Chapter 14
He turned to Emily who was pressed against the back end of the wall looking more nervous than ever.
“As for you,” he said, startling Emily as she realized everyone was now staring at her. “You will be demoted, affected immediately.”
She flinched at his words; the others stood up from the table and began packing their stuff up. None of them paid any attention to Cher who was still sitting frozen in his seat. Emily managed to leave without anyone noticing.
Cher finally pulled his eyes from the projector and met mine; I couldn’t read what his expression was saying. But I wasn’t going to show him any kind of remorse. I turned away from him and left the meeting room.
I spent the rest of the afternoon calling the rest of the customers to explain what had happened and apologizing sincerely. I was exhausted from the day when I returned home, and I honestly just wanted to go to sleep.
I was stopped by my father who was passing through the foyer.
“Looks like it’s been a long day,” he said, a bit of humor dancing in his eyes.
I wanted to roll my eyes, but I laughed with him. My father knew everything that happens in the kingdom, considering he was the king, and he has eyes everywhere. I knew he already knew what was happening at work; I was grateful that he trusted me to handle the situation on my own.
“I have a birthday present for you,” he said.
I almost forgot tomorrow was my birthday. Being married to Joseph for the last 3 years, we hardly ever celebrated my birthday. I don’t even think he knew when it was; my heart felt heavy thinking about it, but that only lasted a moment before I turned to my father.
“You didn’t have to get me anything,” I told him. “I’m just glad to be home and with my family.”
There was a bit of concern in his eyes for a moment but then he smiled compassionately.
“Nonsense,” he said, his voice loud and superior. “You’re my daughter and you only deserve the best.” I smiled up at him, feeling even more grateful to have him in my life.
He pulled out a piece of paper from his jacket and handed it to me. On the paper was a small white house; it was located nearby in the kingdom, and it had a ‘sold‘ sign out front. My mouth dropped as I looked up at him.
“What’s this?” I asked, blinking a few times.
“It’s your house. I purchased it for you,” my father announced. “I figured now that you’re working and doing your part as princess of the kingdom, you could use your own space.”
This would also help keep my identity as Anna and not as Mariana. But I didn’t say that to him. I couldn’t believe he was letting me live outside of the palace.
“Is this real?” I asked, excitedly.
“Yes,” my father laughed. “But you have to bring your handmaiden with you.”
I nodded and hugged him tightly.
“Thank you, daddy,” I cried to him.
“Happy birthday, little wolf!” Joff said excitedly as he walked through the foyer.
“It’s not till tomorrow,” I said teasingly.
“I know, but we figured we’d celebrate it today,” Joff said with a shrug. “The kitchen made you a cake and we are having your favorite foods.”
“We were just a little excited to have you home this year,” my father explained.
*We have some of your friends coming over as well,” Joff added. “They are also excited to see you, considering you haven’t reached out to them since you’ve been, home.”
I felt guilty for not reaching out to any of my friends since I’d been back. Rita, my best friend, already expressed how upset she was that I disappeared for 3 years. I couldn’t imagine how my other friends must have been feeling as well.
