Yearning For Familial Love

Chapter Eighteen: Menacing Father-In-Law

[Nolan]

Chapter Eighteen:
Menacing Father-In-Law

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Betrayed by fellow adventures…

I'm sure they would have been properly rewarded once we were safely returned home. I just don't understand why they decided to go about it in such a manner. I guess it really doesn't matter, it just bothers me.

Almost as much as how myself and Aeric were treated by the royal knights. The constant questioning I must have told them everything a dozen or more times. Before the man showed up again.

I know him as the king. He didn't ask any questions, he immediately went to hurt me. up until this point no physical pain had been involved. He began squeezing my hand and twisting while holding my hair in his other arm. He let up a bit after I squealed out in pain.

“I hear you've been rather disrespectful to my daughter's” he roared in my face.

I was so caught off guard I quickly tried clearing up the misunderstanding.

“No…nuhh sir I was only trying to get her to talk to me she was ignoring me I swear I didn't mean any of what I said” I whimpered it just came out wrong I swear….

“Oh yeah and what did you say to them?” I growled.

“I…I-uh D-dont remember I swear I don't please don't K-kill me,” I whimpered again.

He leaned In close to my ear followed by some more Frightening Grunts…. and he tightened his grip again.

“Traditional be Damned if my little girl decides she doesn't want to marry you. I'll personally erase you. So you best find a way to resolve your misunderstandings. Do I make myself clear…” he said quietly

“Y-yes sir,” I screamed.

I don't remember him letting go of me. The next thing I remember I was waking up to a servant annoyed by how difficult it was to wake me.

“Get up, get up now” she yelled.

I opened my eyes to a room I didn't recognize. but not a prison cell so that's a good sign right? The bedding is clearly cheap and the room is poorly decorated, similar to my room back home.

I dressed myself in the clothes the servant left for me. Though they are clearly out of place in this cheap rustic room. It lacks curtains. When did I get to the smug level to notice such things as odd I wondered to myself.

It's true my situation back home improved drastically I'm the short time I lived there. I received many gifts and a larger room though I never truly moved into it. I grew close to my adoptive father and honestly can say I see him as my father.

*The servant returned rudely entering without notice and rapidly*

She sighed, “Come on jeez you'ld think an adopted son would be smart enough to handle getting by on his own.”

Annoyed I responded, “You'd think a mere servant would know how to conduct herself in the presence of those she serves”

She glared at me but moved on as if nothing happened.

“You can't expect me to live in this dump”  Aeric yelled while arguing with one of the servants while I entered the dining room.

I ignored his presence while I ate. Well, I was recalling my encounter with the king last night. Just recalling the encounter made me start shaking in fear.

Once I'd finished I spent some time in the poorly stocked library. It seems this humble building is our family's mayor in the capital. Thankfully once we are accepted into the academy we'll be living in the campus dorms.

It was an hour or so before we left for the Academy to take the exam. It was quite the journey my behind went numb from the wooden seat.  While the outside of the Carriage looks fancy. The inside looks pretty basic and is nothing compared to the comfort of the royal carriage we rode in on our way to the capital the first time.

I felt envious of Cleo and Nicole. Then ashamed for feeling envious. That got me thinking about Cleo and Nicole. While I didn't question our eventual marriage. I guess Cleo probably feels awkward and nervous about it.

Looking at my reflection in the glass I'd say this face is rather handsome so at least I don't think that's the issue. I feel wronged somehow by the fact she didn't really give me a chance. My thoughts reflecting on her potential points of view continued as we continued towards the exam room.

That was when I saw them… Nicole and Cleo. They look so happy joking and giggling. I don't know what this feeling is but it has taken hold of my senses. I couldn't do anything but continue to look at them.

Until they saw us. In an instant their whole expression and demeanor changed. My heart felt as if it was ripped apart. I found myself wanting to disappear from their sight permanently. The thought of taking from their happiness in that moment felt like a grave and heinous crime.

We finished the exam though it seems pointless given the academy wouldn't dare reject royalty or those who are expected to marry into it… While they say that everyone is judging/ considered equally, that's obviously a lie.

Well, at least that's what father said before we left.

I Hope You Enjoyed
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[End of Chapter]