chapter 3

Chapter 3

Being locked in my room for a week gave me time to read more. I expanded my reading interests into folklores and myths. With a house as big as ours, it's only fitting to have a vast library with over a million books. The library is one place I'm allowed to enter without being followed, although guards wait outside. It's better than when they follow me everywhere.

On the first day I was allowed to leave my room to train for the race, I saw two guards at the door after my mother told me I could leave. As expected, mother came to my room later that day as I was curled up in my crimson velvet covers, pulling the covers up to my chin, trying to make myself smaller. Feeling so tiny and overwhelmed by the vastness of my room and the weight of my family's expectations. The heavy velvet curtains seemed to close in on me, making me feel suffocated and insignificant. I wrapped my arms around my knees, trying to hold myself together, to keep myself from breaking into a thousand pieces.

I hadn't touched the food on the dining table brought in by my personal servant, Kyrah, who asked me to eat just a little. But I wasn't in the mood and didn't feel like moving from the comfort of my bed. A few minutes after Kyrah left, I felt a dip on the other side of the bed before hearing mother 's soft voice. "Peroni, I know you're mad at me and your father for being too harsh on you, and heartbroken about Kai. I understand that you feel suffocated in this big house and want some adventure and exploration. But you're a Hawthorne; there are eyes and ears everywhere watching your every step. You must be careful not to draw unwanted attention to yourself. Our enemies are waiting for a slight show of weakness to attack, so you cannot be weak, my dear."

"Although your father was harsh about sending you to boarding school, I agree with him. It will help shape you for your future. You're not going to just any boarding school; you're going to the best on the continent, where influential and legendary families send their children to learn and form alliances. Your father and I met there, and I believe you'll find your fate there."

"We love you, Peroni. Never forget that. Our methods may be strict, but we're doing it for you, to help shape you into the great woman we know you'll become." When I said nothing, mom came to the other side of the bed and gave me a kiss on the forehead before leaving. She stopped at the door to remind me that I could come out of my room to train in the morning.

Kyrah came in later that night to help me bathe after I finally decided to eat a little. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I tasted the beef stew Kyrah had set on the dining table in the corner of my room. After finishing everything in the bowl, I finally allowed Kyrah to help me bathe and dress into my night robe. I slept as soon as my body touched the bed; I was exhausted.

I woke up the next morning in good spirits, ready to accept that I'd lost Kai and had responsibilities to fulfill. I shoved all the pain and heartbreak into the back of my mind, wondering what Kai thought when I didn't show up the day we were supposed to meet and the day after wouldn't help me win a race. Maybe I will see him at the event and end things with him properly.

Kyrah came in moments later to help me bathe, braid my hair and assisted me in donning my riding attire: a sturdy tunic, supple leather gloves, knee-high riding boots, fitted breeches, and a protective helmet. With each piece, I felt a sense of preparation and purpose, readying myself for the journey.

After checking my attire in the mirror, I opened the door to make my way downstairs, only to find two guards standing at alert by my door. One of them introduced himself as Billvard, and the other, with ocean blue eyes, introduced himself as Milford. "Good morning, my lady, we are to escort you wherever you go," Billvard said and bowed. I couldn't believe father actually got guards to watch over me; I made a mental note to convince father to discard the guards after breakfast.

As I descended the stairs to join my family for breakfast, hopefully, my father's anger had subsided overnight. As I entered the sun-kissed dining room, I was greeted by the warm glow of crystal chandeliers reflecting off the long, polished table.

My family was already seated, with my father at the head of the table and mother at his right-hand side. The silverware and fine cutlery were laid out perfectly, accompanied by goblets filled with freshly squeezed fruit juice.

The table was a feast for the eyes, with a vast array of dishes: crispy bacon, fresh fruit, and an assortment of sweet treats like baked cakes, cookies, and freshly baked bread. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafted through the air, making my stomach growl with anticipation.

I made my way to take my seat beside mother ; Scott was in the seat at the left-hand side of dad, with Brianca already seated in the chair right after mine. I gave mom and dad a kiss on the cheek as a way of greeting and gave Brianca a kiss on the cheek to reassure her that I'm fine before taking my seat.

I released a breath I didn't know I was holding when father smiled slightly at me; it was so brief that if you weren't looking, you'd miss it. Then, mother squeezed my hand under the table, I smiled at her and squeezed back.

Scott also gave me a small smile which I hadn't expected but returned.

" Since everyone is here now, let's eat". Father says .