Hello hello hello! I return with the next installment of how Taani's future is so much better w/o idiots in it. In this episode- somebody actually gives a damn about her future and a mystery person will debut soon to save Taani from idiots and be in her corner for the rest of time! Now, without further ado, I present Chapter 14!~

-Taani and Rishi in the Car-

As day turned to dusk and cities passed, sleep claimed Taani. Completely relaxed, head in the lap of one who she felt safest with, she was lulled to slumber listening to the baritone voice of her uncle on the phone.

Looking down at his surrogate daughter, he thought back to the precious memories they had made, she had been so happy then. Eyes twinkling and her light laughter echoing through the house. That had all changed to what he could now see was a haggard and worn-down face with stress lines that definitely hadn't been there before. He would fix this. Carding his hand through her hair, he began to plan.

"Driver, make a stop at the next rest area that has a place to eat"

"Yes sir."

"Taani, child, it's time to get up for now. You need to eat, and I need to make some calls. C'mon, up you get." A groaning noise sounded in the car. "No princess, groaning won't work this time. You haven't eaten anything for a while. If I don't feed you, your aunt will kill me. Now go, freshen up a bit in the washroom and grab something to eat," he chuckled.

As the car pulled to a halt, Taani rose out of Rishi's lap, rubbing her eyes slowly. Spotting signs for a few cafes, her stomach grumbled, reminding her of her ravenous state. Looking over at her companion, she was sure he'd heard her stomach's call for nourishment. With a red face, she murmured, "I guess I'll go freshen up and find something to eat. Would you like me to bring something back for you?"

"No Taani, I'll pick something up. You go ahead and make sure to take the driver with you. I have a few calls to make and then I'll join you in the food court. It'll do us good to sit and eat here. Give us a chance to stretch our legs out for a bit."

Once he was sure she had entered the building, a sigh escaped him. The events that he wanted to put into motion would take his girl away from him, possibly for a very long time. Would that be worth it? Would it be worth seeing her heal and flourish away from the life she had here, that had given her nothing but heartache?

Yes.

Bringing the phone to his ears, a grim expression set on his face, he spoke into the device. "Taani's coming home with me. I want you and her to fly to Seattle in a week to take care of stuff there. I need her away from here and there's no better way than to have her go with you to start learning the ropes of running the company. She is the future CEO after all, once I retire. The change of pace, scenery and companions will do her good. And of course, having you there will put her at ease."

Nodding as a reply came back from the other end, he continued, "she doesn't know that you're working for me yet. I thought that having her come into the office after graduation and surprising her would go a long way, but…" A sigh escaped him. "I don't know how much she'll tell you but I'll brief you when we get into town. You'll be taking over our marketing and advertising department. I'll have Rosie prepare the briefs. Meet me in my cabin tomorrow at 9 sharp and we'll go over the details."

"Yes, she'll complete her degree in Seattle while interning at the company."

"No she doesn't know. She won't refuse. I rather get the feeling that she'll be glad to be away."

A pause as he listened to the voice on the other end.

"Ask her that. If she wants to tell you, she will. You will not push her under any circumstances. Is that clear? I'll see you tomorrow, take care."

Now that that was out of the way, he heaved a sigh of relief. He had set into motion the wheels of what might be the making of Taani's future. But only time would tell. Turning, he began moving towards the little building off to the side, relaxing as his daughter came into view, chatting amicably with the driver. His child had always had an affinity for drawing people to her warmth and her light, no matter where she went and who she was with. And just a few hours away from the big city had already seen a lot of the stress from her body melt away, which only affirmed his decision.

A quick lunch and they were back on the road to where a new path beckoned his princess. A path that would see her reach her potential and be the queen she was destined to be.