Confrontation

                “Angelique!” Rosalia burst into Angelique’s room without waiting for permission.

                “Oh, Rosalia, you found Monique! I’d wondered where she’d gotten to. Thank you!”

                Rosalia thrust the puppy into Angelique’s arms. “She was in my room. Starting to chew a book I’d borrowed from Luva. He won’t be very happy with you when I return it and tell him how it got damaged.” She glared at the two of them. “That animal doesn’t belong inside. Maybe you should ask Randy to build a pen for it outside.”

                “Rosalia. Get out. Now.” Randy’s voice was like ice.

                Monique barked happily at the sight of her favorite guardian and wagged her tail. Rosalia tossed her head and left.

                “Oh, Randy, is she right? Should Monique be kept outside? She’s never done anything like this before.”

                He took the puppy from her arms. “Don’t let Rosalia bother you. She’s never been very kind to you, has she?”

                “Well, no, not really. But I’m sure it’s just the way she is. I wish she and I could be friends and not just rivals.”

                He kissed her forehead. “That’s one of the reasons I love you so much. You always want to see the best in everyone.”

                “Everyone has good in them. We just need to look for it. And, you know, maybe Monique would like having a safe place to play outside when I have to be at my lessons or taking care of other queen candidate duties.”

                “I’ll try to put a fence around an area so she can have a safe place to play when one of us can’t be with her.”

                “And maybe that will help Rosalia look at me as a friend and not just a rival for becoming queen.” She smiled at him. “I love you.”