Chapter 7 - A night Festival?

"It was indeed a great experience to have my mother's friend attend today's tea party.

"I learned how great can a lady look from Duchess Matthias."

The green house, tea party with Eveline , host- Hannah and our little princess Andrea were over .

It was a memorable day , with a new friend introduced to Little Andrea .

She was not eager to meet Eveline's son- Rachel Matthias.

She was always calm and composed , was pure and elegant like a morning dew resting on rose petals.

Her face shined like the bright sun and her skin was white as cow milk.

Cute Andrea , had one setback.

She had less friendly conversations with her family as she did not know how to chat freely ,she was oddly very mature for her age .

A child who should play and who should be curious about , colour of flowers. Smell of food , taste of mud and fruits, was always bothered by something. She was always in alert and wary of her surroundings.

She always maintained a servant -Lady relation with all maids .

But a baby would be curious even if they act matured.

One day a maid named Marina told her

" Miss , do you know about the night festival that will be held in two days?"

Baby Andrea ,though it was mature for her age , still had the mind of a child .

Hearing the word festival ,the alertness she held her whole life , well its three years , vanished .

She asked curiously, " festival. What is that? What happens during the festival?"

The maid smiled sweetly like a honey trap laid carefully and replied in a sweet voice, " my young miss , a festival is where you can enjoy a lot of different and unique things . Yummy food , beautiful street decorations, bright light ,many people who are friendly and firecrackers."

She was not interested in visiting crowded places ,nor was she interested in yummy food .

She just nodded and said, " I see."

Noticing that she had no interest in the festival, maid spoke again,

" Miss , you can visit the festival with Duke and Duchess. You can spend some lovely time with them and get closer to them ."

Hearing the words 'getting closer to them , her face shined .

She asked, " getting close to moma and dad.

How? Will they like to spend time with me keeping aside their work?"

She always wanted to have a close relation with her family .But she never knew how to develop that close relation .

For little Andrea this was an opportunity, she cannot miss.

The maid spoke

" Young Lady , please try your best . I am sure they will not refuse your small request of visiting the night festival."

Little Andrea trusted the maid , she ordered Marina to lead her to the duke's office .

As usual Duke was busy with his work .

His assistant Dyan -35 years old and a loyal vassal of Kovinsons Dukedome was standing beside him . Helping with the paperwork.

Seeing young Andrea entering, Dyan greeted her " Good morning, young lady. "

She smiled at him, " I hope you have a good day .Please keep helping father ."

"Yes ,young lady. That is my duty ."

Dyan replied with a polite tone , and bowing to her.

"Oh , My little princess, did you miss Father? Is that why you came here." The Duke asked with a playful voice .

He seemed extremely happy ,to see his lovely daughter come to visit him first .

He stood from his seat , rushed towards her who was walking with her tiny feet in proper etiquette.

He picked her up , and wrapped her in his string arm .

It was warm , she felt warmth and love from those big sturdy hands of the Duke.

She knew these hands would protect her always.

"Father, what are you doing ? Let me down , I have to greet you . "

Her face was flushed . She was embarrassed and happy to be carried by her father . But she did not wish to lose the image of an elegant lady in front of the maids.

Seeing her face red as a tomato the duke spoke, " pfftt , my princess is so cute . Daddy doesn't want to keep you down. But I would be sadder if my princess gets angry , so this time I will keep you back down ."

Saying this the Duke placed her,on the floor gently .

Once her shoes touched the ground she bowed a little in courtesy and spoke, "Greeting, Father . I hope you always stay healthy ."

"Haha ,if my daughter says so ,I am sure I will be healthy ." The Duke said with a broad smile on his face.

then he asked is a sweet and caring voice

" Andrea , did you come here because you missed me , or is there something you wish to have?"

She smiled, " Father , I always miss , you . But today I came to meet you with a special purpose in my mind ."

The Duke was confused "purpose? What purpose, my princess?"