They whooshed into the sky, thumped the firmament, and fizzled out. The fireworks resembled dandelions and my sister marveled at that fact.

Years ago, I would sneak to the highest window in our chateau and watch my father and his men light firecrackers. They didn't know that I knew what was in those tubes, and I was scared to tell.

That night, he was missing for one night and two days. Without our king, the village felt dangerous and I felt vulnerable to unforeseen attacks.

Mother began to worry as evidenced by her inability to eat or resist the urge to pace in the main sitting room.

Last night, I awoke to Uncle Richard whispering with her in the dining room. She told him the news that would remain a secret until we found him.

"They came - yesterday. They had - bats, pistols, and knives," she stammered over her words like she was fighting back tears. "and they threatened to kill the children if he didn't surrender peacefully."

There was a certain level of emphasis on the pronoun. Since then, I've been trying to figure out who took him.

"Look, John," a man shouted over the noise. While Virginia admired the flashing red, white, and blue lights, I stared at the man and his young son sitting on his shoulders.

Seeing their smiles saddened me. It dawned on me that I may never see mine and my eyes began to burn with tears. I couldn't show it, though. Virginia didn't know what was happening and it was my job to fool her and the townspeople.

She told me she was hungry, I suggested she wait. Bribing her with special requests didn't quell her impatience.

Most people that knew us closely never understood why we didn't have maids, butlers, and the like.

At first, I didn't understand either, but Father didn't want a stranger to prepare our meals or know the layout of our house.

His life of immorality cost us that level of trust in others.

"Why do we have to stand out here all night?" Before I could correct her in an attempt to change the subject, she said, "It's freezing, I'm hungry, and I want to go home."

I unintentionally narrowed my eyes for a second. Her impatience reminded me of the times Father would make us practice hiding in case of an invasion, and without fail, she would whine.

I wanted to berate her, but I reminded myself that she didn't know why we had to remain outdoors.

I swallowed my crass words, took her hand, and guided her away from the inattentive crowd.