Page 21 of The Princess Home for Christmas

“We are great. The food is coming in, the people are happy, and everyone is so grateful to be here.”

Dahlia smiled, and Thomas saw a light in her face he hadn’t seen before.

“How are the children?”

“They are so happy with their new school. Oh!” His face wrinkled with smiles. “And Samira had her baby.”

“Send me a picture on the secure line.”

He nodded. “I will. Of course.”

“Have you worked out the prayer and eating situation?”

He shook his head. “I think so. The Muslims call to prayer is non-negotiable.”

“I understand, of course. And the meals?”

He grimaced. “Yes, and we have acquired separate eating situations for those of different castes for the Hindus.”

“And?”

“And rid the place of pork and cow.”

“Excellent.”

Thomas couldn’t believe what he was seeing. A group of Hindus and Muslims living together in hiding in Torren.

“I just wanted to see your face. Thank you for all you do.”

He bowed his head. “Thank you, Miss Valdez.”

Then the screen went blank.

They sat in silence while Thomas processed. “Who knows?”

“Lucan.”

“And the ministers? The government?”

“Just Sebastian.”

“And no paperwork has been filled out, no legal channels pursued?”

“No.”

“So they aren’t part of the five percent we are permitted by the laws of our land to harbor in safety?” Thomas wanted to be clear, wanted to understand.

“No, Thomas, They are here illegally in all ways.”

“Dahlia. You could get deported for this, according to the laws of the crown your own family created.”

“Don’t you think I am well aware?”

“And Lucan helped you?”

“No, he just didn’t turn me in. I’ve kept it from the other brothers and mother to protect them. But what was I to do? Send them to the tent city? It’s at least two years from there until they might, might find asylum somewhere.”

Thomas ran a hand through his hair. Her bravery astounded him. And terrified him. “Dahlia.”

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