My smile faded the second I saw it. 

Why... why hadn't I realized I had been giggling? The reaction was perfectly natural, of course. I had wanted Father to die for so long, and now he was gone. My only regret was that I hadn't been behind his death! But why had it been subconscious?

No, I had more important things to worry about. I had slept poorly, and was stressed out by my new situation - it was only natural that I would have strange reactions. I needed to focus on keeping myself safe while I was at home.

It only took me a few minutes to pack. I didn't need to bring much in the way of spare clothing; I already had a ton of that at home. My laptop, pills, and a few other things would be more than enough. I took a quick shower, fixed up my hair, and dressed myself. I would [i]not[/i] be wearing black today; there was no reason for me to mourn. Instead, I wore a green dress that matched the emerald in my necklace and my nicest pair of sandals. I was gorgeous, as usual; my makeup completely concealed the pale scars on my arms and legs. But I felt so very vulnerable. I didn't really understand what was going on around me... not at all! I might end up following in father's footsteps...

No use dwelling on that.

I opened my door a crack and peeks outside, confirming the presence of my guards, the nearest of whom held out his hand to take my suitcase. "I'm ready," I said, inwardly cringing at the faintness of my voice, "Take me to my jet, please."