The Demon Lord's Most Treasured Nightingale

Chapter Two

          The days passed quickly and before I knew it I had finally turned eighteen. Aurora chirped excitedly as she woke me with a beautiful flower crown.

              "Oh my, is this a birthday gift?" I asked happily as I adjusted it on me head.

           She chirped rather proudly as she puffed up her beautiful feathers. I wasn't the only one who had grown up. Aurora had her final molt and grew into a beautiful, majestic creature. She resembled a slender peacock with long white feathers that faded into a powder blue color at the tips, when she flew it was graceful as she glided and shimmered in the light.

                Due to her beauty and rarity I had to hide her or Angelique would take her from me. This place was once big enough but now she was bigger and her flying was stifled, hopefully I could leave this place tonight.

           I started my daily routine with enthusiasm. Made the bed, did some light cleaning and cooked a quick breakfast of porridge with fresh bread and fruit from my garden. After my meal I took a bath in the pond outside, singing happily with Aurora I hadn't my I hadn't noticed the servant fast approaching.

               "U-uhm...miss Merilynn?" He stumbled as he caught me rinsing.

           I screamed at I sucked down into the pond embarrassed. "Go away!!" I shouted in a fluster.

               The servant scrambled as he turned around. "I am so sorry! Uh-uh the Duke w-wishes to see you! Uh... Right away!" He ran away sheepishly.

         I looked at Aurora curiously. "What do you think he wants with me?" She could only tilt her head perplexed.

               I signed as I got out of the bath and looked at my old tattered dress. I went inside and looked at my dingy old wardrobe, there wasn't anything fancy or modern so I chose my cleanest dress with the least mends. It's deep blue complimented my fair complexion and long jet black hair, I looked in the mirror as I pinned my hair back in a half up style and smiled as I saw more of my mother's influence than my father's. The only thing I inherited was my shimmering gold eyes, a trait of the pure Sampson bloodline.

            I hated my eyes. I hated everything that reminded me of my father, the thought of seeing him made my stomach wretch from the anxiety but I hid it well as I walked out towards the main House.

                  The main house was noisy as servants scurried about in a rush. I managed to use the chaos as I skipped undetected passed the head maid June who was busy barking orders left and right.

          I grew more curious about the commotion as I walked entire unnoticed to my father's study. Whatever the reason had to have something to do with being summoned, the who thing made me curious but I grit my teeth for the time being. I had to act dutifully until this evening when I could deliver the documents of my banishment.

             I tapped lightly on the double doors, a chill down my spine as a booming voice beckoned from the otherside, "Come in."

                  Taking a breath I opened the doors and stilled my face, "good afternoon Grand Duke." I said with a bow.

            He furrowed his brow and slammed a hand on his desk giving me a startle. "Why so formal?! I am your father." He seemed to struggle with admitting as much as I peeked to see a courier from the palace.

                  I could tell he wanted to put on a loving father act. My insides knotted up as I forced a smile.

           "Yes father, I had forgotten. Why have you summoned me?" I tried to remain polite but I was getting ill just standing there being observed.

                 He groaned as he sat back down, his face totally disinterested in my existence. He handed me a deep purple envelope with golden braided trim and golden ribbon sealed with ruby red wax, the insignia was the royal family.

             My fingers trembled as I took it in my hands, it felt heavy as I held it on my own. I was shocked to see my name addressed clearly, more so as I opened it to find it was an invitation to the royal ball.

                 I looked at the courier puzzled. He smiled warmly and bowed, "his Majesty the emperor is throwing a ball to lift the People's spirits. When he received your letter of rejection he thought it better off if I came to inquire about your reasoning."

         His smile told me everything. He knew me and my situation all too well, before I could speak my father put up a hand to interject.

              "She's much too young and makes far too many-"

          "All due respect Grand Duke but I asked the lady."

              Seeing my father's flush face as he turned away in embarrassment brought a subtle smile to my face. I let out a small cough as my father glared at me and bowed to the man

              "My deepest apologies, it must have been a mailing mistake." The man understood and handed me a package.

          "I brought this in person so we could avoid those pesky mailing mistakes." He winked before bowing to my father, "may I borrow the young lady?"

                 My father waved us away, irritated and slightly humiliated. I chuckled to myself as I heard him throw things in a for as the doors shut behind us.