And before I can say one more thing, he shuts the computer, blacking out the screen.
Uh, what is happening?
You’re my only hope? Who is he, Princess Leia?
Keller picks up his computer and sets it on his lap. “We should start with family history and what’s put you into this position,” Keller says, getting right down to business.
“Wait, hold on.” I hold up my hand as I stand from the couch. “Are you just going to ignore the fact that a huge bomb was dropped on me?”
“No, I was going to go into detail as to how this all happened.”
“Like a robot,” I shout at him. “Can’t you for a second realize that this all might be very weird and very strange for me and that I might need a goddamn second to process it?”
Keller leans back on the couch. “How much time do you need?”
“Uh, I don’t know, Keller, a fortnight?”
“Do you even know what amount of time that equates to?”
“No,” I yell before fleeing the main living space and storming up the stairs to my bedroom. I attempt to shut the door, but all it does is groan against my push.
There’s no use.
I flop on my bed and drape my arm over my eyes.
A royal.
Not just a royal, but the next in line to the throne.
That can’t possibly be true.
There’s a light knock on my door, and I move my arm to see Keller walk in with an envelope in hand. He holds it out to me and says, “This might help you understand. I’ll be downstairs when you’re ready.”
I take the envelope from him, and he leaves, giving me some space.
With shaky fingers, I open the envelope and unfold the letter.
Dear Lilija,
My dearest granddaughter. You might not know who I am, but I am quite familiar with you. Ever since you were born until your mother passed, I received pictures of you and letters, telling me what a brilliant and kind girl you are. I was there when you went through your Barbie phase. I was there when you cut your fringe despite your mother’s protests. And I was there when you got your very first job helping Mrs. Odom roll balls of yarn. I’ve been a part of your life from a distance and have always respected your mother’s wishes of keeping her two lives separate.
But there has come a time where I need to break that promise, not for selfish reasons, but for reasons greater than the love I have for you and your mother.
The country is at risk of losing its territory, of having its land destroyed, of hurting its people. Without an heir in line to take the throne, our country is lost. I realize this is a lot to ask of you, since you have your own life in Miami, but, Lilija, I beg of you, consider staying here, learning about our country, our culture, where your mother is from. There’s so much of her in you, and I would love for you to see that, to reconnect with her roots.
Please, Lilija, give us a chance. Let us train you in our culture, in our heritage. And after two months, if you don’t feel this life is for you, we’ll hold you close to our heart but part ways. This is your choice, but before you say no, please give us a chance first.
Sending much love to you, my dear.
Theo
(Afi—grandfather)
I have a grandfather. A grandmother too. But where have they been for the last ten years? I get that Theo wanted to respect my mother’s wishes, but ten fucking years after her death is a long-ass time to neglect your own granddaughter.
And he wants me to give up my life for Torskethorpe.
For people I don’t even know.
