Chapter 12– My Piccolinos

Selena

"No, I would gracefully leave them in your care."

"This way mija." Mother rose smoothly and came around the desk, her posture and commanding presence every inch that of the infamous Thorn Queen persona.

But her tone was warm and indulgent as she wrapped an arm around my shoulders, guiding me towards the door.

"Come, let's not keep my favorite piccolinos waiting a moment longer. They keep whining to meet you already."

But her tone was warm and indulgent as she wrapped an arm around my shoulders, guiding me towards the door.

I matched her pace as we exited the study and made our way down the corridor towards the family wing of the manor. Immediately, two burly guards flanked us in silent escort, their eagle eyes sweeping the area for any potential threats.

She add more security everytime I visit.

We passed through a checkpoint, with Mother entering a complex security code into the biometric panel beside a heavy steel door. It slid open with a loud clank, revealing a small lobby area where even more guards stood at the ready.

One of the men - Hector, if I remembered correctly - immediately stepped forward and handed me a visitors badge which I obediently clipped to my blouse. Then he pulled a sleek black case from a storage locker and presented it to me.

I accepted it automatically, opening the lid to reveal two 9mm handguns nestled in security-coded foam inserts. My heart clenched - not from seeing the lethal weaponry itself, but rather the brutal necessity of being armed to the teeth simply to approach my own children.

Mother noted my pained look and gripped my shoulder firmly. "Safety first, mija. You know that better than anyone given our...complicated circumstances."

"Of course, Mama," I replied automatically, checking that both guns were loaded before closing the case with a decisive snap.

The guardsmen gave me curt nods of approval before leading the way through another security door that slid open to reveal a long, brightly lit corridor. But all feelings of dread instantly evaporated at the cheerful sights and sounds emanating from up ahead.

Colorful murals covered the walls, depicting frolicking animals and storybook scenes. The tile floors were done in a vivid rainbow pattern, with plush area rugs and beanbag chairs providing cozy nooks.

But the most wonderful sound was the pealing laughter and excited chatter drawing steadily nearer.

Suddenly, two small blurs launched from a doorway at the end of the hall, racing towards us with unbridled glee.

"Mommy! Mommy!" Ciro and Talia shrieked in high-pitched unison, beaming from ear-to-ear.

Tears of pure joy pricked my eyes as I went to one knee, dropping the gun case and flinging my arms wide just as they barreled into me. I crushed them fiercely to my chest, burying my face in their soft hair as they squeezed me with all their childish might.

"My angels, my sweet babies," I murmured brokenly, drinking in their warm, unconditional love and affection like a balm for my fractured soul. In their innocence, they had no comprehension of the darkness I had brought into their lives through my mistakes.

"We missed you so much, Mommy!" Talia piped up, pulling back to beam at me with those adoring hazel eyes that so mirrored my own.

Tears streaked my cheeks as I peppered their rosy little cheeks with grateful kisses. "My darlings, Mommy missed you even more, I promise."

Ciro squirmed happily in my arms, practically vibrating with youthful energy. "Did you bring us presents this time?" he asked excitedly.

I couldn't help but laugh through my tears at his endearing question. Leave it to my rambunctious little guy to cut straight to what mattered most in his four-year-old world.

"Not this time, piccolino," I replied, ruffling his silky dark locks affectionately. "But I'll make it up to you both, I swear. All I need are my two favorite people right here with me."

As if suddenly remembering her manners, Talia twisted in my arms to aim a brilliant smile at her grandmother hovering nearby.

"Hi Gram-Gram! Did you see, Mommy's finally home!" she crowed triumphantly.

Mother's face melted into a warm, indulgent smile as she reached down to brush a stray lock from Talia's forehead. "Yes, mi angel, I certainly did. Why don't you two show your madre around the new playroom Marco's crew finished setting up?"

"Yay! You'll love it, Mommy, it's got everything!" Ciro was already trying to tug me upright, his little sneakers skidding on the tile in his haste.

