by Emily Sharp
“Let me think for a moment. Silence is a wonderful thing,” the woman said. And for the next two minutes, not a voice was heard, only the sound of a ticking from a grandfather clock.
Adara brought the rose back to her nose, inhaling its sweet fragrance, its effect calming her taut nerves.
“That rose is unique. Its seed was specially developed three years ago at a cost of well over a million dollars,” the woman said, breaking Adara from her trance.
Her heart raced. That was so much money, and she feared her father would be sued.
“But where are my manners? Let me introduce myself, my name is Louise,” the woman said, her voice suddenly friendly.
“My name is Christian. This is my youngest daughter, Adara,” her father said, the pride in his voice unmistakable.
“A fitting name for such a beauty,” Louise said, and Adara sat up a bit.
“Thank you, it’s Greek.”
“I know that. As Greek as the dark features of your eyes and hair. But yet such unique skin, I must say. No doubt Nordic blood runs through your veins as well. But enough about that. We must speak to the damage you have caused me. I don't suppose you have a million dollars to reimburse me?”
Adara looked at her father, who gave her a reassuring smile.
“I'm afraid I do not. And I want to say, I am sorry. You see, it’s her birthday, and well, money has been tight.”
A small laugh came to Adara's ears.
“Indeed, money has been tight. Well, when you lose your shipping business by dealing drugs, I imagine it would be.”
Adara’s jaw dropped, wondering how the woman would know anything about that incident.
“That is not true. It was my partner that did it behind my back!” he said, his voice defensive.
Adara nodded, knowing it was true. Although her father was found innocent, all assets, including his ships, were seized by the government, and his good name was ruined.
“Perhaps. Maybe there are better days ahead now?” Louise said.
Adara leaned forward a little, the words “better days ahead” something she believed in and told her father often. Soaking in the face of Louise, she had such a beautiful face, and yet she would not turn to face them, instead, posing as a model, her profile only in view.
“I would like to think so. Adara tells me that there is good things ahead quite often.”
“Do you believe her?”
“Of course I do.”
Another laugh came, and Adara felt a small bolt of anger in her. This woman’s voice was kind one moment and then mocking the next. But she was pretty, and the princess of this castle, just like in a fairy tale. Maybe there would be a happily ever after if they could stay on her good side.
“Christian, there is a small stand next to you. Open the top drawer and take out the paperwork.”
Adara watched her father lean over and pull out a few sheets of paper. A large check was attached on the top.
“How did you know I owed property tax?”
“I know everything, that is all you need to know. The amount though is correct?”
Her father nodded. “It is.”
“Read the rest.”
Adara's heart raced as her dad looked over the paperwork, a small grin on his face. A minute later he looked at Louise, his eyes bright.
“I don't know what to say,” he said.
The door opened behind them, and turning in her seat, Adara saw a woman carrying a silver tray walk in. She was very pretty, her blond hair moving about her shoulders, her blue eyes kind as she approached them.
“Madam, Sir,” she said, her French accent thick, holding the tray out. There were two bone white china cups filled with tea, and taking them, Adara thanked her and the woman smiled.
“Enough, Sofia, you may leave.”
“Yes, Madam,” she called out, and then hurried out the door. Adara was impressed how the woman moved so silently, and then hearing the door close, she looked back toward Louise. She had crossed her legs, her hands resting on her knees. A painting within a painting, Adara thought, looking at the rich red curtains that acted as a backdrop behind the woman.
“Where were we? Yes, the check. Pay off your taxes and then take command of one of my freighters. Prove yourself, and I may see fit to move you up in my company.”
Adara spoke up. “You own freighters?”
“I own many companies, from shipping vessels to cosmetics to real estate. My empire stretches far, as far as my good will.”
As the sun light moved through the window, it casted its rays on Adara and her father, and Adara felt such great joy like she hadn't felt in years. Finally her father could get back into business, something he had longed for. They would move of course, and in time she could set out on her own, once she knew he would be OK.
“I don't know what to say. How did you know? And why me?” her father asked.
“Because I know everything. That has been said before, please don't make me repeat myself. As to goodwill in life, I would not question it when it comes, but simply accept it.”
There, it was back again, the mocking tone, Adara thought as she took a sip from her tea and then set it to the side. Turning to her father, she smiled, placing her hand in his.
“Dad, this is what you wanted and dreamed of. You can be back in the business soon. You should take the offer.”
He smiled. “Let me ask something first.” He then turned back to Louise. “The contract says you will allow me to be in charge of a vessel, on a lease of just one dollar?”
“Yes.”
“Are there strings attached?”
A laugh came to them. “No, what a horrible way to look at life. I knew what bad fortune had befallen you, and I took it upon myself to help.”
Adara let a few tears run down her face before wiping them away. This had turned out to be the best day ever. She stood with her father, the contract and check clutched in his hand.
“Thank you. I will prepare at once to leave. If I could just have a week before I start. We need to pack a few things and get everything in order.”
