POV of 11 year old Fee, during Christmas break
"Hello, my darling" Father says to me endearingly as he walks in the door.
"Father!" I shout. It's the first time I've seen my Father, Admiral Worthington, in almost a year, and I'm delighted.
"How are you, my girl?" He asks, "My, how you've grown." He picks me up and spins me. And I blush.
As he puts me down I reply, in a ladylike manner, "I've been quite well, thank you."
"Good," and the he whispers to me, "Make sure you leave your door open tonight so that I might sprinkle you with fairy dust." He gleams down at me.
"Of course, Father" I reply, outwardly smiling, inwardly cringing. I don't understand. Why does he do this to me? He tells me he loves me that it isn't wrong, but it certainly doesn't feel right.
He walks away to mingle with the guests. My mother is hosting a party to welcome my Father's return from the Navy. I spent hours up in my room preparing myself; selecting my gown, using some of my mother's powder, and some of her expensive French perfume. I wanted him to see what a lady I was becoming. Maybe, just maybe, if he saw how grown up I was he would realize that, he didn't need to do that to me anymore, to touch me anymore. But, he didn't. He never would, not unless I made him; but how could I make my wonderful, loving, Father stop it? I couldn't. I'm just a girl. I don't have the power, and I despise it.
Someday, though, it won't be like this. Someday I will have the power and when that day comes, no one will be able to hurt me. My Father looks over and winks at me, and I smile back. I feel a yawn coming on. I've had a very long day, but I can't go sleep. I must remain ever vigilant, I mustn't lose myself. He starts walking towards me. I want to run, but my feet stay still.
"Come along, Felicity. You look tired. Let me put you to bed." He says as he grabs my hand. And as he guides me along, I know that I can't let myself be led on. But, he looks down at me with his kind eyes, and I think, if it keeps him happy it must not be bad. My Father wouldn't hurt me. He wouldn't.
But, somewhere deep inside, I know the truth.