3 Drastic Change (2/2)

Chalice cringed when she saw Lucy take out a gaudy piece of gown that was in pastel orange embroidered with white flowers and sprinkled with gems. It was beautiful but it was too much for her. She pointed at a white gown with peony appliques and laces at the sleeves. It was the complete opposite of the previous gown.

”But didn't you hate this style of gowns, my lady?”

Lucy quietly asked. Chalice did not answer and focused on Lucy who helped her ease herself into the dress.

”Actually, I like these simple ones better. So Lucy could you please get rid of those gaudy and flamboyant gowns in my closet. I don't like seeing them. They remind me of hateful people.”

The coldness in Chalice's tone did not slip from her maidservant's ears. Lucy nodded her assent to the orders and proceeded to fix her hair. She noticed that her miss had such a drastic change in demeanor ever since she woke up. But Lucy just credited it as a result of the incident.

Chalice walked slowly through the hallway leading to her father's study. She breathed in deeply before knocking softly at the door.

”Come in.”

Chalice heard her father's rich baritone dully muted by the door. She went in and held her head high to meet the eyes of her parents.

--

Alaric heard soft knocks at his door, he signaled for the person to come in. He was expecting that it would be the Sei, their butler whom he sent in an errand. Little did he know that what would greet him was an unexpected surprise.

”Father.”

Alaric was taken aback by the familiar soft, breezy voice of his daughter. Strange, her usual tone with him would be full of anxiety. Now there was no trace of it. He looked up, a glint passing through his emerald eyes similar to hers.

His daughter was different today. Her usual bright and glaring clothes were changed with a pristine white one. Her face devoid of her usual unsightly make up. Standing in front of him was a perfect combination of his beloved wife. A lady with her mother's features and her father's eyes.

Alaric exclaimed internally. It has been a long time since he had seen his daughter looking like this. He could not help but lament the times she was inseperable with him.

”You're awake. How do you feel?”

He asked, trying hard to keep the coldness in his voice. He doted in this daughter of his. He just didn't know when they started drifting apart. This was something that he blames himself of. Maybe he should not have become so strict with her.

”I'm quite alright now father. I'm recuperating well. Thank you for your concern.”

Alaric gazed at his daughter pointedly and found that she was staring at him. Her expression was soft. A trace of faint sweet smile could be seen from her lips. He coughed awkwardly.

”Good. It's good that you are fine.”

Alaric returned his attention to the papers in his hands. The silence was making him tense. He didn't know how he was going to interact with her.

He was fearless be it in court or war. This is why Alaric was dubbed as the Titan Duke. Even the emperor, his sworn brother, is intimidated by him sometimes. But when it comes to this daughter of his, he was at a terrible loss.