Page 91 of Ascending

“Sleep well, Camilla.”

“Okay.”

There were some sounds that Palmer was used to. They indicated Camilla was passing the phone back to their mother.

“Hey, honey,” her mother said.

“Hey, Mom.”

“Are you okay where you are?”

“We’re just at the hotel.”

“And you’re going to stay there tonight?”

“Yes.”

“With Elizabeth?”

“Yes, Mom.” Palmer laughed.

“I’m sensing there are things your father and I don’t know. I sure would appreciate an update.”

“Tomorrow, okay? I can’t right now.”

She looked over at Elizabeth, who was staring at her.

“Fine. The mother is always last to know.”

“Don’t be dramatic,” Palmer said, laughing. “I love you, guys. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Love you, too, honey.”

Palmer hung up the phone, placed it on the table in front of the sofa, and wrapped her arm around Elizabeth’s shoulders.

“Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine. Cami just wanted to say goodnight to me.”

“She loves you.”

Elizabeth placed her head on Palmer’s shoulder.

“I love her.”

“It shows.”

“Please tell me you’re not really giving my sister a tiara?”

“I am. It’s her Christmas present, actually.”

“So, it’s fake, right?”

“What? No.” Elizabeth lifted her head and shook it at Palmer. “I’ve had a tiara since birth, Palmer. My head got bigger; they didn’t. So, they just sit there, and eventually, they get donated to a museum or become part of the palace tour. I brought the one I had when I was her age. It’s very real, and it’s hers to keep.”

“That’s too much, Elizabeth.”

“No, it’s not. She’s your sister. I want her to have it.”