Sitting on the porch of Ron and Liz’s house, I watch as the construction crew begins to tear up the rundown and old road. It has been three days since my small breakdown in Sky’s arms and with a new resolve to do right by my people, I called around the construction company I planned to hire and asked what the earliest day that they can start their work is. The owner of the company was excited to work with me as the future Queen and said within two days as long as the plans were sent to him so he could sort out a crew. During that call, I emailed the file to him and explained that I wanted to start with the Slums in the South and work my way out.
“It’s so nice to see a change for once.” Ron comments as he takes a seat beside me. I hum in agreement, taking a sip of hot chocolate. Yesterday morning I sent a group of Guards to go door to door with construction notices that would begin today, the people were hesitant at first to see my Guards, but when they read the notices and learned of the changes that would follow within the year, their hesitations faded away.
“I always wanted to see changes made here as a child. To know that many of those living in shambling houses are being sent to a hotel while their houses are rebuilt feels nice.” Smiling, I lean my head against Ron’s shoulder, happy to know that I can relax while the work goes on. Many of the Guards and Kolten’s Soldiers were tasked with helping those whose houses were one storm away from collapsing pack their belongings and send them to a hotel.
In each group, a Butler took note of how many rooms were in each house to rebuild it to the same specifications. Ron and Liz’s house is one of the few that are still in pristine condition thanks to it being passed down on Ron’s side of the family so I agreed to not have anything done to their house without their permission.
“Well, now you are making those changes. I heard there were many jobs opening up deeper into the city by the way, was that your doing?” He nudges me gently, his tone a mock sternness. Ron’s playfulness while asking the question has me laughing and I admit that technically it was. I told him about the attempt on my life and explained that I went on a hunt tracking down more Traitors.
“You live an eventful life now.” He muses, pulling me in for a hug. We sit on the porch in silence after that, overseeing the new road being put in while my Violet Guards help with picking up trash around the place. With so many Guards and people around, it will be hard to try an attempt on my life here. Besides, Sky is inside with Liz working on snacks for all of us.
The smell of cookies and scones come wafting towards me as the front door opens and Sky walks out with a full tray in his hands, Liz following after with a pitcher of lemonade for us. They place it on the small table in front of Ron and me before taking a seat, Sky placing a kiss on my cheek.
“It seems like you have something to tell us missy.” Liz states, her left brow raised as she stares at me. Deciding to play dumb I smile and take a white-chocolate-raspberry scone from the plate.
“My Grandparents asked if you and Liz would like to come for dinner the night before the Spring Parade. They want to thank you for taking care of me since you missed my Ball.” I shrug, taking a bite of the scone as Sky and Ron chuckle, the two men deciding to stay quiet.
“We can do that, but you know well enough that that is not what I meant.” She chides me, hands on her hips. I sheepishly smile, looking at Sky for a moment before facing Liz.
“Sky and I are dating.” A wide smile spreads across Liz’s face as she sits down, happy that I gave her the correct answer this time.
“Welcome to the family Sky.” Ron jokes, nudging Sky’s arm with his elbow playfully.
“Thank you but Alli and I only had one date.” Reaching for a scone – a multi-berry one – Sky thanks Ron.
“And that ended in me being poisoned.” I deadpan, Sky humming in agreement as he takes a bite of the scone.
“Well, did you catch the bastards that did it?” Liz asks with concern and anger on her aging face.
“We did. It’s why there are so many jobs now in Zalaris and probably why so many from the Slums are working now.” Sky answers this one, my mouth full of the sweet and tart scone. I nod, turning to look at the construction and noticing that the bulldozer is coming to tear down a few houses. It will take a few days for these to be completed and fences to be placed around each property but knowing there is change makes me happy.
“Your Highness?” A voice calls out as the foreman – Jacob – walks up the porch steps, a friendly smile on his face with his dreadlocks pulled back to keep it from getting in the way while he works.
“We noticed that small shack over there, do you want us to tear it down and rebuild it?” He asks, pointing to what I called my home for years.
“No, not yet. That used to be my home and I still need to pack it up.” I admit, watching as shock cross the Jamaican’s face.
“No wonder you want to help these people. You were one of them as well.” He muses out of shock and not of disgust. I smile, explaining to Jacob what happened to have me end up here and he takes in the brief history of my life. After asking if he wants my men to clear it out and provide a bigger home for me to use, I hesitate and look to Sky. There are only a few items left in there and the plan was to always come back and fix it up, but to tear it down feels wrong.
“It’s your call Alli. We can get the others to come and clean out the shack. We will just need to store everything somewhere.” Sky takes my hand in his, reassuring me that I make the decisions. I hesitate, looking back to the shack and thinking back to the life I lived there. If we tear it down, I will lose the last remaining thing of my past as Allison.
“You can store the furniture in our basement.” Ron chimes in, giving me a soft smile. I hesitate again, wanting to accept this idea, but part of me wants to redo the shack my way.
“Leave it be, please. When you and your men start rebuilding the other houses, I will work on the shack.” Jacob takes the answer with a smile, offering to lend a few men to help me when the time comes. I thank him, watching as he returns to work as Sky, Ron, and Liz give me a questioning gaze.
“It’s the last piece of my childhood. A place that kept me safe. I am not ready to give it up.” I state to the three, giving them a sad smile. The work on revitalizing the Slums continues and after planning to have Ron and Liz come to the Palace in three days, Sky and I leave to head home, leaving the Violet Guards to watch over the construction for the rest of the day except for Max and Alice. Those two came home with us to help prepare for the Parade. Max will be doubling security to keep Juden and his men in line in the Palace Dungeons and Alice will be preparing my safety procedures with Sky.