A PARTY FOR TWO

CHAPTER 14- A PARTY FOR TWO

[A year and a half later]

I've noticed that father has been out of the palace more often, It's about that time, isn't it?

Where the female lead returns home.

I stared into my vanity mirror, a familiar sad face staring back at me. I knew this would happen but I'm scared...

Will farther truly replace me once she comes into the picture? Maybe I've gotten too attached.

"Lucia's birthday should be soon," I whisper under my breath.

knock

knock

knock

"Come in."

"M'lady his highness wishes to speak with you."

"Father?" For some reason his name came out bitterly from my lips; I have a bad feeling about this

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It's been a while since my father spoke in the gardens picnic area like this, It feels like he's slipping away from me.

"Sovvia"

I felt my heart clench

"How would you feel about having a sibling?" With that dreaded question, I immediately spat out my tea.

"Are you alright?" He asked in an unenthusiastic tone

"I'm alright father, you just caught me off guard..."

"Do you truly hate the idea?" Moment of truth. I might as well be honest

"It's not that I hate the idea, it's just I worry that father might replace me" I looked up to see his reaction, he seemed surprised by that response.

I felt tears well up in my eyes; He was still staring at me.

"That's not something you should be worrying about." Father turned his head to the side hiding his face, But it couldn't hide the blush plastered on his face.

I'm not sure what it was but hearing him say those words made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

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I sat in my father's office watching him do work but despite my calm expression, the worry was beginning to way on me.

Alright, something strange is happening, the female lead should have appeared by now? Her 8th birthday is coming up soon as well. Is my memory incorrect?

The female lead should be here by now and the emperor throws her a grand party!

"I forgot to mention, there's a party held for a noble lady and I will be sponsoring it per request."

"Whos the party for exactly?" the most 'sincere' smile appeared on my face

I emperor tensed up at that leaning back into his chair

"I don't recall her name" He stated rather sheepishly

Yeah, I'm not buying that! Well, it seems like the story may have diverted a bit of track but Father still sponsoring her party... So I guess I had nothing to worry about.

But at the same time, this is exactly what I should be worrying about!

"Would you mind attending? We don't have to stay there for long. Just to make our presence known."

This may be a bad decision but I'm somewhat curious as to how it all plays out

"I know you haven't yet debuted into society and it's uncommon for an imperial family member or holds or even attend gatherings like this but.."

"Yes, father Id love to go!" I smiled enthusiastically

Fathers right. Despite being recognized as a princess by the emperor I haven't held a birthday party or gone to any events other than the Atherian banquet.

But there have been rumors swirling around lately. Rumors mainly surround Lucia as there has been talking about a young princess living in the sapphire palace. Whereas from my knowledge, the party will be held without Lucia's last name; so there will be no confirmation till her official debut.

"So when is this being held, father?"

"It's being held in a week's time."

A week's time...

In all honesty, that's not a very long time and now I'm starting to worry. The story is changing rapidly so almost anything could go down at this party.

I turned to my father who has resumed writing.

"Father who will be attending this gathering?"

He looked back up at me "I'm not aware of all of their names but the 4 families should be attending since it is hosted by the imperial family."

You're kidding. You're the emperor yet you don't recall the 4 great families' names???

The 4 great families, all-powerful nobility. However, despite their power all 4 of them put together could not outmatch the empire's imperial family.

It's the main reason they've been able to run free for so long. Father doesn't consider them much of a threat.

Sorren Godswind is also a part of one of those families. Out of all the families, the Godswinds are arguably the most powerful, it's the main reason why Sorren's father gets the ability to request audiences with the emperor. In a pathetic attempt to kiss up to father.

I wonder will this turn out to be the male lead's first-ever interaction with the female lead?

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A week. One whole week to prepare me.

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I arose from my bed just like any other morning to my maids knocking on my door.

"Good morning mlady!"

"Goodmorning to you as well, but didn't I tell you to call my Lucia" I giggled

"You're too kind mlady!" The maids smiled

The butler entered as I hopped off my bed

"Mlady your breakfast is ready." He said bowing as my maids helped me get dressed.

With one final brush of my hair, I exited my room, being escorted down the beautiful hallway with the butler reading my schedule.

"Your birthday ball has been prepared fully, we just got full confirmation from the imperil family to host it." The butler continued as I gazed out of the glass windows into the well-kept garden

Of course, we got permission. I'm an imperial family member.

I am the female lead after all.