I allowed him and Talia to lead me by the hands towards the doorway they'd originally emerged from, with Mother falling into step just behind us. As always, her guardsmen kept a protective semi-circle around our small party.

The minute we crossed the threshold, my heart felt fit to burst at the lavish playland awaiting my children.

Every square inch of the enormous room was a veritable wonderland of vibrant colors and any toy imaginable. Intricate murals depicting lush jungles and storybook kingdoms adorned the walls, with plush play areas nestled in each "scene" for maximum immersion.

"See Mommy, that one's got a real rock-climbing wall!" Ciro pointed to a craggy, painted rocky outcrop tucked in one corner. "And the pirate ship has a bounce house inside it!"

I could only gape in awe as he and Talia continued the whirlwind tour, showcasing every new amenity and play station from the arts & crafts zone to the massive playground structure modeled after an ancient forest.

"Do you like it, Mom? Do you really, really?!" Talia finally paused to catch her breath, looking up at me with doe-eyed hopefulness.

Dropping to my knees again, I pulled them both into another fierce hug, blinking hard against fresh tears. "My loves, it's the most incredible, amazing place I've ever seen," I said raggedly. "How could I not love anything that makes my babies this happy?"

They beamed twin radiant smiles, snuggling deeper into my embrace with contented sighs. In that single moment, any shadows or doubts plaguing me vanished completely.

This - the security, the luxury, the freedom for them to simply be innocent children - was what made every sacrifice and hardship worth it a thousand times over.

Enzo, Blaze, the darkness constantly looming over our unconventional families...none of it mattered when I had these two perfect lights warming the deepest corners of my soul.

Pulling back slightly, I touched Talia's cheek with a trembling hand. "My loves, you know how much I Love you right!" I asked.

"Yasshh" they shouted. " but mom didn't bring us present." Cilo pouted.

"Don't be silly I was jus kidding. I bring you present. I'll give you free dinner." I pinched his nose.

"I know it!" Talia jumped into the air. "You're the best mom ever!" She squealed.

I will never let anything bad happen to you, ever. You're the most precious things in my life, and I will protect you no matter what it costs me.

Ciro blinked up at me owlishly. "Course you T, Our mommy is the best," he replied to his twin sister.

"You and Gram-Gram are the bravest ever!" He hugged me again.

My breath caught in my throat at his innocent words, a cold lance of panic spearing my heart. Oh god...if only he knew the horrific truth about the monster who helped create him.

Mother seemed to sense my inner turmoil, clearing her throat softly to get the children's attention. "Why don't you both go put on a performance for us on that big circus stage? I know you've been practicing your new tricks."

"Yeah! Let's go, T, I'll show you my awesome tumbling passes!"

With a flurry of excited giggles and chatter, they scampered off towards the mock circus rigging on the far side of the room. I watched them go with a despairing ache.

As Ciro and Talia scampered off to the circus area, Mother placed a gentle hand on my shoulder.

"Come, mija. Let's get settled so we can enjoy their little performance." She guided me over to a plush seating area decked out like a circus ringside.

"Thank you for this, Mama," I said softly as we took our seats on the oversize cushions. "Just being around them...it centers me again when everything else feels so unbalanced."

Mother gave me an understanding smile. "Of course. No matter what storms may rage in our world, the purehearted joy of a child is the ultimate anchor."

We turned our attention to the miniature circus stage where Ciro and Talia were busying themselves getting ready. Talia emerged first, wearing an adorable sequined leotard and tutu.

"Ladies and gentlefolk!" she announced in her tiny ringing voice. "Introducing the stars of this afternoon's show - the fantastic flying Falcones!"

Ciro came bounding out in a little red ringmaster's jacket, twirling an improvised cane as he grinned at us proudly.

"That's me!" he crowed, eliciting chuckles from Mother and I both. "And now, the first amazing act - Talia the Terrific Tightrope Walker!"

I giggled at the name. Impressed.