I took a deep sigh taking the pins and bands out of my hair. I let my curly hair fall to my shoulders, shaking it free as I did so. It felt so fulfilling to finally have my hair free from the shackles of exceptions. Also free from the absolute headache this Gathering gave me.
I blinked my eyes a few times slouching down on the elevator floor. I glanced up at Charles to see his reaction to my ill-bred mannerism but he just stared at me with a look of sympathy, deep compassion it seemed like. Did he pity me?
I glanced away from him, standing back up as the Elevator came to a ding. When it opened I was surprise to see no bodyguards or maids at all instead I was faced with my father. He was standing there with his tux undone and hair messy, his curls looked like he had a struggle of some sort or maybe an argument.. Hopefully not with mother again.
He looked me up and down with a mangy cigarette and then he glared at Charles, "What are you doing there kid? By her, You her bodyguard now?" I thought Charles would be on offense or atleast uneasy from what my Father said but instead, he just calmly shook his head. "No Mr.Acres I'm not Victoria's garde du corps(bodyguard) in fact I was sent up here by Lady.Acres herself, to accompany Victoria for a bit. My room is on the right down the hall Sir if excuse me."
My Father's eyes went wide but he moved out of Charles' way, letting him pass by. I was grateful he did that but that doesn't mean he would do the same for me. After all he didn't budge a bit after Charles left my side. I gulped looking down hoping he would leave soon but he didn't. He just kept puffing loud, thick smoke in my face.
At this point I starting to get uncomfortable, so I tried walking past him but he grabbed my arm pulling me back. His grip was firm and tight, leaving a mark after while of not letting go. I was confused as to why he wouldn't let me past yet he didn't seem to say anything in response. He looked down to me with a look of disturbance and also distressed? Did he think I had something on him? Why was he-!
He put his cigarette out on a nearby staircase post, letting the ashes fall to the ground and he took a deep breath in, slowly letting it out in a raspy, sick kind of tone. "Why were you gone for half the Gathering. Where did you go?" My heart dropped, words not wanting to come out of my mouth but..But I assembled the courage to say, "I went to get some fresh air, I-I stayed in the restroom for a bit-!" "Your lying to me aren't you. Do you know something Victoria?"
I darted my eyes to the elevator however my father turned my face back to him. "Victoria dear I'm on your side. I.if you know something that Peasant told you then please, for our family tell me what it before your mother finds out." He tried to give a voice of something genuine but I knew it was fake, all lies to get what he wanted. The only difference was that he wasn't getting what he wanted this time, this time I was gonna take control.