A whirlwind of excitement moved through Adanna as she ran down the stairs, the joyous news dancing around in her head. Days had passed since Nia had relayed Kiyoshi's approval, and now they were on their way back to Ivamis, possibly to inform Serena! Reaching the entrance hall, she skidded to an abrupt halt, a wide smile stretching across her face. And there, entering through the grand doors, was none other than Kazi.
"Kazi!" Adanna exclaimed, rushing towards her sister. "Have you spoken to Father yet?"
Kazi, slightly flustered by Adanna's eagerness, stopped and shook her head. "Not yet, Adanna. I shall, though. Soon." She glanced at the letter in her hand, which bore the royal seal of Niameda. "But first, I must deliver this to him."
"Soon?" Adanna's smile faltered slightly. "But soon could mean the morrow, or the week after! We have not the luxury of such time."
Kazi sighed, a glimmer of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Adanna, settle yourself. A few days shall make little difference. Besides, Father has been overwhelmed with work of late. Choosing the perfect moment to approach him is key."
Adanna slumped against the wall, her shoulders drooping in disappointment. "But what if he refuses?" she murmured, her eyes downcast.
Kazi placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Do not borrow trouble, little sister. Leave Father to me. Trust that I shall find the right opportunity."
The next day, Adanna wandered the halls of the estate, her steps filled with nervous anticipation. Rounding a corner, she came face-to-face with her father.
"Ah, Adanna," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "There you are. How did you enjoy Nia and Kiyoshi's visit? I trust you had a pleasant time with them?"
Adanna bit her lip, her mind racing. How could she subtly guide her father down the proper path? "It was lovely, Father," she began cautiously. "Nia spoke of...well, new beginnings and exciting opportunities."
"New beginnings, you say? What does that mean, exactly?" Her father's eyes twinkled with curiosity as he studied her face.
Adanna's stomach lurched. Her attempt at subtlety had clearly misfired. "Oh, nothing of import, Father," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just...sisterly matters."
Governor Nari chuckled. "Well, give your sister my regards. Now, if you will excuse me, a mountain of paperwork awaits in my study. No time for games, Adanna."
He planted a quick kiss on her forehead and continued down the hall, leaving Adanna feeling more discouraged than ever. Kazi still had not spoken to him, and her own hint had been a spectacular failure. Sinking onto a nearby bench, Adanna buried her face in her hands, a silent groan escaping her lips. This waiting game was torture!
Adanna paced the hallway, her heart fluttering. Every creak of the floorboards sounded like her name being summoned, every rustle of fabric her father's loud voice. Two days had passed since her botched attempt at subtlety, and the silence from Kazi was deafening.
Suddenly, a muffled sound filtered through the heavy oak door of her father's study. Curiosity gnawed at Adanna, and unable to resist any longer, she tiptoed closer, pressing her ear against the door. Her breath caught as she heard Kazi's voice, but the words were indistinct.
Her heart racing, Adanna waited...Then, a voice, unmistakable and stern, cut through the murmur - Governor Nari. His loud pronouncement sent a jolt through Adanna. "Absolutely not, Kazi. It is out of the question!"
Adanna's eyes went wide. Had Kazi finally told him? And had he just refused? Panic surged through her, her carefully laid plans crumbling around her. Before another thought could form, her hand shot out, the brass knob turning with a satisfying click. The door swung open, revealing a startled Kazi and a flabbergasted Governor Nari.
"Father!" Adanna burst out, her voice a mix of desperation and excitement. "You simply must let me go!"
Governor Nari's eyes widened, his eyebrows rising in question. Kazi, meanwhile, buried her face in her and, letting out a long, sigh.
Adanna, oblivious to their reactions, continued pleading her case. "This is a perfect opportunity, Father! A chance to explore a new kingdom, meet new people...and perhaps even find love in a foreign land!" she babbled, her voice growing louder with each word. "Aerionia is so unlike Niameda, and I have never even ventured outside our borders! Do you not see, this is a chance for me to experience the extraordinary!"
Governor Nari, finally finding his voice after the initial shock, said, "Aerionia? What in the world are you speaking of, Adanna?"
Adanna blinked, momentarily stunned by his question. "To go to Aerionia, of course!" she exclaimed, exasperation creeping into her tone. "With Serena! To compete for the Duke's hand!"
"What!!!" Governor Nari thundered through the study.