Chapter 15 - It's in your blood.
Chapter 15 - it's in your blood.
A few days had gone by and Father had still not spoken to me or seen me. I sat at the library practicing my writing and sighing to myself constantly. Victor and Morga who were both assigned as my guards today looked at me worried. They tried to cheer me up all day but nothing they did seemed to work. I appreciate all they do for me but I just wanted so much to be with Father but I was afraid to go see him myself as I don't want to be an inconvenience. If only I could do something to help... Just then I finally had an idea. There might be something I could do, that way Father wouldn't be so stressed and maybe he wouldn't be so angry with me. I called out to Morga and Victor. "I want t-to see my uncle." As I spoke I noticed I managed to control my stutter much better than before These past few days with the help of master Octavius and others I had been working on my stutter and noticed improvement. I had also noticed a lot of significant changes in my health as well and feeling encouraged by this I decided that I would do what I can to help everyone out as it isn't fair for me to only receive so much and not give in return. They both immediately obeyed and escorted me to see my uncle. I looked around his tower excitedly, not having been here before. We stopped outside the door to his study.
Morgan knocked on the door. "Who is it?" My uncle's voice came from within. "Lady Iridesa, requests an audience, Master Arthur." Upon hearing that the door magically opened and Uncle came rushing over smiling. "What a surprise to see you here, Iridesa." I entered and uncle gently took my hand walking me over to take a seat on the sofa. Morga and Victor both stood by the door after shutting it. "So to what do I owe the pleasure of your company today my dear." I mustered my courage not sure of how my uncle may react to what I have to say. "I-I want to s-speak at the t-trails."
Uncle froze at my words and so did Morga and Victor. I felt more hesitant at his reaction. Uncle spoke in a gentle voice. "Why so suddenly?" He asked. I took a deep breath composing myself. "E-everyone is doing s-so much for me. I want to h-help too." He smiled and placed his hand on my head. "I didn't know my little niece was so brave." I noticed the look of hesitation on his face and was afraid he wouldn't agree. "Okay. If you are sure." I was surprised at his words, and I quickly assured him of my consent before I had the chance to change my mind. "I-I'm sure!" I was determined. "I-I want to stay here! I-if that's okay, s-so please let me h-help." Uncle's eyes widened and then he relaxed as he kissed my forehead. "Of course it's okay. This is your home."
I felt happy at his words and prayed that my father felt the same way. I knew that if I went out there and told everyone I wanted to stay here, then the Wayward's wouldn't be able to take me away. I just pray I have the courage to do so when the day comes. I didn't know why but I felt in my gut that things won't be so easy. "S-so when's the n-next date, uncle?" I asked so I could prepare myself. My uncle spoke with a worried expression. "Tomorrow." I felt goosebumps and clenched my shaking fists. "I-I see." Uncle put his hands on mine as they trembled. "Only do this if you want to. We will all be there with you through it all and any time it becomes hard just say it and we will take you away from there immediately. No one will dare say anything." I nodded my head at his words, but I made a promise deep in my heart that no matter how hard it gets I won't run.
