Scarlet Heart: What It Means To Be With You (TCF Fanfiction)

III.

Departure

"Good morning my darling Princess~~," The older man with blonde hair that has white on it due to his old age said as he welcome the blonde lady who entered the dining hall last. 

"Good morning father." Cayena greeted back with a small smile on her face. "Good morning brothers." She added as she nodded her head towards the other two male that was seated on their father's left side.

"Good morning princess."

"Good morning sister."

They greeted her with warm smiles on their faces as they are really delighted to see their beloved Cayena who is up early in the morning which is unusual. Cayena then frowned as she stops herself from walking well, rather than dashing out from the dining hall because of embarrassment as she felt hungry.

'I'm too old to be called by that pet name...'

"Why are you standing there? Come on seat. We asked the chefs to cook your favorites." Count Cassius Grace, the leader of Grace's territory of the Roan Kingdom's northeastern territory. One of the few noble houses that were still neutral yet powerful enough to shake the kingdom. "And why is my princess calling me father and not dad as usual??? Did this father do something wrong, my dear?" He added as he glance at his only daughter with teary eyes.

"Dad, maybe she's grumpy because she needed to wake up early today. You know that my sister is not a morning person." The second son of Grace County said. Cayden then glances at her sister. "Should we cancel your prior engagement for today?"

"Ah, you are right Cay. Princess, I could not help but wake you up early as I have a prior engagement in regard to the family business at the capital so we need to move early. Would you like to go later than me so you could rest well?" The eldest and the next lord of the county, Calix said.

"That can't do Calix. The two of you should go together. I will not allow Cayena to be alone without any family accompanying her as it's been a while since she decided to go to the capital." Their father said in a firm voice. Cayena then look at these three men that started to bicker and discuss things about their plan to go to the capital.

'Why am I even here?' She thought to herself, still standing a few steps away from her seat.

"My lady, please seat down," Lilian said as she gestured for Cayena to sit beside her father. She then smiles at her and thanks her.