"Ha Ha Kathy has no parents!" "Hey everyone, kathy is an orphan!"

"I am not an orphan, my Auntie & Uncle take care of me."

"But they're not your parents!"

...

Here we go again.

Ruka is always picking on me. I wish she would just leave me alone.

Even if I try to stick up for myself...it's everyone against me. People adore her.

"But they take care of me...shouldn't that be important?"

I don't want Uncle Felix or Auntie Rumia to be disappointed in me. I was taught to kill people with kindness...but why does it not work?

"The love of a parent is different!" She laughs. "Your Aunt & Uncle can't fill the holes a parent can."

I almost break into tears. I was raised by my Aunt & Uncle...I always considered that to be enough.

"But i'm happy." I inform her. "They provide for me & that should be sufficient...they've given me everything i've ever wanted & more."

They're almost like parents to me. The only difference is that they didn't birth me.

I don't know my own parents so for me, they're close enough.

"Whatever." She speaks, annoyingly. "How sad that you can't even accept the fact that you were destined to die."

My eyes open wide. "What...?"

"Oh...you didn't know?" she grins. "Well my dad, the Marquess, has told me everything."

She turns around before saying one final sentence. "Well I gotta go home to the parents I have...don't want to be seen talking to an oprhan."

She runs on her way & i'm left by myself with my thoughts.

To be honest, I secretly known that I was suppose to die from birth. Even Aunt & Uncle don't know that i'm aware. They were protecting my feelings...but I knew the full truth all along. Felix & Rumia saved me from the brink of death. My own father didn't hesitate to kill me.

I consider Aunt & Uncle my parent figures because they saved me. All I know now, is i'm not suppose to wander around & accidently run into my father.

I begin to walk back to the palace because Aunt Rumia told me to be back before dinner. I just wanted to collect rocks but then Ruka appeared out of nowhere so I didn't finish the task I came outside for.

Uncle Felix is usually still out at work late hours so I doubt he will be home.

I also secretly know that he works for my father. I don't know the complete story between them but I know that he is loyal to him.

"Where is Auntie Rumia?" I ask the butler who opened the gate for me.

"I believe she is aiding young master, Cassius." He informs me. "The poor master went out to play & fell."

Cassius is quite rebellious. I bet he got into a fight & lied to everyone that he fell & got hurt.

I suddenly hear shouting of pain coming from upstairs. It's Cassius. He has a very low pain tolerance which is why I don't get how he can just get into random fights.

I quickly run upstairs, following the sound of the noise.

I hear the butler faintly yell "Be careful maam."

I reach the room & feel like I walked in at an awkward time.

Aunt Rumia is hovering over Cassius, trying to wipe down all of his injuries while he sits there, shouting in pain.

"Oh...hey sis..." He utters as if he's been drugged out of pain.

Aunt Rumia turns her face over to me while still attempting to pat down Cassius' face. "Oh, Kathenia!...when did you get back?"

"Just now." I respond.

She rises up from Cassius & closes up the first aid kit.

"Good, you're on time!"

She proceeds to exit the room but turns around first. "Come down for dinner, I won't ask again."

I nod as Cassius walks over to me.

"Is father back yet?"

I would have known if he was because Uncle Felix brings in a different atmosphere & I did not feel that aura downstairs.

"No he has not." I shake my head & Cassius sighs in relief. "Phew!...I did not want father to see me like this!"

I almost let out a small laugh.

Uncle Felix is rarely here to witness how chaotic his son can be but it leaves me to wonder how he will react. Will he scold him? Will he go & scold the father of the person whom he got in a fight with? It really is a mystery to me.

"Maybe Uncle Felix will shout at you for being so reckless." I tell him. "Why did you even get into a fight so carelessly?"

Cassius appears to be saddened, looking at the ground.

"You don't get it..." He mutters.

"Get what?"

I don't have the strong will power as Cassius so even if I wanted to get into a fight, I physically can't. I wasn't trained for that scenario.

