The day of the banquet is coming. The noble ladies in the kingdom busied their selves in finding beautiful gowns and dresses. No one wants to be ugly for this is their chance to find their target partner.
While others are busy,Shanaia practice her talent which is talking to the plants "-".
She's with little treasure. She plan to heed to the forest after the banquet. She needs to find something. She wants to explore and find something that can help her awaken her bloodline, she knows that this is not really what she've got. It's impossible for her not to even have the slightest of her parents power. She can't give up if she wants to be strong and not to be look down and be bullied.
When she practice her inner force last night she feel something. And someone is calling her in a very faint voice. If she didn't listen to it carefully she will mistake it as a wail of some small animals.
She need something that can stimulate her self. She has been reading a lot of books lately. And she found some useful information about awakening someone's power.
The day of the banquet arrive. All the people in the palace is so busy. They need to oversee and make sure that the event tonight will be successful. The King's thought is unpredictable. No one knows what is he thinking with his sudden decision.
When the clock strike to 5, the door of the Pavilion was opened widely. Almost all the nobles had arrive.
"Count Henry and His lovely daughter has arrive"- one of the King's men announces when father and I arrive.
All the people in the hall turned their head towards the entrance. What they saw made their jaws drop. Eyes almost popped out from the socket. Their reaction are really exaggerating. A little bit comical. Who would not be surprise if the person they saw is no other than the protected daughter of the Count. A lot of rumors fly around the kingdom about this beautiful yet spoiled lady of the Count household. The lady walk like she is just taking some stroll to her back garden. Like an etheral being. To said that her beauty can much to a goddess is not an exaggeration. She truly is beautiful. Although she is small but her features can't even compared to an adult noble lady. Walk like a fairy ..her every step shout elegance and her aura that is very unique that you can't take your eyes away from her if you look at her direction. She has this natural aura that even the princess can't much. An aura of someone that did not belong to this world.
Not longer after the commotion the King arrive together with his queen.
"Greetings to His Majesty And His Queen."- the people in the hall stood up and bend their knees to greet the King and the Queen.
"Rise" the King said while looking at the back specifically to the count table. He didn't say anything other than that but his eyes flash for a split second before it become normal.
The next one who arrived are the Duke household. When the assistant of the King announces the arrival of the Duke and his family, the people stood in anticipation. This is the first time that the whole Dukedom attend a banquet.
The noble ladies are very excited. Finally their chance has arrived.
The Baron and his family and all officials has a face full of excitement.
If they're lucky maybe they can connect to the dukedom through marriage.
The Duke come out from the entrance together with His wife, the dutches.
Followed by the Heir and the two brothers Tyler and Tyreece.
They greet the King and the Queen before they proceed to their table.
When the Heir swept his cold eyes to the hall, the noisy atmosphere become deadly silent. The people hold their breath afraid that they will anger the Heir who is known to be ruthless. Even the King can't control him much less the Duke itself.
The last people who arrive are the King's son's and daughters.
"The Crown Prince has arrived"- announces the King's assistant.
Followed by his sisters and brothers.
"The Prince's and Princesses has arrived"
"Greetings to His highness the Crown Prince and to the Prince and Princesses of Lanscanter"all the people in the hall bowed their head and greeted except for the King and Queen of course.
The Crown Prince and his siblings just nod.
"Rise" the crown prince said and after, walk to his parents side and before taking his seat he bowed his head. Followed by his younger siblings.
"Father, Mother"- they greeted in unison.
The King Just nod while the Queen smiled and held her son's hand and take also her daughter's hand.
"Stand up my dear children. Mother really misses you all. "The queen said with a happy tone while a smile plastered on her beautiful face. Her children just arrived. She didn't see them for a few days since they're busy with their own matters.
The King also look at His children with a hint of smile on his face.
Not long later the banquet began. All the people who attended has their gifts in their hands. No matter big or small they want to express their good will towards the future ruler of this kingdom.
The Crown Prince stood up and went to the center of the hall. The crowd went silent and look at him.
"I'm happy that all of you came to my birthday banquet. Though there are a lot of things happens this fast few days that made the heart of the people in panic but worry not because the matter has been dealt with." The Crown Prince said with a serious expression on his face. He really look like his father the King when it comes to his aura and bearing.
The people got their heart at ease when they heard the Crown Prince word that the troubling matter about the bridge and dark magic users has been dealt with. As expected of the Royal family they are quick in taking action. Not even a week had past but the matter has been solved.
After the Crown Prince speech he went to the Duke table and began his conversation to the Heir of the Dukedom.
In the Count table the Viscount two daughters are busy conversing with the Imperial head's daughter and the Count lovely daughter.
They're happily eating. Hmm..the food in the palace are really delicious they all thought.
Bea, the Baron's illegitimate daughter was having a conversation with the other noble ladies when Lily her half sister join in the conversation. She frown but never said anything and just slightly lowered her head. But a lot of ideas are now forming in her small head and cunning brain.
