Chapter Three
"A secret is a kind of promise... It can also be a prison."
-Jennifer Lee Carrell
Father takes me by the shoulders, leading me to the glass windows. Below, miles and miles of cobblestone line middle the city, with huts for living quarters forming the outer parts. The Estate, where my Father, myself, and those lucky enough to serve us live, is an exquisite manor of glass walls and pillars. It enables all of Grachia to see and envy. The interior décor is a domain of the finest silks, furniture and jewels. The three level floor building boasts an extensive thirty-five bedrooms, twenty-twenty bathrooms, a kitchen where only Chance the Chef is allowed, and various offices for Father's pleasure and business gatherings. The outer east wing is where the indoor Imbeciles sleep, those who help us on a daily basis. We couldn't have them living in the filth, of course.
As Father points to the people below, dressed all alike in their worn leather attire. "You were not even born when I became leader, Bella. It took a few years for the chaos to calm down, for order to be restored. But so many government officials had died, people had no where to turn. It was in a small apartment building that I found a book. The historical declaration of a leader who once ruled overseas, outside of our country. He threw people he felt were not their worth into concentration camps, gassed them, starved them, killed them without reason. I vowed to not be like that man. I would be better."
I rolled my eyes at the story I had heard numerous times before. "You see, that leader who came to be hated was despised because he told people they were not needed. He treated them like dirt. Even with soil that lies beneath our feet, you need for nourishment and for life. We need the Imbeciles. After all, who else would make you such fine garments of luxury?"
He smirks, twirling the feathers that adorned the amethyst curls of my hair. I nod my head, deep in thought. "Perhaps you are right. But I still wouldn't feed them quail and cocktails."
"Come with me," he states, and I follow him beyond the Announcement Room and through the long corridor. I cannot help but notice my reflection in the crystal walls. My dress, layers of purple silk and tulle match the hue of my irises. My bodice, also made of feathers, sparkles with adorned gems and mirror my heels that click against the see-through floors. I am nothing less of perfection, no flaw would dare be seen on my immaculate body.
From the third floor, I can see the fountain statute of Grachia's crest, an ornate carving of a winged fairy with a crown upon her head. It is the symbolism of a new nation, founded on dreams and new beginnings. Through an arched walkway and passing through double doors, we reach my Father's office, the only one I am allowed in at the moment. The others are off-limits- for the time being anyway. He says when it is time, I will be able to gain access.
This office, with its chandeliers and multiple fireplaces, is one of my favorite rooms. I am careful not to touch the emerald and gold desk that faces the center of the oval room. My portrait stares back at me beyond his seated chair.
I stand, awaiting his directions, as he sits and taps several keys on his wrist. His Scanner is not like the Imbeciles' Watchers, as his controls many functions of the Estate. A bottom drawer slides open, and Father pulls out a black studded box. I watch in awe as he opens it slowly.
With careful grace he holds an elongated bottle in his hands, filled with red liquid. "Wine?"
I scrunch my face at the mere thought. It smelled absolutely wretched.
Father shakes his head in a serious manner. "No, Bella, this is the cocktail."
Once again my nose crinkles. "Father? Why are you drinking what they drink?"
I wouldn't touch what they consume, not in a million lifetimes.
"Look closer, Bella."
I heed his directions, and look closely at the fluid, which seemed to change in consistency the longer I stared. "What's in it?"
"Can you keep a secret?" he asks, leaning forward. I nod with enthusiasm.
The thought of hiding information no one knows makes my heart race.
It's about time I was treated like the royalty I was born to be.
Anyone else feel like stuffing a crown down Bella's throat?
Thanks for reading!