"This guy..." He whispers, then looks up. "He was saying things about you..."

He rises his eyes directly at me, narrowed. "Bad things."

My mouth opens wide.

He got into a fight...because of me?

I remember just last year. Me & Cassius barely got along. We had seperate interests & he didn't even call me sister...times really have changed.

"What things..." I trail off. "...Was being said?"

A deep breath silences the room before he begins to speak.

"Just stupid useless things." He says, annoyed. "That since you're an orphan, you wouldn't mind being hit on...or that people should be glad that you have no parents because it's easy access for them."

He scoffs, looking to the side. "What a bunch of pricks!"

I almost throw up in my mouth a bit. That is not something a 7 year old should be hearing.

"...And you...stood up for me?" I ask, looking up with a pout in my eyes.

I feel bad that I tried to nag him just now.

Cassius nods his head. "Well duh...no one says such things about MY sister!"

His words make me smile, instantly. Knowing that he calls me sister willingly, is like home to me.

"Besides...you're not even an orphan." He continues. "That would make father & mother meaningless."

He does have a point. Besides, I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for them.

"You don't have to get into fights for me!" I assure him. "You still have your reputation to think about."

He chuckles & flicks his hair back, modestly. "Well our families reputation will be ruined regardless if people started spreading rumours about you...so i'd like to think I did us a favour."

I giggle at his words. "I think you'll be doing us a favour if you're not late to the dinner table for once."

He appears worked up as if it's a mission for him. "I'll show you."

He rushes out of the door. "I bet I will be there before you are!"

He likes making things a competition but I see it as getting closer to him.

"As if." I respond & run after him.

There's two sets of stairs. One on each side. I run down one direction while Cassius runs down the other. Victory displeases us when we both meet downstairs at the same time.

"Oh, great." Cassius rolls his eyes. "And I almost made it too!"

I pat him on the shoulder. "You wish."

I like having these playful moments with Cassius. It's like everyone else my age loaths me because they see me as an "Orphan".

"Dinner is served." I hear the chef say through the other room.

I hope aunt Rumia is not mad that we're a little late.

"I think you should go in first." Cassius tells me. "You know that whole saying?...ladies go first."

I can tell he's terrified.

"Okay..." I sigh. "I guess I will take one for the team."

I crack open the door slowly until opening it fully. It makes a large screeching sound. Cassius hides behind me as if it would make a difference.

She spots both of us in the doorway but appears calm.

I guess we're just frightened because she has a bit of a temper sometimes.

I begin to tiptoe inside while Cassius follows my every move as if Aunt Rumia didn't spot us already.

"And here I thought I would be eating by myself." She speaks, suddenly in a sarcastic tone.

I stop in my tracks, looking up & Cassius accidently falls behind me from the sudden movement.

"Ow!" He shouts on his way down after bumping into me.

Nice one.

"Auntie Rumia, I am so excited for what's on the menu today!" I try changing the subject.

"Yes, I can't wait to stuff my face!" Cassius says from the floor.

Rumia still appears calm. She always refuses to eat before we get to the table which is why I kind of feel bad. It's mandatory to show up to dinner 5 minutes before the designated time but I was late due to my little conversation with Cassius.

Suddenly, I hear the front door shut, followed by the butler saying "Uh, Master! Welcome back."

"Father!" Cassius shouts, getting up & running outside of the dining hall.

It saved us from a lecture that we were about to recieve from Aunt Rumia.

"Uncle Felix!" I run after Cassius.

I always get so happy when he comes home, especially early.

"Ah, are those my kids?!" He shouts excitedly, bending down when he sees us running towards him.

He picks us up at the same time. Cassius in one arm & I on the other.

"I missed my precious babies." He kisses us on our foreheads.

The warmth of Uncle Felix is the best.

Rumia strolls over, happy but astonished to see him.

"You're home early."

