THE DAMAGE HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE!

Theodora placed her ear on the smooth wooden door after entrusting Bertha to keep her mother engaged. Theodora was feeling nervous but more excited. She liked this feeling of excitement.

Zerith looked nervous before entering Lord Ralph's office. But Theodora was sure that only he could get her father's permission for her to attend the fair.

"My Lord!" Zerith greeted Ralph with a bow standing in front of his large table.

"Zerith! Have you got all the revenue accounts?" Ralph asked, looking up from his work.

"Yes Lord Ralph. Here are those accounts." Zerith put the pile of papers on his desk.

And then, he began explaining the trends in revenue collection and what modifications they needed in their current revenue structure.

More than ninety per cent of things flew over Theodora's head as she had never taken any interest in such intelligent things.

She was getting impatient as the time passed. She did not care about how much her father earned or not if the people of Warthford Island were able to pay the higher revenues if her father changed the revenue structure.

They all were poor beggars, and her father tried nothing that would change their faith. To be able to live a lavish and rich life, one should born with good fortune.

And those who got rich families must have done some good in their previous life as per Theodora's opinion. So why discuss so much about them when they had a more important topic to address.

Theodora huffed in annoyance.

She tapped her foot impatiently, waiting for their nonsense to end. And then finally, she heard her father say, "Alright! We will have a meeting on this, and then we will discuss extensively what we can do. You may go now. And be careful with the preparations for the fair.

I do not want any kind of casualties or disturbances during the event. It is about the prestige of the Longhurst family!"

"Yes, My Lord! Rest assured that nothing wrong will happen in the fair. The only thing we should be worried is a group of thieves. But I have arranged our people to keep a close eye on them." Zerith informed.

Ralph rubbed his forehead in concern. "Oh those thieves, those moron! I am getting sick of hearing the complaints of stealing by them. After this fair, I want you to take care of that issue too Zerith!"

"Yes My Lord!"

Ralph then resumed his work before dismissing Zerith with a wave of his hand.

He looked up, confused when Zerith remained standing in his place.

"Is there something you want to say Zerith?" He asked.

Zerith shifted his weight from one foot to another in nervousness. But he had promised Theodora that he would talk to her father.

He could not back out from his word.

"My Lord... I... I actually wanted to ask about the fair. I mean... are you sure that you are not going to attend it?

Everyone will be there, even the nobles from around. It will be only appropriate if you and your family would joi-"

"Zerith!"

Ralph's hard voice wiped out the smile of excitement from Theodora's face and the confidence from Zerith.

"We have discussed it before. I would have loved to be there along with my family only if there were people who share a similar status as us only. You know how those poor people are.

They are greedy, deceiving, untrustworthy and unhygienic. I cannot risk my family's safety and status by mingling with them."

Theodora clenched her jaw in anger. That was the shitty reason her father always stuck to her forehead. She was tired of hearing it all over the years. She agreed with his opinion, she did. But that did not mean she could live her entire life inside the four walls of the Longhurst mansion.

Those poor people were everywhere. Then how she was going to step out of the security of her home?

"Besides..."

Her father's next words caught up her attention again.

"You know that there is another side of the Warthford Island that my not many people are aware of." The depth in his words was understood only by Zerith but not Theodora.

He nodded his head in understanding.

"But those are only tales My Lord. We do not know anything for sure yet." Zerith tried to reason.

Ralph shook his head with furrowed brows.

"No ... no Zerith. You do not understand. You do not know what a Longhurst knows. My father and grandfather have always taught me about it.

They can never be wrong! My ancestors have ruled this island at a cost. And I do not wish to take any risk. So this is the end of our discussion, and you may go now!"

Zerith sighed. At least he tried.

"Yes, My Lord!" He bowed.

Theodora was so lost in her thoughts that she did not know what Zerith had done with his task. He opened the door that bumped into Theodora's head, bringing her back to reality.

"Ooouucchh!"

"Oh no! I am so sorry Theoodra!! I did not know that you are standing here. Are you hurt?" Zerith panicked as Theodora rubbed her forehead with her fingers.

It did hurt!

She only nodded her head before taking his hand in hers and dragging him away from her father's office.

"What was he talking about?"

Zerith was taken aback by her question. He expected her to ask for permission of attending the fair instead, she asked that.

"Pardon?"

Theodora pursed her lips before warning. "Do not play dumb Zerith! You know what I mean! What was father referring to... the other side of the Warthford Island? I heard everything so you better not hide anything from me."

She gave him a pointed look that said- 'speak the truth!'

Zerith shifted his weight from one foot to the other in nervousness. Now, what and how he should explain to her?

