Birthday Party

Finally, finally, today's the day we can meet. I made sure to send her an invitation in secret and just in case the invention isn't working I told her a secret passage through the forest to get in our yard. (I have discovered it by accident while playing in the woods). We will meet in a small cabin in our yard. I'm excited to finally meet her in person and maybe next time we see each other, she will introduce me to her sons aged 5 yrs old. She told me to consider her like family so it would be like having two little brothers maybe? I have always wished to have siblings. Today I can finally ask for her name, it is always more respectful to ask in person.

***

TocToc.(someone is knocking on the door.)

"Yes? Come in."

"My lady, we came to dress you up for your breakfast with your parents."

" Good morning miss, did you sleep well?"

"Good morning Marisa. Ehehe, I slept very well. How about you Saki? Did you know that Today is a special day? (smile)

" Yes, I also slept very well. I am very grateful for my lady to care about this lowly maid. I always wish for my lady all the happiness in this world and even more today, since it's your 11 birthday."

"ehehe( that's not the only reason it's a happy day, but I can't tell anyone that I'll be meeting a commoner). Marisa, do you think my parents will like this dress? "

"Of course my lady, I am sure that whatever you wear, they would like it as long as you like it. They hold you very dearly since you are their sole child."

"Ehehe. I know that I like them very dearly too. Now shall we go to meet my parents?"

***

Destiny enters the dining room.

"How adorable! How magnificent! How can my daughter be so perfect!"

"ehehe, stop it, Daddy, you're always exaggerating things."( blush)

" Oh my, but he isn't exaggerating at all my dear. You are the most beautiful girl in the universe. ( tears up) This reminds me of the day you came into our lives. For us who couldn't have a child, you were like a gift sent from God. Time passes so fast, just yesterday you were this small and now look at you, already 11 years old."

" Mommy don't cry, (tears up) or I will cry as well."

(Arlo is looking at Destiny with a complex expression, it's like happiness mixed with the guild as he is trying to smile)

" Alright today's a happy day, let's not cry! (wiping the tears from Destiny and his wife's face and hugging them) On this special day, for our beloved daughter, we prepared a feast made out of all your favourite dishes!"

" Whoaaaa!! Thank you! Daddy, Mommy, I love you!"

***

After breakfast pandora went back to her room.

"Miss it's time to dress up. Your ball will soon start."

"Marisa... For my birthmark... Can we hide it ?"

"Of course my lady."

***

At the ball

" Ladies and gentlemen, The family of the grand duke of Veilchanbleau is arriving!"( the veilchanbleau elegantly descends the stairs.)

Whisperers

" Is that the duchess Cressida and the duke Arlo?"

"Whoa, they are much more good looking in person! Are they even human? They look like they are sculpted from god itself!"

" look! This must be their rumoured daughter! They had a daughter!"

"The rumours must be true. They look so warmly at their daughter, she is a miracle!"

" How can a child be this beautiful at a young age, I look forward to the future."

( someone introduces himself to Arlo.)

" I am very thankful for the invitation duc. I am the marquis Florence, pleased to meet you."

"Welcome to my daughter's party due, make yourself comfortable."

" Pardon if I am being disrespectful but, everyone says it was a miracle that your wife finally gave birth. Why did you wait so long before introducing your daughter to society? I believe that she is very well educated for her age."

"You are right, you are being disrespectful. I believe that we are not close enough, for us to have this discussion ."

***

at the corner of the room

" Dear Destiny, my child why don't you go make friends with the other noble? It is important to have friends at your age. Or would you prefer that I find you some friends?"

" I am alright mother, I will make friends by myself. Thank you for your consideration."

"Very well, also you don't have to be so distant, you can talk like you always have. It saddens me if you keep being distant."

Destiny looks down, she is feeling a little guilty.

"Now now, don't make that face. I'm not lecturing you. Why would I lecture my precious daughter on her birthday? I know it's your first ball, but don't stress, no one would dare to say anything, even if you make mistakes. So just act like usual, my lovely Destiny."

" Yes! (brightly smile ) Thank you, mommy! I will go now."

****

A young lady introduces herself to Destiny.

" greeting lady veilchanbleau, permit me to introduce myself, I am the daughter of count Charles, my name is Maria. Ever since I heard about you, I've always wanted to meet you."

" You've heard about me ?"

" Yes, there is a lot of tales around you, my lady. "

"Rumours ?"(but I don't think I've done such things to causes rumours..) (worried )

"Yes". (Oh no! What have I done! She looks worried. If her parents find out that I troubled their daughter, they won't let me off easily!I need to say something to ease her.) But please, do not worry! No one would dare spread bad rumours

regarding the daughter of the duke Veilchanbleau."

"What kind of rumours are is circulating ?"( I hope what she is saying is true, I wouldn't want to affect my parent's reputation.)

( Should I tell her? But at the same time if I don't tell her she will be worried and that would be troublesome for me.)

" There are rumours about how cherished you are To the duke and duchess. That my lady is a miracle or about your stunning beauty etc. Truthfully I am kind of jealous of you my lady."

A gentleman abruptly joint in the conversation

"Whoaaa! My lady, you are stunning. Not everyone can wear a red dress like you! Your beauty put the dress in shame! The dress puts value in your ruby eyes, your blushed and fair skin and your beautiful black hair. You shine the brightest in this room as if all the light is targeting you specifically. In the light, your dark hair reflects the colour of the sunrise! How ravishing! I have never seen beauty such as yourself! "

Destiny is looking confused while Maria is blushing.

" Oh my! I am deeply sorry! Where are my manners? I am the son of the marquis Florence. Pleased to make your acquaintance."( kisses Destiny hand)

***

Arlo who witnesses the scene from afar and hurried to destiny side.

"Who is this rude person, kissing my daughter's hand without my consent! "

" I-I am sorry grand Duke, I had no intention of being rude. I was simply introducing myself as the convention wants."

"You, are you talking back to me? Who are you?"

"No! Duke Veilchambleau, I would never dare to talk back. Speaking back would mean questioning your authority! I am not wishing upon death! I am very sorry! I -I am the son of the marquis Florence. It is my pleasure to see you. "

"I see. I now understand the expression like father like son. As you can see I never had a son, so that expression was very confusing."

"Y-yes? If I'm not asking too much, what do you mean sir ?"

"I see that you require more education to top it all ."

The son of the marquis is looking at Arlo very confused. Arlo is looking at his daughters he notices that she is peeking at him worried.

"Sigh. Today is a celebration day. I will let you off for the sake of my daughter."

" How do you feel my sweetheart? Did he scare you? I am sorry I let you experience such a traumatic experience. I will make sure to punish them later."

"No, daddy it's okay. (smile ) I was just surprised. It's the first time I've ever experienced anything like that. I am feeling very overwhelmed by these new feelings but at the same time I'm happy and I am very grateful to everyone here that came specially to celebrate my birthday and to you to have organized this for me, thank you... That's why please don't punish him."

" sight alright, I can never win against you. My daughter is so kind. (smile warmly) That's right, you must be tired. You should go rest a little in the resting room before, opening your presents and cutting the cake. "

" Finally...I can take a break...I am so tired...I now have an excuse to go meet that mysterious person! Wait what time is it?... The sun is starting to set! I have to hurry! I hope I am not making her wait."