Kingmaker (Ace of Queens #5)

Pt.36 Parents

Chapter 36

3 Months Later

Maksim stood in the shade of the large tree as he watched Ella converse with the school teachers across the dirt yard. The hot African sun beat against her blonde hair and warmed her cheeks. In the few short days that they had been in the remote village, Ella had managed to catch a cold and get extremely tan. Maksim wanted to return immediately but she insisted on finishing the task they had come for.

A few months back, Maksim and Ella started "Wunderkind", a nonprofit organization to help provide education and health services to children all over the world. They have been busy with visiting schools and small communities to learn how they can best help children and deliver resources. After every trip, Maksim and Ella wanted to expand their program more and more. They reached out to Rye and Xavier and were in the process of starting a joint program with their health charity. Rye was eager to help. She had years of experience and Maksim and Ella needed some of her wisdom.

"Sir?"

Suddenly a voice behind Maksim pulled him out of his mind. He turned around to find Nick, their liaison to local governments, standing behind him.

"I hope you have some good news," Maksim sighed as he looked at the man.

Nick frowned, "I'm afraid not, sir. The local governor of the town over is still refusing to let our aids in. The protesters are adamant about letting any royal affairs mingle with their community."

"It's not for those idiots," Maksim frowned. "It's for the kids."

"I know, sir, but the governor is being difficult."

Well, isn't that why I'm paying you? Maksim wanted to yell. What hell is the purpose of your job then if you can't get shit done?

Maksim stared at Nick as the thought ran through his mind. He wanted to get his frustration out and tell the man to try hard and do better. They didn't come all this way to return without nothing.

But as the seconds ticked by and Nick waited patiently for his next directions, Maksim took in a deep breath. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed.

"Thank you, Nick," Maksim said. "You're doing a good job. Keep trying and keep me informed. Don't take no as an answer."

"Yes, sir," Nick nodded. "Thank you. I'll go try again."

Maksim stood still as the young man walked away. He let out the breath he was holding and turned around. His head was starting to pound and he wasn't sure if it was from the heat or the irritation and frustration in his mind.

Across the yard, Ella had picked up a small child. She held the little girl in her arms as she spoke to the school teacher and had the woman translate what she was saying. Maksim felt himself smile when he saw his mate's eyes light up like stars. She threw her head back and laughed at something the teacher said. The little girl in her arms giggled.

As he watched her, he realized she was too far away for his liking. Leaving the small shaded area under the tree, Maksim walked over to Ella. She looked over her shoulder and greeted him with a smile.

"This is Bisa," Ella said as she turned the little girl in her arms to show to her mate.

"Hello, Bisa," Maksim smiled.

Bisa immediately hid her face over Ella's shoulder. Ella laughed as she held the child closer.

"She has a crush on you," she whispered to Maksim. "She came to ask me if I was your wife."

Maksim laughed, "Well, I'm trying to make that happen."

Ella rolled her eyes. She loosened her arms from around Bias as the girl climbed down and ran back into the two room school building.