Suddenly, I noticed the duchess smile as she looked towards a particular direction in the crowd.
My eyes followed her line of sight to land on a conspicuous patch of reddish brown hair weaving through the crowd.
'Oh no.' I lowered my head and took a few steps back in order to escape before he reached the duchess. 'Wait. Why am I running away? Didn't he say that he wouldn't talk to me? What do I have to fear? He's not gonna annoy me anymore...'
Thinking so, I stood my ground and stayed still.
The second prince approached the Duchess and said, "Many happy returns of the day, Aunt. May you live a long and blessed life." Handing her a small box of jewelry, he continued. "I didn't know what you would like so I just designed a simple pendant for you. I hope you like it."
"Oh, such a thoughtful child. But aren't I too old to put on such things... And you personally designed it too..." She exclaimed, delighted.
"What are you saying? In my eyes my aunt will always be young and pretty. You are young. Right, Aster....." Then, as if realizing that he wasn't supposed to talk to me, he coughed lightly. "Anyway, you're pretty, Aunt."
His smart aunt didn't miss my name in his words. "Oh, do you two know each other?"
Before he could say anything, I smiled brightly. "Hello, your highness. It has been a while."
Luis simply turns his head away from me. 'This guy...'
The duchess looked from him to me and then once again at him. " Did you two have a fight...?"
I shook my head quickly. "No, Aunty. His Highness isn't someone whom a person like me can fight with. Where is his status and where is mine!" I exclaimed, feeling sweat trickle down my neck.
'Please don't push me into trouble.'
"Where was my status when you scolded me last week like I was a child? Humph!" He crossed his arms and puffed up his cheeks. "I'm not talking to Aster"
'Who are you fooling with that childish act...'
"Ara? I didn't know the both of you were such good friends."
'She's buying it!!! Ξ£(γγγ;)'
I glared at him and he stuck his tongue out.
Suddenly, someone grabbed my arm from the side. "Lady Saravelle! It's been a while since the last time we met. Come on let's go meet up with the other ladies." She bowed her head. "Seeking for permission from Duchess and his Highness to take Lady Saravelle away."
" Go ahead. You girls enjoy!" The duchess smiled as she sent me off.
I was dragged away before I had a chance to speak. I looked towards the girl that was acting friendly with me in front of the duchess. "Who are you?"
"Why should I tell you? I don't know what you were talking about but how dare you get so close to the second prince?! Know your place!"
I looked at the girl from top to bottom. She knows who I am and still dares to threaten me, she's definitely of higher status than me. Brown hair, pale skin, soft brown eyes and really beautiful... The only girl about fifteen years of age with these features and higher status than me is... Lady Roberts, daughter of Duke Roberts.
I looked at the prince with an expression of grievance. 'Just who have you gotten me in trouble with...!'