Anastasia shared her idea of traveling to the capital with her father that evening in the parlor.

“ That sounds like a great idea. I need to make my rounds and meet with the steward. Let’s all go together”, said her father. 

She was preparing to leave, but her father stopped her to continue their conversation.

“ I’m glad you asked me and want us all together. The last few years, you have been so independent that we felt you would never want to spend time with us,” her father said. 

“ I’m sorry but I don’t remember that, and I’m sorry i made you feel that way in the past,” she said while touching the rim of her pastel teacup.

“It’s understandable you were growing into a young woman. I’m sorry as well if you thought we didn’t care about you. We love you—your mother and I. We just wanted what was best for you. If we ever do anything that makes you feel unhappy, please let me know. Don’t keep your emotions bottled up. I’m here to help you,” her father said earnestly.

She saw his eyes filled with unshed tears and emotions.  

“ Thank you.” She wanted to change the subject and inquire about the parcel of land.

“It’s about 200 acres of land ,and it was originally cultivated centuries ago by our ancestors. The land was originally going to be used as an additional wing of the palace, but King Leon the Second gave this parcel to our family as a reward for our contributions to ending the famine. It’s been a tradition to grow food for the royal palace in exchange for a royal charter that grants us immunity from Duke Esmeralda for our ancestral home.  Though we reside within the Duchy of Esmaralda, our home is held by royal charter. The duke has no authority here—only the royal family,”  said her father, Count De La Guerra.

After hearing her father's explanation, Anastasia nearly dropped the teacup she was holding.

Her family was more powerful than she thought.