Being back in the pristine high walls of the manor brings back much memories, ones which she shelved to keep and, in times she'd return or visit, reminisce and treasure such fancy times. The nostalgia had somehow crept in once again, like it used to, except that now it was more imminent more than ever. How long has she been out of this place? Those ten years seemed to lengthen along with the distance she took away from the capital, the distance she took away from the expectant eyes of people, especially that of her father. But now she is summoned back to Terminus, for one reason and this one.
It is the time they remember.
Chron trailed behind her, her week-long luggage carried along as they both strutted their way too the front hall, to the right stairway and then they lead themselves to the east wing. Perhaps it was lucky for her to have her room preserved there, away from his study at the west wing. The travel, although not entirely tiring, had seeped out a part of her energy and she wanted nothing but to rest first. But mostly she wanted to evade her father. For the same reasons as before.
Yet unlucky for her, the morning rays sliced through from the opened door of her room. It earned a sigh to escape from her tired lips.
There he goes again.
Lorraine enters, nonchalance she worn on her face as she went straight to her table, dropping her handbag (one which she designed, but he never notices) before dropping her body on the couch. She never uttered a word, not recognizing his presence but Chron, her android, was quick and mannered in giving out the first greeting, affirming of his presence that was seated at her bed. "A pleasure morning, Your highness Prince Charles. Miss Lorraine and I had just arrived."
Lorraine could tell that he nodded, and used his simple hand gesture (swaying two fingers up the the air) to keep the android out of the room for their privacy. Prince Charles had always been like that. He had little to no words to spare, and if ever he did, he talks so much. Too much, if she may add. That was what she was evading. The android buzzed in, waving first to his owner before walking out of the door, closing it tightly. Lorraine could feel the air thinning as it did.
"No welcome back?" Her eyes were shut closed, but her fist were clenched inside her coat's pocket. She kept her voice as stern as possible. No sweet endearment. She had tried that before, but did he care?
"I assume that's one of your pieces, that bag, those boots.."
It seemed nonsense but she knew the meaning behind his words. They were nothing but a prelude. His tactic had always been sarcasm, and his seemingly praising remarks which he easily manipulates to a point against you. And he is too good at that trick.
"We're here for the memorial. I went here for that, and only for that account." Lorraine easily cuts him off. Straightforward and no sugar coating. Unlike him.
By now she had her legs crossed, feeling the slight increase in her temper, but she kept her cool. This day is for the memorial, that she knew, but she also knew beforehand that there is another commemoration she is bound to appear, duties she must attend as one of the children of the princes. A festivity that would only turn into a political colloquy. That is why he's trying to bring it up again. But she won't let him.
Without looking, she could feel the lopsided grin in his mouth morphed in a frown. The drop in his voice gave him away.
"If Eleanor is just still here.."
Then maybe things have gotten a lot easier.
Then maybe she can bore another child, this time a male.
Then maybe if he is an alpha, then he'd have a right hand to train at take care of.
Then maybe he'd be more eligible to gain more power, in order to get the throne.
Stop.
Lorraine already knew his train of thoughts. She knew too much that she was starting to despise him little by little. At least every time he brings up this issue.
"I'm tired, Father." Lorraine closes her eyes once more. The last of her word bear such sarcasm that it bites, even her.
"Fine." It was a good thing he finally retired. "In two hours, be ready. We'll be waiting at the Monte Hall. Chron will be instructed for the preparations...."
The next of his words, she let it drown in the air, never registering to her.
Not until the end.
"...just hope that you'd be of help. It is a cause for your late mother, and..."
