Upon reaching her room, she took a moment to process everything, and placed the magic sword on her desk. She plopped down on her bed, placing a hand on her face and slowly dragging it down. Tilting her head to look at the sword as the day events played out in her head. Until a sudden knock at the door broke her train of thoughts, Starfania simply said, " Come in. "
To her surprise, a guard stood on the other side, urging her to follow him to the throne room, where her father awaited. As Starfania was walking out of her room, she slipped the sword into her pockets. Not wanting it to leave her sights even if she was going to meet her father. As they approached the throne room, the sight of soldiers standing in perfect formation added to the tension. Taking a deep breath, she slowly turned the doorknob and stepped inside. Her father, King Cesar, stood near his throne, his expression betraying a sense of urgency. His piercing gaze locked onto her, and she knew she was in for a long one.
Starfania's fingers instinctively tightened around the sword in her pockets as she waited for him to speak.
" Starfania, " he said, his deep voice carrying a weight that silenced the room. " Come closer. "
She hesitated for a moment, inching closer, walking past the imposing line of soldiers. Their presence made this all more intimidating for her. She slowly began to understand the seriousness of the situation. When she finally stood in front of him, he studied her with an intensity that made her shift uncomfortably.
" You've been out all day, " he said, his gaze unwavering. " Your absence did not go unnoticed. "
Starfania lowered her head into a bow and said. " I apologize father, I've lost track of time. "
" Ah, " he said, his voice taking on a more serious tone. " You've been quite busy, haven't you, my little star? "
His words seemed innocent enough, but there was a sharpness beneath them, like the edge of a blade hidden in the silk. She froze, her heart skipped a beat.
" I… I'm not sure what you mean, " she said cautiously, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her. Cesar's smile widened, the mischievous glint in his eyes intensifying. " Oh, come now, Starfania. You didn't think I wouldn't notice. How late you would be returning. Tell me, did you really think you could keep it a secret? "
The room felt colder; the walls pressing in as her father's words weighed heavily on her chest. He knew. Somehow, he'd known all along. And what did he intend? to? What would he do about it?
" I–" she said, struggling to find the right words. " I don't know what you're talking about. "