─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Before I could respond to Isaiah, Marina walked closer to us-giving me the visual cue to wrap our conversation up.
"Seems like our time is up, Princess. Same time, same place?" Isaiah questioned while quickly getting up, extending his arm as he leaned down in front of me.
I nodded as he gently helped me up.
"See you tomorrow and rest well, Amie."
"See you tomorrow, Zay." I waved, walking away.
I would occasionally turn around to see if Isaiah was still under the tree. After the third glance, he vanished in thin air.
As usual, I had my bath- followed by the nightly writing session.
I was finally tucked in bed, waiting for Marina to turn off the candle before taking her leave.
"I invited Isaiah to my birthday. I know it is only going to be us two. But It will be too lonely. I hope that's okay." I said aloud before Marina walked further away from my bedside.
Marina froze for a brief moment before she turned around.
"Yes, of course. That sounds like a perfect idea, Princess." Marina's voice cracked while displaying a distressful expression.
"May the moon and stars bless you with a restful slumber, Princess."
"Good night, Marina."
She's been acting strange lately. Now that I think about it, She seems more tired than usual. She usually keeps to herself. However, these past few weeks, she is often seen with many maids and butlers. They are constantly comparing colors and food items. Just last week, I saw her with a lot of documentation, leaving daddy's office. She must have been seeing Han han… hmm... Why are Hansol and my nanny seeing each other in secret? Unless… NO WAY. MARINA AND HAN HAN… ARE THEY INTERESTED IN EACH OTHER?!
.
.
.
.
A month passed in a flash. Staying busy does that, I guess. I was supposed to be getting a mage to train my ability and the mana in my body. However, Han han told me that the imperial mage got in big trouble for suggesting such a change without his approval. Luckily, my mana has been kept under control, so that's a good sign.
I sighed deeply, staring at my balcony window, only to see darkness.
Damn.
I tossed and turned all night long, and on my birthday- I am going to be an exhausted mess. Why of all days? No matter. There are just going to be a few people to celebrate my 6th birthday. Whatever.
I laid on my back, looking at the beautiful mural on my ceiling.
6-years-old, huh? Eleven years younger than my previous life.
I closed my eyes and began to think about my birthdays as Melanie. A million flashbacks all came to me at once. But, what stuck out the most was, in fact- my 6th birthday. We were evicted from our apartment that very same day. The landlord and her husband tossed our belongings out the window, shouting profanities, while passerby's and neighbors watched in disgust. With no other family to help us, we stayed at a shelter nearby.
A hot tear streamed down on the side of my cheek. I slowly opened my eyes and turned towards the balcony window once again.
Finally, the sun is coming up.
I carefully crawled out of bed and opened my french balcony doors. A gust of calm wind gently hit my face.
"Happy birthday Melanie, happy birthday, Amara." I mumbled to myself.
I went back inside, walking towards my bed.
What is that sound? Are they the guards outside my door? I can hear voices… but why this early?' I questioned myself as I jumped into bed.
I could see the doorknob turn slowly.
In a panic, I quickly covered myself with the thick cover and closed my eyes, pretending to be asleep.
"Let's remain quiet as best as we can. We have a hectic day ahead of us. So whisper as softly as you can."
"Yes… of course. Do we have everything we need?"
"Jessline, go prepare the bath. Kassey, grab the skincare."
"How about this necklace? This will suit the colors we chose for the birthday banquet."
"SHHH! You are going to wake up the Princess."
"Speak for yourself. Your whispers are just as loud!"
"How about this one? The color is calming and elegant. Just like our Princess."
"Are you serious? Is she a fairy? This is the Princess of Giodivonia! The daughter of our mighty emperor! She is not some random princess from a small kingdom!"
"Where is Marina? She said she was heading downstairs to get the dress she chose for the banquet today."
WHAT IS GOING ON?! There are at least 10 maids in my room right now, without a doubt! Birthday banquet?! Hold on, what is going on here?!
I slowly peaked through the covers out of curiosity.
1..2, 3,4,5...6,7...8..9…..10….11?! 12… 13 maids in my room?!
I quickly covered my head once again to avoid suspicion.
A door is opening. Another maid, maybe?
"Marina, you came with the dress! It is from the empire's imperial fashion designer! My… his majesty's personal fashion designer to make the Princess her very own dress."
"Enough talking. Let's wake up the Princess. We have to make her look more than perfect. It's not just any birthday banquet. It will be her first appearance to nobles and society as the Princess of Giodivonia."