The Next Chapter: Twisted Series Next Generation

Chapter 23: Charlotte Larsen

"She is fine." Camilla bargains out, keeping her normally calm and contained tone.

There is no debate over the fact that my father is a large man, pretty much textbook definition of intimidating to the point grown men have bursted out crying at the sight of him.

To my sister however, his large appearance makes no difference to the effect of her words.

Dad lifts his hand and pinches the bridge of his nose with a groan. "You left her there with no bodyguards." He speaks in an attempt to mimic a calm voice.

Before marrying my mom, he used to be an impressive bodyguard who dealt with high end clients. So security and the safety of his family is his number one priority. He sometimes forgets he is not on the team and actually the one the men are trying to protect. Not like he needs it.

Camilla's posture and stance remains the complete same as if she were watching paint dry. "It is not like she is all alone, Sofia and Dahlia are with her."

"You know you should have asked us before doing this." Dad speaks calmly.

Mom chimes in, "Camilla." She speaks gently. "We know you have millions of responsibilities but this was not your call to make sweetheart, you should have let us deal with our children."

My gaze scans over my eldest sister as she stands there, motionless.

Hidden behind a corner, peaking my head out at the doorway as I carefully scan over the situation with watchful eyes. Guilt wracks into my chest in invoking such mayhem over my own petty feelings. A part of me wishes to call Anastasia up and apologize, ask her to come home so all this conflict comes to an end.

Yet, unfortunately for me. I have this little thing called pride. So instead of doing the rational thing, I am here. My feet are glued to the floor as I watch my sister argue with my parents.

Mom moves up towards Camilla and places a gentle palm on her shoulder. "You've had a busy past couple of weeks, go upstairs and rest."

"And Ana is coming home." Dad sternly adds. 

For a split moment, Camillas' eyes widened. She shakes her head calmly as her gaze stays glued on the tall man in front of her. "But-."

"Go upstairs and rest Camilla." Dad emphasizes with a stern tone, his eyes shadowed with concern as he takes a step forward. Leaning his head down and saying something to her which is too quiet for me to hear.

Her entire demeanour softens in response, arms falling flat against her sides while she lifts her head to meet dads gaze. Looking like a child for a moment as she does so.

He turns his head towards my mother, giving her a nod as she curls an arm around Camilla's stiff body, leading her towards the doorway I was hiding against.

Realization almost invokes a yelp from me as I immediately swivel my body around in an attempt to make an escape.

I barely have a chance to move my feet as a force yanks me back, a shriek escapes me as my feet leave the floor while my legs dangle in the air.

For my age, I am a tall girl. So not many individuals can lift me up like I am some sort of rabbit.

Except for my father though.

My crimson cheeks burn to a billion degrees, turning my head over my shoulder to meet his smug smile.

Grinning at me while a chuckle falls from his lips. "Princess." He calls out over his shoulder. "I found an intruder."

Narrowing my gaze while he snickers. Swinging my body in the air as I fight to fall from his grip.

"What on earth-" Mothers voice chimes in. The click of her heels hit against the castle floors while making an appearance through the elegant arch.

In her late forties, my mother is a remarkable looking woman that could make a nymph envy her beauty. Taking the breath away of many the moment she enters the room.

Her gaze latches onto mine, her entire body eases while a grin over takes her regal face. "Well well." She matches my fathers tone, coming up behind him while looping her arm into his. "One must not go unpunished." She quips.

With regret, a smile tilts the corner of my lips causing the warmth in my cheeks to shoot to an unlimited amount of degrees.

"Hey-."

"I need to go." Camilla interrupts, calmly. Reverting back to her normal stance as she detaches from my fathers hold.

Widening both of my parents' eyes as they watch her stride off with proper and elegant movements.

A sigh falls from my fathers lips, her gently lowers me onto the floor. Brushing a kiss over my forehead before returning to one to my mother. His gaze etched with concern as he took off after my sister.

The playful mood disperses as I wrap my arms around my torso, guilt weighing down on my shoulder.

An arm comes brushes against my skin and wraps around my shoulder, the familiar scent of my mothers perfume curls around me like a blanket. Pulling me into her side while rubbing my arm. "Don't look so down, Fawn." She coos gently, brushing a lock of my hair behind my ears. "Where's my sunshine girl?"

My lips rebel up with a grin, leaning into her hold as if I were a child. "I'll apologize to Ana so she comes home earlier."

The look in my mothers eyes softens, she curls me further into her hold. "What happened Fawn?"

Tension lifts my shoulder as if there was a hanger in my clothes, rubbing my arms as a choked breath escapes me. "Mom-," I begin before she cuts me off.

"You used to tell me everything sweetheart."

"It's nothing." My bargaining continued with a weak tone in comparison to Camillas.

Mom releases a sigh, "Just please make up, and you know you can always come to me." She gently retorts, lifting her hands and brushing her knuckles over my cheek.

My lips part with the intent to counter, however a third voice interrupts.

"Your highness." The tranquil voice speaks.

Both mom and I's heads swivel in unison to catch a glimpse of a maid approaching us, hands neatly tucked over her apron.

"What is it, Ludis?"

"A visitor has arrived."

The top of my eyebrows shoot up to kiss my hairline, it was a Saturday so there was no way my mom had business today.

Mom herself seems confused as her arm falls from my shoulder, "Who is it?"

In a perfect coincidence, a tall man strides into the room confidently. Dressed to contrast the castle in such an entertaining manner. Unkempt, ink black hair spilling down his nape like a waterfall.

The edges of my eyes widen in disbelief, contrasting the smirk on my moms face as she gazes at the man.

"You certainly know how to make an appearance." She snickers while crossing her arms over her chest."

"As one should." Niko retorts, offering her a sly wink."

"Well you clearly took a long flight for a reason. What can I do for you Sweetheart?"

"Actually." He muses, leaning against the wall in an unamused manner, a book perched under his arm. "I am looking for your eldest."