"Juliana", I heard a faint familiar voice calling me. My eyes shot open. I sprang up on my blanket realizing I had fallen asleep in the meadow. The wind blew a chilling breeze and suddenly I had the feeling as if I was being watched. I hurried to gather my things to head back home before my father and Silas. I needed to prepare dinner and I didn't intend to stay away thing long.
"Juliana", the wind whispered and I froze mid stride to the forest. I looked around panicked. I picked my pace up and headed home. I was clearly just paranoid.
I arrived home practically panting from nearly running the entire way home. It was clear I was still a little freaked out about hearing my name in the meadow but I pushed that aside and I started a fire in the fire place to warm the house. I then proceeded to start dinner. I went to our garden to pick the fresh vegetables for our meal. I just prayed that father and Silas remembered to pick up the meat from the market or this is going to be a sad dinner.
I was placing the bread into the oven when the door open and Silas came in with a chicken. "Jules I hope you are fine with chicken for dinner tonight", he said looking at me nervous. We have had chicken several times this week but I didn't mind. Father walked in behind him frustrated slamming the door. That would explain the nervous look Silas had given me.
Without saying a word I took the chicken and started preparing it for dinner. I didn't say a single word the entire time until it was time to eat. "Father dinner is ready for you." I learned quickly that he didn't like us being at the table before him. We had to wait for him to be settled then Silas joined him and then I finally sat down across from Silas and served them before myself.
It seemed like dinner was dragging on until Silas cleared his throat, "How was you day?" Looking at me timidly probably hoping father didn't mind the small talk. "It was fine." I kept it short not wanting to provoke my father. Dinner continued like that in the awkward silence until father was done.
"Jules, this was a great meal. Thank you." My father said before excusing himself to his room for the night. Silas exhaled a deep breath obvious he was nervous about something.
"Silas, what happen today?" I whisper to my brother.. he just looks down at his plate quiet. I nudge his hand with mine and he looks up.
"Father got in an argument with General Gra'ador." He whispered. My mouth fell open.
"Why? About what?" General Gra'ador was the leader of the Royal Army.
"He told father his swords were as weak as he was in protecting mother." Silas' voice cracked as if he was scared to repeat those words. He was indeed terrified in repeating those words.
I was a bit shocked and confused. I couldn't stop myself from the next thing that came out of my mouth. "Didnt mother fall ill?" All Silas could do was nod his head before he helped me clear the table and wash the dishes. With that we both went to bed.