Page 30 of Their Princess

Elrith’s eyes darted up to mine before he focused back on Dhun. “S-Saved you, Princess?”

“Yes,” I replied. “Saved us all. Without Dhun’s help, we might not have defeated the Grand Advisor or saved our worlds. I would have died.”

The black smoke disappeared and Elrith took a step back so he was beside me instead of in front of me. “I see.”

Dhun canted his head and whined.

“Elrith, can you help me water these plants?” Jol requested as he stood and moved towards a set of planter boxes.

“You okay here?” Elrith asked me.

I smiled and nodded. “Go help King Jolmach. I’ll be fine.”

He gave one last look at Dhun before jogging after Jol.

“Don’t be too upset with him,” I whispered to Dhun. “He’s had a rough time.”

Dhun huffed and sat before me.

I stroked between his ears and laughed softly. “Thanks for being understanding, friend.”

“We should head back soon,” Trey said as he stood beside me. “I need to meet with my father.”

“Right.” I stood and walked over to Elrith, who was sprinkling water from a watering can onto a pot with strawberry plants. “Elrith, I have a proposition for you.”

He set the can down and tilted his head up to look at me. “Prop-i-shun?”

“A proposition is an offer,” I explained. “You told me when I met you that your parents are dead now and that you’re living on your own.”

He nodded. “Yes.”

“My mates and I don’t like that idea. You see, we’re fond of you and we would like to offer to adopt you. Would you like to come live with us? You’ll always have food, a comfortable place to sleep, and we will protect you. You would become part of our family. How does that sound?”

His eyes widened. “You become my family?”

I squatted down so we could be eye level and nodded. “Yes. We would be your new family.”

“What price?” he asked and took an uncertain step back.

“No price,” I said, understanding his hesitation. “I was an orphan like you once, too. I was adopted and I want to give you that opportunity as well. You don’t have to accept, though I want you to. We are going to open an orphanage here, a place for all of the other kids without parents. If you don’t want to live with us, you could live with the other orphans in the orphanage instead. It’s up to you, and we will respect whatever choice you make.”

He looked at Jol who stood nearby watering other plants. “King?”

Jol set his can down and faced Elrith. “Yes?” I loved that he gave him his full attention, not belittling him or treating him differently. That was part of why I knew Jol was the perfect king.

“Is it okay to be adopted by Princess?” Elrith asked softly.

Jol smiled. “It is a great honor to be offered to be adopted by the princess, to become her son. I would accept if I were you.”

Elrith turned with wide eyes. “I would be your son? I accept!”

I pulled him into a hug and he giggled as I rubbed my face against his. “I’m so happy!” Warmth spread throughout my body and I felt true joy at his acceptance.

“Also, since you agreed, you will become prince,” Jol added as I released Elrith.

His eyes widened. “I agree again!”

We all laughed, including Dhun.

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