16 - Celebration of Childhood

It had been three years. She worked hard at her studies and manners. All noble Ladies who reached the age of ten were given a ceremony. The ceremony would open doors to seeing other nobles and making good connections. Today, she would be having her celebration. She was just... a little upset. She hadn't seen her friend these past years. She touched the black cape he had given to her.

After she had put the cape away that night, she discovered a pocket on the inside. He had stored the necklace he wanted to give her the first time. She never wore it, only kept it in her jewelry box. The sapphire reminded her so much of his pretty eyes. The gold chain glittered like his hair in the setting sun. She put the cape away, annoyed.

Maybe he lied like all those times. Or maybe... she looked at the necklace. Maybe she had to wear it for him to appear? It would look good against her outfit for her celebration. She pulled the thin gold chain of the necklace up to her neck. As the clasp closed, she pulled the sapphire teardrop gem out over her dress. Standing, she turned slowly.

Her dress for her celebration was the most gorgeous she had seen yet. It was all cream white with gold embroidery. Her bodice was filled with gold threading that tapered to her waist and golden crystals. The hem of her full cream skirt also had the same threading. A laced cream shawl was draped over her bare shoulders, gilded beads dripping from the ends.

Her thick crimson hair was braided and twist into an updo. A small gold crown graced the front with pearl pins holding it in place. Her face was applied some makeup on her pale skin to show color and highlight her features gently. She practiced a gentle smile, lifting a hand to wave slowly.

Satisfied it was good, she lift her skirt and opened her door. Outside, stood her younger brother, Cayden. He looked startled with his wide hazel eyes unblinking at her. He was also dressed for the occasion. He will be following the Duke on how to manage a party with other nobles.

His black hair was combed into a short ponytail tied with a green ribbon. Due to being a formal event, he was given a soldier's formal uniform. He wore a white long sleeved jacket with gold buttons and black pants. Growing taller, his face had lost some of his baby fat but he still looked like a child.

"Cayden! What are you doing here?" she asked, surprised. She closed her room door behind her while stepping into the hallway. Looking around, she didn't see her maids.

"F-father says I am to come escort you," his high pitched voice wavered in nervousness. The past years, they hadn't really met or talked much. When they did, she always gave him a lecture. He still couldn't pronounce her name properly. He didn't have confidence in his posture, choosing to cower back.

It made her seemed taller when she stood next to him. His skills with the family sword was more basic, needing improvements. When she came to spar with him in her free time, he would lose his sword. She had tried to hold her anger every time it happened. He was younger than her and more inexperienced. She didn't understand her father's choice in him as the heir. No, she did understand.

The difference was gender.