VeilBound

Chapter 4

I can’t help but feel shaken after my encounter with Abby. My chest tightened at what this could all mean. I ran the tip of my tongue through my lips while stewing at everything I’ve heard all day as I slowly walked to dinner. Why do I have so many questions and no answers in sight? My heels sank softly into the carpet of our corridors, masking my approach to the dining rooms. I caught my father's agitated voice, seemingly in a heated conversation with Rione. I paused and, in a split-second decision, dove into the little secluded cranny just by the side of the dining room that could also lead to the left wing of the house. I strained my ears to hear more of their conversation. My breath comes out in little breathless puffs. I could hardly hear anything over my elevated heartbeat

“The Veil is thinning!”Rione’s dark timbre voice grated out with such force.

THAYLEN has been working day and night to ensure it doesn’t, and all you’ve done is run away and hide her in the middle of nowhere!! He furiously exhaled like he had been keeping this in his heart all this while.

I couldn’t hear my father’s response over the pounding of my heartbeat. My palms were sweaty as I inched a little closer to the window. I couldn’t understand what they were talking about, but I filed it away to get into it at a more appropriate time.

“She knows nothing about her mother’s past, and I promised to keep it that way for as long as possible,” my father responded in a way that sounded like he was choked on too many memories.

My eyes immediately closed at the pain that echoed in his voice. I know how much he loved my mother; it was like the light exited from his life after she passed, and no matter how hard I tried to be the perfect daughter, it never seemed to bring back the spark I remember when I was a kid.

My heart hollowed out with the pain that comes with remembering Mother. I had listened enough. I straightened from where I had been crouched, darted to the dining room entrance, fixed a smile on my face I knew Father would want to see, and strode in, chin lifted as if I owned the room and nothing could waver my confidence.

The minute father saw me, his eyes glistened with tears; he got up slowly as if in a daze.

“ Anas, my dear, “ you’re the picture of perfection… the texture of his voice filled with unshed tears. He slowly walked towards me, clasped my face in his, and said

“She’ll be so proud of the woman you’re becoming,” his voice cracking softly.

In my heart, I already knew who “SHE” was. My eyes brightened, and my skin warmed up with the compliment. Father doesn’t dole out compliments easily; if he’s doing so now, then it’s either something is wrong or something has gone really right. But I won’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

He slid out a chair next to him for me to sit.

“ Thank you, Father,” I murmured as I sat down. My eyes instantly landed on the piercing green gaze that was Rione’s.

He’s wearing a black tailored suit that seems to mold into his shoulders. Intricate gold embroidery on the collar and lapels, his hair slicked back on both ends, with a few tendrils curling at the temples, those purple highlights that made him look like a rogue. My eyes narrowed down to his long fingers that were holding a wine glass and slowly bringing it to his lips. I watch him take a sip and those cupid-shaped lips tipping up in a smile that doesn’t seem to reach his eyes.

I quickly averted my eyes as I seemed unable to can’t stop myself from wanting to watch everything he does. Just like a moth to the flame, and I have a feeling getting too close to this mountain of a man will only get me burned. I shivered at that thought. Goosebumps scattering over my flesh.

Seems I was interrupting something I said in a quiet voice.

“That’s nonsense, Anas,” Rione’s dark timbre voice responded in a gravelly tone.

“Your Father and I were just having a conversation about responsibilities,” he continued in that mocking tone of his.

I felt Father stiffen but didn’t say anything as he took another mouthful of his drink.

Father seems to be drinking more than usual tonight. He usually doesn’t drink more than 2 glasses, but with the slight slurring of his words, I know he’s definitely indulged.

“We started without you, my dove.” Father’s voice started saying in an attempt to liven up the atmosphere.

Dig in!! His voice boomed.

He immediately got me a plate and started scooping everything that looked good. At that moment, my stomach rumbled. My cheeks instantly went crimson as I could hear Rione’s soft laughter.

“You shouldn’t skip meals,” he chided softly.

I didn’t…I started saying as Father dropped my heaped-up plate. My mouth immediately watered at how good it looked. Abby was a fantastic cook, and she had a flair for the dramatic, so she’s constantly tweaking recipes.

For dinner, she served homemade flatbread with her signature sauce, mixed with soft cheese, diced potatoes, roasted chicken, and vegetables. I quickly tore off a piece of bread, took a spoonful of the sauce, and spread it over the bread. I placed it in my mouth and couldn’t help humming to myself as I chewed with my legs bouncing under the tables. I can’t help it, good food makes everything better for me. It instantly puts me in a good mood.

As I slowly chewed, I noticed the quiet in the room. I raised my eyes to see Rione watching me with an awed look in this face. I quickly wiped the corner of my mouth. Maybe I had some spill. But there was nothing. Oh well,

I cleared my throat loudly and continued with my food. I’m not going to let him spoil dinner for me.

Father engaged Rione in conversation regarding my fencing training. He wants to know if 6 weeks will be enough to make me a good fencer.

It’ll have to do Rione murmured. His eyes flickered over my face once more.

I continued eating and listening, but soon tuned them out and focused on my food.

As dinner ended and I excused myself, I had to go to bed early if I was to get up in time for my fencing classes and also meet Bastian for more dance lessons. I’d need to get enough rest, or it’ll be a horrible day for me.

I’ll retire to my rooms, Father, I said, already standing up.

Father and Rione rose with me.

“I’ll do the same,” Rione interjected. We have an early start tomorrow.

As I turned to leave, I noticed their faces frozen and transfixed on my hair. With father letting out a horrified breath like something was stuck in his throat.

What are you?… My voice trailed away as my hands moved on their own accord to the silver clasp Abby used for my hair.

Ohh, I said quietly

Abby gave it to me. She said it was Mother’s.

“Yes, father’s voice choked out.

Rione’s gaze immediately shuttered as he moved with long strides, already making his way to his room in the other wing.

As he moved past me, he quietly ground out, “ Don’t be late. Not even stopping to see if I had heard him.

“Go on, my dear,” father said quietly.

Yes, Father, Goodnight. I kissed him on his left cheek and started making my way to my room. I chanced a look over my shoulder to see him standing at the same spot staring into the walls like there’s a story that only he is privy to watch. I know he misses Mother. I can see it with the slight hunch of his shoulders

I resumed walking, and I couldn’t help but think that the world had already started shifting beneath my feet, and I was the only one who didn’t notice until now.

Well, now I’m noticing, and I’m going to get to the bottom of whatever is going on.