"Yeah..." He responds. "Boss wanted to handle an exectution by himself...so I was let off early."

Wow...

He's trying really hard to hide the fact that he works for my father in front of me.

"But anyway..." He changes the subject. "Who wants to tell me about their day first?!"

Uncle Felix squeezes Cassius & I closer so he can walk over to Auntie Rumia & kiss her on the cheek.

"Father! Let me tell you about my day!" Cassius exclaims.

I'd mention details of mine but I don't want Aunt, Uncle & brother Cassius to be involved in what Ruka said so I remain quiet.

We get seated on the dinner table & everyone goes around talking about their day. I was interested & stayed silent. Especially when Cassius was spreading lies on how he got hurt. I was curious to see what he'd say but then Uncle Felix notices that I haven't said anything yet. I was distracted by everyone elses stories that I didn't come up with a lie myself. Half of my day included being made fun of by Ruka.

"Kathenia, you're awfully quiet." Uncle Felix informs me. "What did you do today?"

I take in a gulp. I feel like so much pressure is on me. Should I lie about my day as well?...no that's not right, especially since Cassius had a reason to lie...I don't.

I begin to panic & just blurt out "I went to go collect rocks."

Well technically, it was not a lie. I get drawn to things so easily so I liked looking at the different types of rocks.

"Oh, are you a fan of rocks?" he asks & I nod.

He then proceeds to say "There's a famous rock montain I should take you guys to."

He looks at Aunt Rumia. "You remember honey, don't you?"

"Yes." She nods. "It wasn't that long ago when we passed by it on our business trip."

"So many different & facinating rocks." Uncle Felix adds. "Kathenia would definately love it."

My eyes sparkle with delight. I am interested in this so called "Rock Montain".

"I want to go!" I shout, arising from my seat & Uncle Felix & Aunt Rumia giggle.

"First, eat your meal...and then we'll talk." Aunt Rumia laughs.

I sit back down in a glum mood & bite into a piece of bread. "Oh, alright."

I feel like my rock phase will slowly drift away. I always find new things to be excited over.

After dinner, Cassius & I both take our baths & get tucked into bed by Uncle Felix.

Normally, Aunt Rumia would be the one whom tucks us in but since Uncle Felix came home early today, he decided to do it.

"Uncle Felix...do you regret taking care of me?" I ask randomly while he tucks me in.

Cassius & I share a room because I used to be afraid of the dark & so he got used to the idea of sharing a room with me. He is currently knocked out & I can hear a little bit of snoring coming from his 8 year old body.

"Why are you suddenly asking me that?" He grows furious. "Did someone say something to you?"

He begins to rise up in anger but I pull his arm back down. "No no...it was just a stupid question...i'm sorry."

He sits back down & sighs. "Well if that's the case..."

He kisses my nose, gently. "I regret a lot of things...but choosing to raise you with Rumia...is not one of them."

He then curls his lip in a tender smile, placing his fingers through my hair & whispers "Now, get some rest."

Uncle Felix shortly leaves afterwards, closing the door gradually behind him.

I feel that I shouldn't have said anything but it can't be helped now.

I turn my head over to Cassius & despite the fact that Uncle Felix already tucked him in, his body appears to be all over the place.

"Goodnight, Cassius." I whisper.

I close my eyes & sleep swiftly follows me after.

I wake up in the middle of the night with the sudden urge to drink water. My throat feels dry.

I lift my body up & place my feet on the floor where I slide them into my fluffy slippers. Looking up, I see Cassius is still sound asleep, in his uncomfortable position.

I walk over to the door & open it slightly, hoping that it will make no noise...and I succeed.

When I step outside, I hear some muttering coming from across the hall. Curious by the muffled sound, I stroll towards it. It's coming from Aunt Rumia & Uncle Felix' chambers.

There is a slender crack in the door as I notice a light shine through & I see them both sitting on the bed & having what looks like a serious conversation.