“Of course,” Louise said, her voice once again sweet.
Adara hugged her father and then turned to the woman. “Thank you, you are very kind.”
“Have your dreams come true?”
Adara looked at the smile on her father’s face. “Yes, seeing my dad happy is all I want. And now that I see it, I am at peace.”
The laugh that came chilled Adara’s blood, her heart sinking as it echoed in the room. The sun moved behind the clouds, the large room darkened, its shadows falling across Louise.
“What a poet you are indeed, Adara. But there is one thing that has not been accounted for.”
“Wh-what is that?”
“The matter of my rose.”
She shook her head. The kindness Louise exhibited was now gone. “But we cannot afford it!”
“No, you cannot,” Louise said matter-of-factly. “Well, there is a way.”
Her dad took a step forward. “Ms. Louise, thank you for your offer. I could pay you back out of my paycheck, over time.”
Louise stood up and walked over to the window, her back to them. Adara watched as her long blond hair flowed behind her, much like a cape.
“It would take much too long for repayment. But I have an idea to settle this matter.”
“And what is that?” Adara asked, her hand shaking slightly.
“Adara, you will live in this castle with me for one year. I will hire you on as my assistant.” She paused as if in deep thought. “Yes, that is what you will be. I will pay you more than you have ever have seen. If you stay for the year, the debt is gone. What do you say?”
“She will do no such thing. My daughter will not be made…” her dad said before Adara took his hand in hers.
Turning toward him, she could see the frustration in his clenched jaw. “Dad, I will do it.”
“No. you cannot!”
“I can. I must pay this debt. Y
ou will go and make your fortune again, and I will stay here.” Her father shook his head, but before he could talk, Adara turned back to the woman staring out the window.
“I will do it then. One year as your assistant, and then the debt is cleared.”
“Good. If you change your mind and leave at any point, not only will your father lose his chance of starting over, I will have you both in court.”
“This is madness! No, it’s blackmail,” her dad yelled out.
Adara watched as the figure turned around, the long hair covering her face completely. The room grew eerily silent, and now cold. Then it came again, the laugh. The cruel heartless laugh.
“No, it is life. Be back at the front gates tomorrow no later than noon. Then the clock begins. You will be seen out.”
The door behind her opened, the security man from earlier walking up to them. “You are required to leave,” he said.
Adara nodded, setting the rose in her hand on the couch. Then taking her father’s hand in hers, she walked out, her future now unsure.
Chapter Four
Adara stood up from the small kitchen table, taking the plates in her hands. Going to the sink, she set them in, when her father’s voice echoed in the room.
“We can figure something out. I don't want you to go or be away from you that long.”
Truth be told, she didn't want to go either. What had once been an idea of a castle filled with hope and love was in fact a cell of hatred. And that was the right word to describe the wicked laugh that she heard earlier today. Louise rejoiced that they would be split from each other and Adara having to pay her father’s debt. But her dad was worth it, his happiness much more important than her own.
Taking a deep breath, she turned around, wiping her hands on a dish towel. “I am looking forward to going. Besides, I always dreamed of staying a night in a palace such as that. And now I get a whole year? Of course I am not going to pass it up,” she said, walking over to the coffeemaker. Pouring them each a cup, she walked back over and set one of the cups in front of him.
“Still, I worry…” he started to say.
“Too much, in fact,” she said, then leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Now, the laundry is caught up. I am going outside for a bit to write. Please, do not worry anymore.”
He nodded, then took her hand in his. “No matter the situation, you have always been beside me. Your two sisters, well, you and I both know…” he said, his voice sad. “I will make my fortune again and then give you your heart’s desire.”
Adara smiled as she placed her hand on his shoulder. “I love you, Dad. I know this is what you wanted, to be back in this type of work again. And you will be. Now, no more talk of sad things, for in a year, I will join you wherever you are.”
“You are right once again. Go and enjoy your writing,” he said.
Adara took her coffee and then grabbing the diary from the room, she headed outside. The sun had set an hour ago, and taking a seat on the bench on the porch, she let out a sigh, a few tears quickly following. She hated lying to her father, but she could not tell him how she really felt.
She was scared.
No, terrified was more like it. The woman seemed manic, perhaps living so long behind those marble walls she had gone mad. Adara wondered what kinds of meaningless jobs she would have to perform. Perhaps working in the gardens or cleaning inside? She leaned back on the bench and then smiled as she looked up. The night sky was clear, the stars bright against the dark curtain of night. The moon was out too, letting everyone see its magnificent glow as it highlighted the fields in front of her.
Though they had once lived in the city, she liked it out here. There was no traffic, no smog, nor the worries of keeping up with the latest trends her sisters were so enamored with. Out here was just a person and nature. A time to reflect. Taking a drink from her mug, she set it to the side and opened her diary. It had been at least a month since she last wrote in it, and taking her pen, she wondered how to form her words.
