The Kirilian family were sitting and eating at the breakfast table.
Rowan was sitting on one side, opposite her sat her mother, Dorania. At
the head of the table sat Rowan’s father. He wore a beige
business suit and had a charm about him that he had used to woo several
young ladies-including his wife-that had not been lost with age. He
also had a kind sense that displayed his devotion to his family. His
black hair was gelled back and his greying beard revealed the usual
strain of a man as senior as him. The person who sitting on the
opposite side of him, at the table, was the red-haired companion.
“It must have been quite a shock for you when
the body…just appeared like that,” reacted the father,
showing his genuine fear and concern.
“Yes Midiro (Me-di-roe), it was,”
answered Dorania, passing off last night’s event as if it was a
pointless occurrence and apparently not caring for his concern. Her
husband stared longingly at her. “I was quite alright. I had
guards of the highest value ready to take bullets for me if they had
to; with gracious thanks to you Manar.”
The red-haired young woman looked up at the mention
of her name. “Thank you Mistress,” she thanked blankly.
“I admit, as long as we have your rewarding
services Manar, we have a lot less to worry about,” stated
Midiro, somewhat uncomfortably. His worry reappeared. “But I
don’t like this.”
“You don’t like what?” asked
Dorania, fed up. “Rowan and mine conversions to the Dark Kingdom?
Our business deals? The magic that continually stalks through the Dark
Kingdom that may strike any one at any time?”
“All of that and more,” her husband
answered, exasperated. “My main worry is your…growing
obsession! We have a big house, a comfortable amount of wealth..; which
we did use to gladly help others in need. You now retreat into the Dark
Kingdom, obsessing over your growing power and now those ambitions of
yours are rubbing onto Rowan!” Rowan choked on her juice when she
heard that.
Like a true Dark Citizen, Dorania had listened to
her husband’s outburst coolly, without desire to interrupt.
“You also wonder what kind of man Rowan will eventually settle
down with.”
“I have all kinds of nightmares about the worst men she could marry,” Midiro agreed.
Rowan suddenly drew back her chair and stood up.
“Come along Manar.” She walked out of the room and Manar
followed without hesitation. Miss Kirilian walked quickly along the
corridor, not noticing the rich surroundings and decorations so common
in her house.
She started up the stairs when Manar once again
displayed her amazing observational skills. “You are upset by
what your parents say.”
Rowan stopped. Manar immediately after.
“Yes.” … She turned and faced her family’s top
bodyguard. “Do you think I would know if the right man came
along? Even if all my family agree on him or despise him?”
“Whoever you settle with, he will be your
choice to make, not the one of your parents,” stated the
red-haired companion.
Rowan almost smiled. “Thank you, that’s really encouraging.”
“I thank you for asking my view
Mistress.” It was amazing that Manar could show her gratefulness
so coolly, however, there is no sense of warmth or comfort about her.
“Everyone deserves to give their opinion sometime Manar.”