The woman’s voice was soft, “Hello, you must be Esme” The woman bent down to Esme’s level “My name is Ceila. I'm going to be taking care of you for a while”

Ceila went to the man, “This is my husband, Temari, and our son, Gene.” She motioned to the young boy on her other side. Esme could see right through his smile, he didn't want to be here either. He bowed his head. 

“Welcome! We are so thankful that you could take her. I feel she will be much happier with you!” her father smiled. That was fake too. But what wasn't fake was the silent glare the two kings were giving each other through their smiles. 

The other king’s smile was better, he had more practice, “Why is she staying with us again? Last I checked there wasn't anything that could put her in danger here. Unless there's another reason…” 

The corner of  her father’s mouth dropped a little, “Her and her brother don't get along, He's bigger and can be impatient. He also doesn't know better, I wouldn't want her to be hurt.”

“My boys fight all the time. What's the difference? Will no one stop it? Or will your 10 year old drag her away where no one can see and beat her up?”

“He's twice her size, and stronger than a normal 10 year old. He is out training with guards while she reads in the library. It would hardly be as fair as two of your boys. Esme also doesn't like the nannies and often hides from them. They are alone more than you’d think.” At This point both things they call smiles are gone. 

“Sounds like you need to hire better child care. If your daughter hates them so much, she frequently hides from them, there's probably something wrong with them. Also why isn't Esme out with her brother training with the guards as well? Or better yet, why isnt your Calvin in the library reading with Esme? There's plenty of time for training when they get older.” 

“You worry about your children and I'll worry about mine. Plus, Esme doesn't like fighting, like you said, there’s plenty of time for that when she grows up. And as for Calvin, he gets the education he needs.” 

“Well, if Calvin posses such a danger to her, than maybe Esme should-”

“Dad.” Gene put a hand on his father’s shoulder.

The woman took this pocket of time to switch the “conversation”  to her, “Well, I've always wanted a daughter. And this is the closest I'm gonna get. I'm so excited!” Esme didn't want to be the strange woman’s daughter. She didn't want to leave. It wasn't fair. Before she knew it, Esme had tears running down her face. 

The woman pulled back, “Oh no! I didn't mean to make her cry. What did I do? Did I say something wrong?”

The king quickly went to his daughter’s side and grabbed her shoulders, “No, no. She’s just a little overwhelmed. It wasn't her choice to leave.” 

The other king said something under his breath that was too quiet to hear. 

“Well, why don't we get Esme’s things into the car, shall we.” Crystal said, quickly changing the subject.