A Brazen Father
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One week ago, the morning after the abduction, Sher Aka wakes up after getting knocked out.
“Rose! Where…No!”
Still feeling sluggish she runs over to the door, unlocks it and runs out into the hallway towards Scarlet's room, knocking on it so hard you’d think she’s trying to break in.
“Scarlet! If you’re here, open this door!!!”
The door then opens and an annoyed Scarlet opens it, “Yawn What’s wro-”
Without warning, Sher Aka pushes her to the ground and points a knife to her throat, “Where did he take her!?”
“What are you talking about? Also this knife can’t hurt me so you might as well put it away.”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about! Where did they go!?”
“Calm down before I make you. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t lie to me! There is no way your father wouldn’t have told you!”
“Told me what?”
Concerned, Rayla and some maids come running into the room, “What the hell is going on in here!?”
“The king kidnapped Rose!”
“What?”
“What?”
“He did what!?” Rayla yells.
“He came into our room last night, offered me money to leave her alone then knocked me out. Rose is gone now.”
“Are you sure you didn’t just have a nightmare or something? There is no way papa would do something like that without telling me.”
Punching her in the face Sher Aka yells, “Don’t you dare say I just made this up!”
Completely unfazed, Scarlet answers, “I didn’t say you made it up, I said you might be confused. There is no way papa would just leave without me. Maybe this is just a misunderstanding.”
“What kind of fucking misunderstanding would make him knock me out and steal my daughter from me!?”
“That’s what I’m saying your misunderstanding is, he would never do that! We had a big discussion about giving Rose space. My mother said she’d divorce him if he keeps going like he has been. There is no way he’d just do that without good reason! Perhaps there was a demon outside or you were possessed. We know demons can alter other people’s mind and perceptions so maybe you were just affected.”
“Scarlet is right, Sher Aka. Let’s report this to the duke and look for clues. If it really happened like Sher Aka said we’ll probably find a note or something in his room addressed to Scarlet.” Looking at one of the maids Rayla adds, “Go inform the Duke that the princess and King have gone missing.”
“Ye-yes, my Lady!”
“Sher Aka, Scarlet, come with me. Let’s see if he left anything behind.”
A bit reluctantly both of them get off the ground and follow Rayla towards the King’s room. After spending some time looking through his room Scarlet says,
“There is nothing.”
“There has to be something!” She Aka answers.
“Well…There isn’t. I don’t know what to tell you. Whatever reason papa had to leave with her must have not been planned.”
“Then he must have told you something! There is no way you’re the only one that’s calm without knowing something!”
“I don’t know anything but if Rose is with papa it means she’s safe. That’s why I’m not worried. Give it some time and my father will probably contact us, if he hasn’t already contacted the Duke. Speaking of…I think he’s here.”
Entering the room with some guards, the Duke says, “I have spoken to his Highness. Apparently he is in his castle right now together with Princess Rose and wishes to speak with you, Princess Scarlet.”
“He’s in Blaze?...Alright I’ll talk to him.”
“No, we are going to talk with him,” Rayla interrupts, “This has to do with all of us.”
“Fine, come with me then.”
The duke then leads them all to a communications room in his home where, displayed on the projection, the King is holding Rose in his hand. She seems to be in her draconic form.
“I thought I only asked for my daughter, but it doesn’t matter.”
“What are you doing to her!?” Sher Aka screams.
“I’m just letting her imprint on me and my wife as is natural since we’re her parents.”
“You monster!!!”
“Tsk tsk, such harsh words. Don’t you know if I’m a monster then so is Rose? She’s my daughter after all.”
“Papa, what’s the meaning of this? I thought you agreed with mama that you won’t force anything on her. There is no way mama would agree to get imprinted on like this.”
“You'd be correct. Which is why I’m doing it without her knowledge.”
“How?”
“You see, there is no need for your mother to actually be present during the imprint as long as I have things with strong remains of her scent with me. Like these used clothes for example.”
“Don’t tell me you’re actually doing all this behind her back…What are you going to do when she finds out?”
“Well…Asking for forgiveness is a lot easier than asking for permission. I’m sure she’ll be mad for a hundred years or so but in the end it’s what’s best for our family.”
Rayla in a calm manner asks, “So, what’s the plan after this? Will you return her to us? Imprison her?”
“I’ll return her of course. We still need to ordain her after all.”
Sher Aka answers, “It will be my pleasure to kill you when you return.”
“Ooooh~ Big words from an Elf that can’t even scratch me. Sure, I don’t mind training you when I get back, let’s put that bloodlust to good use. You are important to my daughter after all, it would be a shame if a small bug ends up killing you. I’m sure that would make her sad.”
“You arrogant, piece of-”
“Shh…There are children present,” He says while smugly petting Rose’s head, “Anyways, If I’m not back within a week or two, I’ll call again. Your expenses will be taken care of. Any last questions?”
“Just one.” Scarlet says, “Why are you doing this?”
With a smirk he answers in Draconic, “Because my children are worth more to me than my happiness.”