Chapter 6

What's with the sudden question?

"I... I do." I responded. My heart began to race as I felt anxious about what he would ask next.

"Then how come you're still at that orphanage?" Ravin asked, sitting beside the Duke, "I guess they didn't search for you well enough for you to stay at that place for eight years,"

"Ravin." The Duke scowled at Ravin, who simply shrugged and asked, "May I ask who your mother is?"

"She's dead."

"Oh..."

The atmosphere at the dining area turned awkward by my response, "Ah.. It's fine. It happened when I was three so it doesn't bother me much."

"I see, how about your father?"

"He's the Duke of Avalon, Duke Raeden Juiz."

"She truly is a princess," Caz said.

"A duke, huh." Ravin said, "I guess he doesn't care that much for his own daughter."

"Ravin." The duke glared once again at Ravin.

"He's not wrong. I never thought about my father anymore after spending years at the orphanage," I faint a smile, "I bet he thinks I'm dead."

The air around the dining hall once turned awkward with no one speaking, not until Noah did.

"Ah.. I'm hungry." He said and I chuckled.

"Let's eat. Avriella, go to my office after this. We have to talk about something." The duke said, and I nodded.

We started eating the meals that were placed in front of us. My friends and I were eating the food with a great smile on our faces. I had eaten such costly meals before, but eating with friends and family was something I hadn't done before. I'm glad it was Duke Reed who rescued us from the orphanage.

...

"Have a seat."

I took a seat in front of the Duke. When I saw his paperwork, it immediately reminded me of my father. He, too, was like that.

"What is it that you want to ask, your grace?" I asked, since I can't handle another awkward atmosphere inside a room.

"Don't you want to go back to your father?" He asked and looked straight at me, waiting for my answer, "I'm not saying this because you're being a burden, understand? It's because you're the only one with a family among your friends. They're all orphans, so I'm wondering whether you want to go back to your father."

"I'd want to."

I said that, but actually, I am hesitating. I'm not sure what it is about me that prevents me from returning.

"I can help you with that,"

I looked at the Duke. He looked sincere and wanted to help me.

Maybe... just maybe, leaving this place isn't such a bad idea.

"How?"

"I'll send you to your country,"

"Will I ride a ship again?" I unconsciously asked. There are many questions running through my head, but it was the one that came out of my mouth. Am I scared of riding a ship?

"You will. That's the only way you'll be able to return to your homeland."

I fainted a smile and nodded, "I see, then if that's the only way, then I'll do it."

"Alright, we'll leave in three days so bid your farewell to your friends."

Wait... 'We'?

"We? Will you accompany me, your grace?" My eyes widen in shock as I look at the Duke, "Don't you have a lot of paperwork to take care of?"

"It's none of your concern. Now go. We'll leave in three days."

I simply nodded and exited his office. As I went away from the Duke's office, my head was out of place.

But why? Why would the Duke accompany me?

...

"So why are we all here?" Kye asked.

It's already past midnight, and I'll be going early in the morning with the Duke. I had a difficult time talking to them during the last two days since I couldn't think of anything to say.

"Avi said she has something she wants to tell us." Mia said.

We sat in a circle as we sat on the floor. They stare at me, waiting for me to say something.

"I'll be leaving first thing in the morning."

There. I said it. I closed my eyes as I looked down, waiting for their response.

"Leaving where?" Ara asked, her voice sounding solemn.

When I looked up, Ara was staring at me with sad eyes. Mia's tears were already streaming down her cheeks. This is why it's difficult to say goodbye to someone you've known since the beginning. It's difficult for me to leave them after having lived with them for half of my life.

"Home?" Noah asked and I nodded.

"Why so soon?" Caz asked, "You should've told us sooner so we could enjoy quality time together before you leave."

huh?

"You're not mad?" I asked, looking at him.

"Why would we?" Kye said, "You have your family, it's a given that one day you'll leave us and return to your family."

RIght... The reason why it's hard to say goodbye it's because the word 'family' is there.

"I may be saying goodbye now, but I'll promise to visit you." I said. I don't even know if my father is waiting for me.

We hugged each other as I heard Mia cry in between. I patted her head and hugged her.

I know this isn't goodbye.

...

"Are you prepared to leave?" The Duke asked.

The sun was rising while we waited for the carriage to arrive.

"I am," I responded. He patted my hair and made me look at him.

"If something were to happen, you could still come back here. Send me a letter and I'll take you with me."

"Is that what you did to Ravin?" I asked.

The duke came to a halt and slowly nodded. I chuckled, so Ravin really is not the Duke's son.

"By the way, your grace." He looked back at me and raised his right brow, "I haven't had the chance to ask you certain questions I wanted to ask you."

"Ah... right. Then I'll answer your question on the way."

The carriage arrived and we rode it to the port.

"First things first, what makes you take us home with you?"