A hint of that familiar warmth...

The Duke was none too pleased when he learned that Alex and Felicia had taken another route home without bothering to inform their guards, their coachmen or even him! To think the entire time, they were waiting for nothing! How disrespectful!

He was thinking about punishing them for their cheek, but Alex dissuaded him by apologizing for the inconvenience and insisting that it was a simple mistake which came about after the earthquake and harsh wind. 

"We were near the east wing of the Cathedral when the natural disturbance occurred. It would have been unsafe for us to remain, your grace. The wind was blowing off the chandeliers. Felicia and I ran outside to avoid getting hit with the glass shards." Alex explained.

"And once we were outside, I wanted to explore the landscape. This was the first time in years I've been outside, your grace. I did not wish to return home right away so I started heading into the woods. Alex tried to stop me, but I was too caught up in my curiosity to listen to him. Next thing we knew, we were already quite far out. So we payed a tavern owner to give us a ride back to the manor."

The Duke's eyes bulged. "You entered a random tavern?! How careless can you be! Have you forgotten who you are? You could have been spotted and kidnapped by some greedy minds hoping to extort me!" His fist slammed into the table.

Bonnie held up her hands. "Please don't over imagine, your grace. We simply went in to get transportation, there was no trouble. Admittedly, we were quite reckless just taking off on foot so we had to deal with the consequences."

Dixie bowed her head. "And it won't happen again, I promise. I will be more sensible from now on. I just hate the feeling of being inside four walls. I prefer open space." 

Roelle's eyes twitched as he sat back down. Had living in the annex caused this? How could she view being inside your own home as a form of confinement? He started to feel guilty again.

Taking a deep breath to calm his tone, he decided to grant Felicia some leniency. "If you wish to explore society Felicia, there is a proper way to do it. You are a noble lady, not some commoner! Simply running off is not acceptable. You must take a carriage and bring guards with you. Every, single time. You do not know the dangers that await a wealthy, young lady who ventures out alone."

Dixie kept her head low, feeling emotional. "I understand, father."

She suddenly felt shocked. What did I just say?

The Duke too, was surprised. Father? Did she just call him father? When had he last heard her address him as such? Not since her mother's death, surely.

Bonnie smiled in understanding.

Having some paternal concern coming her way was a big deal for Dixie. For both of them, really. Even though this man wasn't their real father, he had just spoken to Dixie with softness. It hit her straight in the feels. She missed being treated as a daughter. 

They had been living as sisters for nearly fours years. Only sisters. They had ceased to be daughters. Forgotten what it felt like.

An awkward silence filled the room, before the Duke cleared his throat. "You two can go now. Don't disappoint me again."

Dixie smiled and wiped away her tears. The Duke's words almost sounded endearing. She didn't know why she was getting so emotional over scraps. 

Bonnie shook her head in bemusement as they both bowed and made their exit.

The Duke felt as if room suddenly got cold. There had been a strange warmth in the air when it was just him and his blood children. His heart had felt a bit light. Strange. 

Upon closing the door, Dixie and Bonnie spotted Helena leaning against a wall nearby. Her arms were crossed and her lips set in dissatisfaction.

She had heard the Duke raise his voice and thought Felicia was going to get punished. That Alex was going to be ordered to stay away from her and her bad influence.

But what had happened now? Why did they walk out looking so happy? Felicia had red eyes that showed she was crying, but why was she also smiling? Were those happy tears? 

She gritted her teeth in annoyance, which turned into anger when she saw them acknowledge her presence as if she were a piece of furniture. Their eyes moved over her and then they were gone. Arm in arm, once again!

Helena felt tears well in her eyes. She was so frustrated with Felicia being allowed to live like a human being again. That lowly bitch was progressing too fast.

How much longer before I lose my position completely? At what point will the servants stop disrespecting that thing and begin treating me with less consideration?

She's taken the Emerald Room away from my mother, she's taken Alex away from both of us, she's charmed Marquis Liam and Prince Constantine and now the Duke is being nice to her!

Unbelievable! I thought that bitch was nothing but tacky, stupid and gullible! It seems I have underestimated her. Now, I have to do something! Today! This evening at dinner will be my best opportunity. I will bait her and trap her. Alex won't be able to help her this time.

Turning on her heels, Helena stalked off to find her personal maid. She had a job for her.