She already found her target, if she want to get out from the Baron clutches she needs a powerful backing. And no family is perfect candidate than the duke household. Though the people in the duke household are very much scary but she believe that she can tame them.. Or that was her thought..even the duke can't control his son's how can she a mere illegitimate daughter can? She really think herself highly. Even the King is wary towards the Duke heir..tsk!
While Shannaia is eating she didn't pay attention to her surroundings. The Prince's and Princesses also came to the Count's table. Not a handful of people knows that the count families has a close ties with the royal family.
"Greetings to the Prince's and Princesses of Lancanster Kingdom"- the four stood in unison and bowed.
"Naia, why didn't you come at our table? We waited you for so long. Eldest sister is so anxious to see you and have a good chat with you." Princess Roxanne said with a very aggrieve tone. She really like Shannaia so much that if the Count didn't against the royal families decision in adopting Naia and make her their younger siblings they already done preparing the papers a long time ago. The royal siblings treat Naia as their sister. Especially the Crown Prince. He spoiled Naia too much that even his younger siblings get envious sometimes but they didn't hate Naia instead they pamper her too. Whenever and whatever they had, the first thing they thought is to give it to their adorable little sister Naia. They competed for her attention along with the Marques sons.
Naia is such a sweet little girl when she was still a kid. The King and Queen adores her so much that they didn't hold back in giving gifts and whatnots to the adorable kid.
Since Naia is much younger than them ( The prince's and princesses)they like to pamper her and make her their doll. They like to dress her up and brought her to play. And since she is friends with the viscounts daughter and the Imperial heads daughter they too tag along with them.
So they are familiar with each other.
"Elder sister Roxanne don't be sad. I didn't go there because a lot of people are watching. I'm afraid I can't come out to this banquet with an intact body. Look, all the noble ladies are now shooting dagger's look to me. If looks could kill. I'm already dead a thousand times." I comforted her. Even second sister Rose also look aggrieve. This pair of siblings really is..hmm..I don't want to think anymore. One of the reason why I didn't want to attend a gathering like this is because of this. The Royal siblings are so much in to pampering me..it makes me feel like a fragile glass that when it fell, it broke.
I'm kinda feed up with all my cousin brothers added with the royal siblings, one really wish to hide and run away. I don't want to be the target of hate and envy of all the noble ladies in the Imperial capital. And oh..there is also the crazy Crown Prince. He pampered me to the bones that earned me the hatred of the baron daughter. I really garnered all the attention of all the people in the kingdom courtesy to the Royal family.
I am the only exception when it comes to calling the royal families title. The royal siblings forbid me from calling them Prince and Princess but since I'm stubborn they compromise but only if there are a lot of outsider I can call them with their proper title.
They just nod when Annie and Jasmine greeted earlier.
Reeliegh is now frowning. He scanned his surroundings and frowned deeply. He hated the looks of the nobles towards their direction. Even Prince Rio creased hir forehead.
"Oh..little Naia. I have a good news! I heard father talk to Uncle Henry and convince him to send you to the Academy. " Princess Rose said. Her eyes lit up. She hooks her arms towards mine and pulled me to her side.
My eyes brighten. Finally. I'm bored at the house. I want to get a breather. Entering the Academy is a good choice. And I can finally experience what is really a real student do in school. And I can also be with my friends and cousin's.
"Really? You're not pulling my leg? really? really?"- I asked excitedly. I also saw my three friends happy face. Well, they wish it too, long ago. Instead of an answer coming from Sister Rose we heard a light chuckle. I turned my head around and oh not only me but all of us turned our heads from the sound of chuckling. There, the Crown Prince and the three brothers from the dukedom are coming towards our direction.The chuckle we heard come from the Duke Heir.
"Little imp. I haven't seen you for a while. You've grown too big that I want to hide you from my pocket."- the Crown Prince said and pat my head. I pout my lips and glared at him. My hair!
He just smiled.
"Greetings to His highness the Crown Prince. Happy birthday, we wish you a happy and blessed life together with the King, Queen and the Royal Siblings"- the three greeted except Naia. The Crown Prince just nod acknowledging them.
"Greetings to the Heir of the Duke, Second and Third Young Masters Crux"- I, Jasmine, Annie and Janine greeted. The three brothers just nod.
Just one look from the crown Prince. The four girls understood and started to introduce their selves. When the three brothers come to their table the Royal siblings except for the crown Prince shut their mouth and refrain their actions. Even them are afraid of the Heir. Who would not? The Heir is so scary. He kills without mercy.
If you angered him prefer your head to separate from your neck and roll to the ground with your eyes open.
The last one to introduce her self is Shannaia.
"Greetings to the Heir and young Masters. I am Shannaia Bethany Wilson, Count Henry Wilson's daughter."- she said politely and held her skirt and bow her head.
"What an adorable kitten"- the Heir murmured.
A light flash from the Crown Prince eyes.
The two Crux brothers also introduce their selves.
In the middle of their conversation the King's assistant went to the platform and said the words that the nobles are waiting for, the announcement coming from the King.
"Apologies from the interruption but the King has an announcement to make."
The King went to the center and raised his hand. Signaling to keep quite. The crowd went silent and focus their gaze towards King Raphael. Their hearts beats fast like they come from a marathon.
