Chapter 22

Baby's POV

Directly after my breakfast of mash, I was scooped up and hurriedly carried down the stairs, through the entryway, and plopped on the cushioned seat of the carriage next to my mother and directly across from my brother Jasper. Sapphire was sitting next to Jasper and across from my father who was riding in the carriage with us for the first time.

The ride to the castle wasn't a great distance away, but the security got tighter as we got closer to the Emperor which took time. Jasper started saying words and short sentences and I signed them. I was even able to answer a few simple questions from the words he had learned.

"What are you two doing?" My father asked us after having watched us for awhile.

"I'm saying words and phrases and Baby girl is showing me how she would say it with her hands. She wants to talk to us too".

There was a short pause before a 'huh' was said. "Show me what you've learned so far" our dad said.

Turns out a good memory must be hereditary, because it didn't take dad very long to almost catch up to Jasper. I couldn't wait to be able to finally communicate that I now hated mash and fruit, but I had to wait until enough words and phrases were brought up that I could sign it. Right now they wouldn't be able to understand.

Like that our trip passed by very quickly and made me wish I had implemented it on our journey. 'So much time wasted' I couldn't help thinking.

Our arrival at the Imperial palace was preceded by yet another inspection at the massive gates attached to even more impressive walls. After each of us was recognized and searched, we then had to proceed on foot. I pulsed my aura to see the general layout and it was massive.

Thankfully my dad picked me up and carried me because I knew my little almost 2 year old legs were not going to make it all the way to the throne room anytime soon. The throne room, where the Emperor sat while officially working, was actually near the front of the palace. It seemed to be a pretty impressive structure judging just from the outline that I could make out. When we got to a large door, we were greeted by a guard and then escorted inside.

"The Emperor is expecting you" was all he said before he went back out the door and left us to ourselves. I thought that was odd, but turns out my dad knew exactly where to go and lead us all there. Then we came to an even larger door with more guards in front. This time the doors opened for us and my dad put me down to walk on my own as we were loudly announced.

"Protector Adrian, Lady Gemma and offspring have arrived" the slightly shrill voice cried out. As we walked in, the announcement seemed to slightly echo off the large walls and towering ceiling.

I held Jasper's hand as we walked down the center of the room to the very end. Curious about the Emperor that I had heard about, I pulsed my aura to 'see' him on his throne.

All of a sudden chaos ensued. My dad rushed over to block a blow that was headed towards me, before picking me up and getting into a defensive stance; holding me in one arm and a sword in the other.

I was in shock and couldn't figure out why I was all of a sudden being attacked. I spread my aura down along the floor and could tell that we were surrounded by soldiers and that my mom was behind my dad while each of my siblings took up a defensive position on either side of her.

"Hold" said a calm and commanding voice. With that everyone stopped. "Let Protector Adrian approach us".

I realized that it was the Emperor who had stopped everyone in their tracks.

My dad began to move forward, when someone on the side voiced his dissent.

"Leave it there" said the male voice. I honestly couldn't tell what emotion the voice displayed. Disdain? Revulsion? Concern? Superiority? Either way it was clear that he didn't want me coming along with my dad and that my dad was not happy about how he addressed me as an it.

I could feel the muscles of my dad's arms and chest tense; could feel the rage he felt. I patted his shoulder and gave him the okay sign while smiling. I didn't want any more trouble for us than we were already in and some stranger's opinion of me didn't really matter. Only family mattered.

I could feel the tension in my dad's muscle loosen as he turned back and placed me with my mom and siblings before making his way forward once again to approach the Emperor.

"Your Majesty" my dad said as he bowed.

"We believe that an explanation is demanded" the Emperor stated succinctly.

"Yes Your Majesty. I sincerely apologize for not teaching my daughter better. I would gladly give you an explanation, but I humbly request to do so in private." My dad said and then waited for the Emperor's response.