Chapter 1
To say I was nervous was a huge understatement. My father sat at the end of the table and the King sat on the other end. His wife and sons sat on the opposite side of me and my three sisters. "I'm glad you were able to accompany us for dinner", the King spoke as the food was being served. My father sat up slightly, grabbing his silverware. "Thank you for the invite, sir". "Call me Ashton", he countered, doing the same as my father.
One of my younger sisters fidgeted nervously next to me, clutching my dress slightly. Leaning over slightly, I whispered to her to tell me what was wrong. "Can we go to the bathroom". I straightened up and looked towards the King. "May I be excused to accompany my sister to the bathroom?". "Lisabeth can take her", the King spoke, gesturing towards one of his maids that stepped forward at the sound of her name.
Olivia cowards slightly, scooting down in her seat. I shook my head. "She's very shy. If Lisabeth can show us the way, I'll accompany her to the bathroom". "Very well then", he sighed and the two of us left the table. My sister pulled me into the bathroom and I crouched down to her level. "Why are we here? Why can't we just go home and live like before?" I held her face in my hand for a second before standing up fully. "Its the only way", I responded simply. "We have to do this for Papa. Everything will be ok Ollie, I promise", I hugged her little body to mine then after she calmed down we walked back to the dinning room.
Conversation flowed through the room as my father answer the King's questions and the King's son's conversated amongst themselves. My other sister, who was closer in age to me, sat silently starring down at her plate. Granted, neither of my sisters were use to this environment. We were mere common people who slaved and worked hard just to provide for our family. And the fact that we were invited to the King's palace had us all in wonder.
"I never got your names", the King said as my sister and I sat. "The youngest one is Olivia. The one on the other side of her is Talicia and my name is Athena", I responded, settling back into my seat. The King nodded and as our names reminded the King's son's we were here, they began speaking their names in return. The oldest was Axton, the middle child was Brian and the youngest was Lewison. The Queen seemed to observe us, not saying much but her name the whole night. The King did most of the talking.
"You may wonder why you were summoned to our home tonight". I cringed at the word 'summoned'. As if we were like dogs to them. "Yes sir", my father responded respectfully. "Our son, Axton, has taken an interest in your daughter, Athena", he started. I looked up to see Axton admiring me. How long has he been doing that? I shivered slightly and straightened up. "Really?", my father seemed to beam proudly. My father always took pride in the way he raised us, since mother died after having Olivia.
"Indeed", the King responded, glancing over at his son. Axton looked towards my father and with the most arrogant tone and asked my father, "May I have your blessing to marry your daughter". I held my tongue as I awaited my fathers response. "The decision is not mine", he said simply. His response shocked us all. "Wha-what?". I looked at the end of the table towards my father. "Athena, its your choice". I grasped my pendent that hung loosely around my neck. My choice? God, that was something you didn't hear everyday.
I looked over at Axton, his face showing all the random emotions he was having. The King's expression, however, was blank. "Can I have some time to think about it? I mean, I don't really know him", I said softly, going with my gut. Axton nodded. "We will require you to live with us for 6 months then", the King spoke up as he put down his cup. My father choked on his drink. "S-six?", I looked at him in uncertainty. "I watch after my sisters sir. Surely their is something else I can do". "Lisabeth can help your father take care of them".
I look over at the maid warily. Her expression showed pity for my family and I. My father sighed. "As you wish...but under one condition". The King looked at me expectantly. "I want to be able to spend an entire day with my family twice a month". He nodded. "Very well then". I sat back slightly looking down at my plate, no longer hungry. Olivia slide her small hand in mine and I could feel her fingers trembling as she finally took in what the King had said. After dinner the King spoke with my father alone while my sisters and I sat in the main room.
"At least we get to visit you twice a month", Talicia spoke finally, sitting on the stool in front of me. Olivia sat in my lap, a normality for us, as I ran my fingers through her long, golden hair. "I'm going to miss you dearly", I smiled at her sadly as she looked up at me with the same sad eyes. It had been so long since we had been apart. Olivia had eventually drifted off to sleep and while she slept I pulled Talicia to the side. "Watch after Olivia and Papa, ok?" She nodded, her face determined to take on the challenge.
"What about Lisabeth?", she asked softly. "She will do her job, but you will take care of the family. I believe in you Tali", I hugged her to me as she began to cry. A few minutes later our father walked out of the study with the King. "Take care, Athena. Remember what me and your mother taught you". I watched as my father and sisters were taken away on horse and carriage, along with Lisabeth, then turned back to see a different maid waiting for me. "I'll take you to your living quarters", she said. With a heavy heart I followed behind her.