"I'm grateful to all the officials who attended the Crown Prince banquet. I will not talk much coz I know all of you are very eager to know what is this announcement that even my wife the Queen urge me to tell her" the King said while chuckling. You can see the amusement dancing in his eyes. The Queen blush. This husband of mine! She scowled in her mind but her facial expression remained smiling.
"This King ..." The King said in suspense.
"wants to bestowed a marriage to the Heir of the Duke and to the daughter of the Count, Shannaia Bethany Wilson" the King throw a bomb that even the Queen and the Royal siblings can't hold to maintain their elegant appearance. Mouth wide open, eyes popping. The announcement is really jaw dropping. No one expected this announcement to be like this. The Count and the Marquis families face are very dark. Like a bottom of a couldron.
"Father!"- The Crown Prince said with a very very dark and scary face. How can his father so hateful to really send their lovely little sister to a tiger's den? Is their father Muddleheaded? Is his father's brain eaten by a dog? Or a pig? Even the Queen stand up from her seat and almost fall if not because of the maid that hold her fast, she will really fall and kiss the floor hard. Bastard! She thought. She grind her teeth and glared her husband. Hmmp. I'm mad! Don't talk to me. That words were written all over her face. After the emperor throw this bomb he went back from his seat to be meet by the Queen's glaring eyes. Everyone knows what kind of person the Heir of the Duke is. Queen Leonora and Selene, Shannaia's mother are best of friends. And she likes this daughter of her friend so much that she wanted to adopt her if not for the Count who is very against her decision. This hateful bastard! She really want to rip her husband head and look what kind of parasite eat his brain that made him decide this horrible bestowment.
Not just the royal family who are very shock but all people in the hall. Including the Duke and his wife.
The noble ladies reaction can't be said to be exaggeration but they really look like they just eaten a poop right now. Only Lily the daughter of the Baron household is very happy. She no longer have a rival in His highness the Crown Prince attention. Shannaia is like a thorn in her eyes. Bea the illegitimate daughter,clinch her hand so hard that her fingers bound/burried deep in her flesh. The King destroyed her plan. Tyron's eyes flash but turn to look normal after.
Hmm. 'This King is really bold to bestowed me a marriage with a little kitten.' The shadow guards really admired the boldness of the King. He really has big guts to bestow a marriage to their Master. They admire Him at the same time took pity on him. Your life ahead King will bound to be thorny and rocky you just provoke a tiger with a belly full of tricks. His masters mind is like a fox. No one can scape after he set his eyes on his target. They shook their head. What a great drama ahead that awaits them. Their days will be fun from now on.
The Count face is very dark. If not for his daughter holding him back with a pleading gaze he already dash towards the King's direction and kill him. He really hate the King right now. His lovely and adorable daughter. How can His majesty do a cruel thing like sending his daughter to her doom.
After the shock. The Duke and Dutchess recover and smiled. They are very satisfied with their soon to be daughter in law. Such a lovely little girl. The more they look at their son the more they saw him pleasing to the eyes. They nag their son about getting married but their son always dodge the subject that made the duchess very sad and wanted to strangle him.
The one who is very shock is Shannaia. She really never thought that His Majesty will throw a bomb like this. She had a very bad feeling earlier when the King look at their direction when the banquet just started. She has a little bit of idea about the King's announcement but she never thought that she will be involved. Bea is now shooting dagger looks towards her. No need to turn her head for she already know that all the noble ladies are now looking at her with lots of ideas forming on their heads on how to eliminate her. She really can't pathom what His Majesty is thinking.
The Crown Prince walked out with a dark face followed by the Second Prince and Third Prince. The two Princess held their mother and also left the hall. The banquet ended just like that. With the Crown Prince walking out with a dark face.
The hall is in chaos. King Raphael also left but didn't glance towards the count's direction for fear that he might see the hatred in his best friend eyes. No one can understand his decision except 'him'.
After the other nobles left. The Marquis and Count Henry also left. The Marquis and his family went to the ancestral home. They need to plan what to do next and also inform their mother.
Marquis Harold held his aching head. He knows the coming days will be chaotic.
Their mother also. He really don't know how to explain this things to his mother. He knows that his brother is not in a good state of mind right now so the task of explaining will fall onto him. The three brothers also not in the mood especially his eldest son. His wife is not in good mood after they left the banquet. She is not talking and just stare outside in daze. He is the only one left who is not in the state like them. Though he is shocked earlier but he recovered fast. He needs to stay calm to stand on his family. He is the eldest son.
He needs to be in a right condition for them not to fall deep in their emotions. He is the only one who can pull them to be back in their right mind.
While the whole Kingdom is in chaos. A certain heir is leisurely drinking his tea.
"Shadow 2" he called. Shadow two appeared in his side.
"Young Master" Shadow two bowed and greeted him.
"From now on you and Little three will to guard 'Her'. I don't want to hear any accident happen to her. And remember. If even just a tiny little hair will to fall from her head I will hold you two in account." He said in a cold voice.