Part 32 (1/2)

A ping from Lady Nemea was followed by Rise and s.h.i.+ne, dear. Today is your first day of school.

c.r.a.p, I'd completely forgotten. It was my first day at the Academy.

Lady Nemea had already laid out my uniform-navy-blue pleated skirt, light blue s.h.i.+rt, a navy-blue vest, and a striped red-and-blue tie. I was pulling on my socks when I remembered my father had been gone the day before.

I searched for his psi energy and smiled when I found it. He was home. Unharmed. Maybe I should agree to meet with my grandfather and ask for a ceasefire, because if they hurt my father...

I pinged him. Where are you?

He chuckled. Good morning to you, too, daughter. I'm in my quarters. Are you ready for school?

Yes. Are you okay?

There was a brief silence, then, Couldn't be better. Why do you ask?

I was worried when Solange said you were off the island.

Have you had breakfast? Father asked.

I'm about to.

Come join me.

I pulled up the socks. They came to my knees, which made me look ridiculous. I poked my head out of the room. My breakfast was laid out already and a girl waited by the table. Ruby and Callum glanced my way.

”I hope you guys haven't eaten breakfast,” I said, and pointed at the table. I teleported downstairs. Father was already seated.

”Morning, Dad.” I hugged him, pressing my cheek against the crown of his head. His hair had grown longer since I'd regained consciousness. ”Please, don't take off like that again without telling me.”

He chuckled and leaned back to look at me. ”Now, why should I inform you of my every move?”

”Because I worry about you out there.” I dropped a kiss on his cheek and plopped into the chair beside his. Someone placed steaming waffles in front of me, then different syrups. I smiled at the girl. ”Thank you.” I focused on my father. ”I kept imagining terrible things-the Guardians attacking your entourage, hurting or capturing you.”

He threw me an indulgent smile. ”And what would you have done?”

”Hunted down the person responsible, then had a long chat with my grandfather.” I poured blueberry syrup on the waffles and picked up the fork and knife. When I glanced at my father, the smile had left his face. ”What is it?”

”Have you thought about what we discussed yesterday?”

”Yes, but I'm still not ready to see him. There's a lot of work to be done around here, and that's my first priority.”

There was silence as we both ate. I glanced at Father from the corner of my eye. He was focusing on his food, but he wore a pensive expression. I was happy he wasn't a dark lord. He couldn't be. He'd told me his goal from the moment I woke up. He was all about saving our people and making the world safe for all of us, which should benefit humans. I pushed the matter aside, picked up a piece of bacon, and bit into it, my thoughts returning to the conversation I'd had with Solange.

”Solange said you'll be visiting sectors this week.”

Father nodded. ”Starting today.”

”Will you be home tonight?”

”I plan to, but I might come in late. It all depends on how long each visit lasts.”

”Can you wake me up when you come home?”

He chuckled. ”You do know I travel with well-trained knights, headed by Norath.”

Sir Norath was unstoppable. I hadn't seen him since our little show. ”I haven't seen them practice, so I don't really know how good they are or whether I should trust them to guard you properly. Maybe I should come with you and...”

He was shaking his head before I finished.

”Okay,” I said. ”You don't have to look so shocked. It was just a suggestion. Promise to wake me up as soon as you get home.”

He reached out and touched my cheek. ”Sure, sweetheart.”

Sir Malax appeared in the doorway just as we finished eating. ”I beg your pardon, my Lord...Princess. Something requires your attention, sire.”

Father nodded. ”How about you finish getting ready for school, Lilith, then come and find me in the office?”

I looked at my skirt. ”I'm ready. I just need to brush my teeth and get my backpack.”

He frowned and indicated I get up. I did, then turned, showing him the uniform. His eyes narrowed. ”Isn't that skirt a little too short?”

I laughed. ”No.”

He shook his head. ”I will have a talk with your sister about a new dress code. Maybe you girls should start wearing pants.”

I giggled. My eyes met the serving girls' gazes and they were both trying hard not to smile. ”Now you're being a prude, Dad. This is perfectly decent. I'll see you downstairs.” I blew him a kiss and disappeared upstairs.

Solange was in the family room, sipping coffee, and she wasn't alone. Her two friends, Riesa and Kimber, were curled up on the couch, both holding steaming mugs of coffee. The lights in the room were dimmed, but I could still see their haggard faces.

”Morning,” I said, waving a hand and increasing the intensity of the light in the room.

They all groaned and tried to cover their faces.

”Turn it down,” Riesa said.

”No need to yell, either,” Solange grumbled.

After her behavior last night, I wasn't feeling sorry for her. ”You guys been partying hard or fighting Guardians?” I asked, keeping my voice deliberately loud and chipper.

Curses came from them this time. Callum and Ruby traded grins.

”Go away,” Solange said, and shot me a glare.

I smirked. ”You know what they say about playing hard and suffering in silence. Or is it do the crime and-” I froze the piece of toast she threw at me, plucked it from the air, and bit into it.

I was brus.h.i.+ng my teeth when Solange appeared at the entrance of my bathroom. She really looked bad.