Wanderess

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER TWO

There was a heavy knock on the large oak door that lead into Fayre's room. It was a large bedroom with a giant four-poster bed in the centre of the floor. Other bedroom furniture like chest drawers, a large desk and beside tables among other things, were scattered around the over-sized room. The separate rooms she did not use, it's too much space, she always tells the King. The doors to the sitting room and gaming room beyond that remain closed at all times. A glorious en-suite and larger-than-life walk in wardrobe attached to her room only made the space feel even bigger- much to Fayre's dismay. The powerful knocking came once again when no answer came after the first time.

"Come in," her voice soft as she called out, just loud enough to reach whoever was on the other side of her door.

It was her Father. The King carried himself gracefully, regally and with and an aura of authority constantly hovering around him. His light hair neatly combed and gelled to sit his crown and his deep-set red eyes made him feared by most. The Kings eyes were not that of fresh blood, but rather a more subtle tone of the ruby colour. Not so frightening, yet enough to instil fear where needed. His rough attire was not that of everyday, but due to today's circumstances, the royal colours of blue and white donned his suit and sash.

"Why are you not downstairs? Showing off your new wings and enjoying the ball? It is an honour to be bestowed with such a gift." His tone was harsh and lacked any emotion.

The King was like a roasted marshmallow, harsh and coarse on the outside and soft and loving on the inside. You just had to get past the exterior before you got to the 'good stuff'. He ruled with an iron fist yet was one of the greatest rulers to have ever lived. The Angels feared yet respected him to the highest degree. He would do whatever it took to keep his kingdom and his legacy safe, even if that meant banishing his eldest daughter. That was what had to have been done. Fayre's elder sister, Isa Ayer had disappeared one day with nothing left behind but her empty rooms. She wouldn't just leave. She never wanted this life for Fayre, knew how much she craved adventure beyond the palace gates. The only other option was that she was forced to leave.

Fayre sat at her vanity, brushing through her long blonde locks which she inherited from her mother. The golden tresses remaining straight for the time being, just as how they ought to be. Her hand stilled momentarily, brushing slower, as not to let her Father realise the slight curl at the ends. She had her hair straightened every morning and it seemed it was beginning to wear off for the day. Her eyes connected with the King's through the mirror as she spoke, "I don't much feel like partying."

"And why ever not? Your cousin informed me that you willed your wings away shortly after the ceremony and I'm willing to bet you have not taken them back out since. What is troubling you Fayre? It is a joyous day. It is your Becoming."

"I'm well aware of that fact Father." Setting her brush down, Fayre turned to face her father. She eyes his many medals for various acts displayed on his sash across his chest as he took in the fact that she had taken her elegant tiara off, yet was still dressed in her pale blue gown from the ceremony earlier. Her hair now brushed and flowing down her back, was once up in an intricate bun, the many pins on her vanity proof of that.

Sighing, she stood- making her way towards her Father and King, she took his hand in hers, his face as stoic as ever yet she could make out the questions and concern in his eyes.

"I'm just very tired. It's a lot to take in. I had always thought I'd have Isa here with me to guide me, or I'd be guiding her." Her gaze had fallen to their feet, her voice trailing off to a whisper as she spoke of her sister. Fayre knew her sister was a sore subject for her father, she instantly regretted saying anything.