Serene’s POV

The next day father was supposed to return and I received a letter from Artins Sensei that he would be arriving later in the evening as well to talk to my father.

The whole castle was in a frenzy, waiting for the return of my father. I had given orders that the whole castle should look flawless and special sitting arrangements were to be made in my dad’s study. I gave a list of special dishes to our head chef to be prepared for today’s dinner.

After a few hours had passed, the arrival of my father was announced. I rushed outside into the royal gardens to meet him. He was coming along the paved path followed by his royal guards with Kilamin walking right beside him, giving him all the latest reports.

My father was 40 years old but he looked much younger than his age, thanks to our fae blood. He had pure black hair with hints of silver. He stood at about 6’2 in height and had a medium build. I had inherited his violet eyes although they were much more intense and sharper than mine. He exuded an aura of authority and power as he strolled forward.

"Father," I called and rushed toward him. He glanced at me and his face lit up, all the tension disappearing within a few seconds. He held out his hands as I went and embraced him. He kissed my head: "How have you been my precious girl?"

"I am good father, I missed you so much," my voice was shaky with emotions. I felt like a heavy weight was lifted from my heart as I embraced him.

"I missed you too my child, walk with me. Let’s talk inside." And we began to walk together toward the throne room as I updated him about my results and progress. Once inside, Grandma was waiting for him. She embraced him and then planted a kiss on his head, the amount of love she had for her son was evident on her face. He inquired about her health and she asked about his travels.

"Get fresh and let’s all talk over lunch." Grandma offered. "Yes, there are quite a few things I need to discuss with both of you." I chipped in. "Alright, ladies I will catch you in an hour for lunch." As he strolled past us heading to his room, followed by Kilamin who seemed to have a lot more to say.

After an hour we were all settled at the lunch table. "Father, I hope that Kilamin has informed you about the expected arrival of Artins Sensei."

"Yes, he has. What’s it about, Serene?" He asked me with deep concern. I took a long breath, this was not going to be easy.

"It concerns me, I have been having nightmares and I think it’s related to Dark Realm. It’s pulling me toward it and I lose consciousness when I go near it." I told him quietly.

"How long?" He inquired, terror evident in his eyes.

"Umm... six months..."

"SIX MONTHS, and you didn’t find it imperative to relay this information to me? His face was contorted in anger, his pupils dilated as he yelled at me. I recoiled back in my chair as I had never seen him so angry before.

" Calm down, Eradius. This is not the way to talk, that must be the reaction she was fearing." Grandma came to my rescue.

"Calm down? She could have died, ma. Are you hearing about this now too?" His words were met with silence. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"Unbelievable, so you knew and didn’t think it was important enough to inform me about." He stared at grandma in disbelief.

"It.... was my... fault. I told her not to tell you. I didn’t want you to worry." I lowered my head as I spoke. If he was so angry at this how angry he would get when Artins Sensei will tell him the whole truth?

"And what were you planning on doing about it by hiding this from me?" He inquired with the edge of sarcasm.

"I wanted to tell you but I couldn’t muster up enough courage and the situation escalated."

"Of course, it did because you don’t know the whole truth about the dark realm and what lies there. The whole truth was never revealed to most of our world. Only the heads of the realms and other chosen few know about it. I never knew it would come for my daughter." He banged his hand hard on the table and sent the cutlery flying, his eyes began to glow a dark purple.

"Father, please calm down." I pleaded, putting my hand on his. "What’s more that you are not telling me?" He glared at me.

"I... think it’s better if we wait for Artins Sensei to arrive. He can inform you better because he is the one who figured out what my nightmares were all about." I didn’t want him to get more furious than he was right now, he was scaring me.

"When is he due to arrive?"

"Hopefully, within a few hours," I replied in a shaky voice. "Serene, leave us for a while. I need to talk to your father in private." Grandma told me in a serious voice. I nodded and left the dining hall, so many emotions and thoughts swirling in my head.

I went outside and sat in the garden near our blue giant marble-shaped fountain. The water flowed calmly over it as it trickled down from all sides into a small pond filled with fish and flowers. I placed my hand in the cold water and a few of the fish gathered around my hand. I watched them trying to peck my hand as if it was food but returned disappointed.

I had no clue how much time had passed when finally came forward and informed that the Artins Sensei was about to arrive. I quickly got up as I had informed Kilamin that I would be receiving him, myself.

"Let’s go," I told him as he lead the way to Kilamin standing by the main gate, who was to accompany me.

"Princess," he bowed slightly. "Kilamin, shall we?" I eyed him. "Of course," he smiled that fake smile of his that never touched his eyes. It creeped me out.

"Have you informed my father about the arrival of our guest?" I inquired.

"I have, I always take my job very seriously and plan ahead of time." He tried a jab at me. "Good to know that our Realm is in capable hands, it would be a shame if you didn’t and we had to promote someone else. That would be such a disgrace for you." I smiled with a hint of sarcasm.

He just nodded his head and smiled: "You have never liked me, I can understand your frustration to put up with me." He exuded chilly vibes, there was no warmth. I never understood why he was like that.

"Maybe if you don’t always act like an ass, people might like you."

"It doesn’t matter to me if people like me or not as long as I am doing my duty to perfection." He replied quietly.

We had reached the portal amidst our weird conversation. So, I stood by waiting for my Sensei to arrive, my heart jumping up and down thinking about the future conversation he will have with my father. Who was not going to like what he had to say...