TWO
He stepped in quietly.
Too quietly.
I startled despite myself, my shoulders tensing for the slightest of a second before I forced them to relax.
The door closed behind him with a soft click that sounded far too final in the stillness of the room.
My father.
He looked exactly as he always did composed, immaculate, calm in a way that felt deliberate.
His gaze swept over me in one measured glance, searching over my face, the way my hands rested on the coverlet.
I felt exposed.
But I smiled anyway.
Just enough.
"Good morning," he said gently with a smile
"Good morning," I replied, matching his tone.
The servants who had been hovering near the window and dresser immediately bowed and excused themselves, slipping out without a sound. The door shut again, sealing us alone inside the room.
My heartbeat thudded louder in my ears.
"Are you alright?" he asked, stepping closer. His voice was warm, concerned. Convincing.