He finally sighed, not able to find the appropriate words.

"Look, Theodora. There are some... some bad things out there that you have no idea about. I know that you do not like following your father's commands, and I understand that. It is as fair as it can be. I would have felt the same if I was in your place.

But as someone who knows your father well... I would like you to be considerate and understanding of him and his rules. Now I agree he sometimes goes over the edge, but in this case, I agree with him. He is just trying to protect you, Theodora!" Zerith tried his best to make her understand the situation.

But the look on her face told him that his attempts were futile.

"Protect me?" Theodora growled in anger. "From what Zerith? Protect me from what? Those trees, those birds, those insects, those animals, those people out there? Protect from WHAT?"

She threw her hands in the air to emphasize her point.

"Theodora-" Zerith's hand reached to her shoulder, but she swatted it away with force.

"You can never understand how it feels to live like a caged bird!"

Zerith stood stupified, watching her run in the opposite direction. Zerith did not like her sorrow, the sadness and loneliness she always carried with her.

Yes, she was arrogant, inconsiderate and treated other people disrespectfully at times but she was young. Zerith believed that she would be mature enough to grow into a very kind and understanding woman with time.

But for now... all he could do for her was just sympathise!

He scratched his head and realised he needed a glass of cold water and maybe a good shower before he resumed his tasks, or else, he could not concentrate properly.

*

*

*

The next day Ralph got ready early in the morning as he had an important place to visit. Cordelia joined him for the breakfast. She wished to accompany him, but he told her that this time he would go alone.

Waiting for Theodora was useless as Ralph's dearest princess must have been wandering in her dreamland without caring about the real world.

"Ralph, I am glad that the priest agreed to meet you. Especially after the scene, Theodora created when he last visited our mansion!" Cordelia said, eyeing her husband, who sat to her right on the head chair around the table.

"Yes. It took me a lot of effort to convince him. I had to apologise to him several times before he agreed. I swear Cordelia if it was any other person in his place then I would not have even spare them a single glance of mine after their first denial!" Ralph grumbled, recalling how many times he apologised to the priest.

When that priest visited the Longhurst mansion, Ralph and Cordelia asked Theodora to take his blessings, but she refused and created a scene that put her parents' heads low in shame.

-"The hard time is about to come, Lord Longhurst. I hope you will handle it well."-

Ralph and Cordelia had not forgotten the priest's last words before he walked out of their house.

What did he mean by that?

They still had not figured it out.

But Ralph was sure that he would handle the situation well and would not let any harm come in their daughter's way. Since those words from the priest, the couple was always worried for their daughter and her future.

The priest also said that he would tell Theodora's prophecy once the right time would come. But his tone passed a clear message that it would not be an ideal situation or the one they were looking for.

But today, Ralph had some other purpose behind his visit to the priest. It was not about his daughter and her future. It was about something else, perhaps as important as his daughter.

"Ralph I wake up in the night at the thought of the priest's warning. Nothing has happened yet but my heart fears for tomorrow, every day."

Ralph was aware of his wife's situation. He had seen her waking up at the odd hours of the night. He understood her concern as a mother and as a wife.

He felt no different than her. The only difference was she was more vocal and expressive, which Ralph lacked in him.

He put his hand on hers, intertwining their fingers which fitted perfectly into each other.

" I know, and I understand dear! But always remember that we are together in this! You are not alone. We will face what fate has to serve us and will make it through it.

Just do not worry and stay strong. If you ever feel like talking about it, you will find me ready to listen. Okay?"

She smiled lovingly, nodding her head. He leaned to place a soft kiss on her lips which she returned with hers.

After finishing their breakfast, Cordelia walked her husband to the front door.

"I will be back for the lunch, alright?" Ralph informed, gazing down at her.

"Yes. I will be waiting!" Cordelia replied with a smile.

Ralph's eyes moved in the direction of Theodora's room. "Keep an eye on her. I do not want to send the guards again in her search. And try to avoid getting in an argument with her because you know you cannot win over her."

Cordelia's smile faded, and she pursed her lips in displease. "You are the one responsible for that. Trust me Ralph, one day you are going to regret giving her so much freedom and not maintaining any discipline with her." She warned as if she could already see the future.

Ralph only smirked. "She is a Longhurst, Cordelia. She is my daughter, my pride! Your prophecy is never going to be true!!"

Cordelia just rolled her eyes at her husband's overconfidence and his over faith in his daughter.

"See you later!"

She watched him, getting into the carriage and then riding it off and out of the gates.

