[Legacy of a Martyr #1] Masquerading the Key (A Key Keepers novel)

Episode 2

*Cece*

Tia grinned from ear to ear as she entered the room where they would be having their dinner.

Since her daddy wasn't here to, Leon was kind enough to act as her escort. Her dress was grey with a starry pattern, and it went down to her ankles. The royal tailor truly was skilled at her job. If she didn't know, she wouldn't think that Tia was only seven years old.

Tia waved at the guests as she made her way over to their table.

"You look very pretty, Tia."

"Thank you, Mother."

Phoe smiled and pointed. "Stars!"

Tia giggled. "Yeah. I like them, too."

Leon sat down beside Phoe. "Are you kids excited for dinner?"

Phoe pointed to his mouth. He had come up with the gesture to let them know that he was hungry or wanted to eat.

Another member of the staff brought them bowls of soup for the first course. "Please enjoy your meal."

Tia was very careful as she spooned soup into her mouth.

"Is it good?" Cece asked.

"Yeah, it is."

Did you kids have a good day at the beach?"

Phoe's eyes shone as he looked at Leon.

"Oh, you did? That sounds fun."

Tia frowned. "Is that boy not going to eat with us?"

Cece said, "A certain someone came and got him earlier. She was worried because he got lost. And since he wasn't feeling well, she wanted to get home as soon as possible."

"Oh, yeah. I hope he feels better soon."

Phoe nodded. Leon wiped his mouth to ask Phoe to wipe off his soup dribbles.

The staff member from earlier brought new platters. This one had pieces of a pink fish.

Both children's mouths watered. Since they lived so close to the sea, fish was extremely easy to come by, but Cece preferred to only have it on occasion. Other people deserved to eat fish, too.

The kids were smiling with eyes closed. They were in heaven with those fish.

"Is that good?"

Both nodded.

The staff member returned with dessert. Ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream. The kids would certainly enjoy this.

Once they were done, Leon got up. "Would you like to dance with me, Princess?"

Tia took his hand. "I would be honored."

It was too bad that Conny wasn't here to enjoy this night.

***

Tiana cradled her tummy as she came in. Little Phoe clung to her skirt.

"What's wrong?" Cece asked, scooping a kid up in each arm.

"Phoe got scared, so he came to ask me for a cuddle." Tia tensed up.

"Do you feel sick, Tia?"

Tia had sweat on her pale face. "My tummy hurts..."

"Do you need to use the potty?"