The Birthday Party

My brother's birthday party was held at the estate's garden. Mother and I walked there as our destination. The maids and servants of the estate are busy doing their work, attending to the guests needs.

It was still early, and the party will start in the late afternoon when the sun is just about to set. When we arrived at the garden area, some of the guest has arrived early. Even though the party has not yet started, some early birds are here just for the sake of chatting. Gossips in high society are well sought for, especially between wives of aristocrats. Well I can't blame them really. They don't have to work for a living. Their husbands are the ones busy working and they are wealthy to just laze around their homes. The wives from noble families like get togethers such as tea parties and celebrations. They have the time to catch up with the juicy gossips.

Today I saw with my own to eyes the aristocratic wives having their little chat groups here and there. I heard some of their gossips along the way.

"Did you know that the royal family is also invited to this party?"

"That is to be expected. It is Duke Broderick's first born son's birthday party."

"First born? What happened to the one that looked like the duke? Isn't he the duke's first born son from an affair?"

"Haven't you heard that they didn't officially adopt that boy."

"What a pity. Maybe the duchess rejected him to take the Broderick name."

"Well, the duchess' son would still be the legitimate heir. What can an illegitimate son do against a legitimate one, even if he was first born."

"Hush now, the duchess is coming."

Mother and I walked with our heads held high in between this gossiping b*tches. Those ladies gave their curtsy to us once we walked through. Of course, we are still higher in status than them, they still need to give respect to us a member of a duke's family.

"How dare they bad mouth big brother Eric." I hissed. I gripped my hands preventing myself to charge towards them.

"Compose yourself Ysa." Mother told me with a calm voice. "There words are nothing. We in the Broderick family knows the truth. Their gossips cannot threaten us. If you show your anger, then that will just make the rumors worse."

"I know mother but…" I greeted my teeth and inhaled to calm myself down. "You are right mother." I held my head low. I regretted that I can't even give a slap or to that b*tches bad mouthing Eric.

Along the way I heard another gossip going on.

"I just saw the queen and the crown prince arriving at the entrance. The king sent them to represent the royal family in this party."

"Isn't the king coming?"

"I heard that his majesty is busy with our kingdom's affairs."

"His majesty is really a busy man. But I heard from my husband that works in the palace that he will make some time this evening to attend."

"Duke Broderick is known to be a close aide to the king. I am sure that his majesty won't miss this chance to grace the duke with his presence."

"Oh my gosh, you won't believe who I saw. The crown prince came with her majesty the queen."

"What, really?"

"You mean that monster?"

The other group of ladies are now talking about the royal family.

'The crown prince, a monster?' I never knew of this piece of information. 'Why would they say such thing to the crown prince?'

I have not read that far to know the back story of the crown prince. 'Heck, I have zero knowledge of the great wizard.' I thought to myself.

These are my personal dilemma. But at least I have good relationship with the other two male lead candidates, Eric and Derrick. And speaking of the two, I see them standing under a huge tree.

Eric was wearing a black formal suite. The silver buttons and cufflinks shine in contrast with his all black suite. His hair was also style neatly, his blue eyes gleams under the rays of the sun that peaks thru from the dense leaves.

Derrick in the other hand was wearing the white knight's formal uniform. His dark brown hair was cut short when he started training as a knight. His green eyes shined like emeralds. It would have looked good if he still had his red crimson hair, it would be a good match for his white knight's uniform.

'Those two are looking good.' I thought while looking at them.

Mother and I walked towards the two young men. To think that Eric is now twelve and Derrick fourteen. Time sure flies.

"Greetings aunty, Alyssa." Eric greeted us. My mother offered her right hand and Eric kissed the back, a sign of courtesy and respect within families and close friends. As for me, I am still a ten year old girl. I will receive such greetings when I come of age when I turn sixteen.

"Greetings to you duchess Broderick, lady Alyssa." Derrick on the other hand bowed down to us. He was a knight under the Broderick family and so we were his masters.

"It's good to see you, Eric, Derrick." Mother gave them a smile.

Since mother knew the whole truth about Eric, she had accepted him as her nephew. She also approved for Eric to be adopted into the family and take the Broderick name. but Eric on the other hand refused, saying he will continue the family name given to his father.

"Hello big brother Eric, Derrick." I gave them a beaming smile.

Derrick smiled back but Eric grimaced in response. Actually, I know why he had a frown on his face. Eric does not want me to call him big brother anymore.

'But you are still considered as my cousin and a distant relative, right?' I remember saying to him.

I know he does not like being called that way but I just want to tease him and so I use 'big brother' every now and then.

"Why don't you youngsters go and spend some time with your peers." Mother said. "this is a good time to start socializing. Especially you Eric, you will be entering the Royal Academy this fall."

"Yes aunty." Eric replied.

Fall is just a few months away. The Royal Academy is situated in the capital of this kingdom which is days away from our fief. He will be boarding in school and will only do home holidays and when school is out. Knowing that he would leave made me feel sad. We have gotten really close over these two years.

"Well then, I will leave you youngsters." Mother left us to greet the queen who I heard had just arrived.

"Well now, what will we do?" I got in between them and hooked my arms on theirs. "This is actually my first social event in high society. So, the two of you will be my escorts for the day."

Having these two gorgeous hunks as my escort, I will be envied by most noble girls my age.

"Where do you want to go my lady?" Derrick asked me with a smile.

"You spoil her so much Derrick." Eric shook his head.

"Am I not your lovable little sister and lady?" I made puppy dog eyes towards them but mostly on Eric. He is really such a tsundere towards me, but it is improving after these two years and he began to dote on me more.

Eric sighed in defeat. "Haaa, alright. Were do you want to go my princess?" His sentence was a little sarcastic, but his smile was sweet and genuine.

"Let's get some snack over there." I pointed where the sweets are.

"Then lead the way my lady." Derrick said.

"Let's go." I pulled them to where the table filled with sweet pastries are

edited by; nalyn