22. Casablanca Motel

King...

After walking out the room, I marched down to go and check on Tania. I opened the door only to find her sprawled on the bed crying. I gently closed the door and slowly walked towards her.

" What's wrong, principessa? " I asked, tracing a finger on her young skin.

She decided to sit up and let her legs dangle on each side of the bed. She kept wiping her face and sniffing, so I decided to kneel in front of her and box her in.

" Aunty Anastasia doesn't love me," she said, and I frowned. She sobbed louder this time.

" Why do you say that?" I asked her.

" She... she... said she hates you. I'm your daughter, so she hates me too." She spoke. I rubbed my face before letting out a deep sigh.

" Daddy and Aunty are just having a bad time right now," I said to her, but she shook her head no.

" You hurt her," she said and I scowled. "...in the car she said you kidnapped her and she has scars on her back because of you."