Wren's heart thudded. Whether from fear or anticipation, he didn't know. He glanced at the others standing around him, his gaze resting on Leah the longest. Excitement radiated from the girl and it was obvious she had dressed herself with extra care from her attire: a long black dress, studded diamond earrings, and black heels. Her blond hair was pulled back in a french twist giving her a sophisticated look, rather than her usual carefree style. Wren's gaze dropped to her waist and hips accentuated by the dress and his mouth went dry. She was beautiful and today proved it. But, why did he feel uneasy? He gaze flickered to Charles standing not far behind her, and his agitation increased. The wealthy gamer seemed to having his own trouble keeping his eyes from the girl.

A quiet growl escaped his throat as he focused his attention on the long driveway, looking for something to distract himself. If he didn't, he would be hauling her right back to her room and demanding she change into something less attractive.

"I guess this is your first time seeing her for who she is, huh?"

Wren turned just the slightest to look at Edward leaning on the other side of the post. "That isn't who she is. Its who she's expected to be."

Edward shrugged, casting his own glance at the young woman of topic. "True, that style doesn't fit her personality, but it does fit her world. All of this will be hers one day, as well as Tony's business."

Though his words were true, Wren fought them. "What if she doesn't want it?"

"I don't know she has much of a choice. She could go against her father, but I can't really see her doing that either. Her life is pretty much mapped out."

Wren clenched a fist, then forced it open, releasing the breath he didn't know he had been holding. Against his will, his eyes dragged to her again, only this time meeting her azure gaze. A portion of his anger dissipated as she smiled with her special smile only offered to him. It calmed him for though she didn't look like his princess, she was indeed, the same girl.

"Oh, wonderful!" Hilda picked herself up from a chair that had been drug out for her to rest on. Her face burst into wrinkles as she smiled broadly. "I see Mr. Kingsley's car!"

Wren jerked his head to the driveway. Sure enough, a black sedan was climbing the hill to the gates. Leah's light squeal reached him, but it was Edward's slap on the shoulder that demanded his attention.

"Come on. Help me open the gates," The guard grinned and Wren tried to hide his nervousness as he jogged behind him. All too soon, the car drove slowly past, dark windows flashing his reflection.

By the time they had sealed the massive gate shut again and made it back to the small group, Leah was already hugging her father in a tight embrace. The remaining irritation he hadn't been able to erase, vanished at her joy; he softened. This was his first time seeing father and daughter together. The love on both faces wasn't what he had expected, but it was warming to see.

Wren walked up the steps and moved back to the post to watch. When Tony put his daughter at arm's length to look at the small bandage on her neck, the butler flinched and dropped his head as beginning thoughts of failure stirred.

"It's fine, Daddy. Really! It's healing so well and won't even leave a scar," Leah shook herself from her father's arms. "But, by the time I'm done with you for not calling me, you might have one or two."

Tony chuckled, letting his arms drop to his side. He matched his daughter's stance of stubbornness. "And who is it that keeps demanding I give her freedom and space?"

"He has a point, Leah." Charles chuckled but Leah's jaw slackened in shock.

"Is that why you never called me?"

"I thought it would do you good."

Leah's gaze narrowed and Wren tensed, waiting for her reaction. It never came when another spoke.

"What a wise father you are, Mr. Kingsley." Samantha walked forward, hand outstretched. "It's so good to see you." Her tone was syrupy sweet and uncomfortable silence settled over them. Tony shot a questioning glace to Leah before collecting himself.

"Why...Thank you, Samantha. I hope your stay here has been enjoyable?"

"Oh yes. Leah has been more than kind."

Wren stifled a chuckle when she attempted to place an arm around Leah's shoulders in a friendly gesture, but was left with one arm wrapping around air as her target sidestepped and dodged the embrace. She cleared her throat, dropped her arm, and attempted to maintain a sweet expression. Which wasn't very sweet at all in Wren's opinion.