My Conscience tells me to eavesdrop so I peek my eyes through the crack. I know it's wrong but it felt as though my feet moved on their own

"Yeah...I think she's being picked on." Uncle Felix tells Aunt Rumia whereas she replies "Our little girl?"

What are they talking about?

"What makes you think such a thing?..." Auntie Rumia asks. "...But to be frank, I have been noticing off patterns about her."

Uncle Felix breathes slowly. "Well...she said something today..."

Aunt Rumia moves in closer due to surprise. "What did she say?..."

I step back before Uncle Felix begins. I think I know what this conversation is about.

"She asked if I regret taking care of her."

I knew it. I shouldn't have said anything. Uncle Felix is always quick to catch on & by that fact, so is Aunt Rumia because she has been noticing the differences in my emotions.

"But how can we regret raising her?" Aunt Rumia shouts but then lowers her voice to not wake anyone. "Cassius & Kathenia are the best things that ever happened to us...aren't they?"

"Yeah, of course." Uncle Felix gently grabs onto her hands. "When I found you again after all those years...my biggest dream was starting a family with you...and now that wish has finally come true..."

He takes in a deep breath. "Kathy may not biologically be ours...but I still care about her as if she is our own."

Aunt Rumia smiles, gripping onto his hands tighter as if a memory is suddenly being thought about. "Yes...That's all I wanted since the moment I first saw you...and i'm pretty sure my father did too..."

They both laugh in sync as Felix chuckles "And I think Rias did too." before she continues.

"I am glad I had the honour of raising Kathenia, along with Cassius. I cherish them both."

I decide to stop listening to the conversation at that. I knew that they cared about me but hearing it is much more different than thinking it. I almost shed tears at their conversation.

I step backwards without hurry, trying not too make any noise but that plan backfires as I accidently step over a sensitive crack which makes a screeching sound.

I gasp as my eyes open wide.

"What was that?!" I hear Uncle Felix shout.

I have no time to stand around. I run to hide behind a wall just in time when Uncle Felix & Aunt Rumia open their door.

"It appears we must be hearing things." Aunt Rumia whispers.

As soon as they walk back into their chambers, I decide to go back to my room & sleep. I don't feel thirsty anymore.

I hope this doesn't change anything. I mean, it was a known fact that no one in this Empire likes me but I always thought it didn't matter because I live with the best people who do care about me.

...

The following day.

"Auntie Rumia, i'm going out to play now!"

Perhaps I will continue my task from yesterday that I didn't get to accomplish.

"Take Cassius with you!" She shouts from the other room.

I was right. Things have changed just overnight when I told Uncle Felix such things. I am usually allowed to go outside on my own as long as I don't go far...but now I have to be accompanied by someone.

At breakfast, Auntie Rumia suggested that the butler escort me whenever I needed to go places but Uncle Felix informed her that it might be too much for a kid to handle.

"We don't want our precious little girl to be tyed around with the butler." He said. "And on that note, it would make the butler who takes care of so many duties in this palace feel a tad bit ridiculous...don't ya think?"

Auntie Rumia sighed as she agreed with him. "I guess you're right...but we can't just let her go out on her own."

They acted as though I was going to get kidnapped when that was never the case to begin with.

They both looked at eachother as if they were speaking telepathically & then both turned over to Cassius. "Why can't Cassius just escort his little sister?" Aunt Rumia suggested & Uncle Felix added "That sounds like a great idea...you guys are already close enough!"

Cassius was not paying attention to the conversation at all. Instead, he was playing with his food in his own little world.

"Cassius?" Aunt Rumia called out to him in a hushed tone & that's when he looked up. "Yes...what is it?"

"We were thinking if you go out with Kathenia rather than letting her go out alone?" Uncle Felix told him.

Cassius glanced at all of us, one by one before taking in a mouthful of pork. "Sure, why not."

He agreed to it so easily. I was in shock.

And so, Cassius has to come with me now.

