Ace

Ace Chapter 2

BEEP....BEEP....BEEP....BEEP...BEEP...

I groaned inwardly as I lazily reached for the alarm clock. I couldn't quite reach it. Giving up, I slammed my pillow over my ears in any hopes of silence. Finally, the beeping stopped and my covers were pulled off. I sat up furious, until I looked into the eyes of my sweet maid, Grace. It was impossible to get upset with her, really.

"Good morning, Grace. I think I'll skip breakfast today."

Grace made a 'tsk tsk' sound and opened my closet to pick out an appropriate outfit for the day. "Your parents aren't giving any of you that option today. You don't have to eat, but you must be downstairs." Grace looked back at me sternly, ending any thoughts of sneaking off somewhere. I nodded once firmly, but frowned when Grace pulled out a silk dress for me to wear.

"It's breakfast. Why...?"

Grace sighed. "You've got visitors. All I'm allowed to say." Grace furrowed her eyebrows in disappointment of not being able to tell me more. I sighed and let her help me into the dress. I sat in front of the mirror as she played around with my hair. "Up or down?"

I studied my reflection. "Down. I want to be as informal as possible."

Grace looked at me questioningly but said nothing as she brushed my hair out. She placed a few pins on one side, letting the other cascade over my shoulder. "Jewelry?"

I shook my head as I began walking to the door. Grace cleared her throat and I looked back at her holding two pairs of shoes. "Barefoot is unacceptable. Heels or flats?"

I tilted my head in thought. If I wore flats for such important guests, mom would definitely see I was dressing down out of spite. However, if I wore heels I'd appear to be taking these visitors seriously. I weighed my options. "Flats."

Grace shook her head with a smile, knowing all too well what I was doing. She helped me into the flats that matched the burgundy red gown and opened the door for me. She checked a clock in the hall. "You're about five minutes late. Get going."

I nodded and took my time down the hallway. I admired the paintings and art work lining the halls all the way to the main stairs. A guard greeted me as he escorted me down the stairs. "Good morning Miss Avalia."

"Good morning", I replied softly. He walked me to the dining room doors which were sealed shut at the moment. Yep, I was right. These visitors had to be people of utmost importance if the doors were locked. They were usually only closed for privacy during meals. I smoothed my gown and held my head high. The guard nodded at me and unlocked the door to let me in.

"Ah, yes. Most definitely a pleasure....Oh, there she is. My eldest daughter, Avalia."

I smiled lightly as dad gestured to me. The visitors, two men in crisp suits stood and came over to shake my hand. I held my hands behind my back purposefully. "Good morning. And you two are...?"

I heard mom clear her throat subtly. Most likely a warning to me. I looked into the men's eyes. One was tall, lean, beady eyed, and slightly muscled with cropped dark hair. The other was softer looking, undoubtedly my age. Adorned with brown eyes, brown hair that he had to sweep from the top of his eyes, and also a lean, muscled body. I looked away, hoping I didn't stare too long.

The taller man pulled his hand back after noticing I had no plans in shaking it. "Sir Cadence. I work for the ambassador of your province. And this is my trainee, Oliver."

Oliver gave me a goofy grin as I looked him up and down. "Yes, well, welcome to our home. Please, let's sit."

The two followed me back to the table. I took my place in-between my brother and sister. Gordon made a face at me, while Enna leaned over and whispered excitedly. "The younger one is so cute isn't he?!" I rolled my eyes. Half at the fact that she was too young to be seeing guys this way, and the other half that she wasn't entirely lying. Oliver was attractive, but that was besides the point. I leaned back over to Enna with a smug smirk.