Princess Iris
CHAPTER 33

TWO DAYS BEFORE THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY

FATHER'S STUDY ROOM

With the cold only getting stronger by the day, I seat by the fireplace to keep warm while Father is behind his desk, going through some plans.

"It seems Duke Richard was able to get the last ship ready," Father says.

"Yes father, it seems he was able to pull it off," I say.

"I have to say, Iris, when you told me about your plans, I was worried it wasn't going to work but now with how much dedication you have shown, I believe there is a chance it will work," Father says.

"Thank you, father," I say walking to the table in the middle of the room filled with papers.

"But I am worried, our forces are going to be stretched thin for this plan to work," Father says.

"You are right father," I say after I have found what I was looking for. "It is only going to be temporary. If this plan is a success, then we can make our shipments to any of the kingdoms without any problems from the pirate." "Iris there is something to talk to you about," Father says.

I turn to father and he is wearing a serious face. I observe him for a while, I look at the letter in my hand and turn back to him.

"Ok, is everything ok?" I say walking to a chair to have a seat.

"The day you moved into the east wind; I came to your room that day to speak with you but you were gone. As the year went by, there are so much I want to say to you and they kept piling up. Now that you are here, I want to say them all before it gets too late," Father says.

"Father..."

"Please Iris, just hear me out," Father says.

I look at him and he seems vulnerable. I nod at him and he sighs. He stands from his chair and walks to the window. He looks outside and finally turns to me.

"I am sorry for everything. I am sorry for letting you down. I am sorry I wasn't brave enough to embrace the woman you were growing up to become. I am sorry I wasn't there you protect you when you needed me the most. I am sorry for letting you down so many times. I am sorry I wasn't...."

I watch father struggle with words and tears fall down his cheeks. I stand up immediately to go to him but he raises his hand and stops me. He uses his handkerchief and cleans his eyes.

"I am sorry I wasn't the father you needed and wanted; I am sorry that I couldn't protect your sister the loved most in the world, I am sorry I let you both down," Father says.

It takes me a while to realize I am crying. I quickly use my hand to clean my eyes.

"Father..."

"I promise to do it right this time. I tried to make you follow my lead before but not anymore. I will follow your lead this time. And I promise as your father, I will love and protect you," Father says.

Without thinking about it twice I run to my father and he takes me in his arms as I cry. We stay like that as I cry and he smoothens my hair. I release him and he uses his hand to clean the tears on my face.

"I love you father," I say.

"I love you too sweetheart," Father says pulling me in for a hug and kisses my head.

Just then mother enters with her head maid behind her carrying a tray of tea.

"I am sorry I am late; I was making sure we are well packed for our journey to Cerphila tomorrow," Mother says.

Mother looks at father and I.

"It's fine honey. You didn't miss much," Father says releasing me.

"Thank you very much, Sonia. Place the tray over here and I will take it from here while you attend to other things," Mother says.

Mother's head maid closes the door behind her.

"Did I miss something?" Mother asks.

"No mother. Father and I were just catching up," I say smiling.

Mother looks at me and then at father. She finally turns to the tea on the table.

"Tea dear?" Mother asks.

"Of course, Honey," Father says.

"Iris, will you like some tea? Mother asks.

"No mother, I am fine," I say.

While Mother attends to Father, I look at the letter in my hand. The letter is from Prince Jeffery. Since it arrived two days ago, I haven't opened it. I don't know what to expect when I open the letter so I just avoided opening the letter. "Is that the letter Prince Jeffery wrote to you?"

I look at Mother who is seating opposite me.

"Yes mother, it is," I say.

"Is there any reason why you haven't opened it yet? Mother asks.

"I don't know mother. I just don't know what to expect and even if I opened the letter and read it, I still won't know what to reply to him," I say. "It's best if I don't open it."

"It isn't surprising for him to write you a letter beside you accepted his marriage proposal," Mother says.

"I know mother but this is different," I say standing up, feeling frustrated as I make my way to the window at the end of the room. "He wasn't just my friend, he was someone I used to like and for six years I ignored him, not just him. I ignored Juliana, Esmeralda, Octavia, Zadie, Nathaniel, Lucinda, and the others, even Isabelle. They were my friends I just shut them out. I am afraid of what will happen during the engagement party. Will they talk to me; will they ever forgive me?" I ask. "I am so sorry you feel this way, Iris. It's times like this I wish Adrianna was still around. She always knew how to cheer you up," Mother says.

I walk to Mother and hug her.

"It's alright mother. I will be fine," I say.

Just then a knock is heard.

"Yes, come in," Father says.

Constantine comes in and bows.

"Your Majesty, Lady Fab has arrived. Bridgette, Veronica, and the ladies are all attending to her. They are waiting for you in the fitting room downstairs," Constantine says.

"Of course," I say standing up. "I almost forgot she will be coming today. Father, Mother..."

"It's fine Iris, I will see to the last plans. Go ahead," Father says walking to mother.

I follow Constantine out of the study room but just in time, I turn to see father take mother in his arms and plant a lingering kiss on her forehead. The gesture warms my heart; I can't help but smile.