Chapter Fourteen: Happy Birthday

Two more weeks past as the seventeenth of Felli arrived. The kingdom was covered in snow as everyone walked around wearing heavy clothes and scarves.

Alice slowly opened her eyes and looked at the ceiling. Her hair had been cut to a medium length so that she could easily take off the draconian chest piece, as it was slipped on over her head.

Alice looked at the chest piece as she walked over to the weapons Odis leant her. 'I should get someone to make one that I can just attach to my shirts.' She decided that today, she wouldn't train. It was a birthday present to herself.

Changing into a casual shirt and shorts, she walked through the castle, heading for the dining hall. Arriving, she walked in and sat down next to Zirian.

"Happy birthday, Alice!" He said.

She smiled. "Thank you! Hey, do you know where Odis went when he left two weeks ago?"

Zirian shrugged and looked away. "I have no idea..." He began to eat his breakfast.

Alice asked for something equivalent to pancakes or hotcakes. She had some tea with it, and afterwards decided to walk around the castle with Cecile.

"Princess, you're turning nine today! Will you be holding an event for this with all the nobles?" Cecile asked with a smile on her face.

Alice scoffed internally. "If it's what my father wants, then of course. I wish Zach and Jason could be here, though. Things would be more fun."

Cecile nodded. "Yes, the king said you were fairly close to them for the little time you spent together. Do you think you'll pick one of them when you the time to honor your vow comes?"

Alice froze. "Why does everyone keep asking me about that? I'm sure I won't have a choice in the matter."

Cecile agreed. "You're probably right. Although, I feel like the king would pick someone close to you."

Alice laughed. "Maybe."

The day slowly passed as maids and butlers set up the ballroom for her birthday. After they finished, nobles, large and small families, arrived around six.

Alice stood at the doorway and waited to be announced. 'I just hope this won't suck.'

"Now entering, Princess Alice Night!" The large door slowly opened up, as light flooded Alice's vision. Once she could see, she walked forward until she arrived at the railing of the balcony, looking over everyone.

Zirian walked out behind her after being announced as well. "Everyone! Let's celebrate my daughter's ninth birthday, and the birthdays to come!" A butler gave him a glass of wine. He raised it and everyone repeated after him. Turning to Alice he said,"I asked Queen Victoria if she'd be able to bring Jason and Zach. They couldn't make it, but will be here tomorrow."

Alice smiled. "Okay."

"Now go meet some nobles. It's the duty of the future ruler."

Alice nodded. 'Not if I have to marry one of my friends.' Alice was approached by some noble daughters and sons, and felt rather uncomfortable in the environment. She looked over to Zirian, who was enjoying himself while talking to a young noblewoman. They seemed like they've known each other for a long time.

Alice sighed before she walked out one of the side doors to a balcony. 'I wish Odis was back so I could train. This is really weird, all these people I've never met coming to celebrate my birthday.'

Suddenly, her 'Sense' passive Magical Art picked up bad will directed towards her. She looked around but found no one. Alice looked back to Zirian and the woman he was talking to, but it wasn't her either.

'Who could it be?' Alice thought. Finally, she spotted a noble man with an innocent smile on his face, which hid bad will, directed at her. Walking over to Zirian, the man smiled and it seemed like the two were good friends.

Zirian turned to look at Alice and nodded, before bringing the man and woman over to her. "What are you doing out here, Alice?"

Alice looked Zirian. "I'm just taking a break. I don't feel so well."

"Oh... I'm sorry to hear that, daughter. I would like to introduce you to some people. This is Daniel Martin, a famous nobleman, and a close friend."

The man smiled at Alice. "How do you, princess?"

Alice bowed and turned towards the woman. "Is this your girlfriend?"

Zirian blushed and coughed heavily. "This woman is Natalie Rose, she's been a... friend for the past few months."

Alice bowed to her. "Hello." She grabbed Zirian's coat. "I'm going to lay down for the night, I'm tired."

Zirian patted her head. "Okay. Don't forget that Jason and Zach are coming tomorrow."

With that, Alice left. 'Who is that man?'