There was a knock on the door. "Come in," I ordered.
It was Agatha, my Chambermaid. "Your highness is back from his trip and wants to see you, my lady," she addressed me.
"I will be right over."
"Grandma I will go see father and please don't tell him anything about this incident." I pleaded.
"Don't you worry, it will stay between us for now," she assured me.
I kissed her cheek and headed for my father's study. It was located on the first floor along with my father's room. It was a gigantic room about the size of a normal house. It had all kinds of ancient tomes and scrolls filling shelf after shelf. My father's oak study table was placed in the centre of the room. No one was allowed in the study until called by my father.
I reached the study and knocked on his door. "Come in," he replied in his authoritative voice. I entered the room. He was seated at his usual study table near the window which showed the view of the royal garden. He was having a mint and pepper drink.
I ran to him and hugged him. He hugged me back and had a smile on his face. "Glad to have you back," I replied not letting him go.
"It's good to be back home, there is no place like home, " he sighed.
" Of course, but you are biased as well because you think our realm is the best," I retorted.
"Well, it is," he shrugged and I couldn't help but laugh while taking a seat opposite him.
"How was your trip?" I asked. It was the annual meeting of all 5 leaders of our realms. It was held annually and all kinds of issues and incidents regarding our realms were discussed. New laws were made and any threats that appeared were dealt with.
"It was alright, rogues have been wreaking havoc at Folkshel Realm so we sent reinforcements. Werewolves and Vampires tend to get out of control as usual so their leaders have been given strict instructions to deal with them. Plus, some trouble has been brewing near Dark Realm." he told me the gist of his meeting.
The last sentence sent a chill down my spine. "What kind of trouble," I asked with the utmost interest.
" Well, people who go near the Dark realm are reporting hearing strange hissing voices which have never been heard before and about a dozen people have gone missing in a month. Which is a huge number considering people hardly go near it" he told me.
I was perplexed and couldn't help but recall what happened to me. Could it be all connected? Maybe there is a sinister force which can operate even through the boundary spell. But, I didn't say anything to him. Or, he would worry and all my dreams of going to UIMB will be crushed.
"That's strange, did you guys work out what's happening," I asked.
"Not yet, but we have increased the patrol units near Dark Realm and issued orders to people to stay away from it for the time being. Tomorrow, I will issue the order in our realm as well," he told me.
"Makes sense,"
"Now, the reason I called you here is I spoke to Alexis Drugh as well. Although I detest the man and his unorthodox ways. I put that all aside for you," he smiled at me.
"Aww, father, how sweet of you," I couldn't suppress the chuckle and we both started laughing.
"Now now, I am serious. We had a long conversation and he was very surprised that you had an interest in attending the institute. Because the Fae ratio in the institute is less than 3 per cent. Hardly, anyone from our realm goes there, " he replied rather sarcastically.
"Well, that's because we think we are better than everyone else and we consider our institute to be more prestigious," I retorted back.
"That's not a wrong perspective my dear. Our family has worked hard to raise the level and status of our realm," he replied.
"I know father, but I wanna see other realms as well and I wanna attend an institute where I am a normal student, not royalty so I can become strong," I replied truthfully.
"I understand, and although I am against your decision I will never hold you back. You are my legacy. So, start packing because in two weeks you will be going there."
I rushed over and hugged him again. "I will miss you," I started sobbing. "I will miss you too dear but I am always here whenever you need me and if someone says anything to you just let me know and I will come right over to deal with him/her," he said rather seriously.
" There there," I patted his shoulder. "Let me fight my own battles now," I told him with a smile.
"My child you have matured so much, " his eyes were sparkling and I knew he was proud of me.