"Oh, why don't you wear something pink? You look so gorgeous in pink," My mother chirped, as she buzzed around like a teenager in love, throwing clothes around, holding them up, shaking her head, and then untidily putting them back inside the closet.
"Mother, it's just a birthday ceremony,' I said, horribly failing to contain the frustration from leaking into my tone. "Don't we have it like every year? There will be food, as tasteless as plain rice. Those pesky nobles who in reality, don't give a single fuck about it, only present to lick father's a—
"SERA!" she cut in abruptly, her voice stern, resonating throughout the room. "We are not doing this. Not now."
A shudder ran down my spine as I looked up, meeting her narrowed eyes filled with what I could only make out as indignation.
I gulped.
My mother's wrath was well known in our family and the last thing I wanted was to be on the receiving end of her ire. Even my father, the almighty king of the Melbourne kingdom, avoided testing her patience.
"It's a coming-of-age ceremony, different from our usual palace gatherings. After all, It is not every day you turn 16," she said, luckily for me, going back to rummaging through my closet. "We're also expecting guests from the Ivory Kingdom. So be on your best behaviour today."
It took a moment for her words to register, but when they did, it felt as if someone had doused a bucket of cold water over my head, instantly dispelling the morning dizziness.
"What do you mean by that?" I asked solemnly, my face twisting into a scowl. I didn't like where this was going.
"Huh? What could I possibly m—
"Mom!" I interrupted, staring blankly at her, dead into her eyes.
"Alright, alright," she sighed in defeat. "Well, Coincidentally enough, the king of the Ivory Kingdom has a son just your age.
"When your father sent out the invitations for today's event, we weren't sure if they'd even send someone. But just last night, we found out that their representative is going to be him."
"Sera, Isn't that great?" Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, appearing almost overwhelmed with happiness.
'What a scam,' I clicked my tongue dejectedly.
"I've heard that he is quite a looker, and what's more, he even has talent for sorcery. Darling, I bet many girls are already fawni—
"Hell no, not happening, never."
"Let me complete!" she warned, her joyous expression evaporating into a glare.
"Hmm," I huffed, still not convinced.
I had just turned 16. There was no way I was going to marry some stranger, no matter if he was a prince or even a powerful sorcerer. Besides... I already had someone else in my heart.
"The royal family of the Ivory Kingdom has been trying to deepen ties with us for more than a decade already," she said. "Naturally, we wouldn't turn down a friendly hand from another powerhouse. Sending one of the potential heirs to the throne just to attend your coming-of-age ceremony further shows how sincere they are."
"But Mom, I've only turned 16!" I protested. "Aren't all nobles supposed to attend the magic academy at this age? Do you want me to focus on him rather than sorcery? Besides, didn't elder brother also reject the proposal with their eldest princess? Why should it be any different for me?"
"Sera, your brother has a divine-class potential in sorcery. I assure you, if you turn out to be even half as good as him, you would be an invaluable asset for our own kingdom and family, and there is absolutely no way we would marry you to a foreign country."
"And besides all of this, do you actually think your mother is cruel enough to marry you off to someone against your wishes?" She asked, a sorrowful expression appearing on her face, looking magnificently wounded.
My eyes twitched. Sometimes I wondered if my mother used to be a part of an acting troupe before marrying my father.
"Darling, we're not asking you to marry him right now. He's just coming to attend the ceremony. Just try to get along with him and maybe befriend him. After all, just like you, he will also be attending the magic academy this year," she said airily.
"And who knows, he might even end up in your class. If you still don't like him even then, well...we will just assume it wasn't meant to be."
I considered for a moment and then nodded in agreement. It sounded feasible.
"After all, there are many other potential candidates," She muttered in a low voice, but I could still hear what she said
Despite the dizziness clouding my mind, I angrily threw off the blanket and sat up.
"Ohh for god of light's sake, Sera. how many times have I told you not to sleep naked?" My mother gasped.
My eyes twinkled in confusion at her remark. Following her gaze, I looked downward, the sight of my exposed breasts revealing before me.
The early morning sunlight filtered through the window, bestowing upon them a warm and radiant glow. They stood tall, like a snow-covered peak proudly basking in the sun's embrace. The subtle elevation of my rosy nipples mirrored the graceful ascent of a mountain summit.
A sense of pride swelled within me. Despite my petite figure, they were bigger and chubbier than most of the girls my age, a fact I had learned from my maid.
Their silk-like softness and ample proportions perfectly complemented my alabaster white skin, leaving me with a deep sense of satisfaction.
'Hehe,' With a smirk, I rose from the bed and pushed past my mother into the closet, grabbing the first thing that didn't look overly radiant and tossing it on.
"Sera, what are yo—
Ignoring her cry of protest, I pushed her out of my room before closing the door.
"SERA! I want your ass down here before the celebration begins, or you'll be facing some serious consequences!" She shouted from the other side of the door.
I couldn't help but sigh, "Well, happy birthday Sera."