Ralph sat lost in thoughts during that ride of about twenty minutes. He was so distracted that after the carriage stopped, the coachman had to call his name multiple times to get his attention.

"We are here, My Lord!"

Ralph stepped down the carriage and straightened his coat and, smoothened his pants. The coachman stayed back with the carriage and another man joined Ralph as they walked on the cobbled pathway.

The old monastery was adorned with creepers and a garden of colourful flowers. The vibe of that place always made Ralph's heart ease out. The butterflies flew over those colourful flowers, which made a small smile graze his lips.

The small monastery was situated outside of hustle and bustle of the core of the town. And thus, the surroundings were peaceful and refreshing.

Ralph and the man who accompanied him walked through the arched entrance, which was painted in white against the brown outer walls. Walking straight on the marbled floor, they reached the area where people could pray.

Taking the blessings from the god, they came out of the chamber only to take a left turn and towards the line of various rooms. These rooms were used for multiple purposes. They offered free stay and food for the travellers, organised various activities for the children and also housed the priest and other people who took care of the monastery.

Climbing the stairs, Ralph stopped outside a door. The man with him knocked on it thrice, and after a minute, one of the priest's disciples opened the door.

"Lord Longhurst?! Please welcome... welcome!!" The fairly young man welcomed Ralph.

Ralph signalled his man to wait for him outside, then nodding at the priest's disciple in acknowledgement, he entered the small room. Walking inside, he found the priest meditating with his eyes closed and a humming sound coming from his chest filled the enclosed space.

"Lord Longhurst, please wait for five minutes. Father will finish with his meditaion by then." The young man informed.

He offered Ralph water which he took willingly. This was the only place where he did not hesitate to drink water or eat anything that the priest or the people there offered besides his own home.

After drinking the water, Ralph waited patiently for the priest to open his eyes. As the young man had informed, the priest finished his mediation and finally opened his eyes.

He smiled at Ralph as soon as his gaze fell on him.

"Welcome, Lord Longhurst! Good morning!" He smiled warmly, which was not a very common sight to see.

Ralph straightened up and greeted back with a smile. "Good morning, father! How are you doing?"

The priest gestured for his disciple to come near and whispered something in his ear. The man nodded his head in understanding before leaving the room.

"That almighty being is the ruler of this mortal body and the immortal soul." The priest replied.

The priest drank some water, then wiping his mouth, he asked, "What brought you here today Lord Longhurst?"

Ralph's eyes instinctively shifted towards the door.

"Do not worry. We are alone here and nobody is here to hear our conversation. You can speak freely."

"Father, first of all, I want to apologise on behalf of my daughter Theodora for the last time. She is young and stubborn. She should not have behaved that way with you and me and my wife, we are extremely sorry for that!

But please father, do not be angry at her. It is the humble request of a father to you!"

The man who was the richest one on Warthford Island, the ruler, the one who had proud as tall as a mountain, almost pleaded for the sake of his dear daughter.

The priest was calm. Maintaining a straight face, he said, "I am not angry at her, Lord Longhurst. A person has all the freedom to choose their way of living or thinking. It was her way.

Even though I personally do not appreciate her behaviour, God doesn't allow me to be mad at her either."

"Then why did you not tell us anything about her future? Why did you say that you will tell at the right time? When is that right time coming?

And most importantly, why did you say that the hard times are about to come? Is Theodora... is she going to be in any kind of danger?" The fear was evident in Ralph's words, although he tried maintaining a composed outer form.

The priest was silent at first. He could sense Ralph's desperation and his immense love for his daughter. But the almighty did not allow him to say much about what the future held for all of them.

Thinking for about a minute and after finding the right words, the priest began, "Lord Ralph, you know that this world runs at his command." He pointed his first finger skywards.

"He has plans for everyone... every single soul in this world. And so does he have one for you and your family. I am only the mediator between him and this mortal world.

I have some rules to follow, and those rules do not allow me to say the words which are meant to be said at the right time only."

Ralph was confused. He was not satisfied by the priest's answer.

"But father, you can at least give me some hint. I can be prepared for those hard times and minimise the damage."

His words made the priest laugh a throaty laugh. Shaking his head, he replied, "No one can change or manipulate his plans. No one can be prepared to deal with what he has created for them.

It is useless really. So do not think you can change the future once you know it. One way or another, he will do what he intends to do."

Ralph sighed dejectedly. He found no way to get anything more from the priest.

But he could not hold his suppressed emotions hidden anymore.

"Theodora is my life, my pride father. I have always fulfilled all her wishes, be it rational or irrational. When a tear rolls down her eyes, it pierces directly through my heart.

