CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
The mixed feelings that shadowed this evening was one that slowed my steps as I walked down the steps that led to the main lobby of the mansion I now called home.
My mothers voice rang out in the dining room and I increased my pace, my excitement winning the battle in my emotions.
The moment I walked into the brightly lit room and our eyes met, tears flowed from her eyes as she ran towards me.
“Tessa!” she exclaimed, her voice expressing the joy we both felt at the sight of each other.
“Momma, how are you doing? How is Anna?” I peppered her with questions.
Her tears were a springboard for mine and without caring about who was in the room, we hugged each other for a long time.
“You've forgotten about me so soon, Tessa?” I heard my Papa’s voice and I rushed to him immediately, his wheelchair obstructing me from hugging him the way I wanted to but I was used to it. I was just thankful for the opportunity to see them again. Most girls didn't get that.
“I'm sorry, Papa. I missed you so much. How are you doing? I hope you haven't been smoking those pipes again,” I whispered the last question as we exchanged a knowing look.
“Of course not. Your mother would have my head. And I've been doing fine. You on the other hand, you look amazing. Move back a little let me look at you,” he said with a happy smile.
“She's been eating the food of royals, of course she'll be fattened up. I can't believe my own daughter is going to be a Princess soon,” Momma gushed, coming over to us while drying her eyes.
The words brought a mix of buried emotions up but I suppressed them, unwilling to face the actual fact that my parents were indeed happy about this development.
“Can you all sit down? We're not here to watch you all leak water from your face you know,” the King said in a voice that showed he was irritated by our display.
Quickly, we comported ourselves, everyone getting a seat on the large table which had more food on it than I've ever seen.
I decided to sit between my mom and dad regardless of the daggers Xavier shot me with his eyes. It's just one night, he can deal with it.
Regardless of the way the King spoke to us with disdain, we didn't let it ruin our mood. In fact, it's actually the norm, I was the only one feeling a little bit off, probably because I've spent the last few weeks trying to fit into the world I used to hate so much.
“You haven't greeted the King, Tessa,” my mom whispered in my ear, and I jerked up right with realization.
I looked around the large gathering and began greeting them one after the other.
“Good evening Your Majesty,” I began with the King who responded with a grunt before moving on to the queen.
“How are you doing? You look well but I don't smell a baby in you yet,” she observed and I panicked.
I hadn't factored in how they could turn on that sensitive nose of theirs and fish out all the lies I hadn't even begun to tell.
“Mom, let her be,” Xavier grumbled and it was the first time I'd heard his voice since morning.
My stupid heart beat wildly at the sound of it and more at him defending me but common sense won out and I shushed it. He was the enemy and he was a hypocrite and a liar with the most delicious abs I'd ever seen.
Oh Goodness! I was getting distracted again.
“She has a point Xavier. You have forgotten our discussion the last time we were here?” The King joined in and my blood got heated with fear.
I anticipated this part but I allowed my joy over my parents being here to overshadow it. Once he opens his mouth to say what I had done, I'd probably never get the chance to make excuses before I'll get locked up. The King wasn't known for showing mercy
“I discovered she's a virgin and I wanted to wait till our wedding night,” he said. I had to look at my plate like it was the most amazing thing in the world to hide my shock. Well the cobbler pie was damn good but Xavier lying to cover up for me?
The best feeling ever.
Their reaction was quite weird, exchanging looks and snickering between themselves so I continued the greeting to shift attention from the uncomfortable topic.
Their response left much to be desired but then, I was human and they were not so I'll have to suck it up I guess.
I noticed Corbin was also down here with us and the moment the attention shifted from and the awkward conversation, they all began praising him for his sacrifice that saved Xavier.
No one paid us any attention so I focused on my parents who were eating the food in a way that showed how much they didn't expect to ever taste something like that in forever.
“Dad, slow down,” I whispered with a smile to avoid drawing attention.
He paused and looked around, thankfully they were all occupied with their gratitude for Corbin's actions.
My dad smiled at me and took my advice and my mom couldn't help chuckling at her husband's actions.
“What is funny?” the Queen asked harshly.
The thought of this being the rest of my life terrified me. Xavier was talking about making my life beautiful and giving me the best of things but what about my people? Will they keep getting treated with such open disdain while I watch?
“Mom –” Xavier began but I cut him off.
“It's how true love between humans feels like, Your Majesty. It's beautiful, isn't it?” I replied with an acidic smile.
The awkward quietness around the table was palpable.
“Corbin, when will you be traveling again?” Xavier asked, redirecting the attention from me.
He was being nice tonight.
How unusual.
“Traveling?” The King responded immediately, taking the bait and I took a deep breath as I went back to my delicious pie.
“Yes, Your Majesty. I like to tour the world and see how people are adjusting to the changes we bring to them everyday,” Corbin replied calmly and I knew he wasn't happy about the things he saw.
“That's amazing. You must have been seeing so many wonderful places and people,” Kayla, the official Princess gushed, albeit naively.
I've heard Corbin talk about his travels; they weren't glamorous.
“Yes, Kayla. I saw the pyramids in Egypt the last time I went there. Although they were about to be destroyed for a new agricultural plant,” he replied sadly.
“Of course. Waste of land and resources when the region is starving is stupid. I had to do something or they'll keep moaning about me being wicked,” the King replied and one could see how proud he was of himself.
“But there's so many other places that could have been built. The pyramids are a great part of the people and the only way they connect to their roots,” I protested without thinking.
Momma pinched me and I remembered her words about my mouth getting me in serious trouble one day.
The king didn't like my response to his ‘grand’ plans.
He banged the table and stood up angrily, the blue furs on his face standing straight like they were struck by lightning.
At that point, I could see how different he was from Xavier's alien form. He was more monstrous and as he stared at me angrily, I nearly peed my pants.
“I will not be schooled by a little human brat in my son's house!” He growled at me, his tail swishing from left to right in anger.
“We're sorry for her behavior, your Majesty. It won't happen again,” my dad apologized but he held my hand, signaling that he was proud of me.
I had to stop myself from smiling too much.
“If you don't behave yourself, this wedding will never hold! You'll be used and dumped like the trash you are!” He shouted at me.
Slowly, my face broke into an irresistible grin.
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