The Threadbound series : Unraveling

Tornado in a Cup

Ash

I am making a tornado in my tea cup. Sitting in the grand hallway outside my father's study, a delicate teacup in hand, swirling the magical threads to create miniature tornadoes in my whisperleaf tea. The elegant decor of the mansion surrounded me, a reminder of the prestige and responsibility that came with being the daughter of Governor Moderich Dantes.

I longed for a cup of Etherbrew, with its rich, invigorating flavor, but it had a knack for keeping me awake at night. I couldn't afford to be cranky at a time like this.

The study door swung open, and my father's secretary, Mathers, emerged with a stack of parchments and my father's heavy journal. He was an oldman approaching his sixties, who always jokes time waits for no one - his ability was freezing time. He greeted me ,

"Good evening, Commander Dantes."

"Good evening, Secretary Mathers," I replied with a smile. "I assume you want these back on your desk downstairs." With a flick of my hand, I levitated his parchments and opened a portal with another. The moment he confirmed, they all vanished into thin air.

"Thank you,dear," Mathers acknowledged. "You did splendidly in your speech, my dear lass. The Elder Senate could do with a dash of youthful vigor, and you're just the one.

I expressed my gratitude for his support, feeling a sense of validation in his words.

With a polite nod, I made my way into my father's study, where I was met with his calculating gaze.

"Good evening,dad," I greeted him as I entered his study, my voice composed and respectful.

"You forgot to mention Arcanara district in your speech. Elder Bhama was from there. Since you are contesting for her previous post, you could have mentioned something sentimental about it."

Okay so we are starting with that.

"I did mention Arcanara, along with five other districts, and emphasized the importance of unity and development."

Father's expression remained stern. "Yes, but people of all Milandor loved Elder Bhama. You could have mentioned how we spent the last vacation in Arcanara along with her, and ventured into the desert plains and whatnot. Draw out the similarities between you and her. Also, showcase your strength."

Not we. Me and Granny ventured into the desert plains. You did not bother.

"I thought that was what trials are for," I replied with frustration.

He didn't bother to respond to my argument. Instead, he went on,

"Every noble family has listed their candidates for the spot. Let's just hope you don't get eliminated after the nomination round itself."

"It wasn't that bad," I retorted with a hint of annoyance.

"It wasn't perfect either," he countered firmly. "Remember this - anything less than perfect doesn't count."

"Yes, Dad," I replied.

"Now, sit on that chair and have some etherbrew," he instructed, pouring half a cup for both of us.

As we sipped the potent brew, he let out a dark chuckle.

"I cannot believe Lukas Amad stood on that stage and talked about Skybound ball."

"He used the game as a metaphor, Dad," I explained, trying to contain my laughter.

"Well, I never in my life thought to hear defensive tactics and thread ball precisions and Arcana Attackers vs Sylvanwood Sentinels in an election speech," he remarked, and we both broke out into laughter, momentarily setting aside the seriousness of our conversation.