TWENTY ONE YEARS

Ethan and I were fully dressed to have breakfast with the other royal members of Jo-Haan. Right outside my room, I found Gale, he looked couple of years younger than my father. My eyes lit up as he smiled down at me. Without sparing a second thought I hugged him. He has been a constant silent presence in my life since I met Ethan. I guess he was appointed by Ethan to ‘ensure my safety’.

“It’s good to see you Gale” I said earnestly as I stepped back. He was completely taken back, he quickly schooled his features and smiled down at me.

“It’s good to see you too, M…Ana” he completed with a smile when I narrowed my eyes. “Sir” he said and with a curt nod at Ethan.

“Gale” Ethan said with a slight dip of his chin. We briskly made our way through the corridors without being interrupted by anyone. As soon as we entered the room everyone rose. The long dining table was adorned with plates and glasses and candles giving it a vintage look. There were almost twenty chairs on either side of the