Almost But Not Quite Entirely Unlike Lying

Glad you could join us for the next true-ish episode of Elliot’s Adventures. If you’re new here, you can catch up by returning to the beginning, and reading really fast…

“Where are you going, Sa-man-tha?” Andre wheedled from his Hive Guard post as his half-sister and Clifton approached the only way out.

“Not that it’s any of your business, An-nie,” she responded, “but I’m going to join the Alliance army.”

He looked at her out of the corner of his eyes. “Have you talked with Mother about this?”

Sam moved toward him. “No, and I recommend you don’t either. When I’m Queen, I not going to hide away making babies — I’m going to lead this Hiverarchy to great things. And when I order soldiers to fight, I intend to know what I’m talking about.”

Andre snorted. “What makes you think you’ll ever be Queen?”

“Because I’m the first born female, Flea-brain.” She rolled her eyes. “Why? Is your dainty little heart set on being Queen?”

Racing to catch up with Sam as she sped away, Clifton could feel the heat of Andre’s glare.

They found the Ambassador just finishing a dinner conference with Lieutenant Terrance.

“I didn’t expect to see you till morning, Clifton. Is there news?” Arturo asked.

Hurrying to beat Sam to the answer, Clifton blurted, “Sir, I have a recruit. This is Sam, the eldest child of the Hiverarchy’s Queen.”

The Ambassador’s eyebrows raised. “Princess Samantha? Are you here with Queen Madalena’s approval?”

“I’m here to help win this war you say is coming. Will you teach me to fight or not?”

“Of course you’re welcome to take part,” he conciliated, “but I think you can appreciate that we don’t want to antagonize the Hiverarchy of Free Bees. If your Queen disapproves—“

“She doesn’t disapprove.” Sam shot Clifton a look that kept him quiet.

Arturo bowed his head. “Then we’re honored you’re here. Lieutenant Terrance will show you both to the trainee camp and instruct you about tomorrow’s schedule. Thank you for joining us, my Lady.”

“It’s Sam,” the Princess corrected him. “Call me Sam.”

To be continued. . .

Previously, on Elliot’s Adventures ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Next time . . .