The next day I sat in the carriage with my uncle. Evelyn and another female knight I had never met before named Ruby both escorted us to the court. Father and brother had both gone before us and they didn't know of my decision yet so I was very worried as to how they may react, but there was no going back now. Miss Delphine helped me dress as always and gave me a long formal navy blue dress to wear that resembled my fathers outfit a lot. This helped give me some confidence as it reminded me of Fathers extraordinary armor. I wore a matching blazer and black shoes. My hair was put neatly into two braids with matching silky ribbons on the end. Everyone else in the castle had also tried their best to cheer me up, Chef Jacque and the maids had made me a yummy breakfast to give me energy and Miss Kore had applied some healing magic to help calm my nerves. Master Octavius and blessing had also come to see me off, and had given me words of encouragement. Knowing that everyone was supporting me had me feeling determined and I used that to keep me from running away. The carriage soon stopped and Evelyn and Ruby both stepped down to open the door. My uncle looked at me and held out a hand. "Ready." I could see that no one would force me to do this and if I choose to turn back now they will obey without a word, but I had to do this for everyone. For my father. For my mother. For myself. I held his hand and replied. "R-ready." he smiled and helped me out of the carriage. I stepped down and Evelyn and Ruby both cheered me on excitedly. "You've got this Lady Iridesa. It's in your blood after all!" exclaimed Evelyn excitedly. "Anytime you need us we'll be here, right behind you the whole time my lady." Ruby added. Ruby was much shorter in height to Evelyn and had a very small petite frame. Her eyes were light blue and her hair a golden blonde cut into a cute pixie. Thanks to her gentle demeanor I was already quite comfortable around her. "T-thank you, both of y-you." They smiled at me and stood to the side to let me and uncle walk ahead. Uncle held out his arm to me and I linked my arm through his as he escorted me inside.
Paris felt his patience grow thin as he listened to this insufferable woman blabber on and lie about how he had mistreated his wife so she had chosen to take his daughter and run away from him 12 years ago.
Tybalt stood next to him hoping his fathers temper would stay in control before this court room turns into a war zone. Paris wanted to grab her and rip her jaw apart so she wouldn't be able to talk any further. "My honor, I just want my poor granddaughter freed from the clutches of a heartless man, so the soul of my late daughter could rest in peace." Paris clenched his fists as he noticed everyone start to fall for a lies.
He was then brought to the stand to speak. He glared at the women before him who dared to spout such lies about him. "If you cared so much about your daughter then why is it no one ever knew of her existence before this?" Everyone was intrigued by this question and mumbled between themselves. "In Fact it seems she had long run away from you which seems to explain why she had to lie and told me that she is an orphan with no living family members. Maybe we should question why she ran away from her own maternal family. What child runs from the safety and comfort of their own home?" Paris spoke with a low voice giving everyone in the room goosebumps as they noticed his anger boiling deep inside him.
The judge turned towards Erida and asked. "Would you like to explain exactly why your daughter Opal Orion had decided to run away from home and was never introduced to society." Paris watched Erida looking for any signs that show she's about to crack but he couldn't find one. He had to admit she wasn't someone to take lightly. She began to speak with her usual poker face. "First, before I explain, I want to correct that though my daughter married this man, I would prefer not to use his name but her own, Opal Wayward." Paris tightened his jaw in anger hearing his wife's name in her mouth. The judge disagreed with this. "There are official documents showing that Opal Orion had legally wed Paris Orion and that Iridesa Orion is their biological daughter, so they will be addressed as such." Erida glared at Paris who had a triumphant smile across his face. "My daughter was weak and frail. She was also mentally challenged." Paris listened to her speak knowing exactly where she was going with this and he felt his blood boil. He knew she was lying, Opal's mental state was perfectly fine and he knew that. "She was sick of all the care and treatment we tried to provide her and ran away from home. I have been distraught since." Paris could see no sign of pain or heartache in this woman. He knew she cared for none but herself. He scoffed at her words. "You lying bitch." The Judge warned him again. "Lord Orion, this is your final warning! Refrain from using such crude language or threats or I will have you removed!" The people all shuddered at the dark aura emitting off him. It was clear he was holding back otherwise there would be a bloodbath in this courtroom. As to instigate him further Erida spoke again. "I still don't understand why my granddaughter has not been brought to the trails." Paris laughed and spoke in a low voice that gave everyone goosebumps. "Do you really think I'm stupid enough to bring my daughter here so you vultures can claw at her the first chance you get." Erida smirked at his words and Paris looked confused. He didn't like this and immediately put his guard up. "If that is what you say, then please explain why she is standing behind you at this very moment."
Paris felt the ground beneath him crumble as he looked back to see his brother and next to him stood his daughter. The sight of this made his blood boil and he felt the dark monster wake up inside of him. "WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!? YOU DARE DISOBEY MY ORDERS!?"