Iviyana

"Papa,how can you do this to me?" I tried keeping stride with Papa as he waltzed through corridors.What is the damn hurry for?

"I don't understand what you are so upset about Iviyana?" He replied uninterested increasing his pace.I jogged to keep up with him.

"Why do you want me to start taking  those classes again?" I was this close to stamping my foot.And I really didn't care how childish it would seem to the passerby's.

It came as a shock when I learned what Papa intended to do.He had already decided this without my knowledge.

How can he expect me to go through that hell yet again?Wasn't it enough the first time around.He wanted me to learn being the "proper lady" again.There'll be tutors who'll be coming here to teach me the most mundane and useless things like sewing,dancing and so on.Every .single.day.

If I couldn't learn it then, how am I supposed to do it now?Didn't Papa realize this?

We reached the dining room.It was empty.Papa turned to look at me at last."What is so wrong in continuing your education?" He looked at me gravely with that serious expression on his face.He really wanted me to accept this madness.

I took hold of his hand and pulled him to sit down on the long bench that surrounded the big dining table on both sides."Papa,there's so much more to do here rather than just wasting.." I changed my words as soon as I saw him frowning,  "um..occupying my time with studies.You know it as well.I tried learning those skills but it was all in vain.I have no interest in them." I said as plainly to Papa as I could.I refrained from using more colorful words to prove my point.It won't help my case.

Papa seemed to think over it.I took advantage and continued. "I like cooking Papa.That is something I'll love to work upon.I-I'd rather spend my time working in the kitchen for some part of my day.It would really make me happy Papa.Please don't let me take those excruciating lessons on.."

Papa's eyes shifted behind me and he stood up suddenly.He bowed his head and I understood just who had intruded.I rose up slowly and turned.My eyes narrowed.He really couldn't have picked any other time to barge in.The bastard.He pranced inside the room.I bowed my head quickly as Papa's glare cut my way.

I hadn't seen him since then.Or that fair lady who was with him.

"Nastur. A good morn to you.I hope I didn't disturb your conversation ." He looked at me condescendingly.His silver eyes looking down on me.Specifically at my neck which had the cut from his knife. My lips formed a tight smile remembering his barbarity.He raised his brow at me.I rolled my eyes at him.

Yes, you don't scare me.

You better.His eyes answered.

I pulled a face at him defiantly.

He glowered at me threateningly.

I smiled sweetly,battling my lashes.

"Not at all Master.I was just telling Yana about how she could make productive use of her time here."

I sighed in frustration.It felt as if Papa didn't want to listen at all.He has made his mind.But I won't rest until I make him see my way.

"Indeed.She could learn a thing or two." He spouted taking his place at the head of the table on an intricately designed chair,most probably crafted to fit his large stature.I glared daggers at him,hoping one could actually slice and draw blood just like he had drawn mine.

The maids started bringing plates full of aromatic food as he sat down,most probably scared of making the monster wait.Papa sat  near him and I occupied the place next to Papa on the same bench.

I have to plead my case.I won't be seeing Papa until later at night.This had been the custom since the last week I have been here.Since that night when we had the talk,I hadn't been able to get hold of Papa.He was never in his room.Papa had strictly forbidden me to leave my room after he had showed me around the palace.And I did as he instructed me to do.I didn't leave my room because I really didn't want to be send back.I had only sneaked out when I was completely sure that Papa wouldn't catch me.But somehow he had gotten wind of it.He had eyes everywhere as he had stated earlier.It was then Papa had graciously informed me of his plans.And here I was trying to change his mind about it.

"Papa,as I was saying,I don't think there is a need for such measures.I am well educated in the arts of being a lady an...." The chuckling of the snake interrupted.Papa's gaze went to the snake in astonishment.My eyes flicked over to him as his chuckles continued.Ignore him.There is a more pressing matter here. I started  again to draw Papa's attention back to me. "and I think it would be a waste of resources and time if I were to partake in such activities again." I said without breaking breath.Feeling satisfied with myself.

"Papa?" I called to Papa.He was still more interested in the viper.

