Chapter 34 SERAPHINA.
SERAPHINA'S POINT OF VIEW.
The private jet hummed softly beneath my red bottom heels, a constant reminder of why I was heading this way. I sat cross-legged on the leather seat, looked out the tinted window, and stared at my reflection as the clouds moved past.
I looked just as I was trained to be: perfectly composed and untouchable.
The crest of the uniform, neatly folded in my open luggage, stared me in the face, acting like some weight as I fought the urge to shred the damn thing to pieces.
Ravenscroft High.
The den of snakes and vipers I was about to enter, slightly willingly. I had a duty to fulfill, and my father already decided it was time.
I smoothed my palms over my silk skirt as I relaxed in my seat. My pulse spiked, betraying my calm facade. I wasn't supposed to be nervous; I never got nervous.
My father trained me and my brother to always be calm and confident, even when the odds are turned against us. But for some reason, I was nervous today.
The idea of acting, like I wanted that pompous fucker, Lucien Ravenscroft, filled my mouth with a bitter taste. The thought of smiling at him, with him just so I could keep up appearances, and not disappoint my father, sent a chill down my spine.
I never disappointed my father; I would not start now.
My phone buzzed on the bedside table, distracting me from my thoughts, as I picked up the device.
FATHER
His name flashed boldly on my screen, lighting the screen and spiking my nerves the more.
Sliding the icon to green, I picked up the call and placed it on speaker.
"Seraphina." His hard voice echoed through the speakers, making me sit up subconsciously as I gripped the leather seat with tight fingers.
"Yes, father," I answered, fighting the sudden urge to clear my throat. Father hates it when we clear our throats around him, because that one act showed you were nervous.....and if Father knew O was nervous, I wouldn't hear the end of it.
"Any developments?" He asked, but I knew better.
He already knew.
Heck, a camera could be on and active as we spoke with him, watching me through the cameras, but I smiled slightly and answered.
"We are in the air, Father. Monroe says we should land in about two hours."
"Good." He said, and then, there was a pause. Suddenly, there was nothing but silence on the other end, making me fight the urge to shift in my seat. He would know, he always knew.
I fought my nervousness as I sat still, waiting for him to speak.
"You're good, Sera...you've always been good." He mused, and I knew I was right.
He was watching me right now,
"I learnt from the best, father," I responded, and I could imagine him smiling slightly, his gray eyes cold as winter as he leaned back in his seat with the phone on the table.
"Make me proud, Seraphina. No mistakes. I expect nothing short of excellence from you." He commanded, and I smirked, knowing he could see it.
"I won't fail you."
"I trust you." He said, and heaved a sigh. "If I could step into that school myself, I would, but it's not time yet. Keep your head up, and watch her. Make sure she's safe."
He said, and internally, I pursed my lips. He'd never told me who this 'her' was, but he always spoke about her. All my life, I'd been told about 'her' and how we need to ensure she returns to her rightful place.
"I will," I promised, my hand tight around the phone.
"Keep Eldric's son at arm's length. Don't let him get too close. I don't trust that snake or his offspring, especially not around my child. Lucien is everything his father is; he will destroy everything and anything he touches, as did his father."
He said, after a heavy silence.
That I could do. The idea of being anywhere near that fucker sent acid down my bones.
"I will, Father," I responded, and the line went dead.
"Miss King, we land in about thirty minutes." The pilot's voice rang through the speakers, sending another wave of nervousness through me.
Here I come, fiancé.
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As soon as the plane landed, I headed out of the private airport my father secretly owns. My eyes were dark from the sun glasses on my face, as I walked towards the limo waiting for me.
Peterson, my father's trusted assistant, secretary, and bodyguard waved his name card at me the second his eyes spotted me across the road.
With a smile on my lips, I headed his way.
"My father must have promised you something spectacular for you to be here, waiting on me." I said, handing him my luggage.
He grabbed the suitcase from me, a smile pulling at his lips as he placed my bags in the car; "You and I both know I'd give anything to be a part of the hell storm your father is planning. No one in their right mind would miss it!" He shrieked, an excited gleam in his eyes, as he held my door open for me.
"Oh, I know. God help us all." I muttered as I got in the car. The leathery smell of my father's private limo wafts in my nostrils as I relax in the car.
My shoulders roll, easing the tightness in them as I stare out the window. Peterson rounds the corner, and gets in the driver seat.
"Where to?" He asked, starting the car, and driving smoothly.
"You know exactly where it is." I muttered, looking at him through the mirror.
His smile warmed my lips, as I returned it with one of my own.
"Let the games begin." He mutters, as his war music blasted through the speakers.
A few hours later, we ditch the limo for a simple truck.
"I can't believe I'm gonna have to drive this old thing." Peterson muttered like a baby, as he jerked the engine to drive.
"It's only for a little while, Peterson. Once the plan kicks off, we can return to the private jets, limos and ten star service." I mused, watching in comic relief as he drove the car with inexperienced hands.
In no time, he pulled up to the house we would be using for our cover.
"Home sweet home, I guess." I muttered, as the car came to a stop. I hoped out, staring at the small, normal looking house I'd ever seen in my life.
From the corner of my eyes, the sight of a girl dressed in Ravenscroft High uniform walking out of her house caught my attention.
With a practiced smile on my face, I shot my hand out in a wave;
"Hi!" I called out, and instantly, she turned to me. Her smile was wide, and almost blinding as she walked over to the small hedge seperating us.
"Hey! I've never seen you around" She says, and I smile at her warm energy.
This would be easy.
"Yes, I'm new here. What's your name?" I asked, knowing very well who she was. "This is my uncle, Matt." I pointed to Peterson, who waved at her as he worked on our bags.
"Oh, hey. Good morning Mr Matt." She said, and turned to me; "My name's Sloane."