Page 5 of Royally Matched
Though he was a good friend, and it was nice to have the support, she didn’t see him as anything more than just that. Not only was she too busy for a romantic entanglement, but she’d been burned by letting herself develop feelings when she should focus on other matters. She wouldn’t let herself get distracted again. It nearly destroyed her the last time.
“How kind of you to say so, Joseph, but this was a joint effort by all of us.”
“You mustn’t make light of what you did, Lady Liliana. You spent countless hours advocating for the orphanage by sending out letters, hosting fundraisers, and making everyone see the importance of this place,” Sue said with audible awe. “We are lucky you care so much for what happens to these children.”
Lily’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She didn’t feel comfortable receiving so much praise for doing the right thing. She was lucky—being born into a safe environment in a sustainable country—and wanted to help those that didn’t end up with the same fortunate birthright. “I’m just glad I can help. We’ve all worked so hard to raise this money. I wouldn’t want to just send it over and not be here to give it to you in person.”
Though it was only one section of the orphanage she could help, Lily knew it would make a huge difference. Once the expansion was completed, she could raise money to add a nursery wing for infants.
A buzzing sound drew Lily’s attention to her cell phone. She glanced down at it and noticed she had an incoming call from her mother.
“I need to take this call,” Lily said, stepping away from the other two people. She didn’t need an audience for her mother making a case for her to return to Triola. She received such a call about once a month, and she was due one any day. Quickly, she sent a silent prayer for God to help her remain civil.
“Hello, Mother,” Lily said, taking in a deep breath and preparing herself for the passive aggressive digs about her work and how she is letting her parents down by not being at court.
“Good morning, Liliana.”
“It’s actually late afternoon here, Mother.”
“How do you expect me to keep track of that? You’re always going from one place to another in some third world country.”
Ah, and there it was—the dig Lily knew her mother couldn’t go more than five seconds from working into the conversation.
“Was there a specific reason you were calling?” Lily asked, trying to remain calm and not let her mother know she was upsetting her.
“As a matter-of-fact, there is. It’s time for you to come home, Liliana.”
“Not this again, Mother. You know perfectly well, I’m not in Triola because I’m helping the people here in Asia.”
“Yes, you’ve made that clear,” her mother stated tersely. “But the reason you are being summoned home is because of your father.”
“What’s wrong? Is father hurt?”
“He asked me not to say anything, but I think under the circumstances, you should be made aware of his condition.”
“What condition, Mother?”
There was a long pause on the other end of the line, before she stated quietly, “Your father had a mild heart attack. His heart isn’t doing well. The doctor has put him on two medications to rectify the situation, but they told him he needed to take it easy. Unfortunately, he feels it’s his duty to keep up the family image at court and won’t adhere to their instructions. Of course, if you came home and took up your position in the royal court again, it would give him the ability to take a needed break.”
“Mother, I haven’t been back at court in over five years. I don’t think me returning will make a difference. No one will even remember who I am. How can I help with the family image?”
“You’re wrong. Though you’ve been away, many of the Triolans have kept up with you via your blog and social media posts. You are somewhat of a mini-celebrity around here. You’ll see once you get home. I’ve booked your flight and emailed you the details. I will see you when you get here tomorrow.”
Her mother ended the phone call, giving Lily no chance to further object.
Joseph must have noticed her call ended, because a few moments later, he was by her side again. “Is everything all right?” he asked with concern.
“It seems I’ve been summoned home,” Lily stated ominously. “I’m to return to Triola immediately.”
“How long will you be gone? Will you miss the ground breaking for the expansion in two months?” Joseph asked.
She shook her head. “I won’t let that happen. I’ve worked too hard to let anything keep me from finishing this project. I’ll just go home, check on my father, and then return in time to shovel the first pile of dirt myself.”
Even as she said the words, she wondered how easy it would be. Her mother was a formidable woman, and it had taken a miracle to get away from Triola’s royal court once. Would Lily be able to do it twice?
