Everybody is relieved to see that Anathea and Philippe were all right but they forgot the one that saved them. But Anathea remembered him though…
Anathea: Mico. Where are you? Answer me!
Philippe: Wait! Who are you calling? Who is Mico?
Anathea: The guy who saved us.
Butler: Lady Anathea, I found him!
Anathea: Where?
Butler: Over here.
Anathea: Is he all right?
Butler: He has a wound on his forehead.
Anathea: Philippe, help me put him on the carriage!
Butler: But where will we bring him?
Anathea: At my house. Where else?
Philippe: What did you just say? Where will you bring him?
Anathea: Questions… questions. Just help me.
Philippe: Are you out of your mind? Helping people is fine but bringing them in to your house is different. What if he is a spy?
Anathea: I don’t care who the hell he is. Can’t you see he is in trouble?
Butler: But what is he is right?
Anathea: Just tell me if you don’t want to help.

Philippe and the butler weren’t able to change the decision of Anathea. She maybe a young and fair lady but when it comes into making decisions she’s quite firm. Both of them can’t do anything but to help her get him into the carriage.

Earl Vincent, Anathea’s father, called the trusted butler in his room. The butler was really nervous, he knows this has something to do with Anathea.

A knock was heard…
Vincent: Who is it?
Butler: It’s me, sire.
Vincent: Come in.
Butler: What can I do for you?
Vincent: Are you all right? You look pale.
Butler: It’s nothing to worry about, sire.
Vincent: Okay, tell me what happened.
Butler: What would I tell first, good or bad news?
Vincent: Either, I would hear them both anyway.
Butler: Your daughter attended the party.
Vincent: Really? That is great news!
Butler: But there are more to come.
Vincent: Okay. Continue.
Butler: A large chandelier fell on Philippe and Anathea.
Vincent: What! Where is Anathea?
Butler: In God’s grace, she and Philippe are safe. A stranger saved them.
Vincent: What happened to the stranger?
Butler: That is the other bad news. Anathea brought the man to her room. She called the family doctor to check up on him.
Vincent: So, what did the doctor say?
Butler: Only a fractured arm.
Vincent: What’s the bad news in there?
Butler: Your daughter brought a stranger inside the house and a man in her room. Aren’t you bothered?
Vincent: Not really. Not at all.
Butler: Sire?
Vincent: I’m thinking when will be the wedding. I hope it will be soon… ( giggles)
Butler: You’re the only father I know who pushes her daughter to marriage.
Vincent: We can’t fool time. We both know that I will not live any longer. Of course, I want to see my daughter to be in good hands before I die.
Butler: This family is really weird.
Vincent: That’s why you’re part of it. Call my daughter.
Butler: As you wish.

Anathea was in her room taking care of Mico when the butler told her that her father wants to talks to her.

A knock was heard…
Vincent: Come in.
Anathea: Father, you called for me.
Vincent: Yes. I heard that you brought a man in your room.
Anathea: Okay, let me explain.
Vincent: No need for explanation. Just one question… How are you related to that man?
Anathea: I just met him.
Vincent: Is that so?
Anathea: Yeah…
Vincent: I was hoping…
Anathea: What?
Vincent: Nothing.
Anathea: I don’t trust you.
Vincent: Any attraction?
Anathea: What kind of question is that?
Vincent: Just answer it.
Anathea: I think there is something fishy around here.
Vincent: It is my right to know what is happening in your life because I’m your father.
Anathea: So that’s the reason you called for me.
Vincent: Actually, I would like to talk to you about the monarch’s request.
Anathea: How many times do I have to tell everybody that I don’t want to be anyone’s successor? I’ve turned down that request for how many times and you still think I would like it.
Vincent: Just trying to change your mind. If you don’t want the highest position, why not try mine? Your brother and I had talked over this matter.
Anathea: You see…
Vincent: Your brother even insisted.
Anathea: He is older than me.
Vincent: But you have more experience when it comes to dealing with people, you’re better than him. Remember your mother use to take you to trips to the orphanage. You mingle with other kids while your brother sulks with his ice cream. Besides, your brother is a born artist. He deals best with silent canvasses.
Anathea: Well, change him. I want to help people but not a position.
Vincent: You can serve them better when you have the power.
Anathea: One thing I know about positions, it equates to headaches.
Vincent: If that is what you want.
Anathea: Thank you.
Vincent: If ever you change your mind…
Anathea: Please…
Vincent: Just kidding.
Anathea: Can I go now?
Vincent: Sure. But one favor…
Anathea: What?
Vincent: Send my regards to your visitor. Will you?
And Vincent gave his daughter a smile.

Chapter 3 »