THIRTY ONE

DARIAN

The moment I stepped into the palace, the pressure on my chest increased. I was way too tense for comfort. It had nothing to do with my poor health. I just couldn't recall the last time my father had asked to have dinner with me.

"Welcome, your majesty," the guards stationed in front of the courtyard greeted.

"Where's my father?" I asked.

"He's in the courtyard. Dinner preparations has been made," one of them responded, his head lowered.

When I walked into the courtyard, my eyes widened at the sight of the unfamiliar setting. Warm fairy lights illuminated the yard, and arranged on the table was a whole feast of delicacies.

My father, seated on a golden chair at the rear end of the table, gestured at the chair on the opposite end with a smile on his face. My father's smile was just as rare as his invitation.

When he spoke, his voice was surprisingly gentle.

"What are you waiting for? Sit down."

Quietly, I took my seat, my gaze meeting my father's again.

"We used to h