Chapter 69 - Preparing for Takeoff

When we made our way back to the mansion, my father and I, went our separate ways to get ready to go meet the council. I feel prepared for what they may put me through, however. I'm not naive anymore and I know something else is going on. I reach my room and go inside. Today, Jackson and Paige have been ordered to pack as well, as they will be my escorts to the ball. I wanted to bring the lucky 13 but let's be realistic, that's too much unwanted attention and I don't need that many guards. The rest of my guards are staying behind to assist Lockhart in anyway they can. Ultimately, I decided to take my trustworthy Beta Jackson, and my main lady, Paige. Having a female guard around, allows me to be more comfortable. We are scheduled to leave tomorrow morning at 6am. After Lord Ulrich's invitation came, my dad told me that the council's headquarters is in Rome and they live in a castle!? We will be stuck in the air for up to 20 hours. My dad got us a layover, well because, when is flying to Rome ever cheap? My father purchased 4 first class tickets and let me tell you, he wasn't pleased at all. Once we arrive in Rome, we will have a few hours to rest before we need to be ready to go, for the ball. I go to my closet and pack a couple pairs of my favorite sweats and hoodies. I throw in a pair of athletics and grab my travel toiletries, and makeup travel case. Im bringing this all just in case,, my dad said all of my needs will be met. My dad told me that we were going to have dinner early. I look at my alarm clock and the time reads 4pm. I better get a move on, we have to arrive at the airport at 4am. I make my way out of my room with my packed duffle bag and head to the main kitchen. When I reach the kitchen, my dad, Paige and Jackson are waiting for me. "There you are! We were afraid you wouldn't come" my dad teasing me. "Of course I would, I was just kinda stuck in my own thoughts" Dahlia replied. "Everything smells great by the way" Dahlia said again. "Why thank you and remember to just be calm everything will be fine" my dad said reassuringly. "Come sit down" My dad said waving me over. I sit down and I see, porterhouses grilled to perfection, twice baked potatoes and grilled asparagus. My dad even baked chocolate chip cookies for dessert. I raise an eyebrow to my dad. "What?" he asks. "Looks like mom really trained you well" Dahlia says with a chuckle. My dad breaks out in laughter. "So, now that we are gathered here, this is the plan" my dad says. "We will wake up at 1am, get ready and leave the mansion by 2am. The pack sailors are letting us borrow their speed boat. and we should arrive at the mainland at 3am. We then will proceed to the airport that's only 30 mins away, in Portland" my dad stated. "Sounds like you have everything planned" Dahlia said with a mouth full of food. "Did you bring your bag out?" My dad asked. "Yes, I did, but my dress still never came to my room" Dahlia said. "There was a slight change of plans, Valentina is preparing the dress for travel and will be ready to go. She mentioned something about waterproofing the package because the fabric is delicate?" my dad said unsure. "Yeah that totally makes sense" Dahlia stated. "Jackson, Paige, are you two ready for travel" My father asks. "Yes sir!" the sound off. "Hey guys chill, it's a casual night. You're part of the family" my dad said. "Yes, we will try" Jackson stated. Dahlia just chuckled. We spent just over an hour eating up our steaks and delicious sides. We chatting, made some jokes and moved onto dessert. "Dad these cookies are amazing!" Dahlia said. "They're your moms recipe" My father said. "They are really good!" Jackson said. "They taste like my grandmas" Paige said. "Well thanks everyone" My father stated. "Oh man, I am stuffed!" Dahlia announced. "I second that!" Jackson stated. "Yes, thank you Ethan" Paige said. "Dahlia, why don't you go and get cleaned up and get some rest, we can clean up the mess" my dad said. "Are you sure? Luna or not I can wash dishes " Dahlia said. "Yes, I'm sure, go rest up, you're the one who has to put on the grand performance. Plus, knowing you, you're not going to enjoy the flight" My dad said. "If you insist. Thanks again dad" Dahlia stated and then she gets up and waves to them. "Goodnight, see you guys tomorrow" Dahlia says as she leaves the kitchen. The walk to my room seemed to take forever. I was so full. Those cookies were to die for. Still warm, filled with chocolate chips, and still soft. The greatest comfort food ever made. I finally managed to reach my room. I was moving slower than a slug. I make my way over to my bed and just flop into it. I wrapped myself up and drift off.