Chapter 9: A meeting with the step mom

"Princess, wake up", Charles shook his daughter gently.

"Dad, I don't want to get out of bed today", she replied.

"Why?"

She sat down and face her Dad. "I'm nervous, Dad."

Charles smiled. "Don't be nervous, princess. Just get up and get dressed. It's past noon. You haven't even eaten breakfast yet."

"I'm not hungry."

He chuckled. "I get it. Get dressed and be down in 30 minutes."

She pouted. "Okay, Dad."

He stood up and left the room still chuckling to himself.

Aurora groaned and got out of bed to the bathroom. She decided to have a hot bath because she was suddenly feeling cold. She had her bath and stood in front of the mirror.

"Aurora, stop being like this. They are humans and not aliens for crying out loud. You can do this", she said to her reflection in the mirror. "Yes, you can. Let's get dressed."

She got out of the bathroom and a message popped in on her phone. She picked it up and realized it was from her Dad. It reads:

    "They are here. Don't be scared. Just come downstairs in a bit. I love you."

She felt her heart skip a beat. She suddenly felt like backing out but as soon as the thought came to her mind, she shrugged it off.

"I'm not scared", she reassured herself and began choosing her cloth.

¶*¶*¶

Charles walk to the door as soon as he received a message from Bianca that she was already at his house. He smiled because he was happy his daughter was in support of them. It is true he likes Bianca but if Aurora doesn't like her, he is going to put an end to the relationship. Since Sandra passed, he had always made sure Aurora was happy and he doesn't intend on stopping now. If his daughter doesn't like Bianca, the relationship is done. And that's it.

He see her now as she was getting put of the car which her son drove. She smiled at him and he returned the smile as he moved closer to her. She hugged him when he got to her and he returned the hug.

"Hey", she greeted.

"Hey, love. How was the trip", Charles asked.

"It was okay."

"Good afternoon, Mr Penson", Bianca's son, Kevin greeted Charles.

"Good afternoon, Kevin", he said and extended his hand which the younger man took. "Just call me Charles."

"Okay."

"Why don't you come in?", He said and led the way to the house.

He opened the door and they followed closely behind him. 

"Your house looks very nice", Kevin commented as he surveyed the house with his eyes.

"Thanks, Kevin. Sit down let me get you something to drink", Charles said.

The both of them sat down on the couch and Bianca spoke. "Where is Aurora?"

"She's in her room getting ready. She should be down any time now."

"Or doesn't she want to see me?", Bianca whispered in a way only Charles could hear.

"Of course not. She's just nervous. She'll be here."

"Okay."

"Let me get the drinks", he said and went to the kitchen to get the drinks.

Bianca sat and wondered if Aurora doesn't want her around. She knows it isn't easy for the young girl to just accept another woman for her Dad but she isn't trying to replace her mother. She loves Charles and that's it.

"Here you go", Charles said pouring her and Kevin orange juice.

"Thanks", the both of them said.

"I'll be back. Let me call Aurora."

"If she doesn't want to come downstairs, you shouldn't force her."

He smiled and reach out to hold her hand. "Bianca, she doesn't hate you. She's just nervous."

"Okay."

"Okay. I'll be back", he said and turned to make his way upstairs but stopped when he saw that Aurora was already on the stairs, coming down. "Princess?"

"Yes, Dad", Aurora said and went closer to her Dad.

He pointed to Bianca. "Let me introduce you properly. Meet Bianca amd her son, Kevin."

"Hi", Aurora said trying her best to smile at Bianca.

On seeing the smile, Bianca felt relieved that the little girl likes her after all. "Hi. I'm pleased to finally meet you", she said and pulled Aurora into a hug surprising the latter.

"Pleased to meet you too. I'm sorry for the other day."

Bianca pulled away from the hug and looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "What did you do?"

"For not responding when you apologized."

Bianca smiled. "Oh dear, it's nothing. It was actually my fault for bumping into you. You don't have to apologise."

"Really? You don't think I'm a snub?"

"Of course not. Why would I think that?"

"It's what everyone thinks", Aurora said shrugging.

"Well, I'm not everyone."

Aurora gave a genuine smile this time and faced her Dad.

"I told you", he said shrugging.

"Hi, I'm Kevin", Kevin said extending his hand for a handshake.

