Chapter 12

A long silence filled the space between my mother and I. Her eyes darted towards the door every so often, in anticipation of my father, no doubt. I frowned at her but decided a change of pace would be best. There was no use in arguing with her once her mind was made up. I looked towards the massive granite doors, hoping they would bring in my father and free me of my guilty thoughts about Cyra. "When is father to arrive?" I asked tentatively. The door creaked loudly, almost instantly answering my question. The smell of freshly fallen rain and cigar smoke filled my lungs. Father walked in, his shoulders back, head high and strides long. This was his second home, even if it wasn’t decreed publicly, he sort of did own the place. He beamed when he saw me, white dress sparkling, hair loose in curls the way he loved it.

"Baby girl!" He exclaimed and rushed towards me.

"Daddy!" I yelled back and met him halfway. He wrapped his strong arms around me and squeezed tightly.