Like Father, Like Daughter?

Chapter 2: The King is Dead

It happenened roughly a fortnight ago. I still remember it so clearly. Normal people instinctively remove traumatic experiences from their memory, or it becomes hazy to ease the pain, but of course, I'm not normal. I don't lead the life of your average fifteen year-old girl in Valador. I have more duties and responsibilities. I wish I was normal like Anita. Then none of this would have happened. People see it as an honor, but is it, really? I don't believe that. You're dragged into the Royal Family kicking and screaming. It's not like you even have a choice about the person you want to be. I can't back out of what's to come. I was born for the role. Born to be shaped into who I am. Sometimes, I wonder if I actually have a personality at all. Maybe it's just how i was taught to be. It's unescapable. If only we had a choice. Then my father would be here to day. I'd still be able to jump into his collosal muscular arms and he'd swing me around and sing to me at night.

My brother, Elias, and myself were seated in the main living room of the right wing of the castle, along with some other maids. We were discussing atrology. Astrology was a highly debated subject in Valador. It was our version of politics. The sky was shrouded by thick, bleak clouds. All light was obstructed and the usually vibrant garden was left dull and dreary. Almost as if the once vivid colours of the flowers had been drained out and washed away. The blaring noise of the heavy rain assaulting my eardrums was unchanging and almost seemed ordinary. Thunder rumbled the windows, but still, everything was serene. There was a knocking sound on the window to the left of Elias. I ignored it at first, thinking that it may just have been some untrimmed shrubbery, tapping the window, but then it became louder, more agitated. I swung my head around, my overgrown fringe flashing in my eyes. Lifting my hand, I signalled the dark figure to the main entrance. Our Head Maid, Elana, rose from her seat. "I'll get that m' lady" She declared, straghtening out her ruffled apron. I nodded obediently.

Several minutes later, a stout minuscule man, dressed in a navy blue blazer, trousers, with padded shoulders and many medals, trotted into the room. ''This is Mr. Faxon. He's a Lieutenant General from your father's army. Elias bolted up from his chair. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Faxon. How are you on this fine dimmet?" He blurted out nervously. The bulky man's wide eyes flickered towards the view outside. "Pleasure meeting you too, Son" he chuckled, "What was the name again? Elisa?" he questionned, furrowing his bushy, grey brows. "Elias, Sir." he reminded him politely. I sat, frozen on my cathedra. Why was he here? Was it to do with Father? Was he coming home? The room went silent. My cheeks flushed when I realised, I'd been so rude. I stood up and shook the man's hand thoroughly. "My apologies, Mr. Faxon!" I said in a panic. I took a deep breath, "Lottie, wonderful to see you." He smiled warmly at me. His face was familliar. "Ah, little Lottie." he murmured "You've grown so big and beautiful" I beamed at him. I felt the hot blood rush to my pale cheeks again. Again, silence fell upon the room. "So, why are you here Mr. Faxon?" Elias asked, breaking the higly awkward silence. Suddenly, the grin on his face faded to a solemn frown. My heart sank. "Ah, yes." he mumbled, shifting is weight from foot to foot, awkwardly. "Mr. Kato has passed on." he declared. Instantaneously, I grabbed onto Elias, struggling to support myself, but it was too much for me. I collapsed to the floor, giving into the weakness in my knees. Elias knelt beside me, trying to comfort me, but sobs shook him, vigorously. Tears streamed down my cheeks, although no sound could transpire. The maids stood there, keeping a brave face. Everyone was fond of Father in Valador. Clearly feeling out of place, Mr. Faxon stuttered "My sincere condolences. I must hurry off now." and he turned to leave. No one replied. He looked back once more and left the room, escorted by Elana.