Protect your own

"Stella, can you please explain to me how Curtis suddenly announced that they were returning back to the Palace tomorrow?" asked Christina as she looked at Stella, she looked upset.

"My Queen, I have to apologize for the manner in which he announced it, but I did know that they were going to return, I was just not aware that it would be early tomorrow morning" said Stella as she looked at Christina and she explained.

After dinner and everyone had bid each other goodnight, Christina had called Stella to her office for a meeting, because Christina could sense that there was something that both Curtis and Stella were not telling them, she was not even upset with them wanting to leave so soon, no she was upset because it was so sudden, and Curtis just said it just like that, without giving them a warning.

"My Queen are you upset with me?" asked Stella as she could sense that Christina was truly upset, and she rarely got upset, so Stella was sure that she was not really happy that Annie and the others would be returning to the Palace.

"*Sigh*" said Christina as she sighed.

"No Stella… I am not upset…" said Christina as she calmed herself down and she looked at Stella.

"Or at least not anymore" said Christina.

"I was just surprised with the way Curtis announced their return" said Christina.

"And please stop covering for him Stella, I am aware that you did not know of what Curtis was planning, and yet you only went along with him during Dinner" said Christina.

"I am sorry my Queen" said Stella.

"You do not need to apologize for anything Stella" said Christina.

"But you need to know that you can trust us, if there is anything that you need to tell us, please feel free to" said Christina as she smiled.

"I do appreciate you concern and sincerity my Queen, but there are just some things that are not in my place to tell" said Stella.

"Please understand that my Queen" said Stella.

"I understand… I do understand Stella, but you must remember that these matters concern the realm, and it is vital that we are carried along" said Christina.

"My Queen, please forgive me, but in any thing that concerns Annie and her family, I will not be able to say anything to you" said Stella, she knew she had her obligation to Albert and Christina as their Vice Chancellor, but as Annie's Great Aunt, she also had her obligation to her, and that was to protect her, no matter what, she did not want to put her in danger at all, which was why she was being careful, why also trying to be the best Chancellor that she could be.

"You really care for Annie and the others, don't you?" asked Christina as she smiled.

"My Queen, they are my family" said Stella as she replied honestly and she smiled, yes, they were her family and she cared for them all a lot, which was why she was trying to be loyal to them while also being loyal to her position.

"I see" said Christina as she smiled, it was clear that Stella loved her family, and she was being honest, and that was what counted the most, honesty.

"I understand Stella, you do not need to compromise" said Christina as she smiled.

"For many years, you have served our Realm well, you dedicated all your time, effort and sweat to iron your name into this position, and you did it all on your own" said Christina as she smiled.

"I never for once doubted your dedication or loyalty to this realm" said Christina.

"And I am sure his Majesty feels the same as well, you are also part of out family in a way" said Christina as she laughed and Stella smiled.

"So do what you must to protect your own family, and just know that if you need any support, we will always be here to give it to you" said Christina as she smiled.

"Thank you my Queen, I really appreciate your trust in me" said Stella as she smiled and she bowed her head.

"That is because you earned it Stella" said Christina as she smiled.

"Thank you my Queen" said Stella as she smiled, regardless of if she earned their trust, Christina was always so nice to her.

"You may go now Stella" said Christina as she smiled.

"I do apologize for calling you over here, I just wanted to know what was going on" said Christina as she smiled.

"There is no need for you to apologize my Queen, I understand" said Stella as she smiled and Christina smiled at her.

"Do have a goodnight Stella" said Christina as she smiled.

"I will my Queen, thank you, and have a goodnight as well" said Stella as she smiled and she stood up although, she would not be sleeping anytime soon, she still had to return to the Palace to take care of some things first before Annie and the rest returned to the Palace.

Christina smiled to herself as Stella left her office, even though she could tell that there was something that they were all hiding, but nevertheless, she understood where Stella was coming from, all she could do was to make sure that her son understood the same, because he looked very upset when dinner ended, and she could not blame him at all, his friends were all suddenly going away, that was bound to make someone upset.

"It is getting late now Chrissy" said Christina to herself as she sighed and she stood up as she walked out of her office and the lights switched off themselves.

…

"Thank you once again for your hospitality my king and Queen" said Curtis as he smiled and he gave a slight bow with his head as he stood in front of Christina and Albert.

"The pleasure is all ours Curtis" said Christina as she smiled, it was time for Annie, Curtis, Maddie, Matt, John and Lisa to return back to the Palace, and the Carriage was being prepared.

Ollie was not happy at all, but as his Father always said, he had to learn to keep his emotions in check at all times, which meant that he had to pretend like he was happy, even though he was not happy at all, so he just faked a smile as he walked to where Annie, Maddie and Matt were standing as they were all watching Curtis.

"Oh so I guess that this is Goodbye Blondie" said Maddie as she smiled, she looked overjoyed, and of she was, and she could not hide it at all.

"Oh you wish" said Ollie as he smiled.

"You should know that you can never get rid of me grouchy" said Ollie as he smiled and winked at Maddie as she rolled her eyes at him, she was not going to let him ruin the good mood she had, they were finally leaving, finally, after so long, it just felt so good.

"I will of course come and visit you" said Ollie as he smiled.

"Haha well goodluck with that blondie, I doubt you will" said Maddie as she smiled.

"And what makes you so sure?" asked Ollie as he smiled.

"That is none of your business" said Maddie as she smiled.

"Anyway Matt, take care" said Ollie as he turned to look at Matt as he gave him a handshake.

"You too" said Matt as he was just being nice.

"Sweet Annie, I am so sad that I will no longer be able to see your beautiful face" said Ollie as he looked at Annie and he smiled as Annie smiled in embarrassment as Maddie rolled her eyes.

"Umm, thank you??" said Annie as she did not know what else to say.

"I will miss you" said Ollie as she smiled and he winked at her.

"You did say that you were coming to the Palace soon, and I am sure that you will" said Annie as she smiled and Ollie smiled at her, she was always so nice.

"Don't think I forgot about you grouchy" said Ollie as she looked at Maddie and he winked at her as Maddie did as if she was about to gag.

"John, Lisa, it was a pleasure to have you both here" said Christina as she looked at John and Lisa as she smiled.

"Thank you for having us your Majesties" said John as he smiled and Lisa smiled.

"Please have a safe trip back to the Castle" said Albert.

"We will my King, thank you" said Curtis as he have a slight smile as Annie, Maddie and Matt entered the carriage as John and Lisa followed after them, and then finally Curtis did the same as the Carriage door was shut and it began to move.

"Mother, Father, may I be excused?" asked Ollie as there was no longer a smile on his face as he turned to look at Albert and Christina.

"You may be excused Ollie, but I would like to speak to you later" said Christina.

"Thank you Mother, I will see you later" said Ollie as he gave a slight bow and he walked away.

"He really is in a bad mood now" said Christina as she smiled.

"It is because you encourage him too much Chrissy" said Albert as he sighed and he walked away as Christina followed after him.

"You do know that he is still a child Albie" said Christina.

"We will speak about this later Chrissy, but for now, I have a meeting to attend" said Albert as he walked away, leaving Christina standing there, she would have followed him, but she decided to leave him be for now.