Allison Cecile Jonah

Chapter 5

The last three weeks passed by in the blink of an eye. I (Allison) was taught to ball dance, wear frilly, heavy clothing, and a bunch of other useless things like the ones above.

During this time I had made many (accidental) eye and physical contacts with Father and Aunt Ruth. Aunt Ruth's stomach seemed to be slowly getting its baby bump.
I didn't speak to them unless absolutely necessary.

When all my classes were over, I would take an hour of rest and train with Minho. He used to teach me how to handle little knives and other defence and offence techniques. I never told anyone about it, mainly because a princess is not suppose to be able to protect herself- she is supposed to be always happy and jovial and et cetera et cetera.
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The day to depart was finally here.
I had packed everything I required- from my comb to my letter set( I thought I'll write to them once in a while. It's better than direct contact atleast). I just needed a little weapon for defense. Like a penknife. I'm sure Minho had it.

We stood outside the castle. Father was instructing the coachman and footman about basic stuff and where to stop by in the night. While my carriage was being readied, I pulled Minho to a little corner against the wall.

"Good morning to you too," he said sarcastically. I rolled my eyes and said ,"Penknife."
His eyes widened a little as he said,"If the king sees me giving his darling daughter a dangerous weapon, he will slit my throat."
"Relax and just do as I say." I direct him. He nods. Okay...here goes nothing!

"I'm going to lightly step on you right foot. That's where you keep your penknife right? In the little cover there?" I asked. He nodded again.
So I lightly stepped on his right shoe.

"Minho say ouch or something!" I hissed. "Oh, okay, OUCH!" He exclaimed. That earned us a look from the front gate guards. We dismissed them.

"Ok, now bend and wipe the dust off of your shoe." I instruct. He does as I say and while he's wiping the dust off I exclaim, "Oh, I'm so sorry!!" I said in an extremely loud voice.
That earned us a look from Father.

Ok. Good. "Minho don't get back up yet," I tell him, "take out your penknife."  He looks up at me and smirks. He finally understood the plan.
So while he took out the knife I dropped the purse that I was holding. He understood and picked up both, putting the knife inside the purse.
"Now laugh" I tell him.
"What?! No. I can't fake a laugh!" He began protesting. "You laugh or I tell father that you just handed his darling daughter a dangerous weapon." I say and grin. He looks annoyed but still laughs and I fake a laugh too.

I see father looking at us from the corner of my eye. He smiles. I quickly look away.

Plan successful!

Now as to why I needed a knife- I don't like depending on other people. I know how to protect myself without a weapon but with a weapon I had a little bit more confidence. Besides I wasn't holding a sword! It was little knife, as long as a pen. A penknife.
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"And take care of yourself!" Father said for the millionth time. His expression dulled a little as he spoke,
"I know these past few days haven't been... Smooth for us. But I want you to know that I love you and I always will. I know that you aren't exactly happy about Ruth's pregnancy too... But I don't think we can change it. Oh and," his expression turns dead serious," if anyone, I repeat anyone causes you any discomfort or troubles you in any way; I want to know." He said and sighed heavily.

Then he put his hand on my cheek and unknowingly I leaned into it. "I love you dear..." He said softly. And then I understood.

I was going away for God knows how long. I wouldn't be able to meet my Father. He might not have been a good king or a good husband, but he was damn good father.