Chapter 350

"Sebastian, I don't want to be apart from you. Why?" Pearl asked, pacing the palace library where she a Sebastian were talking.

"Pearl, it's only for a few weeks. There are serious issues with Pakistan and I need to help figure it all out." Sebastian said.

Pearl was furious. She didn't think it was safe for him there and she hated the thought of him being gone for so long.

"You have advisors and military officials that are supposed to do this exact job." Pearl said.

"Pearl." Sebastian said, taking her hands and kissing them. "I know you are worried about me and I appreciate it and love you so much for it. But I am king. It is my job." Sebastian said. She was unhappy at the thought of it but it was something he was going to do, regardless of her fighting it.

"Ok." She said.

"Spend some time with the children. Take them somewhere, maybe to the zoo or the park. Take some time for you. Maybe a trip to the spa…" Sebastian attempted to normalize it and smooth it over.

"Yeah. Ok. Sounds good." Pearl said, just as casually. She wasn't in the mood for it. She kissed him and walked out, heading to the dining room for tea and to think. Alone.

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Sebastian left early the next morning, trying not to wake Pearl. She opened her eyes as he closed the door. "I love you." She said. But he was already gone. She woke up and got breakfast as Tia brought the kids down.

"Mommy!" Christian cried as he ran to her lap and climbed up, hugging her.

"Good morning, my love." She said, cradling him. He was getting so big, so fast. And he was still the most loving and sensitive child. Isla ran past her and hid behind her chair.

"Isla, what is the problem?" Pearl asked.

"Ti make me." She said.

"Tia is making you do what?" Pearl asked.

Isla walked out from behind the chair. She was completely naked except for a little pair of UGG boots.

"Isla, Tia wants you to put on clothes." Pearl said.

"I not want to." Isla said, pouting. Her reddish blonde hair was wild with its loose curls and her little face was dirty, as usual.

"Isla! Get over here." Tia said, holding a long sleeved dress and a pull up.

Pearl put Christian down and picked up Isla and hugged her.

"Listen pretty girl. There are times that momma hates wearing dresses and always having to be proper all the time, too." Pearl said.

"Rewee momma?" Isla said.

"Yes. But I still wear them, during the day at least. How about we make a time during the day for you to wear, or not wear, whatever you want and that way, you can be who you are as well. How does that sound?" Pearl asked.

"Ok momma." Isla said.

Tia smiled. "How about an hour before bedtime, we do that?"

"Yay!" Isla said. She walked over to Tia and helped her arms up so she could put the dress on her. Pearl smiled. She loved how individual and strong willed her daughter was. All of their personalities were so profound, even at such a young age.

Later that day, Pearl fell onto the couch in the family room and sighed. She was exhausted. The kids were all over the place and she was thankful for Tia's help. She had a new found respect for mothers, especially single ones, after their trip to the zoo.

"I think my entire foot is just one blister." Pearl said to to Tia.

"I told you to wear more comfortable shoes. But noooooo. You had to match your outfit." Tia said, jokingly.

"I'm the frickin' queen, you understand. I have to look semi decent and the only truly comfortable shoes I have are my old dining sneakers. Could you imagine how comical that would have been?" Pearl asked.

"Exactly. You are the queen. You can do whatever the hell you want." Tia said, gathering up the diaper bags and smiling. "Just be thankful you can relax tomorrow." Tia said.

"Yes. You deserve some time off, too." Pearl said. "After tomorrow, take a few days."

"Sounds great. Thank you." Tia said.

Pearl curled up next to Christian and they drifted off for a nap.