‘ If reality and dreams are indeed separate, then everything that happened must have been a very realistic nightmare. ’

………….

A head was peeking out of the window in the brightly illuminated study. The spring sun was warming her young face as she spoke softly to the woman in front of her.

"Be sure to be careful, Lydia. I do not want Micheal and mother finding out now that we are almost ready," the girl smiled as she spoke to the elderly maid just underneath the window, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Do not worry my lady. I gathered everyone in the household. There won't be any problems."

Just as Lydia said that, hurried steps could be heard outside the room and then a strong clunking sound as the door opened.

"Oh Dahlia, dear there you were. I was looking everywhere for you. Not just you, everyone. Where is everyone?"

Just as Lydia made her escape, a woman entered the worn-looking room. Her blond hair neatly made into a bun, two long strands falling alongside her cheeks, shaping her sharp looking face. The dress she was wearing was ever more elegant with the stern posture she had along with a folding fan that she was uncomfortably waving.

“Mother.” Dahlia slowly turned around to face her and welcomed her with a warm smile.

”The servants must be busy with their duties. Its Michael's birthday today after all. They know they can not afford to laze around.” she said with a light smile, as she distanced herself from the window and sat down on the nearby chair, picking up her tea cup.

“Speaking of the celebration, has father sent word for his return? I hope he will be able to arrive on time for the party.” As she said that, her mother’s face darkened.

“Your father was summoned to the capital for his dealings with the Cattleya family. Nothing good ever happens when they are involved. They were so daring in challenging the royal family that even we are suffering the consequences.”

Her fan started rattling uncontrollably.

“This wouldn't have happened if not for your lackluster performance in the crown princess selection”.

Dahlia put down her cup and took a good look at her mother. Her foggy blue eyes were wandering nervously, her face looked sunken and out of color.

“There is no point in talking about the past. I am sure you are well aware that there wasn’t even the slightest chance of me becoming the crown princess.”

“I know that.” Her raised voice echoed in the room. ”And I already knew of your dislike of socializing with high society but, I still expected you to try harder and make best of the situation”.

Not even a moment later, the daughther had her mother in a strong embrace.

“Mom, I'm sorry. I never meant to hinder you or dad or my brother. But there is nothing a baron’s daughter can do among the elite in society. They don’t associate with people they consider less than them and I really tried my best to not offend them in any way.”

The motherly eyes softened as she embraced her daughter.

“I know my darling child, I know. I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have said that. All these events have made me a little tired, that’s all. ”

“ I’m sure everything is going to be alright. I’m sure father has been cleared of all suspicion and is heading this way.”

They looked at each other with a reassuring smile.

“Well, alright. I have to go and prepare for your father’s arrival and wake up your baby brother.”

“I’d be honored to help.”

Her mother lovingly pinched her cheeks.

“And you young lady, what kind of behavior is that. You mustn't act so casually in front of anyone else.”

Dahlia was able to murmur, ”Yes mother, I know.”

“Good…. Sebastian!”.

A tall man dressed in all black, strode across the hallway, quickly reaching the two ladies.

“Yes, my lady.” the butler bowed.

”Where have you been? Ah, no matter. Find Mary and have her prepare Michael’s favorite breakfast and check to see if there is any news from Anton.”

The lady of the house gave her orders to the butler and turned to her daughter.

“Dahlia, make sure that everything we ordered has arrived and I'll go wake up our sleepyhead.”

Dahlia waited for her mother to be far enough and whispered to Sebastian.

“If there is any news of father, come to me first.”

The butler noticed her worried expression. “Certainly.” And walked away.

‘Mother was looking ghastly. It seems things are worse than I previously imagined. I need to investigate tomorrow. Lets not worry Michael today.‘

………….

The ballroom was full of cheer and laughter as kids danced around and laughed.

A certain young boy was showered in gifts and praise.

“Happy birthday Michael. Come here and hug your sister."

The boy jumped into her arms and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Dahlia, where were you? I was waiting for you."

The now five year old boy was sulking.

“Now I have a special surprise for you.”

“Really?!”

“Yes really and I think you’ll really lik..”

She couldn’t finish her sentence when someone kicked the door open.

It made a loud sound and men in uniforms started shouting.

“Arrest them and leave no one behind!”

Before anyone could even say a word, the men had them in shackles.

“Mama, Dahlia!!” Michael cried.

“What are you doing!? Let them go! Everything is gonna be okay..We’ll fix this!”

The once dignified lady now cried out in desperation for the safety of her children.

“Mom!!!"

"Michael!!!”

 Dahlia cried out to her family as she was dragged away and thrown in a carriage.