Ink

Chapter 10

"Alliana." My father's voice is quiet as he gently pushes my bedroom door open.

I pick my head up from my pillow and attempt to wipe away evidence of my previously depressed state. "Yes?"

"Have you gotten everything in order for later?" His footsteps approach my bed."Has your dress been delivered? I instructed Jane to place it in your closet."

I push myself into a sitting position and fold my hands in my lap when my father sits down on my bed.

"Yes, the dress is in my closet."

"Great." An awkward silence takes the room and I look down at my intertwined fingers. I can tell that there is something he wants to say to me, however, he chooses to remain silent.

"Are you excited for tonight?"I say.

"Yes."His eyes move up to meet mine. "It's not everyday we witness a coronation."

"That's true. I'm sure the king spared no expenses."

My father laughs while adjusting the button alignment of his dress shirt."Of course not, Mephistor is his only heir."

"Have you ever met the prince?" After the words leave my mouth I regret them, but there is a stronger part of me that wants to hear his response.

"I have." His weight shifts on the bed."Of course it's only been in meeting rooms with a brief exchange of words, but, from what I've observed he's a capable man with a good head on his shoulders. I'm sure you'll see what I mean later." There's a beeping sound that comes from his watch. He looks down and furrows his brow, confusion evident. "Please excuse me Alliana, it seems I'm needed at the castle."

"Why?" I ask.

"I-I forgot to fill out some paperwork regarding the expenses of the coronation, and the king needs accurate records of all money spent in each department." He stands from the bed and before the door closes he looks back at me, a signature smile plastered across his face."If I'm not finished by the time we are supposed to leave, I'll make sure to send a car to the house for you. I wouldn't let my daughter travel in anything less but the most luxurious accommodations."

"Thank you." The door closes with a click.

His moment of hesitation makes me skeptic.

My father always completed his work on time. Especially in regards to important events such as this.

If he wasn't telling the truth, what was the real reason he was going to the castle?

I knew better than to assume he would tell me the truth, especially after learning what he had attempted to do to my mother and I. I'd grown up seeing my father as my mentor, a man I could look up to as an example of success and ambition, however, now I wasn't sure if I knew him at all.

**

I glance at the clock 6:00. I had about a half an hour until I was supposed to leave the house and my father still wasn't home.

Deciding it was just about time to start getting ready I walk over to my closet. The dress my father had purchased for me was beautifully gold and intricate. I slip it on and walk over to the mirror. The sides hugged my lean figure and the whole piece flowed down past my feet. The heels I wore were gold as well and added a few inches onto my already tall stature.