After his morning meeting with the school principal, King Bayrel was satisfied that he put his youngest in check. However, he was livid at the news that she was dating Romeo Lanc aster. He couldn't fathom how Serenah had managed to snag the elusive boy. When they had first arrived in the human realm, he had set about gathering allies and servants to do his bidding. Romeo Lancaster's father was one of those Bayrel had coveted. The man was ferocious and won every legal case he was attached to.
Bayrel wanted the man to be in his pocket for when his businesses used less than legal means. He had tasked Amanah with gaining the boy's affection as a way to the father. He was shocked when his oldest failed. Not only was she turned down, but Romeo's father had stepped in and warned them to stay away from his son. It was one of the few times in his life that Bayrel didn't get what he wanted.
Now, to his surprise and disgust, his youngest managed to snare the elusive Romeo. Had he miscalculated the type of girl Romeo liked? Everything had pointed to him being paired with a girl who was as popular as he. At least that's what his advisors' studies of human society had led him to believe. That was why he'd used Amanah. She knew how to work her feminine wiles in a way to get what she desired.
Serenah was quiet, passive, and not even a beauty. She was a weak bleeding heart. He couldn't understand how his strong queen had birthed someone so useless. Amanah was like her mother; strong, determined, and beautiful. Maybe Serenah was the result of a prank by Autem. He hated the god of their world. He, too, was an obstacle that Bayrel wished to get rid of. It would be a while before he could manage that. He had priests looking into it. Until then, this human realm would have to do.
His cell rang and he frowned at the caller. Why would the school be calling at this time? He looked at the time. It was 11:30 am, too early for a call from them. He ignored it and went back to working on the papers on his desk. Several minutes later, the school called again. He ignored it once more and waited for it to go to voicemail. He checked it and laughed at the message. So his weak-ass daughter was sick. They could keep her at school. If she came home, he would make sure to punish her for her weakness.
"Useless. Pathetic," he growled and went back to work.
After two hours of working, Bayrel took a break. He thought about Serenah's and Romeo's relationship. She worthless, but, if he imposed his will, she might be useful in snagging Romeo. Then he would be able to grab Romeo's father. It would be a win for him. He could always pull Serenah from Romeo and send Amanah instead. Young men, no matter the realm, were hot-blooded and would go after females who could quench that need. He had no doubt that Romeo was the same.
Perhaps the boy was only interested in Serenah because she was a challenge. Quiet and reserved females might be a turn-on for Romeo. That was the only explanation as to why the boy was enamored with his youngest. Once he realized how pathetic Serenah was, Romeo would move on to more enticing prospects. Amanah would be waiting in the wings for that moment. Bayrel decided to ensure his oldest daughter's chances, no matter what the cost to Serenah. Satisfied with his plan, he returned to his running his business and waited for Serenah to come home.
~***~
Bayrel heard the beep from his intercom and hit the button. "What?"
"Your Majesty, Princess Serenah and Lord Alastar are home."
"Excellent, have my daughter brought here."
He set aside his papers and rose from his desk. He stood by the window overlooking the forest behind the castle. He wasn't much into scenery, but it was calming here. Not that he would ever admit that to anyone.
The knock brought his thoughts back to the present. He turned, face expressionless as he watched Serenah enter the room, her head bowed. He went to her and her head jerked up at his approach. Her eyes were wide with uncertainty. He almost smirked. Instead, he backhanded her. She yelped, stumbled, and eyed him in fear. That's what he was looking for. Her fear.
"How dare you hide the fact you were dating Romeo Lancaster!"
"Your Majesty," she stammered, tears pooling in her eyes.
"Do you know how irritating it was for me to find out from the Lancasters that you are dating Lancaster's oldest son? Something like that I should've been notified immediately."
Her head dropped and she whispered, "Sorry, Your Majesty."
"You will set up a dinner date with Romeo and his father within the next two weeks. I want Lancaster to be an ally in my businesses. I will have him. You will make sure that I get the chance to speak to him."
Her head came up, her voice pleading. "Your Majesty, I don't think I can get him to do that."
Bayrel frowned. His anger was starting to rise. She was so useless and pathetic. He slapped her again. The sight of her lip bleeding didn't bother him. She would obey or suffer.
"Serenah, you will obtain that dinner date. If you fail to do something this minor for me, I will gladly treat you to the punishment room. Next time I won't stop at ten lashes."
He watched her shudder; her fear rising. Pleased that he had cowed her into submission, he growled, "Get the hell out."
She nodded and ran from the room. Bayrel laughed at her retreat and went back to work.
~***~
Serenah ran to her room, unable to stop her tears. Her face throbbed in pain. Her father always hit with his full power. He didn't care if you were badly injured from his blows. Might was how he ruled. If you didn't bow to that then you would suffer.
She made it to her room and went to the bathroom. Her right cheek was swelling and so was her lip. Her eyes were red from crying. She tried to calm down. If Romeo heard her tears, he would get worked up. She didn't want that. Shakily, she grabbed her phone and called him.
He answered on the first ring. "Hiya, Sera. You got home alright?"
His warm tone eased her turmoil. She needed to dive in and not hesitate. "Yes, I made it home fine. Thanks for taking care of me again."
"Always, Sera. You mean a lot to me. It's the least I could do for you."
"Thanks for that. Umm, Romeo, I," she trailed off feeling bad about asking Romeo to meet with her father.
"Yes?"
"My father wants to have dinner with you and your father," she blurted out in a rush. "Preferably in the next two weeks."
"Oh, really?"
Serenah got nervous at his tone. Was he going to refuse the offer? She hoped not. She didn't want another visit to the punishment room.
"Sera, if we refuse, how much trouble will you be in?"
His question stunned her. No one else ever cared what would happen to her if her father's orders were not obeyed.
She didn't want to say but Romeo was always honest with her. She needed to do the same. "A lot," she admitted, her voice soft.
She heard him curse. "I'll get with my dad, We'll come up with a day, time, and place. Will that be alright?"
"Yes. Thank you!" She wished he was with her. She would've hugged him in joy.
"Not a problem. If something happens, please call me. I will come get you."
Joy sang in her heart at his words. She didn't know what she had done for the gods to bless her with such a good man. She sent a silent prayer in their direction to thank them for this one bright light in her world.
"I will. I have to go. I've got homework to finish. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Alright, see you tomorrow."
They hung up and Serenah smiled. She went to her desk and got to work on her homework.