Episode 5

After a couple of breaths and steeling myself to speak, I looked him in the eyes and said:

"I see you already had your own family," I commented, downplaying it. "They don't seem to like me. You should have at least told me this. If it was going to be like this, I could have stayed with my nanny or alone. After all, I'm almost 18."

"I wanted to, but you fainted. This is your home, Mia. You belong here."

"Excuses, excuses," I hummed.

It seemed like he didn't know how to deal with me, he ran a hand through his hair and then observed me as if he had made a decision.

"I'm sorry if my children's words made you feel uncomfortable. They are not bad, it's just that this situation caught them by surprise. Just give them time. I'll talk to them..."

"Don't worry. I understand. I would also react the same way if my father brought home the daughter of his lover. But, I thought you loved my mother, you seemed so dedicated. I'm not reproaching you for anything, I know that men are usually fickle. And it's not that I thought you wouldn't move on with your life, but they seem to be my age..."

I left the words hanging while waiting for an answer from my father. It wasn't that I was judging him, I would have understood if he had rebuilt his life, but this was not the case.

"I loved her, she was my destined companion by the Moon Goddess. You know, in our species we rarely find our soulmate. So most of the time we opt for marriages of convenience. Before I met your mother... I had already married."

His eyes looked distant and full of regret as he finished answering. Perhaps he was regretting his past mistakes or he was constipated. Well, I don't think it's the latter. However, something else caught my attention.

Moon Goddess? Species? What the hell was he talking about? Don't tell me it was a new religion. Wait! With all the commotion that happened I couldn't think about the important things. Just when I was going to ask him if he could really turn into Cerberus, the words my father said next completely surprised me.

"Tomorrow you are going to go to the Royal Academy of the Kingdom of Norden. Just for this once I ask you to please don't tell anyone that you are my daughter. At least until the boys accept you so they don't get hurt by the rumors that could spread. Emily would feel hurt if that happened."

I wanted to laugh with rage as soon as I heard his request. And he looked so decent. Doesn't he care if I get hurt. Of course, for him it wasn't important. Maybe I was just an unwanted burden he had to carry. And everything looked so good.

I knew it was too perfect to be true.

All that perfect father bullshit was nothing but a lie.

The good thing is that I never expected anything from you!

Clearly, I thought this, if I said it I was sure that no good things were augured for me.

"Do you want to keep me hidden as if I were your dirty secret? Daddy, is that why you brought me here? If that's how you were going to behave, it was better to leave me with my nanny," I said sullenly. "What shitty place did I come to? Can you take me to my nanny?"

"It will only be for a short time. Until the boys get used to it and until you get used to this place. I can't send you with your nanny, because this is where you belong, Mia. Here you can be safe, surrounded by your own. I know you must have many questions about the kingdom, our species and the Academy, sorry for ordering you to go unexpectedly, however, it is necessary that you go..."

"I just want you to leave, Mr. Duke." I said, interrupting his words. "Thank you for your hospitality. Don't worry, I'll accept your shitty request," I said as I placed a pillow over my face.

I didn't want to listen to him, I was too overwhelmed by my emotions to think.

"Mia..."

"I just want to sleep."

"Okay, I'll tell someone to bring you breakfast. Anything you need, just ask for it."

"Okay."

A few minutes later I heard the door close gently. I removed the pillow from my face and took my cat Serafin, who was still asleep, I ran a hand over his body.

"It seems that I only have you."

Serafin opened his green eyes for a moment before letting out a cuddly meow and starting to lick my hand with his rough tongue.

"You are the only one I love."

Saying that made me feel a little lighter. Then I rolled on the large bed while looking around my new room, which was definitely twice as big as my old room. Not only that, the decoration was very luxurious.

The dressing table was full of feminine products. With hesitant steps I went to what I assumed was the wardrobe, which was full of new clothes. There were dozens of dresses, blouses, sweaters, also a dozen black uniforms. I opened the first drawer and what greeted me was a dozen lingerie sets, I took one out and evaluated it. It wasn't as old-fashioned as a granny's panties, but not completely my type. I opened another drawer, which was full of accessories such as necklaces, combs, etc. Then I glanced at another of the wardrobe doors, which was full of all kinds of footwear.

"Yes, this is the only thing I need from him. A roof, food and money."

I walked to the desk where I found a stack of books, I glanced at one quickly before leaving it in its place. I couldn't help but wonder, when did he prepare this? Everything was so meticulously thought out that it made me feel a little bad.

I mean, only two days had passed since my mother died, so preparing the transfer documents, fixing the properties and even ordering this room must have taken his time.

I sighed not knowing if I was tired or disappointed. My life had taken such a strange turn, I had so many questions about everything. But, apart from that, I was feeling that having accepted my father's proposal was a very bad idea.

However, he was going to regret bringing me under false pretenses. A malicious smile formed on my lips as I planned my next actions.

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