CHAPTER 11

He pushed me out of the way with force and I stumbled on the sofa with the impact. He walked towards the door.

"Do you need an invite?" He grumbled. I followed him as he led me out of the office. I had no idea what was going to happen to me this time. Did I make a mistake? Did I make him unhappy somehow? I wanted to run away at this point. Can I leave? Should I? Was it worth it living in this humiliation? His car was waiting outside. Mr. Drake gave me a lopsided smile as he went to open the doors for my uncle. I like him, Mr Drake. He was very kind and sweet. The engine roared announcing the beginning of a journey I wasn't ready for.

"Take us to the salon". My uncle spoke and we were on our way. In a twenty minutes drive, we were outside the salon. My uncle got down and made his way inside with me following after him. It was a beautiful place with soft ambient lighting which created a relaxing atmosphere. Large mirrors line the walls, reflecting the pristine white and pastel decor. There was a transparent partition in between. The other side had a lot of racks filled with the most beautiful outfits. It was heaven for a girl, being here but my situation wasn't entirely enjoyable.Two women in their 30s came to stand beside me as my uncle addressed them.

"Make her uh.. presentable" He gave me a disgusting look and went outside to wait. 

I was escorted inside where they asked me to change and then I was joined by 2 more girls as they started doing their magic on me. One person was catering to my hair and the other was doing my makeup. One was taking care of my nails and the other was taking care of my feet. They took care of everything like professionals. I was feeling like a lamb where they treat you the best to sacrifice you later on. I wasn't too happy about this entire situation and my face showed it clearly. They never tried to ignite a conversation with me probably because of my expression. much worried. Two and a half hours later, I could barely recognize myself as I looked at myself in the mirror. 

I was only given such treatment when I was to be shown off to people. I looked pretty, There was no doubt about it. My hair was a cascade of golden blonde waves that fell off till my lower back. They were styled in loose, romantic curls that bounced gently as I moved. There was a twister on one side that was held elegantly with a silver hairpin adorned with tiny pearls and crystals. 

My makeup was extremely light. My heart-shaped face looked smooth and my fair skin was glowing with a natural radiance. My cheeks were a soft rosy hue and my lips looked plumped with a hint of clear gloss. My almond-shaped eyes were covered with thick eyelashes that were curled to accentuate my eyes. I had green contact lenses on, to hide my golden eyes. My dress was a floor-length, pastel pink gown made of flowing chiffon. The fitted bodice was adorned with intricate lace and tiny beads. The skirt flowed out in soft, airy layers, giving a princess-like feel. The only accessory besides the pin that I had on was a delicate silver necklace. The look finished off with crystal stilettos and a beaded clutch that matched my dress.

By the time, I walked out of the salon in all my glory, my step-uncle had also changed into a classic black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt and a tie. I sat in the car with the help of Mr Drake and then we were on our way. 

"Don't speak unless spoken to and do exactly as I say." He ordered in his strict tone. I just nodded my head as I stared out at the sky which was now depicting a beautiful view of the sunset.

"Words, Elaara..." He growled as he looked at me expectantly. 

"Yes, Uncle" I mumbled, once he was satisfied, He looked ahead and spoke again.

" you know, how much I have given you since you were young, Your mother made a foolish mistake, We loved her so much just like our own and she went ahead and defied us just because of your father. He took a deep breath and continued... What she did to me, I'll never forget it..." A dark expression crossed his face as he thought about his past. There were a lot of expressions that crossed his face at that moment. He closed his eyes for a moment and laid his head on the seat.

We enjoyed this moment of peace for as long as it lasted. He had never shared anything like this before. It was a huge deal. He was sharing a fragment of his past. 

I wished I wasn't so unaware of my situation. Was I paying for my parent's mistakes? I was a Faerelore, that was the only connection that bonded me with them. trying to calm myself, I looked outside only to notice that we were driving right beside the forest, which only led to one place, The Palace.

Why were going to the palace? What the hell? Does he know? Why do I always get in trouble? Did the prince get caught and told on me? That was a stupid thought!! I wasn't supposed to be in this situation. I was panicking inside but silence filled the room. I took a peek at my uncle who still had his eyes closed. The forest was a shortcut but through the road, it was a long drive. I was sure that was where we were going. I wanted to stop and just get out of the car right away. but maybe that's not the case and it's just his gathering. I tried to reason with myself. With El being not able to speak to me, It was my only desperate resort.

Amidst my panicking state, I heard my uncle's cell phone breaking the peaceful environment. He took out his cell phone and answered right away without looking at the screen as if he knew who was on the other end. 

"Yes, I know. We are almost there.." 

Yeah...

No...

Hmm..." Those were his responses throughout the conversation. Was he talking about me as well? It's got to be something with my surname again. I laid back on the seat dejectedly, there was no point doing unnecessary thinking, I'd know once I got there.

Just like I said, soon we were driving through the wide cobblestone road that led to the huge golden metallic gates of the castle. They stood at around 30ft, the patterns were so intricate and designed with swirling patterns, similar to the ones I had seen inside the opulence chamber. Seeing it from the front, the experience was different altogether. The sides were all covered with lush greeneries, giving it a dreamy vibe.

Once through the gates, The fountain stood majestically in the center, of the the grand plaza. It was a large circular structure made of polished white marble. The carvings stood similar to that of the gates emphasizing the core importance of the Kingdom's history and beauty distracting them from what happens behind those walls. The lighting and decor added to the grandeur of the place. The car halted at the front entrance bringing me to exactly where It had all started. Mr. Drake opened the door for me and my uncle stood beside the car waiting for me to take his arm and I did. 

We were escorted by security as they led us through the oh-so-familiar hallways. We were brought to a big lounge where a few persons were already present busy in their conversations.

" Mr. Sinclair, Finally, you have graced us with your presence." A tall man in his 50s stood up and greeted my uncle as soon as he noticed his presence. 

" Ah, You're the one with the presence Mr. Richard". My uncle replied playfully as he guided me to sit beside him on one of the sofas. Pleasantries were thrown around as the group greeted each other. I was the only one of my age in this old people's business gathering. What was I here for?

" And who is this pretty lady?" One of the associates spoke as he eyed me up and down. I felt uncomfortable under his gaze. 

" She is my niece, Elaara Sinclair-Faerelore." My uncle announced, diverting everyone's attention to me. Like every other time, It was unbearable with the way they stared at me, some with amazement and some with fear, some with curiosity, and some with anger. 

" How old are you?" Someone asked out of the blue.. huh? Why do they want to know? I was dumbfounded by their question, seriously!!. An elbow in my ribs got me to answer right away.

" I am 19, Sir," I replied with a fake smile. He, whose, expression was getting annoyed soon turned to satisfied with my answer and smiled. 

" So, This is what all the higher-ups are here for..then I presume." Another man spoke as they went on with their conversation ignoring my presence.

" Yes, The queen wanted to see for herself." 

" I don't get what they are worried about anyways...." 

" There has been no shift, has there Sinclair?"

" She is as plain as it can get... It's just the name."

The grand door of the hall opened as guards came in and informed us of the Royal King and Queen's presence.