Deal.

The wooden door to my father's study stood down the hall. My friends and the guide named Fraunka stood at my side, staring at me in anticipation for what I will do.

I can feel my heart beating in my head. It's been about ten years since I last saw my father, so I have no idea what he will want or ask about. The anticipation is killing me.

I stole a quick glance towards my friends in order to reaffirm my resolve before I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and stepped forward. The soft clatter of my feet against the marble floor was the only sound that echoed out.

It took me only a few moments before I arrived at the door. A cold sweat began to accumulate on my back, causing my robe to feel uncomfortable on my skin.

I took my trembling hand, formed it into a fist, and knocked against the wooden door. It felt as if time stopped when I did this. Every second spread itself uncomfortably thin, like water that had been splashed on the ground.