Cassius didn't mind it at all but it's hard to believe that there was a time where he would whine if it meant he had to hang out with me. He saw me as a burden back then but I think it's because he didn't know how to talk to me or how he should refer to me.

"Cassius, if you're bored, we can go back home..."

I feel guilty that because of my actions, he has to be dragged along with me. Aunt Rumia & Uncle Felix are really overprotective.

"What do you mean?" He asks. "I'm having the time of my life!"

I can't tell if he's joking or not. We're literally just walking. We haven't even done anything to be considered "fun" yet.

"Okay...if you say so..." I trail off.

I just hope Cassius doesn't cause any trouble. We're meant to just roam around outside of the palace gates where the village is located. I like observing the markets.

I suddenly stop walking, gently pushing Cassius back.

Ruka stands in front of me but luckily she doesn't see me yet. She looks distracted, surrounded by a group of people. She appears to be telling everyone around her how important her dad is, which is the usual for her. I think that is a part of why everyone obeys her & adores her. Because one wrong move, can lead them to their punishment.

"My father is so powerful!" She brags.

"He sent an old commoner to the Emperor & had him executed!"

"Wow!" All the kids around her say in sync.

One girl speaks up. "What did the commoner do?"

Which was the genuine question.

Ruka rolls her eyes without a care in the world. "Oh, he was just executed for existing."

I can't believe how cruel she is...to treat a human life like this. It's unbelievable.

"But even so, no one can disobey my father!" She tells them with a grin.

Listening to this conversation is not worth it. I have to be on my way.

I don't want Cassius & Ruka to meet. It will cause too much chaos.

"Why'd you stop?" Cassius asks, curiously.

I have to think of a way to turn back & take another route but telling him that directly, will cause him to grow suspicious.

I turn over to him. "Hey! I have an idea!"

"An idea?"

He appears clueless which is a good sign.

I squint my eyes & beam. "Let's play hide & seek!"

This way, will be the easy way out.

"Hide & seek?" He questions.

I feel as though I can see a question mark placed at the top of his head.

"Yeah!" I exclaim. "You hide & I seek!"

I don't give him time to think. I tap on his shoulder & say "Ready? go!"

I run off into another direction to begin counting while he runs off passed me to find a hiding spot.

At least my plan worked. I don't have to run into Ruka & neither does Cassius.

I begin counting until i'm certain that Cassius is at least a little far from the direction of Ruka.

"Ready or not, here I come..." I whisper to myself as I walk through the narrow concrete.

Skipping over the floor to find Cassius, it doesn't take long until I hear giggling coming from within the tall bushes.

"Uhm...Cassius?"

The giggling instantly stops but the bush, located not too far away from me, begins to shake as if a squirrel is collecting acorns in it. Cassius is not very good at this.

"Cassius...I know you're there."

He doesn't respond so instead, I begin to slowly step forward to where he hides, taking a breath for every single step. When I reach near, he jumps up from the bush, covered in leaves & thin branches placed all over his body as he huffs.

"You may have found me but you'll never be able to catch me!"

He begins to run away, straight into the forest. "Mwhahaha!" I faintly hear as he disappears.

"Wait! Cassius!" I call after him.

I lift up my dress & begin to chase him.

He is really taking this little game far too serious.

I run for what feels like ten minutes. I can't help but think I ran passed him but never noticed...but no. That can't be possible. I know that I would have noticed regardless of how quiet he would be.

"Cassius?...Cassius!" I begin to call out but no answer.

Just where has he gone?

The running stops when I reach the end of the woods. I step onto solid ground as I stare at a palace right before my eyes.

How long was I running for?

I begin to glance around at this area. I have no idea where I am. I didn't even know this place existed through the woods until now. The palace is far bigger than the one Aunt Rumia & Uncle Felix own...but it looks similar from the outside.

I turn around facing the forest. Maybe I should go back?...

But as I look through the tall trees, I realize that I can't walk back through there. I didn't notice just how scary the forest really is.

