Chapter 53

Ward

I stand frozen where I stand. I have not seen my parents in several years. What are they doing here now?

"Mom? Dad?" I look at them in shock. "What are you doing here?"

My mother runs to me and wraps her arms around me in a giant hug. "You missed our monthly phone call. When we called looking for you we were told that you were injured on a mission to save the Princess." Tears are streaming down my mother's face. "This is why we didn't want you to join the guard. It is dangerous."

"Mom," I sigh as I peel her off of me. "I am fine."

Keena awkwardly clears her throat and all of our eyes move to her. "I should probably leave," she says as she gets to her feet.

"Nonsense," my mother says with her arms outstretched ready to give Keena a hug.

Hesitantly Keena lets my mother wrap her arms around her and my mother pats her back. She holds Keena at arm's length and looks her over. "I am Gloria and that is my husband Gerald."

"It is nice to meet you," Keena say