THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

Chapter Two

"My lady, the count is requesting your presence downstairs. He wants you to eat with him." A maid said from beyond the door.

"Tell father that I'll join him shortly." Hestia  replied.

"Yes, My Lady." She nodded, leaving the room quickly.

She waited a few minutes more before exiting the room herself and headed straight downstairs. Once she stepped foot out she saw her fatherstanding near the bottom of the stairs, waiting for her. When their gazes met he walked towards her and engulfed her in a tight hug. After hugging back, he pulled away and held both sides of her face.

"I missed you my little flower." He said stroking her cheek with a gentle thumb as he gazed lovingly into her eyes.

"I missed you too papa." She says returning his gaze. He smiled brightly and hugged her once more tightly.

"You really grew up so quickly, my flower. You've grown so much. Your hair is getting longer everyday. You look just like your mother." He spoke.

"But you always say I look like you." She giggled.

"That's not completely true; you look exactly like your mother and grandmother." He said with a wide grin.

"Papa I need some fresh air. Maybe we could go riding or play some games together ?" She suggested.

"Of course. We can spend the afternoon in our library and read the latest history book from your favorite author. How does that sound?"

"Sounds lovely, Papa." She replied and the two headed towards the stables.

They spent the entire afternoon in the stable, reading books and playing board games. They would sit in silence during those times but it wasn't awkward at all. In fact, neither of them minded.
After playing several rounds of games, the servants entered the stables to bring them lunch which they gladly accepted. As they ate their lunches, they decided to visit a local lake and watch the sunset while holding hands. They laid side by side under the shade of the large oak tree watching the sun set behind the trees.

"Deon visited me yesterday..." She suddenly blurted out.

"What?!"

Hestia began to explain the situation to her father.

"What are you going to do now?" He asked her by the time she finished.

"I don't know Papa." She replied.
"Don't worry, my dearest. You will find someone." He reassured her.
She stared out onto the water with a smile on her lips as the setting sun casted its orange hues across the water. She didn't respond but her father continued.

"Besides, if you are worried about being the king's mistress, don't. I don't want you to feel pressured by that title."

"But, Papa, I want to be with Deon."

"No one should be forced into anything. Besides, you need time, my dearest."

"I guess. I'm going to say yes. I can't lose him so easily."

"Hmm...It won't be easy." He said.

"I know. I won't allow another woman to take him away from me." Her face darkened for a second before she looked out into the  lake once again, "But, it'll work out. I know it."

Her father watched her in amusement and amazement. She had such optimism and faith that she was always able to brighten even the darkest day. She was truly wonderful, like her mother, just more so. He felt blessed having a daughter like her. She had such an interesting way of thinking, always finding solutions to problems instead of letting people suffer alone. She always had something positive to say, even when he wasn't feeling confident enough. If anyone was going to give their heart to someone they didn't love it would be Alise. Although he loved her dearly, he wanted to keep her safe and ensure that nothing ever happened to her. But he knew that whatever happened, he'd stand beside her through it all. He was glad that she loved him just as he did her and that he could help her whenever she needed him most. She wasn't selfish like many other women in power; she was just passionate, strong, and determined. He couldn't wait to see the fruits of these qualities grow.