Scolding And Kissing

      "Ilona Black," Anja said seriously, "What on earth do you think you were just doing?"

            "I-I wasn't," Ilona dropped her gaze, "I wasn't doing anything we just... we were just..."

      "He is a Prince Ilona!"

      "I know, Mother.  I know he's a Prince, but..."

      "And in case you've forgotten, the only reason he's aboard this ship at all is because we are sailing him to The Red Lands where he will marry a Princess!"

      Ilona shifted and bit at one of her nails, feeling like a child again as her mother scolded her.

      "I know..."

      "And once we've delivered him, we will get your brother and sister back and sail home again."

      "Mother I..."

      "And when we sail home, we will leave that Prince behind to be a King with his Queen, and we won't ever be seeing him again.  Do you understand me, Ilona?"