The whole day I was in a good mood. Mother was back, and she was okay. I wanted to finish everything quickly and go back, but as always, the Principal just knew how to change my plans.
I was summoned just as I was about to go back home. If I could, I wouldn't go, but I didn't have a choice.
I walked to his office, gave his secretary the best smile I could muster, and knocked on the door.
"Come in," he said, and I opened the door. Mother was sitting in the spot she was in the day I came here.
"You asked for me, sir," I said, walking in.
"I received bad news today," he said, and I felt my chest tighten. Is she leaving? "Your mother wants to take you with her," he said. I looked at her, and she smiled. How is that bad?
"Sorry I didn't ask you first, Livi," she said.
"It's fine," I said.
"But…" Principal said, calling our attention back to him. "I'm trying to explain to her that you need to focus on your project," he said. I had no idea that he knew I have a pile of work.
"You're just trying to make her stay so that she can continue working for you," Mother accused. I agree.
"That is not true," he said, laughing. "I already signed your leave to indefinite; you can continue your research whenever you want. Your sponsor's words come first," he said, and I nodded. "But know that you'd work another week when you come back," he said.
"You're not even paying her," Mother said, and he laughed again. "Let's go, Livi," she said, standing up. "Stop overworking my daughter," she warned as we walked out. The last sound I heard was the Principal's laughter.
"I want to take you back to Alden Mansion," Mother said. Where everyone died? "It's far, but I want you to go there and see the other members of your family," she said, and I nodded. Not there? "We used to stay in the western part of the empire, which is controlled mostly by Vernin, even though they don't like that Alden controls some parts," she explained.
"Where we are going is in the eastern part on the other side of the country; the entire land is controlled by Alden," she continued. "I'll explain everything to you when we get there," she said, and I nodded. What 'everything' is she talking about? About why she left? Or about Teon? Or everything.
…
I walked into the carriage and took my seat. It took three days to conclude some of my research. Mother promised me a lab with everything I need, but I had to pack some things that I couldn't leave behind. We stayed in the capital mansion for the night and would be traveling from there.
We are going to spend the next two weeks on the road, which means it will be a few days before my birthday by the time we arrive.
It was still very early in the morning, and I was dizzy. The door opened, and Tyler walked in with Mother behind him. He climbed the chair while I lay on his body.
When I opened my eyes, it was already afternoon. I sat up and looked outside.
"Are you awake?" Mother asked.
"Yes," I replied.
"Are you hungry?" she asked. Yes. "We'll stop soon," she said, and I nodded.
The next few days were the same routine of breaks and stops. It was exhausting even though I was just sitting.
"We are here," Mother said, and I looked up. I looked out the window at the bustling city outside.
"Wow," I couldn't help exclaiming. So this is the east. It was beautiful and well-developed.
"We'll arrive at the main house soon," she said, and I turned to look at her. I could use hints on what to expect.
"You'll meet the other members of your family, your cousins… and siblings," she said. Siblings? Did she say siblings?
"O… Okay," I said. Mother has other children? Are they adopted too? Or are they her biological children? Why did she adopt me if she has other children?
"I'll explain things to you later," she said, and I nodded. I'm scared. I don't have a good experience with 'siblings'. What are they like? What if they don't like me? What if they are just like the Rosens?
The carriage stopped, and we all got down. I looked at the building with a blank expression, even though I dreaded going in inwardly.
"Let's go," Mother said, and I nodded.
"Welcome back, your grace," the maids and butlers that were lined up greeted us. We walked inside and were met with another group.
"Welcome, your grace," a man greeted and only got a nod in response. Mother scanned the crowd and turned back to the man.
"Where are they?" she asked.
"They refuse to come out," he said, and she sighed. She walked inside, and I followed her quietly. "Your grace, I know this is…" the man was saying but stopped when she stopped and turned around.
"Where are they now?" she asked.
"In their rooms," he replied.
"They should be present for dinner, or they'll crawl out of my house," she said sternly.
"I understand," the man said, bowing.
"Livi, this is the house manager of this manor, Rufus," she introduced.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," I said, curtsying.
"Such an elegant young lady," he said, smiling.
"Let's go," Mother said, and I turned to follow her.
"My lady," I heard someone scream. What's going on? Blair ran towards us and hugged me; I almost fell from the impact. She let go and looked at me, then she smiled and hugged me again. "I have missed you so much," she said.
"Blair," Mother warned.
"Where are my manners? Welcome back, your grace," she said, bowing.
"She's in your hands," Mother said and walked away.
"Let's go," Blair said, grabbing my hand.