William held my father's raised hand in mid-air. He stared in shock at William's angry face. "Don't you dare touch her. I won't hesitate to cut this hand off!"
The immense pressure that William emanated caused my father to freeze. He had no choice but to submit to a royal family member with a superior bloodline. He looked at me pleadingly, but I turned away from him.
"Annie, I need to talk to you in private." William was still holding my father's hand tightly. He said pleadingly, "I respect your choice, but this is not a personal matter for you. Don't you need to seek your mother's opinion?"
He was using my mother as a shield again. My father really knew me well. He knew my weaknesses. Although I hated what he did, I had to give in.
"William, please give my family and me some time!" I looked at William. "My father is right. This is not a personal matter for me!"