By noon, my training was compete . I sit in front of my vanity , staring at my reflection . My face was neutral ,blank, a mask I've perfected over the years . I applied my makeup carefully . A smoky look seemed fitting- bold , dark , and sharp . It matched the mood i was in and the red gown I'd chosen for the evening .
The gown was striking , it's deep crimson fabric clinging to my figure , but it lacked sleeves , leaving my shoulders bare . I didn't bother with a complicated hairstyle , there wasn't time and i didn't care enough . My curls were loose , wild and voluminous , framing my face like a storm cloud .
With a dagger discreetly secured in my purse . I ran downstairs . They were waiting for me .
My father was dressed in a long, tailored navy overcoat with a clean-cut silhouette, providing an elegant outer layer with a navy pinstriped suit with a matching vest and trousers. The vest has a traditional five-button closure and a pocket watch chain , a light blue shirt with vertical white stripes, offering a subtle contrast to the darker suit also a patterned bow tie in shades of red and navy, adding a splash of personality to the ensemble . My brother , nearly his replica , wore the same outfit but in shades of brown , his face a mirror of obedience.
My sister on the other hand was a burst of pastel in a baby pink gown with fluffy details . Her blond hair styled in a half up hald down fashion , soft curls cascading over her shoulders . She looked delicate , pristine , the kind of person who never challenged authority .
I joined them in a carriage , sitting beside my sister , while my father and brother took the opposite side .
The air was thick with unspoken tension , as though we were all walking a tightrope over an unseen abyss .
My father's sharp gaze snapped to me the moment i settle in.
"Why aren't you wearing something over that dress ?"
His voice was deep , cold and unforgiving.
I blinked , glancing down at myself .
"Why ? It's appropriate ."
He scoffed , his tone laced with disdain . "It's not . That dress has no shoulders-you do"
"This is how they're worn, father-"
"Then don't. "
The weight of his judgmental pressed against me . But i swallowed my frustration , turning to stare out of the window . The quiet tension returned , but it was suffocating now . My father,wasn't done .
" what's that on your leg?"
My heart sank . The ache in my half healed injury flared, as though it knew it had been discovered . I force my voice into an uneven tone .
"Just a scrape from training"
His eyes darkened "yesterday wasn't it ? When i explicitly told you to stop."
I meet his gaze , unyielding "i don't see a problem with training"
"Well i do" he growled , his voice raising .
Anger burned my chest , and i couldn't hold it any longer "i don't understand why !"
He slammed his hand against the armrest , his voice thunderous "i don't owe you an explanation , Elayla . When i give an order, you obey it . No arguments ."
"And I'm 21 years old !" My voice cracks under the weight of my frustration ." I'm capable of making my own decisions ."
My siblings exchanged nervous glances , silently pleading me to stop , but i couldn't. I was done with his
Control , done with his cold dismissal of my autonomy .
YOU ARE READING
A Kingdom's Vow
RomanceElayla has never been content with the life she's lived, always blamed by her father for the death of her mother. She channeled her anger and frustration into fighting and killing, letting it consume her. But when she attends a royal dinner, she une...
