons even get married? They were soul mates, and that was more than enough.

"How do you even know what that is, silly girl?"

Ada giggled, reaching in to catch a fish. "You have to marry the king to become a queen, silly girl," she mocked, as if it was common knowledge.

Pia laughed. That was true. She knew her mom would have loved to see her get married, and she wanted to set a proper example for her sister who may not have a mate.