Page 30 of Amethyst Queen
Chapter 26
Amalee watched as Julie played with Baxter on the floor in the living room. He still hadn’t spoken but had warmed up to her and Dante nicely over the last two days. It had been a whirlwind learning how to deal with a toddler and a nine-year-old, but Amalee was glad they were both safe.
“We have found nothing that gives us any hint where Dimitra or Jason are being held – at least nothing more than that damn riddle.” Dante ran his palm over his face, the worry and strain showing in his eyes as he sat down next to her.
Amalee leaned into him, “I talked to Julie some more. She only dealt with the woman who kept her fed and locked in the room.”
“Did she say if she had been hurt in any way? You know…” Dante motioned to his body with his fingers.
“No… she insists they just kept her locked up like a prisoner. They told her if she tried to run, they’d kill her brother. She was scared to try anything, so she gave up.”
“But she never heard the man or saw him? I was hoping maybe she caught a name or something.”
“Nothing. She feels bad that she can’t help more. She’s also worried about what happens next.”
“What do you mean, what happens next?” Dante furrowed his brow.
“If Jason isn’t alive, she’ll have no one. I think there is a part of her that wonders if she will be alone.”
“Wow.” He breathed out a breath, “That’s a heavy burden for a nine-year-old. What are you thinking? I can see the wheels in your head spinning.”
“If… and I mean, if he doesn’t come home, I don’t want to send her away.”
Dante watched Julie play with his son on the floor. Even amid turmoil, she was able to find some happiness and love by protecting him. Dante knew she’d always look after him as though he was her sibling.
“What if she stays with us? She is good with Baxter, and he would be sad to see her leave.”
“If Jason comes back, she’ll leave anyway.”
“Yes – but that’s different. He would likely keep in touch, unlike a foster family, even if you're the Queen. Staying here is the right thing to do. I’ll call Sarifena and get her advice on how to handle the situation.”
“Thank you… I mean it. You’ve handled this far better than I could have imagined.”
“Don’t thank me yet… Your parents will be here in a few minutes.”
“WHAT?” Amalee sat up abruptly, startling Julie and Baxter on the floor. “Sorry, guys… everything's fine, keep playing.” She turned to Dante, “What do you mean my parents are coming?”
“I called them. Your dad is on your side and is eager to meet his grandson.”
“Yeah – my dad.” Amalee slunk down into the couch, “I haven’t talked to my mother since I yelled at her. She doesn’t even know I had a baby or about us.”
“Actually, I told her. And I informed her if she was coming here to start trouble, she wasn’t welcome.”
“You did what?” Amalee’s eyes shot up.
“I will not have her or anyone else make you feel guilty for the past. I’ve forgiven you, now she needs to do so as well. If she can’t… well, she will miss out on knowing her grandson.”
“Oh god,” Amalee covered her face, “I don’t know if I can handle seeing her. I’ve done everything she fought to prevent.”
“Don’t care. Baxter deserves to know his only grandparents.”
Amalee glanced at Dante. She felt guilty for throwing a fit about her parents coming when she saw the pain his eyes held. Both his parents were deceased, and he had no siblings. “I’m sorry. I should have thought about how this would be important to you. You're right,” Amalee sat up, “She’ll either forgive me or not. I don’t care. I just hope she treats him well.”
“If she doesn’t, Commander Gentry will escort her from the premises.”
Amalee snuggled against him just as the bell to the front door chimed. “Fuck… here goes nothing.”