Suddenly, it feels so creepy to look at.

Am I lost? Just what is this place that I stand?

The light grows dim as the wind brews through me. A sudden chill goes up my spine.

"Cassius?...This isn't fun anymore!" I shout, nervously. "...Please come out..."

I whisper to myself with a crack in my voice. "I-i'm scared..."

Where has he gone so suddenly? I can't hear him...and I don't sense that he is near.

I feel so alone. I feel like i'm almost going to cry.

How could I wander off into a mysterious place so carelessly?

I begin to gradually take a few steps back & that's when I bump into something so roughly. It almost makes me tumble over.

A thud-like sound is heard & I realize that I didn't bump into an object. I bumped into a person. I can sense that this person is much more older & taller than me. Which means it's not Cassius.

I should really stop walking backwards when frightened, sad or in worry.

I am terrified of turning around...but I know that if I don't, there is no other way out of this.

I cautiously begin to turn around, taking deep breaths. I pray that it was just a wall that I bumped into but even I, a seven year old is smart enough to know that's not true.

When I am turned around, I look at the floor from where the shoes stand & point my head upwards as I quiver in terror.

The sun coveres my eyes for a bit until I can see everything clearly. His face is now seen distinctly.

I almost drop to my knees but it appears I can't move properly.

The man is tall but that might just be because i'm small.

He wears unfamiliar purple hair that flows within the wind...and those bright golden orbs that look just like mine.

A few freckles on his face that can only be seen from a distance, though I have much more on my face...and the dark coloured clothing like he's an evil villain from a book.

The sword he carries with him makes me tremble in fear in my very spot as I take in a large gulp.

He glares down at me without a word. His eyes appear brighter than the sun.

A silenced beat goes through my mind until it finally comes to me.

This man is my biological father.

Silas Wisteria.

I don't want to die here. I should have just walked passed Ruka with Cassius instead of being a coward...

But I know that she would have tried to speak to me & that will have caused a fight, considering I had Cassius with me.

As I stare up at my father, the look he presents me with seems scarier by the second. How should I get out of this situation?...Is there even a way to get out of this?

After some intrusive thoughts, I realize i'm just standing around like an idiot & didn't even greet him yet. He may be my terrifying father who can kill me any second but he is still higher in the ranks than I am. It's only common courtesy.

I bow down & lift up my dress, putting one leg behind the other.

"G-greetings, your majesty...the saviour of our Empire."

I never thought I would ever have to greet my father & especially like that.

I stay in the same position & face the ground. I am so scared to do anything. It's like my mind can't even think anymore...but what's a seven year old suppose to do in circumstances like this anyway? I can't even fight.

I hear a short breath & I flinch.

"...That hair...those eyes..."

I swiftly turn my head upwards. "Huh?"

I didn't expect him to speak but it's better than getting that sword pointed at me.

His eyes glare at me even sharper, and before I know it...he lifts me up without hesitation so we can see eye to eye.

My face is frozen in one expression & even I can't tell what that expression is.

I am so close to my murderous father. I am really re-thing my life decisions up until now, right at this very moment. I have barely even lived life yet...i'm too young to die.

Our eyes don't leave eachothers sight...but for me, I am just scared of looking away.

My father's grip is tight from under my arms. He holds me from a distance & I feel awkward because my feet are just there, dangling in the air.

He narrows his glare.

"Are you aware of who I am?" He speaks in a stone cold voice.

It sounded more of a threat than a question...but that just might be me thinking the worst.

His voice is sharp but low. He's very handsome, there's no doubt my mother wasn't in love with him.

He turns his face to the side & mutters to himself. "Who am I kidding?...a mere child is not that smart."

Who does he take me for? I may be young but common knowledge is important at my age.

Even if I didn't know who he was, I would have at least thought about it & figured it out from there.

