Chapter 3: The Past (Part-Three)

***Officially Ch. 3***

***Henry's POV***

"Honey, how are we going to explain to the girls what is going on?" Sofia asks.

"Don't worry sweetheart. I think that the best option is the truth. Or as much of the truth since knowing too much can put them in danger." I tell her.

"Okay. Well, I think you should do it. You always know what to say in situations like these." Sofia tells him.

I tell her, "To be honest, I am a bit lost right now. But we will figure it out."

Before my love can say anything to me we arrive at the girls' bedroom. I knock on the door then hear both of them say, "Come in."

I reach for Sofia's hand and look at her. Like always she is breathtaking. Her eyes shine with love and give me comfort. Then I turn to look at the door and open it. I walk into the bedroom while holding Sofia's hand. Her simple touch offers me enough courage for what I am about to tell my gemstones. As I walk into the room I see that both girls are lying on the queen bed and huddled close to each other. That made me smile. Ten years ago, Sofia gave me the happiest news of my life, and today I am looking at it. Both girls and their mother are my life. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have them. I hope that with what is to come I don't lose them.

"Girls, your mother and I have something to tell you. Please don't ask any questions until I am done talking." I say to Dia and Emmi.

"Okay, papa. We are all ears." Diamond replies.

"For the past two years, there have been rebels who are trying to overthrow the king. They believe that he is weak and should not rule our country. However, they could not be more wrong. He is a kind ruler and since his reign, our country and its citizens have prospered. Lately, the rebels have been attacking families, towns, and cities that are loyal to the king. You both know that your mother and I have known the king since we were children and have grown up with him. Since his reign, we have loyally served King Jacob. We were appointed as the king's advisors. As a result, our family is in danger and we need to make sure both of you are safe. Tomorrow morning your mother and I will leave with the king to a safe place. Nanny Sage, butler Jerry, and grandma Mina will take both of you to a secret place. You will stay with them until it is safe to come back home. While you are with them you can not tell anyone who you are. You must trust no one except them. You must also keep your lockets on you at all times and keep them safe. Also, under no circumstance can you show them to anyone. They are special and people will want to take them away from you. These lockets are keys to important power and information. You must never let anyone know that you have them." I tell the girls with a stern voice.

"Dad don't worry. Diamond and I will stay safe. We will stay with nanny Sage, butler Jerry, and grandma Mina." Emerald says to me.

"Also, from now on you will no longer be Diamond and Emerald Kelly. Diamond, your will new name is Marcella. Emerald your new name is Aurelia. From now on you will present yourselves as Marcella and Aurelia Harlow." Sofia says to the girls.

"But why momma?" Diamond says.

I reply, "Because no one must know who you are. In secret, you can call each other by your real names, but only when you are alone. No one must know who you are. You must keep each other safe and your lockets safe. Understood?"

"Yes, father. We understand." Both of them say at the same time.

Then I look at Sofia, my love. Her eyes are filled with sorrow and I know mine must also reflect the sadness I feel. But then I feel anger. Anger at the rebels and their leader. But I know I must keep calm. This will come to pass, and everything will be okay.

"Also, you must refer to nanny Sage and butler Jerry as your parents. Under no circumstance can you call them anything but mom and dad. Everyone must believe that both of you are their daughters. They also have new names. Nanny Sage's new name is Jenny and butler Jerry's is Adam. Grandma Mina also has a new name which is Penelope." I tell the girls.

"Okay, dad. From now on they will be our new parents." Emerald says to me.

Diamond asks, "But for how long will we have to tell people they are our biological parents?"

"Just until everything goes back to normal, and we are back home," I tell Diamond.

"Okay." Both girls reply.

"You must remember what we have told you, okay? Never let anyone know who you are. Keep each other safe and protect each other. But most importantly, remember that your dad and I love you with all of our hearts. You are the most precious treasure we have. Both of you are our gemstones that we must keep safe." Sofia says to the girls.

"We love you girls. Never forget that. Never forget how much you are loved by us and our family." I tell them while I feel the sting of tears in my eyes.

Then the girls reach out to Sofia and me. They give us a hug while they say, "We love you, mom and dad. Please don't worry. We will be safe and protect each other."

"Okay, sweethearts. Don't worry about tomorrow. Your mother and I have arranged everything. You will live in a small comfortable cottage with Sage, Jerry, and grandma Mina. Also, you will be going to a new school. I have given Sage and Jerry enough money to sustain all of you for a long time. The money should last years, but I hope it doesn't come to that. However, the cottage you will be living in is modest, so I have also arranged for them to have a job even though they won't need it. But I want to make sure no one suspects and that you all are safe. From now in front of everyone, you belong to the working class and have a modest income. You are not daughters of a duke and duchess but daughters of humble workers. Sage will work in a bakery and Jerry as a gardener for the local government." I tell them.

"Well, Henry. I think we have told everything the girls need to know. It is getting late, and they have to go to bed." Sofia says.

"Yes, dear. You are right. Okay girls, get under the covers. It is time for bed." I tell them.

The girls give Sofia and me a few more hugs and kisses on our cheeks. Then we tuck them in their bed and say good night. As I leave their bedroom with Sofia beside me I can't help feeling that it is the last time I will see them. We reach our bedroom and get ready for bed. As we lay in our large bed I hug Sofia closely to me. Savoring her nearness and a sense of comfort washes over me. But I can't help feeling that this is the last time I will hold her in my arms. This nagging feeling grows, and I fall into a fretful sleep.