The Scarlet Lillie

Secretive Father

Chapter 1

It was raining today. I never liked it when it rained. That meant my father had an actual excuse to keep me inside the palace. I don't know why he doesn't like it, but whenever I go out into the kingdom, he ensures I have at four guards with me. He says my safety is the most important thing to him. When I tried to ask my personal guard, Logan, why everyone was so protective over me, he said, "Because you are a very special princess, that we would be lost without." That's all I would get from him. And none of the other guards seemed to want to explain either.

I don't understand why people keep so many secrets from me. It all seems pointless and unnecessary. I mean, I have red eyes and white hair. Why can't anyone explain that to me? "When you turn sixteen," they always tell me, "You'll understand everything." Thank the heavens tomorrow's my birthday. I don't think I can stand not knowing anything anymore. But I didn't know my sixteenth birthday would more than just the day the let me out of the dark.

Someone knocked on my bedroom door, bringing me out of my trance.

"Enter." I stated.

"Lady Scarlet," Marcie, one of my ladies in waiting, said. "I'm sorry to interrupt but dinner is served."

"Thank you." I said. She bowed and backed out of my room, closing the door behind her.

Before leaving, though, I stopped by my mirror to check my outfit. My red, floor-length dress looked okay, as did my hair. I fixed my ruby pendant so it sat at the center of my chest. Pleased with my image, I left for the dining room.

The palace was a large place, and the majority of my childhood was spent exploring it. I knew every inch of this building better than my own father.

I arrived at the dining room in less than three minutes, which was a personal best for me.

"Father." I said, stopping just inside the doorway to curtsy.

"Ah, Scarlet. Please," he said and motioned to the chair to his right. I smiled and took the chair.

"How have you been today, my dear?" He asked.

"It's been raining all day. How do you think I've been doing?" I replied. The servants came out and placed the first course in front of us- Tomato soup.

My father laughed. "I should have seen that coming." He took a bite of his soup, and for a moment, it was silent. "Have you finished your book yet?" He asked.

I nodded. "It's a wonderful book, father. If you have a spare moment, I recommend it."

He smiled. "I shall add it to the list." He joked.

My father tried to keep the conversation alive for the rest of dinner, but it wasn't easy. I loved my father, and I knew he loved me, but it's a little hard to get close to someone who's constantly keeping you in the dark.

I was a little relieved when the meal was over and I was allowed to return to my room. I truly hoped that after tomorrow, there wouldn't be any meals like that. Maybe, just maybe, after I learned everything, I could finally get closer to my father.