Jewelry Box

CH. 19 A Planned Assassination

Victoria

I attempted, for the fourth time, the summoning of my powers. In my previous life, I knew of them, but the naïve me never took an interest, since I thought it was a waste of time. Now I needed them, and I was planning to use them as part of my plan.

My eyes moved to my hands where the jewel rested. It was a test jewel, not the real ones I had in my safe keeping.

Annoyed, I threw the jewel back on the table. Glancing back at the box, I stared at the jewels. Glowing beautifully, temptingly.

I couldn’t use them, especially since I was leaving Alexander’s house. Also, I still can't reveal my power. There will be time soon.

“Lady Victoria?” someone called. I glanced over my shoulder at where my lady-in-waiting stood. Her eyes with curiosity.

“Is something the matter?” I asked.

“Your father, Duke Lombardy, is here,” she announced.

I halted my moves and stared at her. Why was my father here?

Nodding, I dismissed her and quickly put the jewel back in my pocket, taking the rest back to the safe box.

I followed her to the waiting room where my father sat drinking some tea. His eyes instantly snapped my way, a smile reaching the corner of his eyes.

“Finally,” my father sighed and put his cup down.

“Hello father,” I smiled, hugging him.

“You had me worried,” my father whispered against my head. “I thought something happened to you.”

“Nothing happened, don’t you see?” I said, pulling away and smiling.

I could see the worry in his blue eyes. He didn’t believe me.

“Why have you come?” I asked, taking a seat across from him. My father remained standing, his eyes studying me.

Sighing, he sits back down.

“I came to ask you to come back home,” my father uttered, making me tense.

“Excuse me?” I asked, confused. Why was he asking that of me? “May I know the reason?”

“It’s because of what happened. I don’t trust Alexander.” He grumbled, looking away.

I wanted to smile at his love for me, but I had to pretend to disagree with him. For now.

“Dad, it wasn’t Alex’s fault,” I groaned while rubbing my temple. This would be hard. “It was my idea, and they wanted me anyway.”

“What do you mean?” my father asked. I cursed under my breath, realizing I had a slip of the tongue.

“Nothing,” I mumbled.

“Nothing?” my father screeched. His voice was an octave higher. “You’re telling me someone attempted to hurt the daughter of the Lombardy duchy?”

“Calm down!” I begged. Now it would be harder to convince him.

“I won’t!” my father groaned and stood. I stood up as well, worried he might do a ruckus.

I knew my father so well that anything about me triggered him awfully.

“Where’s Alexander?” my father started asking. I tried to calm him down, but it was in vain. My father was out and heading straight to Alexander’s office.

“Father, please!” I called, but he ignored me.

The guards in Alexander’s office looked surprised but didn’t dare stop my father as he stumped into the place without permission.

I threw them an apologetic look before grabbing my father’s coat.

I muttered angrily before glancing at Alexander, who looked confused.

“I’m sorry,” I apologized. “Father, please stop this.”

“NO!” my father roared. “Not when someone is trying to kill you!”

Alexander looked at us before dismissing everyone present in the room.

Sighing, I rubbed my temple and glanced at my father, who was seething in anger.

“You missed the information about my daughter being the target a few days ago, Duke Alexander,” my father pointed out.

“Calm down,” Alexander said, putting down some files he was holding. “I didn’t mention it because she is my fiancé, and I’m responsible for her.”

“Responsible?” my father bickered. “You allowed them to hurt her!”

“Enough duke!” I yelled. He turned to look at me, stunned.

My father knew that when I called him the duke, it meant I was unhappy, pissed, angry. And it was his fault for making me feel like that.

“Alexander has nothing to do here. I know who it is, and I was expecting it any moment,” I explained, which earned me a growl from him.

“You were waiting for it?” my father scoffed. “And what were you planning? To get killed?”

“No, but the Kendrick family made that assassination attempt,” I clenched, knowing he heard me.

My father remained silent, in shock at the information I was saying.

There was no one else but the Kendrick family seeking death for me. They were angry, felt betrayed by what I did, and they were also seeking revenge.

“I know it’s them without the proof,” I continued, explaining. This time Alexander was studying me. I looked between both men before continuing my explanation.

“They want revenge as I want it,” I said with my hand raised. “So, this is my problem and not yours.”

There was silence in the room. I know my words must sound strange to them. I haven’t even explained my sole reason I seek revenge.

“You’re my daughter!” my father cried. I leaned back against the window behind me.

It would be hard to make him understand. He’s not seeing it like I am and it’s understandable.

“I know, but I will solve this,” I glanced at Alexander, who frowned. “I don’t need you either.”

“Victoria, what are you even saying?” Alexander whispered.

“I’m saying I will do this my way, alone, and without the help of you two,” I huffed. A slight headache was crawling its way.

I need to calm down.

“IMPOSSIBLE!” Alexander yelled this time. I looked at him, stunned. It was the first time he spoke to me that way.

“You’re my fiancé, my future wife, and the duchess here. You think I will let you out of my sight just for revenge?” Alexander said as his hand grasped my arm. “I’m not letting you do anything stupid!”

“Ouch!” I hissed, as I tried to push his hand away. Why was he so mad at me?

I glanced behind Alexander, who was blocking my view from my father.

“We have a deal. Now back off,” I muttered just for him to hear. He jogged me.

Alexander groaned, then stumped his way out of his office. I remained in the same spot as my father, who studied me with sadness.

“I want you back in the duchy,” my father ordered.

“No, I’m sorry, but no,” I said as he looked over his shoulder. “It’s my problem. Please understand.”

“No Victoria, you need to understand there are people who worry and care for you. Stop being stubborn.”

My mouth opened and shut-in anger. Was he serious?

“I don’t care what the reason is for them to act like that, but you’re my daughter. They hurt you. I tore them into pieces,” my father coldly answered.

“I have my powers,” I whispered, making him halt. He slowly turned. A crease appeared on his forehead as he looked at me in disbelief. “I can summon my powers. I can protect myself.”

“Victoria,” my father muttered, looking away. A few peering eyes were looking our way. Was he worried someone might hear us?

“No Victoria. My answer stays the same,” my father whispered, turning on his heels.

I stood alone in the enormous and cold office. He said nothing about my powers. Didn’t my father believe me?

Shaking my head, I turned and looked out the window where the garden was. Alexander was pacing up and down, frustrated by the looks. Leaning my head on the glass, I bit my insides. I had to solve this and soon.