5 Ch5- The Past Part 4

After I got adopted, me and my friends got to practice making our debut at the banquet. The Banquet was still 7 months away. I had got a little training while being a Duke since I was the only child to the Bourgeois. I would almost instantaneously be prepared for when I do have to take after my father.

Even though it's better for me to marry someone, I would still need to learn how to be a duchess. My parents didn't want me to get married to some random guy that I didn't like myself. In addition, I had to learn how to be a Duchess for when I do get married.

Books were our friends for anything even though we didn't like to read we only had books. Since we weren't given any teachers. Everyone in the manor worked hard for us. We were fortunate that so many people tried to help us.

I felt bad for everyone who worked their hardest, but I felt really bad for my parents. They tried their absolute best to provide for us and taught us what we needed to know without any teachers. Since we wanted to keep our identities hidden. They worked so hard for us...

Even though it seemed like too much was happening, I had some time to spend with my friends. I tried my best not to be a nuisance to my parents. Whenever I did spend time with my parents, I made sure that they could relax and enjoy themselves. It was the least I could do for them.

I remember father having the guards train a lot in the manor, but I didn't know why at the time. A month before the banquet, father hired more knights for our protection. This is when I met Mark, my personal knight.

"Dad?" You called for us?" I said as I looked at the training grounds.

I haven't been here in a while and was unsure of whether or not dad was near. That's probably because I've been inside practicing a lot for the banquet.

"Zola, Max, and Cara!" Dad said in a much more clear voice. "As you may know I've been working with the guards a lot." Me and my friends nodded our heads.

"That's because I did that for your protection. I also hired some more guards in incase you haven't already noticed. Perhaps, Zola, you would feel safer with a personal knight by your side..?"

"Dad did you really-" I saw my dad nod his head aggressively.

"This is Mark, but if you don't want a knight, then we can work something out. I thought since you and your friends are with each other a lot, you'll soon present yourself as my daughter. Maybe having a knight next to your side would be good for you and your friends."

"Dad, I don't mind unless Cara and Max want their own-" Max quickly covered my mouth. I saw Cara mouthing the words no out of the corner of my eye.

"I see where you and Zola are coming from, but I think me and Cara are fine. Thank you." Max gave a quick smile.

I took his hand away from my mouth. I gave my dad a big hug. "You and mom are working hard, and I really want to thank you for that!" My dad looked at me speechless with tears in his eyes. I noticed Mark was standing there and I pulled away from the hug.

"So you must be Mark? Nice to meet you. I'm Zola Bourgeois."

"It's a pleasure to meet and work with you, Lady Zola." Mark lowered himself and kissed my hand. I jumped a little, surprised at what had happened. I had completely forgotten that people do this!

"You can count on me, my lady. I'll protect you with my life."

Since that day, me and Mark have become close friends. We talked alot quite a lot. "Excuse me my lady, but if you don't mind me asking, why do you want to keep your identity hidden?"

"Well Mark," I said with a big sigh. " I guess I'm not ready for anyone to judge to me about my skin tone." I took a sip of my tea. I knew I was lying, but I didn't want to admit it.

"I see. My lady, there's no need to fear. I'm here for you!" Mark gave me a somewhat genuine looking smile.

"Thank you, Mark. It's good to know I have someone by my side."

The next 7 months flashed before my eyes. The next thing I knew, I had maids helping me get ready for the banquet. My heart was racing so fast. Before we left, all the maids wished us the best of luck on our trip, and at the banquet. On our way to the banquet, we talked about how the time had passed. The Bourgeois comforted us. After a small nap in the carriage, I woke up at the banquet.

I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked over and saw Mark. "No need to worry, we are here for you." I felt a bit better. The Bourgeois looked at me.

My mom put her hand on my cheek. "We are so proud of you for trying so hard."

My dad put his hand on my head. "That's right." he said with great sincerity. "..and we are proud of you too Cara and Max."

"Thanks, mom and dad." I said, trying to hold back the tears. They gave me a smile and went back to talking to each other.

I looked over and started talking to my friends. "Yall are awesome! Let's go and kick some a**!"

Max smiled briskly and gave me a high five. "Hell yeah!"

Cara nudged me. "We are practically celebrities! They better think twice before saying anything about us." We made our way inside the royal palace. I could feel my heart racing as we faced the door to the banquet. "I present to you, Duke Cedric and Duchess Laelynn Bourgeois, Zola Bourgeois, the first daughter. Alongside the Bourgeois honored guest, Max, and Cara ." I heard clapping after the announcer called our names.

I knew it couldn't be stopped. I heard people talking about my skin tone. "The Duke and the Duchess must have been quite desperate to get a kid if they adopted someone like her." "They couldn't adopt someone… different?" "Is that really the Bourgeois daughter?" Everyone had their eyes on me, like hungry beasts waiting for their prey to make a move but in this case it be for me to make a mistake.

I heard the Emperor's voice. "Lady Zola, it's nice to see you!"

I bowed. "It's a pleasure to be here today." I said with gratitude.

"I'm surprised you actually went with keep your identity a secret. I wish you and your friends the best of luck, and I'm here if you need anything." I saw the Emperor look at a crowd in which all the murmurs from other people stopped. The Emperor excused himself and went on his way.

I took a deep breath and walked with my parents so I could greet myself to other nobles.