Chapter 25 CHAPTER 25

Chapter 25 CHAPTER 25
Zara POV

I left Vincent's side the moment we got back to Father's mansion. I make my way inside with determination. No matter what, I will not agree to this.

Father will have to forget that he once had a child. I won't let him continue using me. I reached Father's chamber, but the two guards at the door stopped me from moving further.

“I am sorry but I will have to block your way. The Alpha refused to see anyone today.” The guard said and I scoffed, not liking the tone he used when he was just a guard.

“Tell him it's me. You can't seriously block my way when you know who I am. Let him know that I have urgent matters to discuss with him.” I said and rested one of my hands on my waist in a kimbo.

“I am sorry ma’am. I can't let you in.” The guard repeated and I realised what was wrong.

He deliberately chose not to see me because of what transpired between us in the dining room in the morning.

“Okay fine,” I said and retreated. Even if I kept knocking, I am sure he would still not pull the door open for me.

“Princess” I heard the thick rough tone and I looked back instantly.

There is no way in hell that I will miss Head Maid Penelope's voice. The woman who took care of me when I was a kid.

She looked older now with her hair almost turning silver. She aged well considering that she is the only human I know who lives in the castle. She tied her hair into a bun, looking at me.

“Penelope,” I called softly and she bowed her head before raising it.

“I heard that you came back but I never thought it was true until the king called me today to come and prepare you for tonight.” Head maid Penelope said and that was when I finally looked behind her to see that she wasn't alone but with some other maid.

One was carrying a box while the other was holding another smaller box. Whatever they brought along is definitely for me.

“Penelope,” I said and walked towards her, closing the distance between us. “I don't think I am in the mood for this. Is there a way for me to see Father before the event commences?” I asked her instead.

She is the second person closest to Fatherapart from Vincent.

“You will be able to after you are done dressing. The king sent me here” she said and licked her dry lips.

“Are you being serious?” I asked Head Maid Penelope and she nodded.

Shit!

“I am sorry but that was the instructions given to me. I need to dress you for the party alongside the maid.” She said, looking at the floor now.

This is one more reason I need to see Father. Maybe he is not my birth father because I don't really know why he keeps behaving like this.

“I am not really in the mood for that, it's fine. The maids can take the box in and I will get ready.” I lied to give an excuse.

If the maid agreed to bring the box in, I could just lock the door and lie about being sick.

I really need to rest but Father isn't giving me that.

“I am sorry Princess, we can't do that or the maids will be punished in your stead for defying the king's order.” Head maid Penelope said and I felt my chest tighten.

What?

Does father really have to go that far? Threatening me with the lives of the maid when he knew I always became weak when the maid got dragged into our heated agreement.

I still remember what happened on the night before my 15th birthday. The maid who was supposed to get me dressed mistakenly ruined it without knowing. I tried to cover up for her by lying but Father refused to acknowledge my confession. He did his investigation and he realised it was the maid.

The smell of blood that seeped out of the maid's neck still traumatised me because Father shot her in the neck and accused the maid of trying to tell me how to lie.

From that day henceforth, I vowed not to put any maid's health in danger.

“It's fine..” I finally agreed and Head Maid Penelope exhaled in relief.

“Come with me, Princess.” Head maid Penelope said and led the way until we got to my assigned room. They got inside and Head Maid Penelope instructed the maid to prepare the bath and also get my dress and accessories ready.

“Please, I would like to take my bath alone,” I told Head Maid Penelope when the three Maids proceeded to the restroom after informing me that my bath was ready.

I am afraid I am going to throw up if the maid tries to wash me. It will only remind me of Kayden's hand.

“You should let the princess go alone.” Head maid Penelope said.

“And also Penelope. Just address me by my nickname. You called me Zara and I have always loved it” I said and she smiled.

She is not going to listen to me.

Is she?

It is written all over her face that she wouldn't address me the way I want.

When I was done bathing, I sat down in front of the mirror and allowed them to do what they wanted.