Today was the actual day of my birthday. And I was in for a surprise. Mother and father had prepared a lot of stuff. This was the first birthday they are celebrating with me. It was quite an important day for our whole family. The second-day celebrations don't start until the evening so we have the whole morning to spend with my family.
The second-day celebrations consist of a masquerade ball/ banquet where people would hide their actual identity and have fun on the dance floor. They were just wearing a mask, and it's quite obvious who is who at the ball.
I would enter the hall with Father and we would have our first dance signifying the beginning of the ball. After that, I'm free to dance with whoever I want. Other people will also join in on the dance floor. I've been practising my dance skills for about two months so hopefully, I don't step on their toes. I mean even before I came here, I knew how to dance so it should be okay.
In a few months, it will mark the first year I've arrived at the Theodo kingdom. Although I do miss my home, I think I'm starting to get used to life here. Here I can see my parents who look exactly the same as mine in the proper world. I have siblings here and I have quite a lot of friends. My life here is totally different compared to home. Perhaps I wouldn't want to leave.
I pulled the rope on my bedside table, this rope was connected to a bell that would alert Annie or Alice that I needed them. I think it's time for me to get up. Father did mention he wanted to have breakfast together.
"Good morning Your Highness," commented Alice as she walked in with a basin for me to wash my face. "Good morning," I replied. "Happy birthday Princess. We wanted to get you a little gift, but it's not anything expensive," announced Annie as she handed me a small box wrapped in blue wrapping. "Aww, you guys didn't have to," I muttered opening the present. I never knew they got me something. As I opened the box, I saw a pendant with a clover sign. It was very pretty.
"Thank you guys so much," I commented hugging them. I know it's against protocol to hug them but I wanted to thank them for this gift. It wasn't an expensive gift but it came from their heart. Sometimes, that's all that matters
"Tell me when your birthdays are, I'll also get you a gift," I explained. Alice shook her head and replied, "Princess, we wanted to get you a gift not to ask for anything back. YOu don't have to get us a gift back in return,". I shook my head, I could understand why they would think that, but I didn't mean it like that. I only wanted to get them a gift because they've been with me for a while. "No no, I only want to get you guys a gift because, from the very day you serve me, you guys have been nothing but kind and helpful to me," I explained, "So please tell me when your birthday is,". They looked at each other, smiled and replied "May 13,". Ok, I will remember to get them a gift on that day.
They proceeded to help me get dressed and brush my hair out a little. I was going to wear a pastel red coloured dress that went up to my knees. I didn't need to get too done up as I needed to change for the banquet later. They also helped brush my hair.
After a few minutes, I left my room and headed to the dining room. As the maids opened the door, I noticed that all my family members were already there waiting for me. "Good morning, Grandmother, Father, Mother, Aunty Jasmine..." I greeted whilst curtsying. They all smiled and chorused, "Happy Birthday, Camilla,". "Thank you," I muttered whilst sitting down.
My whole family was here to have a birthday breakfast with me. Somehow it made my heart feel very fuzzy and warm. During these few months I have gotten very close with my cousins and my brothers. My cousins weren't like anything the book described them as. In the book, Lilianne and Leilani (My cousins) were described as snobby, snuck up, ignorant and always used their status to do whatever they want. But after knowing them, I know this isn't true. they are the nicest people ever. And I've never seen them be rude to a maid or anyone.
Now that I think about it, many things are quite different to the book. I wonder why the events are changing. Is it because of my appearance?