Page 28 of Lorenzo & Lily

“Mama, you came early!”

“I did. Does that make you happy?”

Liliana crouched then jumped up as high as her little legs could take her. “Sooooo hap-py!”

Lily laughed then held her hand as they walked back to their apartment, and listened to her talk about her day. Most days, Lily was too exhausted to appreciate Liliana’s boundless energy, but today was different. And that wasn’t just because two Royal Protection agents were following them in plain clothes – one was assigned to her, and the other had stayed near the school. After a brief discussion with Liliana’s agent, Lily had learned that he’d spoken to the school’s headmaster, so as not to alarm anyone as he watched the school. Once Liliana was ‘outed’, however, he’d be allowed inside to protect her more closely.

Lorenzo was not taking any chances when it came to his baby girl.God, Lorenzo. She’d known he’d be just like this when he found out: protective and possessive. But to move in with him in the castle? She shook her head at the idea.

“But Mama, you said I could!”

“Hmmm? Oh, sorry, baby girl. I didn’t hear what you said.”

Her little girl eyebrows furrowed as her mouth curled into an adorable pout. “I’m not a baby.”

She leaned down to kiss her head. “You’ll always be my baby girl. Always.”

She exhaled an exaggerated little girl sigh. “Mama, can I draw a picture for the prince when I get home? You said I could.”

“After your bath.”

She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t like baths.”

“Yes, you do. You just always forget you do until you take one and remember.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Yes, you do.” Lily scooped her up as they made to cross a particularly busy intersection. “Are you excited to see the prince?”

“Oh, yes. I told everyone about him.”

A heavy feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. “You did?”

Liliana nodded. “No one belieb-ed me, but I told the truth.”

Damn. How was she supposed scold her for announcing Lorenzo’s visit when she also needed to dole out life lessons at the same time? “Well, you were right to tell the truth. And sometimes, when you do, people won’t believe you. I don’t know why that happens, but it does. Some people might be mean about it, but you’ll need to do your best not to be mean back.”

“It felt sad when no one belieb-ed me.”

She cuddled her closer, and kissed her cheek. “I know it did. I’ve felt like that, too. That sad feeling should go away but, if it doesn’t, I want you to tell me about it. Okay?”

“Okay, Mama.”

Whew. One lesson down, one to go. “Even though you were right to tell the truth, sometimes you need to keep the truth a secret.”

“Why?”

“Because sometimes telling a truth can hurt someone, and we don’t want to hurt anyone, do we?”

Liliana shook her head with wide eyes. “Did I hurt-ed someone?”

“No, Lily, you didn’t, but you must be more careful in the future. Maybe the prince wanted to keep his visit with us a secret.”

“Oh. Is he mad with me?”

Lily hugged her tighter. “No, Lily. He won’t be angry with you, but let’s not mention the prince to anyone else today.”

“Okay, Mama.”

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