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It’s only because of the extremely gentle touch at my back that stops me from jumping from his deep velvet voice that comes from my left side.
A glance confirms he’s standing next to me now.
Jesus.
“Due to a shift of plans, I’d rather you be the one to instruct Gemini of the rules and structure of Leighton Royals University. I’m sure you can break it down better than I ever can.” He further smiles in relief as he rises from his seat. “Aside from the essentials, I won’t be providing anything else. From the agreement, you should be provided all essentials, including any money needed to purchase clothing, uniforms, equipment, and necessities.”
“Weapons?” I offer and watch Father tilt his head in the typical ‘really’ gesture. Doesn’t help when he raises an eyebrow to emphasize my madness.
As if he’d walk on that property with not a single weapon.
“There are undocumented fugitives, murderers, and potential assassins, Father. I know I’m of less importance, but it should be vital for me to protect myself when necessary.”
Father leaves his desk and walks up to me. I’m surprised when he very lightly strokes my cheek upon facing me.
“You are not ‘of less importance.’” He needs to emphasize those words first as his eyes soften for a few seconds. I’m sure he sees my mother more than anything. “I know this world hasn’t been fair to you. Not in the slightest. However, it’s been made known that you are of importance to me. The Prescott Empire emphasizes that you are a key piece in this family, regardless of past circumstances. With that being said, this is your time to blossom like the cunning yet beautiful rose you are.”
He lets his finger caress my cheek one last time before his hand drops away.
Our eyes are locked in a serious gaze, making it impossible to focus on his next words.
“This will clear your debt in full. It’ll give you the freedom you’ve worked to reclaim all these years prior. Remember that if it was anyone’s way, your porcelain flesh would be clammy and blue. Stained in nothing but your blood.”
I try to hide how I swallow down the lump in my throat.
“You’re more than deserving to enter this world,Verena.” He dares to whisper the name I haven’t heard leave his lips since that rainy night of brute discovery. “All you have to learn is how to submit to its will, despite the circumstances that may leave you feeling like a helpless petal, floating in the wind.”
“I understand, Father.”
We share a look as silence descends upon us.
“Things will get hard. I won’t lie about that. Your purpose, however, is to survive. No matter what those ruthless bastards put you through. Understood?”
“Understood,” I repeat.
“You will have a gift in your luggage. Ensure you review it after Warren has disclosed the terms and conditions of the contract you’ll have to sign once you’ve gone through initiation.”
I frown at his words.
“Initiation?”
“It will happen tomorrow, I believe. You and a few other chosen candidates. Despite your special circumstances, I’m sure those Kings wouldn’t make things so facile that such a position would be acquired without tumult.”
“Very well.” No point in further asking questions when Father believes I’ll be successful, anyway. “Thank you for your blessing, Father.”
He smiles then.
“Stay in touch, yes?”
“I will do my best if allowed,” I state more so as a reminder of what I’m getting myself into.
The moment I walk through those gated walls, my autonomy is but a distant memory. I’ll be forced to be the best puppet Leighton Royal University has ever seen.
All for the sake of protecting another’s innocence than my own.
A shame.
“That’s my girl,” he praises. “A taught Prescott is sometimes better than the real deal.”
