Chapter 0336

Dad's frown deepens, so I double down.

"Mom said I look pretty," I say, quickly shifting my hand so I point at her now. Mom gasps a little in protest at my betrayal, but dad ignores it all.

"You do look pretty, Ariel," he says, his words even and slow. I drop my hand with a grin, realizing that I'm not actually in trouble and he's not going to send me home to get changed. "I just hope you've thought quite deeply about this wardrobe choice. It is... bold. And it makes a big statement about how you are not a little girl anymore. Are you ready for that?"

I straighten my shoulders, raising my chin a bit. "I can handle it."

Dad holds my gaze for a second and then nods, the matter ended. I grin, pleased in his faith in me. Dad drops his head for a second, loosing a breath and taking a sip of his whiskey, and my heart goes out to him in this moment. Because he's had to handle a great deal of me growing up in a very short amount of time, hasn't he?

And he's been so good about it.

Impulsive, I take a few steps forward and wiggle myself in between my parents, slipping an arm around my dad's waist and leaning into him. My mom smiles, and moves a step aside, letting me wedge myself between them as dad wraps an arm around me, accepting my gesture of warm thanks for being such a good dad.

He gives me a little smile, and then kisses me quickly on the forehead before looking around at the four of us. He glances over at Markie and Juniper, who are chatting with grandpa, I think wondering for a second if he should include them. But then he decides against it.

"The Atalaxians will be coming in soon," dad says, dropping his voice low so as not to be overheard. I perk up a little, interested in this change of conversation. "It's a peace delegation but... Roger and I are very curious about why they're choosing to send one at this point in the war."

"Why this point?" mom asks, her voice likewise low. "What's special about it?"

"What's special is that they're winning," dad says, his voice full of dread as he confesses something which is certainly not public knowledge. My eyes move to Rafe, and by the way he stands up a little straighter, his mouth tightening, I can see that this is news to him as well.

Dad nods, looking steadily around at all of us before he continues. "It doesn't make sense that they'd send a peace delegation when they've got the upper hand. So," he glances now to the set of stadium seating which is still clearly empty, which has been set aside for them. "I'd appreciate it if you kept your eyes on them tonight. I know we'll be distracted - and especially you, Ariel," he nods to me in particular here, "but...we're not just here for fun tonight. We have a duty to our nation. Please keep your eyes peeled and be ready to report anything of note. Yes?"noveldrama

As one, the three of us nod, agreeing to be vigilant.

And then dad stands a little straighter, lifting his glass towards us in a clear end to the conversation. "Go have fun," he says softly, his voice rumbling a little. Mom, of course, stays close to his side, turning worried eyes up to him, but Rafe and I take the dismissal seriously, turning away.

Rafe glances down at me for a moment, but when I look steadily up at him - letting him know I'm all right with it - he just nods and we move back to where Daphne now stands alone.

"Hey," she says, grinning at us as we come over. Rafe moves to her side and my mouth falls open a little bit when he slides an arm around her waist. She looks between us, either not noticing my shock or pretending not to. "Am I going to be banished? Has the decree landed?"

"For the dress?" Rafe asks, raising his eyebrows and smirking at her. "No, actually, mom wants three just like it in a variety of colors. Can you do pastels, for spring?"

Daphne laughs, grinning up into his face, and I still just stare between them realizing that that they're on a date. That it's not just that Daphne came as part of our party - that she's here tonight with Rafe.

Oh my god, my brother is actually dating my friend!