165. The Bet is Off. *

"..this year you will turn 19. " - I said.

It was perfect..not too young not too old.

Both him and Anna shared some looks.

"" Finally. ""

Indeed. I accepted their love for my turtle pace when it comes to anything ..him.

Soon walked back inside and seat close down at the table.

Ladies still surrounded Veila. She was reading Miri Emil now and Stuart was in tight embrace with his wife who looked very happy. What ever she heard must've been good news.

Zephyr played with Anna then..

" Ouch.."

When he tickled her side she winced and let out sound of distress.

" ..Show me. " - he said stone faced.

He didn't look happy and Ilianna knew better than to defy him she turned around and we took a look inside her dress, her side had and ugly bruise coloured part of her ribs.

" Dad..

Het cut her off and shouted.

" Vistellia! "

Granny came over from the girls.

" Oh my..what happened here princess? " - she asked frowning.

Anna looked dejected.

" Training .. the fly kick. " - she answered.

We both shared a look and stared through the door for the missing master Lucian who went away just minutes ago.

Granny was amused by our reaction.

" She'll be fine..just needs to rest. "

" I cannot believe..I let her run around without protection " - I said lamenting my oversight.

" It was my fault for too occupied with nonsense lately.." - Zephyr said shaking his head.

( Slap..Slap. )

" Shut it the both you! " - granny was ready to teach us a little.

" Kids get hurt..all kids. Besides you're busy and have certain responsibilities and obligations. Let her be a child. "

Even the Monroe's nodded along who sat closely.

" Thanks granny..but I hope you know we're very disappointed for not telling us..or anyone. " - I said turning to Anna.

She nodded timidly and waited for the one reaction she really cared about.

" Next time tell us especially, when you're in pain..princess.." - he carefully placed her on his knees. " I know your tough and well trained but that can make you reckless..I tell you what. We cancel our bet..ah ah ah.. "

He didn't let her interrupt. "..you will still get your gift. You get a pair of real daggers and I'll join you. Your missing uncle Carlos gave me one, might as well use it ..in exchange you can never lie to me. "

" Hmm..I promise. " she burrowed in his chest like a little gopher. " ..just you. "

" Did you just allow our daughter to lie to me? " - I asked.

" Bribe her yourself..it's already done. " - he said shrugging.

My six year old gave me a near identical smile as my husband when he got something on me.

" We talk later. " - I said.

" Later.." - Anna said.

The ladies rejoined us most had satisfied smiles and Veila looked a lot more exhausted but definitely richer.

Ceron shared some looks with his family " Lord Zephyr..I wish to speak with you in private tomorrow if..you have the time."

" Sure..I just need to drop of Carlos tomorrow morning and I can come see you before work. " - Zephyr said.

" Thank you. " - Ceron thanked him.

Carlos had to go make an appearance back at home and in front of his 'Lord' reporting to him.

He was on a supposed diplomatic mission but won't mention the Pope's bid for peace. Making sure it looked as he had very little to do with it until the plan was a success. By the time they would smarten up, Juan was safe and he is free.

He excused himself with mother tonight. They won't be seeing each other for about a week maybe.

Soon after us three and granny left the Tavern. We wanted her to take a better look at Anna's bruises and Metill went to fetch her medicine.

We let her do her craft while having some tea before bed.

" ..are thinking about the same thing? " - I asked Zephyr cutting through the silence.

He looked up from his cup.

" ..Carlos and your mother doing it? " - he asked.

" Yep..NO!..Idiot. I'm thinking Ceron wants discussing their stay. "

" Maybe..how were the readings? " - he asked dismissing my thoughts.

" Well only heard Demelza and Miranda's .. "

I told him what Viela saw. After hearing Demelza future bits.

" I can see her do both of those..especially the second one. " - he said smiling.

I was a little surprised, not about the archery. " You mean the town near the sea? "

" Hmm..Catalina's old hometown Metla. I obviously haven't seen it yet but, from her description..it's similar that's all I'm saying. " - he said.

It did had similar settings..

" Anyway..it may happen, it may not. Same with the archery..especially if you compete. " - he added with a confident smile.

I smiled back a little. " I'm not even sure if I'll participate in them...after all we are as rich now as some old noble houses and.." - I let my hand creep up on his leg. "..you already know my wishes. "

" Khmm!! "

I hit my hand a little with granny playing assassin here.

" So tell us Vistellia, still looks good? " - Zephyr asked granny after a little chuckle.

" She'll be fine..just make sure to keep and eye on her for a few days. Don't let her run about and such .." - she said looking back at her.

"" Hmm..""

We said our goodbyes and took up her up in our own room decided to sleep together during her recovery.

" Heard big granny right? All your friends have to come over. " - said Zephyr after settling down the bed.

" They already doing that anyway..some of my toys grown legs lately. " - she said with narrowed eyes.

We were all under a blanket listening to some strange disappearance...and shared some guilty looks.

We ...took some of her toys..for roleplaying and such, and we obviously couldn't tell..or give them back to her.

Our wardrobe hid them..we could still use them in the future.

" I'm telling you princess..too many friends. " - said Zephyr.

" I agree with your father sweetheart..some of those kids come from long lines of thieves. " - I added shamelessly.

" Hmm..I see. "

She was smart..but luckily not that smart.

Did we feel bad blaming some innocent kids for our debauchery?

So, so..

" Anyway..I pick some up for you on my way back..just hide them better. "

" Thanks Dad.." - she sounded sleepy.

We were careful not to touch her injured side.

" Goodnight princess...goodnight wife. "

" Goodnight my loves. " - I said giving a gentle kiss to both of them with some difficulty.

They slept before me ..and I was privileged to hear Demelza and Alexander doing their best to ignore a daughter of Ehlite eyes and her ability.

I bet if she read my future it would've been this moment listening to the sounds of sex and nothing else.