─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
"D..daddy… I… I'm sorry I ran away yesterday. I am just so confused lately. For as long as I could remember, you hated me. You would look at me like I was a roach. I was so scared of you for so long. I did not see you as my father. I saw you as a powerful man who hated me with everything he had in him. I did not know the reason. Out of nowhere, you wanted to eat with me, you moved me to a nice palace, gifted me so many expensive and pretty things, you even wanted me to call you daddy. I just felt like you were using me to make you feel better. I just... I wanted to go back to the tower. I liked it there." I cried as I covered my face with my hands. I can feel my body tremble from nervousness and emotion.
I felt a sudden warm embrace. A hug like this was never given to me before. I've had many hugs from Marina, Ezra, and even Hansol. But this is the first time I have ever gotten a hug from him before.
"I tore that tower down because I regretted having you live there before. That tower has a dark past. Only bad things have happened there before. I knew that once I had you placed in the palace, that place had to be taken down. I am sorry." A soft, tranquil voice said to me.
"Please, do not ever think of leaving the palace like that again. If you feel like you need to tell me something, just tell me. The last thing I want is for you to go missing. Otherwise, I would have to kill everyone and burn this country to the ground to search for you." He said as he let go of me and looked me in the eyes.
I felt goosebumps run through my body.
"Can...can I really ask and tell you anything?" I questioned nervously.
"Yes, of course."
"Can I have… Marina and the emerald maids back? It was not their fault. It was all mine. Marina was not feeling well, so she had one of the maids give me a bath and put me to sleep. I fooled them all by hiding in the laundry hamper and making my way to the back staircase to leave at night time since everyone sleeps at 10 pm. But… I was too careless. I did not think my plan would cause so many problems. I am sorry, daddy."
"Only on one condition."
My eyes lit with joy. I quickly nodded upon his request.
"You are not allowed to hate me or dislike me. You are to still continue our dinners every day, and you are to still have tea on Fridays. If you run away or even think about it, I will not only ground you, but they all die. Agree?" He cracked a smile.
My mouth opened in disbelief. Is this lunatic serious?! What kind of 'condition' is this? I'm starting to think I am better off with Marina and the maids. But it is the least I can do for having my nanny and maids fired. Ugh, Why are you so close to me, and why are you so god damn attractive? Are you sure you are my dad?
"O..okay." I nodded
"Good. Go on, and have dinner without me. You slept all day, so you did not have the chance to eat. The chefs must have prepared something to your liking. Once you're done, the maids will give you a bath, and you will be sleeping in my room." He explained.
"Ezra, Take her to the dining hall. Have the maids bring my dinner here. No wine. I have paperwork to finish up."
Ezra's face was in pure shock.
"Are you sure...no wine or liquor? Wait, is this the sacrifice to the…" Ezra questioned.
"Just my dinner. You may go. The child has yet to eat. Keep her company." The trashman replied.
Ezra picked me up and carried me to the dining hall.
"I will be eating with the princess in replacement of his majesty upon his request. Bring the food at once."
"Uncle Ezra, I have questions."
"Yes? What is it?"
"What is the sacrifice that you mentioned? Giodivonian's pray and sacrifice?" I questioned.
"Ahem, well. It is a bit complicated. You see, princess; Giodivonians are gods that protect this blessed land. We pray to them for many things. When we face trouble, the people of Giodivonia pray to the gods and offer them a sacrifice if the prayer goes well. For instance, we sacrifice something we love or use too much. When I was little, I was given a costly sword for my birthday. It was made with the best metal and even had an emerald jewel in the middle of the handle. It was one of a kind. One day, I skipped swordsmanship classes and placed my sword in the imperial garden so I can sleep under the shaded tree since it was such a nice day. When I came back, the sword was gone. I was so scared that someone must have taken it. You see, princess, our father was not a very caring man. He was quite ruthless and showed no sympathy for anyone. I knew If he were to find out that I lost my sword, I would have been gravely punished. I prayed to the Giodivonian gods that I would never skip swordsmanship classes again if I were to find my sword. All of a sudden, my sword was by a rose bush. I kept my word; I never skipped swordsmanship classes since." Ezra explained.
"You said to daddy that he made a sacrifice? Why?"
"Well, you went missing. He was worried that someone may have harmed you. So he prayed and offered a sacrifice. Since you were found without a scratch, he made a sacrifice. His Majesty really cares about you, princess. I hope you find it in your heart to see that one day." He said as he wiped his mouth with a dinner napkin.
I guess I should stop being a brat to him. He went as far as to make all of the imperial guards and knights search for me. He even searched for me and has yet to sleep because of it. I guess he doesn't hate me anymore.
After dinner, the imperial maids gave me a bath and tucked me in bed.
"His majesty is finishing up some documents. He will be here shortly. We will keep you company, along with imperial guards outside the door if you need anything, princess." said the imperial maid.
I nodded and laid in bed. I looked up at the beautiful mural on the ceiling. I wonder why the imperial office and his bedroom has sky murals? The lounge in the imperial office has a soft sky mural, and this one has a starry night sky mural. Either way, it is relaxing.
"His Majesty has arrived, Princess. Rest assured." Announced the imperial maid.
"Your bath is ready, your Majesty. I will make your rose tea immediately." Said one of the imperial maids to the trashman.
He looked at me as I sat up.
"Fetch warm milk for the child as well. Add chamomile honey in it." The trashman ordered.
The imperial maid nodded and left.
Chamomile honey? What's that? I usually have plain milk.
As I waited for the trash man to finish his bath, I turned to my side. This bed is enormous. This could easily fit a family of six. Why do you need such a big bed just for yourself? Wouldn't that just make you feel more lonely?
"You are still awake?" questioned a deep voice behind me. I turned my body the other way and sat up.
"Oh, hi...daddy." I said in a low voice.
"Here, try this. I used to have this type of milk with honey when I was your age. It helped me go to sleep a bit better. You may like it since you like sweets." He said as he handed me a cup of milk.
I took a sip, and to my surprise, it was delicious.
"I… I really like it!" I said with joy.
I finished my cup and gave it to the imperial maid.
"I am glad you liked it."
"Daddy? Can I ask you a question?"
"Only if I could ask you one first." He replied.
I sighed lightly and nodded. Why is it always a give and take situation with you?
"Why was there a campfire next to you when I found you? It looked like it was lit before we arrived. Common sense would be that you lack survival skills or any type of nature skill due to age and no experience, so this brings me to the conclusion, Who was with you?" He asked as he sat next to me. His face looked grave, and his eye color was pitch black. Shit, he is upset.