truth

Staying there was certainly better than on the streets. To begin with, the four of us stayed in the room they were keeping for the baby. When their son was born, I was worried they would insist we had to leave, but no, though they did say we had to help care for him whenever we were asked. Jay was ecstatic with his new nephew, so he was fine looking after him at any time. Other than that, he spent most of his free time wandering the city. He always liked that. Most times, we would come with him, though we often ended up going to different places. I liked the library best while he liked the arcade. We all enjoyed anywhere we could listen and dance to music. Sometimes he would just sit and draw in his sketch pad while I read a book and the others went and checked out the shops.

Steev came by twice, the first time bringing someone with him.

"Auntie rosie!" I jumped up when I saw her and ran to give her a hug.

Tiana came over too.

"Girls, there's something I should tell you, now that you know most of the truth already. Your mother really was my sister."

We looked at each other. "Our?"

She nodded. "Mmhmm."

"But that means…"

"We really are sisters."

"Well, half sisters. But yes."

"Why did she send me away?"

Aunt Rose cast an unsure glance at Steev. "Mostly because of who your father was. It wouldn't have been good if people found out about…"

"Why? Who was my father?"

"You have to understand, my big sister was a wonderful, caring woman but there were times when she could get…a little carried away."

"Tiana's mine."

We all stared at Steev.

"Please don't blame your mother. She was still single at the time, and lonely…"

"Why would she be lonely?" I looked up at Rose.

"I had gone to train at Space Patrol. Along with most of her friends." she explained.

"But you weren't single." Jay muttered.

"No. and I loved Ileaner very much but… Isynier was the kindest, gentlest, most excitable person I ever knew. I'd known her since she was a girl. So when she came to me for comfort…"

The rest went unsaid.

"Your parents were my best friends." he said to me. "When I heard they wanted to be together. I was delighted."

"What about me?" Tiana asked.

Steev looked at her and shook his head slightly. "It would've been quite the scandal if people learned about the king's secret daughter with another woman. That's why we had to give you up. Your mother chose the place. And the name."