"I'm Aurora", she said placing her hand in his.

"Nice to meet you."

"Same here."

"Let's go eat, shall we?", Charles said and they all nodded and made their way to the kitchen.

They each took their seat on the kitchen island on which Charles already placed the food.

"Princess?", He called.

"Yes, Dad."

"Can you do me a favor and go to the cellar to get us wine. I forgot."

"Okay, Dad", she said and stood up.

"Why don't you go help her, Kevin?", Bianca said.

"Okay, Mum."

The both of them went to the cellar leaving their parents in the kitchen.

"You like my Mum?", Kevin asked.

"Yes. She's cool."

"She is. I like your Dad too."

Aurora smiled.

"You miss your Mum?"

"Yeah. A lot. Do you miss your Dad?", She said opening the door to the cellar.

"Yes. He taught me almost everything I know."

"You must really be sad when he passed."

"Yeah. I was broken."

"I know the feeling", she said remembering her own Mum. She was still young when her Mum passed but she was sad when her Dad said her mother has gone somewhere far away.

"I had a younger sister. She was your age."

"What happened to her?"

"She died. Car accident."

"Oh! I'm sorry."

"It's okay. You are like her. The same hair, eyes and personality. She is also not social."

"When did she die?"

"2 years ago."

"I'm so sorry."

"It's okay."

"You know what? I can't replace your sister but I am still a sister to you", she said smiling.

"Yes, you are."

She picked the wine and faced him. "I got it. Let's go."

"Okay. When are you going to college?"

"Next year."

"Mum said you didn't choose a college nearby, why?"

"I honestly don't know. I guess I wanted to see how I can be able to live without Dad beside me every time."

"You want to show him you are no longer a child?"

"Exactly. But after college, I'll be with him."

"Sure. What are you doing now?"

"Nothing. Just staying at home."

"And you aren't bored?"

"A little but I read when I am."

"Nerd."

"Yes. I prefer reading than doing anything else."

"Okay."

"What took you so long?", Charles asked as they got to the kitchen.

"I was having a conversation with my little sis. Anything?", Kevin said.

Charles smiled at Aurora. "It's nothing. Sit down."

They sat down and began eating their food in silence. After eating, Aurora stood up to clear the plates while Charles signalled to Kevin so they could excuse the ladies.

They left the kitchen and Bianca moved towards Aurora.

"Hey."

"Hey", Aurora replied.

"I wanted to let you know that I'm not here to replace your Mum. No one can be like her but I love Charles. And you are the most important person in his life and before he can do anything, he puts you first. If you don't like me, he wouldn't care about this relationship and-"

"I like you", Aurora said smiling. "I don't want any other person for my Dad but you. You are the perfect one for him."

Bianca smiled back at her. "Really?"

"Yes."

"And you don't think I'm trying to replace your Mum?"

"No. You and Mum are different but Dad loves you. You make him happy. And if he is happy, then I'm happy."

Bianca moved close to her and pulled her into a hug. "Thank you."

"I should thank you."

"Why?"

"You make my Dad happy and that's all that matters."

Bianca felt relieved that Aurora accepted her and she is looking forward to being a family with her.

¶*¶*¶

"Good morning, Your Majesties", Lady Sophie greeted and curtsied when she got to the dining hall. 

The King, Queen, Prince and Princess are already seated.

"Good morning, Lady Sophie", King Edward greeted without looking up from his newspaper.

"Good morning, dear", Queen Anne greeted back with a big grin plastered on her face. "How was the night?"

"Very well. Thank you Your Majesty."

"Why don't you sit and join us?"

"Thank you."

She sat down on the table and was offered tea like everyone else. After taking some sips of the tea, she looked up at Zuerien who nodded at her in assurance.

"Your Majesties?", She called.

Queen Anne looked up at her. "What is it, dear?"

"If you don't mind, I would like to return to the Duchy today."

This time King Edward looked up from his newspaper. "And why is that?"

"I have a very important matter to attend to at home."

He nodded and went back to reading the newspaper.

"Or don't you feel at home here?", Queen Anne asked.

"Of course not, Your Majesty. The palace is indeed home away from home for me. It's just I have to see my Father."

"Okay, then. You can go but make sure to visit us soon."

"I will, Your Majesty."

"Can I come visit you in the Duchy?", Princess Leah asked talking for the first time.

