And as if my morning could not be spoiled any further, my name was called by a familiar voice. The notes in its depth were gentle, but the voice reigned over this hall with enough authority to have me pausing my steps. I tensed. My only movement was swaying wisps of my hair as a mild breeze pushed through the glassless hall windows.
Sunlight scattered and smiled, and I wished I could have been as free as the disappearing rays beneath my feet. Sighing, I willed my shoulders to fall and forced a smile upon my lips.
"Father," I greeted, turning around.
His smile was radiant, his brown eyes wrinkling earnestly as if he were delighted to see me. My father had always owned kind, oval eyes. The sort of gaze that softened further his already friendly appearance. And his pale blonde hair wisped and framed the soft edges of his handsome face.