I look straight up at him & give him a beaming smile with squinted eyes. I have to at least try & act cute because Uncle Felix & Aunt Rumia did not sacrifice a lot to have me die at the hands of my father that they protected me from. I have to do it for their sake...but I also mainly just want to survive.

"You're my daddy!...right?"

His eyes open wide in surprise. It almost appeared as though he was speechless.

He puts me back down on the ground & sneers to himself. "So I guess this child isn't so senseless huh..."

Why is he speaking as if i'm not here?

I wonder if Uncle Felix is near. Perhaps he will save me from this situation if he is...but I doubt it. He probably left already.

"Um...Sir..." I speak out. "Are you going to kill me?"

I don't know why I randomly just blurted something like that out. Maybe I wanted to know beforehand but now I feel even more awkward than before. What will I do if he says yes?

He bends down, putting his weight on his feet so he can look at me properly.

"Sir?..." He questions with a rude tone. "Wasn't I just your father & now i'm sir?"

I feel as though I deserve this for putting myself in this setting.

"I-i'm sorry..." I stammer.

He is so confusing to me, I can't tell if he's joking or not...but he most likely is not. I have a feeling that this is just his personality.

He pulls out his sword from is scabbard & I step back.

"Do you know how to use this?" He asks.

My heart is beating rapidly fast. Why is he suddenly showing me his weapon?

Could it be?...

I shake my head. "N-no father...I do not..."

He chuckles...but it wasn't a fun & playful laugh. I felt as though he was mocking me.

Lifting the sword up, I can see how violent it really is. It is so sharp-edged that you can see it through the reflection.

I feel that from just a touch, your finger will bleed.

"How could you arrogantly wander to this parts of the Empire & not know how to use a sword?"

Am I being scolded right now?...by this man who just so happens to be my father?

"Well..." I point my eyes up at him & hold my hands behind my back. "I am just a kid..."

Even Cassius isn't skilled in swordsmanship. Uncle Felix wants to wait until he's a bit older.

"So?" He scoffs. "I learned when I was five...I don't see the problem."

I heard stories of how Uncle Felix taught my mother swordsmanship. She wasn't that skilled either but she became great with a sword out on the battlefield. I thought about being like that...but I get frightened so easily.

"You either use it to kill someone...or use it to threaten them." He informs me. "It's your pick."

Is that what's happening right now? He could be doing one or the other, I can't tell.

"Swords are scary." I mutter, pouting my eyes.

I am looked upon with a weird expression. A worrisome look.

"Is this even my daughter?" He laughs, abruptly.

I mean in a way, I guess I can't really be considered his daughter. He didn't raise me. Auntie Rumia & Uncle Felix did.

"Well...they're heavy too." I tell him, hoping it will make a difference.

He seems to not like my answers. He probably thinks i'm pathetic. I just can't believe I lasted this long in a conversation with him. I hope Auntie Rumia & Uncle Felix aren't too mad when I tell them where i've been. Cassius must be worried too, unless he's still running & hiding.

"Very well." He speaks with an unsatisfied taste in his mouth as he slides the sword back into the place he took it out of.

His glare towards me was so cold just now. Colder than before.

I am still trembling in my body. I feel as though I have to be very careful with what I say or do.

"I'm sorry."

He looks through me with a weird look.

"Is apologizing all that you know?"

I guess I didn't notice how much I was saying it until he mentioned it. When put in scary & awkward situations, I tend to apologize a lot, especially if the person is older than me.

"I'm sor-" I begin but then clear my throat. "I mean no."

He stays quiet for a moment & I don't know what else to do. I was never prepared to meet him because I never thought I had too...but meeting him like this is just awful. Why do I feel the sudden urge to cry?

Maybe I should just walk back. It can't be scarier than talking to him...and he hasn't attempted to swing his sword at me yet so I guess this is the perfect time to escape.

I quickly turn my head over to where the forest is located. My expression appears dull when I notice that it looks even more terrifying than before. I should have just walked back when I arrived rather than stalling.