"Of course, Your Highness. I'm sure Zue would be able to bring you over. Right, Zue?"

"Yes."

Princess Leah smiled and continued with her tea.

¶*¶*¶

"So, when will I see you again?", Prince Zuerien asked as they were waiting for the private jet to be ready to take Lady Sophie back.

"Soon."

"Why do I have a feeling that is a lie?"

She chuckled. "I don't know when we'll see but I'll make it soon."

"Why are you going back in the first place?"

"I have to tell Father and Aunt Louise about Jacob. It's now or never."

He smiled. "That's nice."

"Yes. Wish me luck."

"You don't need luck."

"Your Royal Highness, the jet is ready", A guard said to Prince Zuerien.

"Ohh, Thanks Jasper."

The guard bowed and went away.

"I guess it's now", he said.

"Yes. I'll call you when I get back to the Duchy."

"Make sure you do."

She smiled and pulled him in for a hug. "Thank you."

"For?"

"I don't know. Just thank you."

He chuckled. "You are welcome, then."

They pulled away from the hug and Prince Zuerien turned to Jacob who was standing some feets away from them. 

"I wish you luck", he said and Jacob grinned.

"Thank you."

They shook hands before Lady Sophie and Jacob walked away. Before leaving his sight, Lady Sophie waved and jumped like a little girl, making Prince Zuerien smiled and wave back.

He went back to the car and drove off. On his way, he kept on thinking about Lady Sophie's decision to tell her Father about Jacob. He knows Duke Bartholomew will agree to it because everyone knows how much he loves his daughter. He wished his Father can listen to him like that and stop making decisions on his behalf. He believes he is old enough to make his decisions without anyone's intervention. He decided then that it is time he started standing up for himself. He would be King one day and he wants to be a great King who makes his decisions. He doesn't want to be a Puppet King.

He got to the palace and parked his car before going in. He went straight to his Mother's quarters and on getting in, he saw his Mother, Sister and Brother there. Marco placed his head on the Queen's lap as she played with his hair and Princess Leah was at the corner of the room, painting.

"I'm back", he announced and sat on the sofa opposite his Mother and brother. 

"Why is your face like that, son? What is wrong?"

"I was just thinking."

"About what?"

"About my life."

"What about it?"

"I can't make decisions for myself but follow what Father says. I'm a disgrace to being a man."

"Oh dear. Don't say that. You aren't a disgrace. You just have a soft heart. I know there will be a time that you would be sure of what you want and I'm sure nothing would be able to stop you. Not even your Father or me."

"I wish so, Mother. Marco?"

"Yes?"

"Why are you being a baby?"

"And why is that your concern?"

"Shut up."

Marco laughed.

"You are too old for this. I'm meant to be in that position you are in."

"Who told you that?"

"I told myself."

"Quit dreaming, kid."

Princess Leah shook her head. "You are both shameless. You are fighting over something you shouldn't be fighting for. As the youngest and only girl, I should be the one placing my head on Mother's legs."

"Who told you that?", Marco and Prince Zuerien asked at the same time.

"I told myself."

"Quit dreaming", the both of them said again.

Queen Anne looked at the three of them and laughed. "You all have the right to be in this position. Don't fight about it."

"Yes, Mother", they said smiling.

"What are you doing, Leah?", Prince Zuerien asked.

"Painting my life saver."

"Life saver?", Queen Anne, Marco and Prince Zuerien asked at the same time.

"Yes."

"I don't understand", Queen Anne said.

"I keep having these dreams. In them, I was always drowning. And there is this Lady that is always saving me in all those dreams."

"You are still having those dreams?", Queen Anne asked.

"Yes, Mother."

"How frequent?"

"At least once a week."

"What does it mean, Mother?", Prince Zuerien asked.

"I have no idea but it should be nothing."

"The thing is, her face is always clear in the dreams. She is beautiful but when I wake up, I have just a faint memory of how her face looks like. That's why I always try painting her but the paintings are never the same."

"Do you think you can recognize the Lady when you come across her?", Marco asked.

She shrugged. "I should be. I'm not sure."

"Okay, then. It's probably nothing", Prince Zuerien said. 

Princess Leah nodded but deep down, she knows it is not nothing. It is definitely something because she keeps on having the same dream over and over and it's not stopping.