DRIVEN

chapter 6

"I think that'll be all for today lucilda, it's almost time for lunch and I have to go see a few of my patients downtown". Amol says packing a few things into his bag.

"oh ok that's okay, I actually promised dad I'll join him for lunch today so I guess it all works out." I say rounding up.

"well thank you for the help lucilda, it's always a pleasure having you around, do make sure to send my greetings to the king and tell him I'm going to try to swing by tomorrow to take a look at the Queen". Amol says

"thank you so much Amol, I'm sure he'll be glad to hear that". I pick my clock from the corner and move out the door.

On my way out I pat my gown to make sure the seeds I strapped under my dress are still there, I feel the slight bump so I'm assured that it's there.

I make my way back to the palace and I notice that preparations are taking place for the few warriors to return back with the king leading them, seeing the preparations only harden me the more and I make up my mind to do what ever I have to do to put an end to this.

I enter the palace and see one of my dad's guards making his way to a few of the guards on duty for the day standing by the entrance to my father's study.

I move towards him to ask about my father's whereabouts, "daryn where's the king?". I enquire.

He nods his head in respect to me and informs me that my father is in my mother's chambers awaiting his lunch.

Hearing that brings a smile to my face., I thank him and then make my way to the chambers.

on entering the chambers I see him already seated about to eat, we usually eat in private, making exceptions for when we have guests.

he turns to look at me, and he smiles once he sees me.

he beckons me over with his hands " ahh lucilda, I was wondering where you were went, I thought we talked about not leaving your mother alone".he questions.

"But she wasn't alone dad, I asked Miranda her personal maid to watch over her for a while while I just check on somethings with the healer". I explain

Hearing about the healer raises his interest, "the healer is everything alright with you Miranda, why did you need to go to the healer". he probes further.

he pays no attention to his food and instead faces me.

"oh there's nothing to be worried about dad, I just wanted to run somethings concerning mother with him".

"ohk, so did he have anything new for her", he asks not hiding the little ray of hope in his voice.

"I'm sorry father, he had nothing new for her, but he did tell me to tell you that he'll be here tomorrow to check up on her". I tell him.

"hmmm, if that's the case I'll have to cancel my meetings with the high council tomorrow cause I'll like to be here when he comes". he says.

"ohk that'll be okay, well let's eat then". he says attempting to dish some food from the platter onto his plate.

I stand up to to help him and also use the chance to slip one of the seeds into his food. it dissolves easily so I know he won't notice it. I serve him his food and move onto my own, after serving I sit down and attempt to make small talk with my father.

" so dad how was your day", I ask.

"well..we both know the answer to that, it's still the same way it has been for over 3 months now lucilda, things are so hard for everyone, I had to go downtown today to see some families who've lost a loved one since this war started". he pauses and drop his fork.

"it's not a pleasant thing to do lucilda, the looks on the faces of those poor people as I spoke to them is one I never want to see again".he says full of regret.

"Dad, I say taking a hold of his hand, it'll be fine, we're going to win this, I know Lucious fights alongside us, he will protect us, that I'm sure of, And what about the delegation your sent to Edoj and Badok about needing their help to fight those dogs".

" I've tried lucilda, they won't help, they are scared to interfere in this war, they fear the beast, they have all refused to help us, right now as it is, we stand on our own."

I've always known they were weaklings and this just proves it.

my father stands and excuses himself saying he has to check up on somethings.

After he leaves, the servants come to clear the dishes, my mother's maid comes also and I leave my mom in her care.

I make my way to my room and rejoice at my success in planting the seed in father's food. I know it's not the best way to do things but I have no choice other than this and it's also going to pay off in the long run.

I remember I have to hide the seed in a proper place to ensure no one sees it and starts asking questions.

I pull out a box from beneath my bed, it's one where I store my most prized possessions which my mother always insists has to be hidden properly.

I open it and create a spot for the seeds, I place them inside and shut the box, now I have to wait and see how father reacts to it, I just hope it doesn't take too long cause I know I don't have much time any longer, just a few more days and then they'll have to start their journey, I just pray that it works fast.