Chapter 40 Taking Initiative

• Annie
• Saying goodbye to my parents shouldn't be as hard as it is, but I find myself wiping tears from my face as I see them off at the private airstrip. One of my guards, whom I've become quite close with, Arlando, hands me a white handkerchief with a stoic nod. He's a man of few words and an older gentleman, but I've come to see him as a father figure. I give him a watery smile in gratitude and wipe my eyes. I can't hear the cameras clicking, but I know that my face will be all over the tabloids. I can see the headline now: New Princess Sheds Tears in Heartfelt Goodbye.
• Baxter wriggles in my arms and lets out a soft whine. He's come to bond with me and doesn't like seeing me upset. I give him a scratch behind his ear and he yips happily. "Don't worry Baxie, I'm okay." He tries to jump up and lick my tears away and I can't help but let out a small giggle. "Down, Boy! Easy killer!"