I thought... I thought I was doing everything well. I thought I was acting like an ideal father by providing everything to my daughter. But..."

Ralph paused, and the priest waited patiently, for him to continue,

"But recently, she is getting more and more stubborn. She does not understand a single thing I say. She has begun thinking that her parents are her biggest enemies.

Father... she will get married in a year or two. I want to find her such a man who will love her, and cherish her even more than I could have ever done. But with the way she is behaving recently... I and my wife, we both are very worried about her father.

Please tell me what can we do to better the situation?" Ralph looked at the priest expectantly.

The priest was his only hope as he had tried and failed in all his previous attempts.

"It is pleasing that you acknowledge your mistake, Lord Ralph. But unfortuantely the damage has already done. There is nothing much you can do about it." The priest told calmly.

But Ralph rose in turmoil. "What? No... no... no father. Do not say that, please! There must be something that I can do. I cannot let my daughter spoil her life like this!" He pleaded.

The priest sat in silence, and Ralph prayed that he would tell him something... anything that would be of his help.

"All I can do in this case is just assure you about her future, Lord Ralph. If you are worried about her married life, then do not worry much. She will wed a very respected and reputed family of the far lands.

She will rule there. With the passing of time and gained experiences, she will become a bit more mature. She will live a life no less than a queen but..."

"But what Father?" All the happiness that Ralph experienced from the priest's initial words faded into concern within a moment.

"But she has no pure love in her fate!"

Ralph did not understand what the priest meant, but he did not pry much into it after knowing Theodora would wed a very reputed family and would rule there, live like a queen with her husband.

That was all he needed to know!

"The destiny has already written Lord Ralph. And it is irrevocable and indestructive. All you can do is just go with the flow and let things happen the way they needed to be happening.

Remember, do not try to be an obstacle in the creator's plan. You should feel grateful that you are one of the important part of it. Accept his command and live the way he directs you.

If you try to avoid, ignore or disagree with his plan, you will face the consequences." The priest warned in a serious voice, not revealing much.

"What does that mean father?"

The priest met Ralph's eyes before saying, "You will get to know soon, Lord Ralph!"

*

*

*

While returning back from the monastery, Ralph remembered some important work in the town. He had mixed feelings. He did not know if he should be glad to hear about his daughter's good future or should he be worried about the hints the priest had given about the rough times?!

Ralph wrapped up his work earlier than expected as he was in no mood of dealing with the annoying people. He was hungry, and Cordelia must be waiting for him.

He exited the building where he spent half an hour and then climbed up the carriage. The man with him sat beside the coachman, and the carriage rode off on the busy streets of the town.

The coachman and the other man conversed during the ride, joking and laughing together. The carriage was running at a very high speed. People had to jump away from its way, but nobody dared to point it out, knowing that it must belong to the Longhurst family.

People were busy with their daily chores, not paying much attention to their surroundings. The wheels of the carriage ran faster on the road.

A toddler, who was standing holding his mother's hand while she bargained with the vegetable seller saw something shiny on the ground. He licked his finger on the other hand while tugging at his mother's hand by the one she held in hers.

"Wait for a minute, baby. Mumma is trying to get carrots for you." The woman smiled down at her son.

But she failed to understand what was going in that head of his. At some point in her bargaining battle, the boy's hand slipped from hers, and she did not realise it as she was too busy selecting the fresh vegetables and arguing with the seller.

Now that he was free, he giggled, his small eyes trained on that shiny thing on the ground. With his tiny steps, he ran to take that shiny thing before anyone else did. As soon as he reached that shiny thing, he giggled in excitement. He bend to pick up that thing but fell down on his butt.

He was so awestruck by that shiny thing which was nothing else but a coin to notice the impact of the fall. Not caring about the world, the little boy sat there and began playing with it.

The coachman of Ralph's carriage failed to see the boy sitting on the ground as the carriage ran fast in his direction. Someone from the crowd noticed that and screamed in panic.

"Someone please save that child!"

As soon as those words were caught by the others every head turned to see what exactly they meant. And when they saw the fast approaching carriage towards the small boy who was lost in his own playland, the ground beneath their feet shook.

The woman finally turned around, and when she realised the situation, she felt like crumbling down right then and there. The bag full of vegetables in her hand fell down, spilling the contents on the dusty ground.

She was about to dash to save her child, but the people around her held her back.

"Leave me... let me go! My baby!!!" She cried in panic.

The crowd understood how scared she was, but they could not let her dive right in front of the running carriage. They only prayed and hoped for a miracle to happen.

But that possibility narrowed down with every passing moment as the carriage shortened the distance between it and the little boy.