"Arts of being a lady.Yeah, sure." The taunt didn't go unnoticed by me and neither did Papa's reaction towards his master.Papa was transfixed.What is wrong with Papa?Shifting my focus from Papa I turned to the evil one who stared back at me.

"Would you mind refraining from speaking in our family matters.?" I seethed politely.He is just making it worse.

"Iviyana!" Oh so this was audible to you Papa.?!  

The viper's eyes narrowed. " I wonder if Nastur wants me to." The viper looked at Papa for the affirmation.

Papa shook his head dazedly.Still looking at his master in amazement."Not at all Master." Turning to me Papa said in his most serious tone."It has been long decided,Yana. I never wanted your opinion on it.You will have your classes starting next week.I don't want to hear anything else on this."

I fumed as how easily the viper had managed to weave his spell on Papa.Nothing I said or did would work on him now that the "so-called" master had put his word in.I have to come up with something else.I don't want to go through that torture again.

"A lady never puts her elbows on the table. " A sarcastic voice alerted me.I looked down at my elbows resting on the table.When did I?!     "Tsk,tsk "    I jerked my hands down swiftly embarrassed at the slight.And by him no less.It is most humiliating to be schooled by him. 

If only,I was allowed to.......

The ruckus of footsteps had me turning back to inquire the source.Two well built  men came and bowed their heads.Receiving the curt nod,they both took place on the opposite bench saving a seat nearest to the viper.Judging from their appearances and mannerisms they seemed to be  the commanders of the army.They looked curiously at me,questioning my presence at the table.I smiled at them warmly.They were well into their years.Much older than the viper.Still they showed reverence to the much younger one.One of them smiled back and the other ignored me. Oh joy.!

"Who might you be,young lady?" the kinder one asked looking directly at me.

"That's Nastur's daughter. Yaya." The viper replied before me.

Papa coughed.I looked at him instantly as I saw him trying to hide his smile unsuccessfully.

"Papa.?" I said in accusation.How can he betray me like this?

The kind man said."Hm, a strange name indeed.But nonetheless a pleasure to make your acquaintance,Lady Yaya."

My mood turned sour .I scowled as I replied unkindly."Its Iviyana. Yana for short."I glared openly at the viper who smiled conceitedly at me.With more force than necessary I put the food on my plate and made clinking noises with my spoon.

To hell with being lady.!And to hell with him.

"Lord Xaki." A new and very familiar voice.

I turned back and I saw the light.I smiled big.My dark mood all forgotten.He bowed his head and then turned to us."Nastur. Lady Iviyana."He smiled to show his dimples.Turning to the old warriors he nodded his head in respect.

Ever the gentlemen.

Forgetting the existence of others,I patted down my head and dress just to make sure I looked pretty enough.He seated down opposite Papa."Good morning to you too,Lord Rivean."I said in my most saccharine voice.He grinned my way again.My heart started thumping wildly. I wanted to say something nice to him just to have him look my way again but nothing good came to mind.And everyone was suddenly silent at the table and focused on eating.Eyes on their food.I too kept quiet.A picture of a perfect lady.

My eyes didn't leave him.His eyes didn't lift up once,actually now that I saw others,they too seemed much interested in their food to look up or to converse with others.

I didn't have to pretend to like the food because it was really delicious.I stopped myself from making any noises when eating.It would be un-ladylike to show my appreciation of the delicious food when everyone else was being so quiet.I started taking small bites of food ,chewing and swallowing prettily ,conscious of Lord Rivean's presence at the table.I didn't want him to think badly of me.I wanted him to notice everything good and pretty and beautiful about me in whatever I did.Even eating.

Such a glorious and spectacular man.I could spend my day just looking at his face.I should find out more about him.And then I'll be able to find out where he spends his time and make occasions for us to meet again.I am too embarrassed to ask Papa about such things.I have to find someone here .A maid perhaps.I could befriend her and earn her trust.Then it won't seem so obvious and Papa would be all the more ignorant about it.Yes that's it.

I grinned.Just wait for me , Lord Rivean. I'll make you fall for my charms in no time.