Meanwhile in the great castle of Elysium Lord Michael walked lazily into his office followed by an enraged Emilia.
"Father you can't keep doing this to me. I thought we were over this," Emilia was infuriated.
"We are," Michael's response was so nonchalant that all it did was anger Emilia more.
She was exasperated at his voice and demeanor. She started pacing back and forth in front of his desk while the latter in ever cool steps served himself a drink and simply sat down with a calm that did not represent the situation that they were facing now.
"Then why is it that you are not allowing me to go," Emilia spouted back while grinding her teeth to stop herself from screaming out.
With her hands on her hips, she stilled in front of Michael, raising her face to meet his. Her beautiful green eyes were shining with an uncontrolled fire that Michael recognized as his own. He knew that that hunger in her eyes was not going to be easily quenched. And although, he wanted to give in to her demands, he did not for a second let go of his cool, calm attitude.
Taking a sip from his drink he was the first one to break eye contact.
"Today is not the day you will debut as a general," Michael spoke these words while twirling his glass. His eyes were fixed on the golden liquid that exuded a sweet aroma. "This has already been decided." He concluded by setting his glass down and standing up. His knuckles pressed tightly on his desk.
"As your leader I suggest accepting my decision because I will not change it." Michael gave her a fierce look. This look, which meant business was always reserved for Elysium soldiers, but never for her. This was the first time he was speaking to her in such a way, and it made Emilia understand. He was her father, but before that he was a general. Feelings and emotions had no place in battle.
Michael did not expect Emilia to give in so easily. He anticipated her to keep up with her imploring, but to his surprise and awe after hearing his words Emilia's hands moved from her hips to her sides and in a voice that exuded acceptance, she put her head down and spoke in a calm voice, "I understand." Long gone was the reproaching, anger voice. Before him was a docile soldier who knew her place and accepted it. If this had been any other soldier Michael would have been elated, but because this was Emilia, he was somehow disappointed and yes hurt. He thought that she knew she had the special opportunity to try to persuade him. Although, he was happy that she had accepted his decision he did hoped that her spirit would rebel and demonstrate that she was in fact capable of having her own judgement.
Michael looked at her and could not understand himself. Did he want to keep her safe? Or did he want her to be her own person? It was so frustrating, but he knew the answer. Emilia was not safe. From the moment she was born her fate had been decided so deep inside his heart he knew that he preferred her to rebel and give a start to her unavoidable path.
Watching her be so compliant, broke his heart. Going around his desk he walked towards her. Reaching over, he placed his hand on her cheek and brought her face up to make eye contact.
Her father was back. His eyes that had filled with authoritism were long gone and his sweet calming aura had returned.
"This is the last time. I promise." Michael whispered almost to himself. If Emilia had been a step farther, she would have missed his words. "I love you."
"I love you too father," Emilia found peace. There was nothing she could do but accept his words. However, she was sure that this obedience she displayed was not the real her and if the opportunity presented itself, she would not hesitate to take it. After all, she was her father's daughter.
Michael gave her a warm smile. He knew what was in her heart and this pained him as much as it made him proud.
"Now as your father I must tell you that you are a horrible friend." Michael said while winking at her trying to put some silliness into the air.
"Am not!" Emilia decided to play along.
"Daughter, did you or did you not leave your friends who is staying over all alone to come and hound on your father?"
Suddenly realization hit her, "Clementine!" Emilia quickly adverted her eyes to the window remembering that just before spotting her father by the grand entrance and following him to his study she was outside with Clementine.
Emilia stood frozen on her spot doubting her next move.
"Go, what are you waiting for," Michael said not knowing that her daughter was in a dilemma. She knew that as soon as she returned to Clementine it was her turn to be hounded with questions. Knowing her friend she was not going to forget about the whole Ezequiel thing. She was going to demand answers and she honestly was not ready to give them, and this was not because she did not want to, but it was because she simply did not know the answers herself.
"Might as well get it over with," Emilia said to herself making up her mind.
"Get what over with?" Michael asked intrigued. He had no idea that his daughter was mauling over the thing he dreaded the most.
"Nothing father, I'll be leaving now. Clementine must be waiting for me." Emilia said while hugging her father to then walk out of his study in the direction of where she saw her friend last.
Emilia took slow steps to the grand entrance. She was debating with herself and at the same time trying to understand her heart.
She was walking with her head down that she did not noticed nanny cross her path and bumped into her.
"Child, what troubles your mind that you even forgot how to walk,"
"Oh, I am sorry nanny I was looking for Clementine"
"Well, I can tell you that for sure, she is not on the ground,"
Emilia simply smiled, "I'll be more careful from now on,"
"Silly child you always say that. It's obvious that something is troubling you, but whatever it is don't pay too much attention to it. Let time give you the answers that you are seeking." Nanny looked at her with such sentiment that always radiated true love. She always had the perfect words to comfort her heart. "Anyway, lady Clementine went up to your room. Go get her, dinner will be ready in thirty minutes."
Emilia quickly hugged nanny and started running up the stairs. For a second, she decided to not be afraid. Whatever it is that she is feeling is still a mystery to her, but she was sure that just as nanny had said time would help her unravel these emotions and for sure Clementine would be a great help.