The Lemaitre Tea Party (1)

What was that?

There was something wet dropping into my face. And it was a little bit noisy so it made my ear hurt.

"Is she going to die?"

"Don't die, Brielle. I promise I'll not eat all the food that mother gave to you."

I opened my eyes and saw Halley and Max crying beside me. Their eyes were swollen red. They must have been crying for hours. 

The pain in my chest and the burning sensation in my eyes were all gone. I'm back to normal. But, it was a mystery what caused the pain. Was it Oriana? No. I should first confirm it.

"Do you feel better right now?" a deep, calm manly voice said and as I glanced to know who it was, I saw a familiar face that left a mark in my eyes. It was Head Priest Drystan.

"Yes, I'm all right."

"It was all thanks to the Head Priest that you're well now. We didn't know what would happen if he was not there," explained Halley.

So Head Priest Drystan treated me a while ago. I thought he was a cold person but I was mistaken. "Thank you for saving me, Head Priest Drystan."

"Don't mind it. It's my responsibility to treat whoever is in pain," Head Priest replied. He looked exhausted. His hair was a little bit messy and his face had sweat all over it. He noticed that I was looking at him so he fixed his hair. I smiled. I didn't know that the Head Priest was conscious of how he looked."While you're in pain, you transform into a mermaid. You will return to normal as you stabilize your inner mana. And don't worry, I will not disclose your secret."

WHAT?! What did that mean? I immediately looked at my lower body that was covered with a blanket and to my surprise, it was not legs but TAIL! Uh oh! I'm screwed!

"I'll take my leave. Your friends will take care of you. Just rest there and wait for your father," Head Priest Drystan said before leaving.

***

"Are you fine, Brielle? Does any part of your body hurt?"

"Do you want to eat? I will request the maid to bring food."

As soon as we were left alone, they kept on asking me about my condition. Even though I said that I was fine, they were still nervous and worried.

"Max, do you know that Brielle is a mermaid from the start?"

"Of course! I'm her best friend after all," Max boasted.

"...Brielle am I not your friend? Do you not trust me? Why only Max knows about this?" sulked Halley.

"No, no, it was not like that. It's just hard to say. And also, Papa doesn't want any more people to find out that I'm a mermaid so let's keep it a secret, hmm?"

"All right. I thought you don't trust me," replied Halley as she gave me a tight hug.

"I have a request to both of you, Max and Halley," I said. "Please don't mention what happened today to my Papa. I don't want him to worry."

Based on their faces, they seemed to be opposed to my decision. I know that it was reckless to decide to hide it but I want to be sure before I let him know.

"Okay, we'll keep it a secret," said Max.

"But what if it happens again? Maybe next time it gets worse?" argued Halley.

"I'll take care of it. And I know if it happens again, I have amazing friends that are there to help me."

Both of them seemed fluttered on what I had said. And in the end, they agreed on my decision.

It was only an hour when my legs came back and thankfully Papa returned after that and he didn't notice anything at all. He surprisingly returned with a lot of money and he also bought dresses for me and food for Max and Halley as a thank-gift for watching over me in his absence. After that, Halley was fetched by the Marquess' coachmen, and Max went home with his father.

"Papa!" I called.

"Why Brielle?"

"We need to try on some clothes. We're going to Halley's tea party tomorrow," I informed him as we went inside.

"Tea party? Right! You can try the dress that I bought for you."

"I'll pick your suit for tomorrow. You're also required to dress up prettily," I smiled.

"All right, you'll be in charge of my clothes tomorrow. It seems like my baby is old enough to dress me up."

***

Marquess Estate

"We've arrived at Marquess Estate, Your Highness."

"Let's go, Brielle," said Brother Ethan.

How did Brother Ethan end up coming with us? In fact, he was not invited to the tea party!

So going back, when we were done dressing up and were ready to enter the Marquess carriage, Brother Ethan ran after us, dressed up in formal attire, and informed us that he would accompany us to the Marquess estate because Halley's brother is his friend so he planned to greet him. Papa went mad at him but what else could we do to the hard-headed prince? That was how Brother Ethan ended up with us.

As soon as I got out I saw Halley and her parents waiting at the entrance of the estate. It was my first time seeing Halley's parents. Halley took after her mother. On the other hand, her father didn't resemble Halley at all.

"Greetings to the first prince. We are glad to have you in our estate," greeted the Marquess.

"It's my pleasure to be here, Marquess and Marchioness Lemaitre. It was such a long time since my last visit," smiled Brother Ethan.

"I remembered my son and Your Highness playing here when you were young," reminisced Marquess.

While they were talking, Halley sneaked to my side and whispered, "Max arrived very early and he is waiting at the greenhouse together with my brother. Do you want to go now?"

"It seems like my daughter can't wait to host her first tea party," chuckled Marquess."I will not prolong our conversation. Halley, you can go with your friends and Your Highness to the greenhouse. I hope you'll enjoy your time. And thank you for being good friends with my daughter."

.Wow! Marquess Lemaitre is like an angel when smiling. He's sure good-looking despite his age. Oh! I almost forgot I have something for them."This is a gift for you, Marquess and Marchioness. Thank you for welcoming me and Papa to your estate."

"Ice crystal brooch and jewelry? Oh my! This is so rare," said Marchioness."This is so precious for a gift."

"Take it. Brielle wanted you to have it," insisted Papa.

"O-okay. Then, thank you for the gift, Brielle and Atlas."

"Father, Mother, we'll now go. Brother and Max are waiting for us," said Halley, holding my hand.

Halley guided us to the greenhouse and as we reached there, we saw Max sitting on a chair, and across him was a boy, who seemed to be the same age as Brother Ethan. His face was angelic. A replica of Marquess Lemaitre. Blue eyes. Soft white hair. Heaven sent beauty.

"Elliot!" called Brother Ethan.

Elliot. Befitting the sparkling ocean waves in his eyes and pure white clouds of hair. A name I wouldn't dare to forget.