The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1937

"Come here," Romeo's voice was lighthearted yet commanding, causing Cathy to shrink back a little.

"My legs have gone numb, I can't move." she protested weakly.

"Weren't you sprinting just moments ago?"

"Now I'm stuck."

Seeing she wouldn't come to him, Romeo started walking towards her.

This terrified Cathy, and with a sudden burst of energy, she sprang to her feet and dashed behind her older brother, gripping the hem of his shirt as she pleaded, "Jeffrey, save me."

"Romeo," Jeffrey interjected, trying to smooth things over, "Cathy's just being silly. She was out of line earlier, I'll have her write the house rules a hundred times and send you a snapshot."

"Jeffrey?" Cathy's eyes widened in disbelief. It was the New Year! Their family's house rules were so extensive that even writing them once or twice could cramp her hand, let alone a hundred times.

She felt utterly betrayed by her own flesh and blood.

"She seems quite reluctant," Romeo observed, his gaze resting on Cathy.

"Romeo, can I just write it once, please." Cathy's eyes brimmed with a pitiful plea, "I promise to be the most welcoming, friendly, and sincere person later! Just watch me!"

"You could also try not being welcoming, friendly, or sincere."

"No, no, no, I'll be all that and more!" Cathy begged, her eyes pleading with Romeo.

"Thank you, Romeo, but can we do less." Cathy saw her chance as he lowered the count, pleading, "After dinner, we're supposed to watch the show and fireworks with her, right? If I'm absent, she might think I don't like her. Just let me write it once, one time is already a lot, a hundred rules, you know."

"Any more bargaining and you won't reduce a single word."

"Romeo." Cathy watched helplessly as her brother entered the dining room, feeling defeated. Ten times, she'd be writing until who knows when.

At the dinner table, Phillip and Shirley sat on either side of Arabella, fussing over her and urging her to eat more.

Tomas and Donna had never seen their parents shower so much affection on a younger relative before.

Even Jennifer, who was usually so aloof and shrewd, had lowered her guard. She seemed eager to heap every delicacy on the table into Arabella's plate.