It's like the trees grew taller & thicker, the light appears dimmer, the dark colour of the grass makes it seem gloomier than it actually is. It rises up to where any beast can hide behind them. I feel as though I can see red eyes & vicious sounds through that path but that is most likely just my imagination.

I slowly turn back to the man whom is my father. I know it's wrong of me to ask...but I have nothing left to lose.

"Uhm...excuse me..." I utter, embarrassingly. My voice is low but can be heard quiet well, considering how silent it is.

"If you're not busy doing grown up stuff...would you mind escorting me to where the forest stops?"

I know it's a long shot but I can't just stand here forever.

He stands straight & snickers at me. "Bold question."

He bends back down to look me straight in the eye with a grin. "Even knowing who I am?"

I step back, startled. What made me think it was a good idea to even ask such a thing? If anything, he's probably scarier than the forest right about now.

"You're right...it was stupid of me to say..."

I turn around & begin speed walking...but then, my feet feel like they're not even on the ground anymore. They're in the air.

I look up & notice that my father has grabbed around my stomach, holding me like i'm some sort of travel bag.

He just looks straight up ahead, not saying a word. How do I mention to him that it kind of hurts when he carries me like this?

I decide against telling him anything.

I dangle around in his arms until we reach the end of the forest. All that was heard the entire time was the sound of his footsteps & the noise of my heavy breathing. I didn't even ask why he decided to help me.

He puts me down & I instantly wipe down my dress to unwrinkle it.

"Thank you sir-...I mean father." I begin to turn in the direction I came from. "I will be good from here now-"

As soon as I said that, he grabs onto my hand & continues to walk.

I only told him to escort me outside of the forest so why is he suddenly taking me further? Is he mad that I wasted his time? What if this is my punishment because he knows i'm terrified of him?

I want to say something, anything...but what?

I look up at him. He seems focused on some other matter going on inside his mind but he is still taking the time to walk me back to the palace.

"Uhm...is there a reason you're walking me the entire way?"

He glances down at me & then faces the front again. He does not look too happy when I said that.

"Are you saying you want to walk alone?"

That did not feel like a question but I answer anyway. "I...Uh...well..."

"I need to speak to Felix about something anyway." He interrupts. "It just so happens that we're going the same direction."

Has he ever been to the palace recently? I don't think so. Usually, Uncle Felix gets notice that he has to go to the Empire right away when there's a matter that needs to be solved.

Though, what he said doesn't answer why he's holding onto my finger. I already got lost once but I know my way back now.

"O-okay..."

We begin walking & I almost stop in my tracks when I see Ruka...but I can't stop because I am not walking by myself. She's not in the same spot anymore, she's near the path to the palace...but why is she still outside?

I try to hide behind my father secretly, but he notices.

"Is there a reason you're clinging onto my back?"

Could this day get any worse?

"Sorry...I am just a slow walker." I lie.

It seems believable enough...perhaps.

"Then just walk faster." He complains. "I don't have all day."

Well jheez.

"Okay...i'll try."

I move back up but try walking faster so I can get passed Ruka without being noticed. That makes me pull my father forward a little bit but he doesn't say anything.

Luckily, Ruka was distracted in an another direction so she didn't notice us. My father didn't notice anything out of the ordinary & just continued to walk.

We make it to the palace & the front enterance opens automatically where I find Uncle Felix, Aunt Rumia & brother Cassius all crying in worry.

"Uncle Felix! Auntie Rumia! Brother Cassius!" I shout in excitement as I let go of my fathers hand.

They all look up & shout in sync. "Kathenia!" "Kathy!"

I run up to hug them as Aunt Rumia cries "Where were you? we were so worried!"

Uncle Felix wraps his arms around us tightly to form a big hug. "When Cassius came home without you...I thought something terrible must have happened."

"Little sister!" Cassius cries. "You suddenly disappeared!"

I disappeared? he's the one I couldn't find...

But I admire this moment. To be in the arms where I feel safe.