All of my senses together weren't able to comprehend how I managed to do that. Was there any sensible explanation for this? I didn't even know how I managed to get out of that place. Can you even trust her? you just met her a few hours ago. You are right, but she hadn't given me a reason not to trust her. But yeah, you are right. It's best not to say anything.
" I'm just good at picking locks, I guess!!" I said, trying to cover up as I started walking again... She just looked at me as if she didn't believe me but never said a word. We walked in silence for about 5 more minutes to finally see the town in sight... Our town was located in the south-west. It was a small town but had all the essentials. The town ran on hierarchy and somehow the higher-ups had the authority to make or break this town. My step-uncle was also someone who was part of this hierarchy. Someone who had control over the way things worked. He was respected by everyone but how he treated me, that was a different story altogether.
" So, this is it!!" I spoke to Anya to bid her goodbye. Our paths were different from here on. " It was nice meeting you Anya, take care of your family and yourself" I continued as I spoke everything in one go.
" Will we meet again?" Anya asked innocently as she looked at me sweetly. I wasn't sure about that though. I never had friends and I didn't know if I was ready to trust anyone. But you trusted him, didn't you...
Oh! I can't believe you are doing this to me. He is a prince, I trusted him coz he was in a difficult situation, you saw it, didn't you? I was worried about him.. and I have been trying hard not to think of him... There is just something about him that I keep wondering where he is and how he is doing.
" Maybe, we will but for now, I have to go," I assured her as I made my way toward my so-called home. I ran forward, making my way through the market. Soon I was in front of our two-story house. It was a beautiful house. It had a classic yet modern facade. The exterior walls were a blend of stone veneer on the lower half and painted a cream shade on the upper half, providing a stylish contrast. A covered porch extends across the front, supported by elegant columns, and is adorned with comfortable seating and decorative planters. There were a lot of windows that added charm to the house.
To the side of the house, there was a spacious garage to the side which had a big tree that had branched out. That was my way in, as the branches spread out towards the second floor giving direct access to the window of my room. While keeping an eye out, I climbed up to the top, hung myself on the branch, and gave a swing to grab the railing of the balcony. I held it strongly and pulled myself up. Once inside the room, I looked at the time, it was already 6:30 am.
I opened the hoodie I was wearing and secured the book in the safe that was behind the drawer. I then opened my hair and got in to get a quick shower. Damn, I needed it... After doing my routine and relaxing a little bit, I changed my clothes and ran down skipping two steps at a time.
" Where the hell were you?" A loud voice boomed from the living room
" The breakfast isn't ready and you haven't been answering what were you up to? Do I need to remind you of your chores? Your head isn't here these days?" My step-aunt continued to pester me as she went on and on how I was incompetent.
" I am so sorry, I slept through my alarm. I'll be done in no time" I apologized as she continued to bash me as always. Without giving her a thought, I hurriedly brought out the ingredients from the kitchen and hurriedly made breakfast for everyone. Uncle was about to be here in a few minutes. I set the breakfast as I heard his footsteps coming towards the dining hall. He came and sat on the head chair. Placing his napkin in place, he looked me straight in the eye and spoke.
"Meet me today after college in the office." I wanted to ask more but I didn't dare to say more. I just nodded my head and sat down to eat.
" What do you need her for?" My step-aunt spoke as she gave me a disgusted look. I just looked down at my phone.
"Mom, I'm out" Freya, my step-sister called out as she came down the stairs and were out the door in a minute.
"She needs to do something for me." My uncle replied and cleaned his mouth before he got up and left for the day.
" Make sure, your brothers have breakfast before you leave the home." My aunt got up as her cell phone rang and she went into her room to do whatever she did at this time. Nothing!! She does nothing instead of barking at you!! I laughed at El's comment. She always makes me laugh even in such a situation. By the way, Why do you think Uncle called me, Do you think he knows? I spoke to El, as I went up to wake Peter and Alfred. I don't think he knows, How would he, I am sure nobody recognized you there! What do you think about that guard who first caught us, wasn't he looking at me suspiciously?
" Peter, Alfred, breakfast is ready, I am getting late for college." I knocked on their doors. Their rooms were next to each other on the first floor. I just think that you are overthinking. You don't have to worry about it. I don't know why I am feeling this way. Something is going to happen today. I shouted one more time but gave up as usual.
They don't pay me any attention. I went up to my room and got dressed for the day. I tied my hair in a tight bun and I covered them in a hat to keep them hidden. I then took my bag and went down. Once I had cleaned the dining room and the kitchen, I went out to get my bicycle and left for college. It was a twenty-minute drive, It was a school, college university all in one. All the rich children of the town attended the same school. It was a privilege only they had. I, on the other hand, was a showpiece of my uncle's sympathy for an orphan relative, and of course, the surname I had, played a big role.
I avoided speaking up to anyone. I parked at my usual spot at the far end of the parking lot. I walked through the corridors toward my locker I placed all of the books inside and went towards my first period. The day went on as usual with me avoiding people and people avoiding me.... It was better this way. The less people paid attention to me, the better it was. Soon, It was lunch hour. I went to the roof as usual to practice. It was my sanctuary, the rooftop, my safe place to do what I wanted. I had practiced a lot here. I needed to be good. I needed to be brave... That's what my father had told me.
I tried to learn all the skills to the best of my abilities. The professional classes were too expensive and if uncle knew I was taking these, that would be a problem. I started doing my usual routine as I trained myself as described in my father's journal. I was just dreading the moment, I had to go meet my uncle... I wished the time would never come. I didn't know what he wanted me to do this time. He had used my surname for his benefits before. The entire day had been worrisome for me.
I wondered how Nik was handling things on his end. He said he had never been out of the palace. There were a lot of thoughts running through my head as I did my practice. My focus was all over the place with the way things were going and soon it was time to leave. I only had one class after my lunch hour. I made my way toward my last class and I sat down at the far end. It was architecture, my favorite class.
"OK guys, You will have your assignment due in a week. The topic is going to be our King's palace. I want you guys to take one room and write an essay of 2000 words on its significance and structure. We want to focus on its history and importance. You guys will be working in pairs, you are free to choose your partners, See you guys next week." The teacher explained as she left the class. I loved these projects but I hated working in pairs. I usually work alone so I got up to go behind the teacher.
" Do you wanna pair with me?" I heard someone speak behind me which stopped me on my spot.