“For so long I believed that inside every castle was a fairy tale waiting to be had. A prince for some women, but a princess for me. One who I could be friends with, and perhaps let it blossom to something else. But today for the first time, a part of that fairy tale ended. I met a cruel woman who…” she began to write. And write she did nonstop, except to break to take a drink from her mug. Finally feeling content with her writings, she set the book down and watched the stars.
She had faced fears before—the loss of her mother, her father in court and having everything taken away. But love and hope could not be taken away, and those two things would give her the courage she needed to face the challenging year ahead.
A short time later, her dad came out, and without saying a word, sat next to her, his arm coming around her in a comforting hug. Leaning her head against his chest, she smiled.
“It’s amazing how everything changes so quickly. Once we were a happy family, and then when your mother passed, most of it went away.”
Adara nodded. “It feels like a lot did go away, but not all. There are brighter days ahead.”
“You are right. Your heart always kept the hope alive in me. Many a nights I didn't want to move forward when your mother left us. Yet your words—your love—kept me going.” His voice was sad, as if everything he knew was coming to an end.
She sat up and turned toward him. “Dad, you are not losing me. There are great times ahead!” Even in the night, the tears in his eyes reflected the glow of the moon.
“I know. But do me one favor while you are there.”
She nodded. “Of course, anything you wish.”
“Never let that love you have go away or allow that woman to take it away. Can you promise that?”
Adara smiled. For a man who did so much and asked so little, she knew she was fortunate to have a father like him. “I promise. Now, let’s go inside and play a board game,” she said, standing up and grabbing his hand to help him stand. Taking her empty mug and her diary, she headed inside the cabin, the realization it would be her last night here an odd feeling indeed.
***
The next morning Adara was up earlier than usual, the excitement and worry of what lay ahead filling her mind the moment she woke up. Having showered and dressed, she went outside, a mug of coffee in her hand. The morning sun was just beginning to rise over the mountain tops, a smile coming to her face as she felt its rays greet her. And then her friend, the deer, made an early appearance, stopping not far from her, its tiny tail seeming to give her a wave of hello.
“Is everyone up early?” she asked it. It stopped, its ears twitching much faster than usual as it stared at her with its doe eyes. “Fine. Good morning,” she said, giving it a bow this time. And then a moment later, it ran off, and she laughed, delighted to have experienced such a wonderful morning encounter.
As she leaned against the post that marked the top of the stairs, the last bits of night disappeared, its brother, the day, taking its place. Her mind went back to the castle and the year that lay ahead. For some time she stood outside, until she heard some commotion in the kitchen. It was time to make breakfast. And then pack. A new chapter in her life would soon be starting.
***
The old truck rumbled along the paved road, the exhaust loud. Her father tapped the brakes as they approached the cast iron gates, and then allowed the truck to roll to a stop. The security guard from yesterday stepped out of a small booth as the gates opened. Today he had no rifle in his hand, but there was a pistol on his hip.
Her father turned and placed his hand on her leg. “You know, we can figure this out. You don’t have to do this. This is absurd.”
Adara turned toward her father. “It’s the only way. Besides, I'm looking forward to it,” she lied. Her father nodded, and then without waiting for his prompt, they both got out of the car. Walking to the truck bed, her father came around and lifted out her suitcase. She had packed the few clothes she owned, some personal keepsakes, and her diary.
The realization hit her that it was pretty much all she owned. Her sisters had managed to squander what little money her father had left over, and what personal items she had from before had been sold to help fund their move and get them started at the cabin.
“I am going to miss you. But I will write and let you know how things are going on,” her father said.
“Good. And I want you to stop worrying about me. I will see you here in one year’s time,” Adara said, a smile on her face. Inside she was heartbroken, but keeping the strong face for her father’s sake—and maybe even hers—she hugged her dad. Giving him a kiss on his cheek, she then took her suitcase and walked through the iron gates, the guard standing at attention.
When she turned back around, her dad was already in the truck. She gave him a wave, and he turned the truck around and drove off. For a few moments she watched it, the image of it slowly getting smaller until it finally disappeared. She was going to miss her father, but there was no time for that. She had a job to do, and facing the guard, she extended her hand, making the best of the situation.
“My name is Adara. I’m pleased to meet you.”
The guard looked down at her hand, his face solemn. “John. Follow me,” he said, ignoring the offering. Adara shrugged and followed him along to a golf cart. Without waiting for instruction, she set her bag in the back and jumped up front with the man.
“Have you worked here long?”
Silence.
John turned the wheel, and then the cart began to move.
“It’s a beautiful day, is it not?”
Again, nothing.
Adara, bit at her lip, then turned toward the man. “You would make a great gossip columnist. You spill way too much information.”
And then she saw it, the slightest tremble of his lip moving upwards. Though he defeated the smile, she sat back, a smile on her own face.
A few minutes later, with suitcase in hand, she walked up the marble steps, the large door opening up. A man stood there, more than likely a butler judging by the tuxedo he wore.
“Ms. Monroe, please come in,” he said.
