Josephina didn’t recognize the Estrellian man running towards her, but she felt compelled to break free of Boris’s grip and run to him nonetheless.
“Papa!” she squeaked. The man scooped her up into his arms.
“My Prince, it is I, Anya,” the man whispered. “I have taken a disguise so we may travel together without being caught.” Josephina nodded. Anya turned to Boris. “Thank you for keeping my little girl safe.”
“It is no problem. I have a daughter of that age myself.”
“They are such handfuls, are they not?” Anya asked jovially. Boris chuckled. “I also would like to thank you for helping to topple the tyrants. Mixed children such as Josephina were treated so poorly. I look forward to the changes that will come.”
“But of course,” Boris said brightly. “I can escort you and Josephina out of the Palace, if you would like.”
“That would be most excellent,” Anya said. Boris walked with Anya and Josephina through the Palace, chatting idly. During the walk, Josephina listened to the backstory Anya had developed for their covers. Anya was now Antonio Gonzalez, the son of Estrellian immigrants. He did manual labor to support his wife Lisa and daughter Josephina. And, disturbing to Josephina, apparently Antonio was on the side of the rebels.
Eventually, however, they left the Palace. Boris waved at them as they walked away. Josephina glared at Antonio.
“What?” Antonio asked.
“You acted like you supported the rebels!” Josephina hissed.
“I had no choice. It was the only way to get out of there safely.”
“Hmph.”
“Calm down, Josephina. Thanks to my quick thinking, the three of us can escape to my hometown of Wind’s Grove without being recognized.”
“Three?” Josephina asked.
“Yes. Antonio has a wife named Lisa, remember?”
“We will be traveling with someone posing as your wife?” Josephina asked. Antonio nodded. “Whom?”