"That's wonderful to hear." Tony struggled to retain his own laugh, accomplishing the feat with a slight smile. He looked past the red head, his features softening. "And Hilda. How are you?"

"Oh, I'm quite well, Sir. Thank you! Its so good to have you back. Will you be staying long this time?"

"I'm afraid only until after Leah's birthday. I plan on leaving at the end of next week."

Wren didn't miss Leah's crestfallen expression. "That's not very long, Daddy."

" I told you I would be gone for a year."

" I know. It would just be nice if you could stay for a couple weeks at least."

"Sorry, Pumpkin." Tony tugged his daughter into anther embrace before looking over her head to Wren and Edward. Wren resisted the urge to drop his gaze.

"Welcome home, Sir." Wren said, attempting a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Yep. Welcome," Edward grinned easily at his side. "I guess we are going to have to behave now, right Wren?" His elbow dug into Wren's side.

Behave? In a flash, Wren's mind went to the kiss; her soft lips still warmed his body, but his guilt deepened. Still, he attempted a grin when Leah shot him a warning glance. "Right... I guess so..."

Tony laughed, not noticing Wren's awkwardness. "I look forward to speaking with each one of you alone soon." Suddenly, he frowned, looking around the small group. "Where's Fiona?"

"She said to tell you she would see you this evening," Hilda said, "She worked a little too hard yesterday and is suffering for it today I believe."

"I see. Well, I am pretty tired myself. It's going to take me a little while to snap out of this jet lag. I'll see you all at dinner."

Wren dipped his head as Tony past him to enter the mansion, his gaze meeting Leah's as she was pulled along with him. She twisted moments before entering the doors, her eyes soft as she lifted her hand in a farewell wave.

Then they were gone and something akin to relief filled them all. At least for now, they could rest too.

************************************************************

Dinner that night should have joyous but instead, Wren felt a certain tension he was sure came from the maid seated beside Leah. Fiona had walked into the dinning room and greeted Tony Kingsley with a coolness very much unlike her warm demeanor. Noone seemed to know what to do with the massive change.

"How is your recovery?" Tony set his fork on his plate as he directed his attention to Fiona. She lifted her head, anger in her gaze, but her voice hiding it.

"I'm a little better every day. Thank you."

Tony frowned at the monotone answer, but must have decided not to press the issue for he turned his attention to Wren.

"All afternoon I heard nothing but good about you, Wren. I can't express how pleased I am."

A loud clatter further down the table brought all eyes to Charles. He tossed his napkin on the table, but managed a small smile when Tony raised a brow at his rudeness. Charles muttered an apology.

"As I was saying," Tony said, "I'm anxious to hear your story of how you won her respect." A warm smile made Wren's guilt double. " I was sure you could do it and I was right."

"It's definitely an interesting story. I would be glad to tell it to you."

"And you shall, but not tonight or tomorrow. I need you to take Leah away for the day tomorrow."

Wren's heart slammed into his chest and he straightened. Leah stared back at him with shocked eyes, but the slightest smile lifted her lips.

"Sir? Isn't that Prin - Miss Kingsley's birthday?" Maybe he hadn't heard right.

"Charles and I have planned a surprise but we need her gone to make it happen. You don't mind, do you?"

Wren threw a questioning look to Leah. To him, the bigger question was, would Leah mind being taken from her father on her birthday. Leah was, however, obviously excited. She captured her bottom lip in her teeth, nodding her head slightly. His looked next to Charles, who though his knuckles were white from holding his fork, remained placid.

"Of course, Sir. I'll ensure she has an excellent time too."

"Wonderful!" Tony seemed pleased and Wren hated himself for feeling the same way. Once again, he locked gazes with his ward, his heart rate accelerating. He would have his Princess all to himself on her birthday? It was surreal. Too surreal.

When Leah's cheeks tinted pink and she dropped her gaze, he smiled genuinely for the first time that day. He knew exactly where he was taking her.