Frederick's POV
It is known that middle-class families do not live in large, big houses. Therefore, it would not take more than five minutes to describe my father's house. My father's favorite place near the two-story house with darkened walls was a garden where fruits and vegetables grew all summer. We called it the farm because of the driveway that connected the garden to the horses and cows in the back.
As soon as you enter the house, you can notice that the interior looks much warmer and more welcoming than the outside. The hall, from the front door to the back door, was not particularly elegant, but Dein and I had made the second floor and the kitchen as cozy and comfortable as we could.
"Frederick, is that you? Help me, please!" Dein's voice came from the kitchen just as I was about to go upstairs to prepare father's belongings after leaving the things I brought with me in the hallway. Walking into the kitchen I saw Dein who was making dinner, making me realize how hungry I was and just to get the food faster I started setting the table. It seemed like Dein didn't hold back with the amount of food he made this time.
I frowned "Why are you making more than the usual amount?". He gave me one of his 'don't-question-me-if-you-wanna-eat' look and continued what he was doing while singing a happy melody under his breath. Rolling my eyes I followed his example and after setting the table left the kitchen to bring what we would take with us to the new place downstairs.
When we sat down to eat, our father entered the room. We understood that he was also aware of the king's order, seeing the lack of mood in his frown. Dein and I felt uneasy at the current state of the normally upbeat old man in his late fifties. Normally in his place, I would be the quiet, and he and Dein would try to engage me in conversation.
"Dad, don't worry about anything. I talked to the neighbors and the most reliable ones agreed to help us look after our horses and cows while we move to the new area" Dein said trying to cheer up the old man. Our father was a gifted jeweler with his kindness to orphans and widows. That's why when Dein and I were found at his doorstep, he took care of us as if we were his own. Although he was mainly a jeweler, he loved gardening since childhood, so now he spends all his time tending to the garden and selling its products. Dein and I work in his jewelry store instead of him these days.
Old man in his mid forties just smiled kindly and began to eat. After a while he thanked us for arranging things and asked us not to worry and went to his bedroom. While cleaning up the table, Dein said, "I heard that King Thaddeus decided to take the matters into his own hands and stay here to defend the Capital. Why do you think he wanted to stay with only one hundred archers? If he resists the attack from inside the palace, then the houses like ours located till the center will be destroyed, right?" in a worried tone.
"It is not our business Dein and even if it was I think he is doing the right thing. What is sacrificing houses like this next to protecting lives of the archers you speak of? It is the only way to gain an upper hand in the battle. So, I don't worry about this house because they are all for the greater good".
"But still I don't know. It seems like he's asking a lot" he said unsure. Sighing I focused my attention on him "Dein, I understand that you have precious memories of this place but I don't think you should go that far. Since the soldiers are doing their job as the protector we should also cooperate with their methods no matter how absurd it sounds. It is time to let this emotions go. We must evacuate to the safe place the king has ordered".
"But father is so attached to this home. I do not want to see him upset". Well that's Dein for you. Whenever there is a stressful situation or something new he tries to avoid it at all costs. Like a child he needs coaxing in this kind of situations.
"I know, Dein, I know. But we must listen to the king's orders. He has sacrificed so much for us. We must go to the new place and make him proud. And I think we will be able to find another house like this and when we do we will decorate it just like we did to this place".
"You are right, Frederick. We must go. But I will miss this place".
"So will I, but we won't be separated with father and that is the main thing that matters. You are forgetting that home can be anywhere, be it a beautiful kingdom or a unhabitable forest. As long as you are with the people who can make it feel like home". After lecturing him a bit I went upstairs to get some rest...
I wake up to the sound of someone knocking on my door. I get up and answer it to find my friend and father there.
"Are we supposed to leave this early? I can't even see the sunlight".
Dein tells me that the soldiers are leaving the city and that we need to go with them.
"Dad and I are already ready. I wanted to wake you up, but he didn't let me" said Dein not forgetting to roll his eyes.
"Of course I am not letting Frederick get tired because of your useless talking! You live in the same house as him but don't know what goes where?! That's just simply outrageous!" exclaimed old man angrily.
"But dad I was trying to wake him up earlier so he won't take too long with packing his things" whined Dein.
"It's alright I just have to wash up, then we are good to go". I gathered all of my belongings and went out of the house with them. As soon as I locked the doors a luxurious carriage stopped in front of the house. The door opened revealing smug looking Venie who dressed as if she was going to a ball. She gave me nod smirking the whole time and went straight to my dad not even acknowledging Dein's presence.
"Father, how are you? Father since you are getting old you must be feeling tired. So, please come with me to my father's carriage. We can leave right now and be safe. There's no reason to stay here when we can leave right now." The girl's voice was pleading, her eyes wide and seemingly sincere with no trace of the previous smirk.
But father shook his head, his expression set. "I'm sorry dear but I am not that old as you make me feel. I am sure I can handle few days on the horse. Besides your father is a important man it's only appropriate if we are co-fathers-in-law with each other. It would be strange to sit with him when we don't have that kind of relationship.
The girl's face fell and she took a step back. "But father what about your health? What if something happens to you?"
"I'll be fine. I'm prepared for this. And please stop calling me father if you can." said my dad coldly.
Venie opened her mouth to say something else, but apparently thought better of it. She turned and walked away, her shoulders slumped in defeat. As their carriage turned around the corner I burst out laughing. I really didn't expect that my old man would be capable of putting Venie in her place.
We travel for a while and eventually come to a stop along with other citizens. I look around and see that we're in the middle of the Capital...