Missing (GHB x Daughter!Reader)

Ch12: The Prince

Reader POV

A week has already passed since then. Needless to say, things have improved. (Somewhat). Mr. Highblood hasn't stopped his "subjuggulation," of course, but he has gotten much better at controlling his anger. Its not much, but it's something, and you're happy for that. The servants, you can tell, have been much more at ease around the castle. They even take the time to chat with you every now and then between their work. Overall, it's really not so bad being the princess here. You have no responsibilities, and no worries—well, almost. Marcos still occupies your thoughts every now and again. Hopefully he's doing alright without you. At times you find yourself laying and thinking about how different life back on earth is, or maybe isn't, now that you're gone. Perhaps it's barely changed at all.

You gaze emotionless at the flicker of the candle's flame. Due to your sudden drop in mood and energy, Oletta decided to fill your room with these "fragrant wax cylinders," as she calls them, to lift your spirits. Apparently, she's done some research on earthly culture as of late, so the past few days have been filled with Oletta making and giving you things she thinks will be in your interest. Of these things have been plushy stuffed animals, crocheted blankets, decorative lights, candles, and tea with an Alternian twist that you're not quite sure what to think of. The sentiment is sweet nonetheless. And to top it all off, nearly every-other night, Pierre sneaks away from the servants' quarters to visit. Those nights are spent in an eternity with countless conversation about life—anything and everything. You can tell he's grown quite fond of you, and you can't say that you don't feel the same of him as well. In a way, he's become something like a prince in shining armor for you (A/N: sorry not sorry for those of you who hate clichés). When he's here your mind is whisked away by his company for a while before you have to go back to the reality that is your new life. Hugging your blankets closer, you release a breath you didn't know you'd been holding.

"Maybe it's time to calm down and get a snack."

You crawl slowly away from your bed and to the door dressed in your famous attire of pajamas and a blanket cape. Waltzing into the hall you look and see, to your surprise, absolutely no one. It's morning, but the hallway is eerily empty.

"They must be preparing for something. I wonder what. . .?"

By now you've memorized most routes around the house. You're sure you could even walk to the kitchen with a blindfold if you tried hard enough. And speaking of the kitchen, something smells really good! As you turn to make your way down the stairs to the foyer, Oletta suddenly whips around the corner and nearly knocks you flat on your ass.

"Oh, miss (f/n), I am so terribly sorry!" she exclaims, reaching to keep you steady. "Forgive my clumsiness, I was just on my way to your room with some news."

"News?" you inquire. This is either going to be great news or terrible news on your part, you can tell.

"Yes, your father has arranged a special brunch for you! The reason, I'm not sure; he won't tell me. But it sounds splendid! I'm sure you've already smelled the preparations," she teases.

You give a lighthearted smile. "Heh, yeah. I was actually on my way down for a snack, but I guess it can wait until then."

"Wonderful!" She pauses. "Also, your father insisted that I dress you in something 'not so casual.'"

"What?" you think, utterly confused. "Why would I need to dress nice for brunch?"

"Um, okay? And he didn't tell you the reason for that either?" you ask with a hint of suspicion.

"I'm afraid not, dear, but his word is final around here. . ."

You sigh. "Okay, sure. Let's go then."