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“I've come to say goodbye, honey,” Dad says with a hesitant smile.
I bounce up from the sofa and he wraps me up in a hug. “Do you have to? Can’t you stay a little longer?”
“I’ve got to get back to the store. But honey? You know I’ll support you in whatever decision you make about this whole thing,.”
A lump forms in my throat. “I know.”
“You looked so beautiful last night. Like a real princess. Didn't she, Vladimir?”
“You were absolutely enchanting, ma’am,” Vlad says, and instantly I'm reminded of Alexander using that exact same word.
I harrumph. I don’t want to think about that passive aggressive man.
“I think it's one thing to look like a princess, but I think it's going to take some time for me to actually feel like one,” I admit.
Dad squeezes me in another hug, and I hold on, knowing I won't see him for a while. He's got a business to run and a life back in Houston. I can't have him staying here babysitting me like I'm a kid forever. And he's right. I need to make up my mind, but it feels amazing to know I have his support either way.
Dad places a soft kiss on my forehead. “I love you, my girl.”
That lump in my throat grows to the size of Texas, my eyes pooling with tears. “I love you too, Daddy.”
“It's time to go. No fancy private royal jet for your old man this time around.”
“Back to regular old commercial? How will you cope?”
“Your grandparents sprung for first class, so at least I can miss you lying down as I catch up on baseball.”
A laugh bubbles up and the tears I've been holding back spill down my cheeks. “I'm going to miss you so much.”
“I’m only a flight away, and you can come home anytime you like.”
Vlad clears his throat in what I'm learning is his subtle way of interrupting.
I wipe my tears away and plaster on a brave smile.
“Love you,” Dad says at the door before he shoots me a smile, and then he’s gone.
Vlad hands me some Kleenex, which I promptly sob into like a little girl. I haven’t lived at home since I went to college, but somehow seeing Dad leave is much harder than I expected. I'm left here alone with a huge decision resting on my shoulders.
I know he could never make that decision for me. I know I've got to do it myself. But having him here made it all feel somehow less overwhelming.
“Are you ready to start your lesson?” Vladimir asks in a kind voice.
I suck in a deep breath, balling the used Kleenex in my hand. “You know what? I'm as ready as I will ever be, Vlad. Let's do this.”
Chapter 12
Alexander
“But Father, be reasonable. Why can't Sofia stay instead? She loves this sort of thing,” I protest. “It’s right up her alley.”
My father leans back in his chair, his fingers interlaced as he studies me. “You know exactly why, Alexander. I'm surprised you’re arguing with me about this.”
“Of course I understand why you want me to stay—” I begin but I'm immediately cut off.
“You are my son and heir. As such, you are an extension of me. With business back in Ledonia, I must return and can only come back for The Games at the end of the month. You must stay in my stead. You’re the next best thing after me.”
Ah, what every child wants to hear from their dad.
