Julia was walking back in after school a while later than Hudson and Crystal. She sighed in relief to be back to her temporary home until Quinn showed up.
"Where were you?" Quinn questioned.
Julia blinked. "Sorry, what? I was hanging out after school for a little bit before I came here to start on homework."
Quinn raised an eyebrow. "Really? Because Crystal said you walked off by yourself."
Julia shrugged. "Okay... I was just there a while longer. Would you prefer me to come straight home from school?"
Quinn shook his head. "No, Juliana, just...listen to me. Your father is depending on me to take care of the two of you. And...if anything happens to either of you, it'd be bad for everyone - not only your family, but your people."
"I'm only 6th in line," Julia shrugged.
"But the point is you're connected to them, and you're part of the royal family. You matter to your family and your people. I just... I need you to be careful and stay out of trouble. If you don't, I don't know how well I can fulfill my duty to my brother to keep you two safe."
'Oh, trust me. I'll keep her safe,' Val rolled her eyes. 'Much better than he can, if I might add.'
'I know,' Julia smiled slightly. 'It's just...one of the things I have to deal with. It's not even about how my family values me. It's more about my position. That's all he seems to care about.'
"I...understand, Uncle Quinn," Julia smiled slightly.
"I understand school is important to you, but remember, you're a princess first and foremost. You're not very close in line, and you have plenty of money from your father and from your country. All you have to do is stay alive and be seen by the public as a nice, well put together representative of your family. So...just relax and stay close to Crystal until you go back home. I'll have your schedules merged so you won't have to be alone anymore."
Julia forced a smile. "Thanks, Uncle Quinn... I'm...going to work on my homework..."
She walked past him and sighed quietly, walking up the stairs. Quinn watched then walked back to his office.
'Julia, are you okay...?' Val asked. 'Your emotions seem-'
'I just... I don't want tor relax! My only value is from my position. And...I will just sit and smile for the rest of my life when I go back home, Val. What's the point of just sitting there and doing nothing? Everyone has such small expectations, and... I don't know what I want to do, but it's a lot more than just sitting still, doing nothing, and looking nice,' Julia frowned.
Val frowned. "Well... For starters, you have me and my powers, even though you're only from earth?'
Julia laughed slightly, walking in her room and flopping on her bed. 'Thanks, Val. Helpful... But seriously... That's just you. It has nothing to do with me.'
'Not true. Do you know how many humans couldn't do what you have done? Not many have the strength to handle me fully. I'm...a lot sometimes,' Val argued. 'So, you're very special... And my friend. I've grown to like you a lot, Juliana Meadows. I'm glad I ended up with you.'
Julia smiled. 'Thanks, Val...'
'You better start on your homework now. That usually cheers you up, right??'
Julia smiled and nodded, beginning to work. Val just smiled and watched.
