Chapter 4

Piece of Cake

Bursting out the front doors of the estate, I rush towards the garden.

It's still my favorite place, though I often run into Nara. I've made sure to scold her for tricking me, but she comes flying back every sunny morning. I remember mommy mumbling something about Nara being one of those hopeless types.

Today's safe though. The Seelie Fairfolk often hibernate during the autumn and winter months.

Usually only the Lesser Fairfolk need to sleep during their opposing season, however the more powerful ones aren't completely unaffected either. Nara is a Greater Spring Faerie, but she tells me she's weakened during the winter and autumn moon-cycles, so she'd rather just nap.

…Aren't you just being lazy, Nara?

Days are blurred between the end of autumn and the beginning of spring. So Crescia has been coming by almost everyday. Having so much fun almost has me lose track of the days. Almost.

“Crescia, my day of birth is coming up soon. Would you like to celebrate with me?”

He tilts his head in confusion.

After a brief conversation, it seems the Folleto celebrate the coming of age of all young, strong, and wise ones in batches at the beginning of each spring.

Well anyways, Crescia understands my explanation and nods his head fervently.

“I’ll make sure to come five sun-cycles from now!” His wide eyes sparkle.

“Hehe, then it’s a promise!” I’ve already taught him many things, one of which includes pinky promises. Somehow, I feel quite proud when he flawlessly interlocks his pinky with mine.

*

Oh wow. This celebration is a lot bigger than I thought it would be…

I’m starting to worry about Crescia being spotted with the rate all these guests are filing in. I assumed it wouldn’t be such a big ordeal, but apparently a swath load of neighboring nobles stayed in nearby towns for this upcoming party.

Musicians are playing a lively tune, swirls of people dance and bustle about. I see many different faces I’ve never seen before - many of which aren't Human.

My parents and I stand at the top of the staircase. A couple with unworldly, angular features approaches us.

One is an older gentleman dressed in a swallowtail suit and top hat. There’s a tinge of mosaic scales on his face. Perhaps he has some on other body parts too, but everything else is fully clothed from head to toe. Even his hands are adorned with white gloves.

I look to the person next to him which must be his wife. She’s just as elegant in a purple tulle dress, it complements the purple jewels that are patched up along her arms and neck. They shimmer in the chandelier light and look as if they were expensive gemstones.

“Little blossom, I’d like to introduce you to Viscount and Viscountess Irvine.”

Remembering my week-long crash course on nobles and other important political figures, I realize it was prep for this event.

Jeez. That Aristole is properly prepared for everything, isn't he?

The Irvines are a bloodline of Water Nymphs. They watch over the lake that runs through the capital city of Harthrow.

“Hello dear, you must be Aeriea! How stunning you are.” Lady Irvine grasps my hands together, “I wish you a very happy birthday.”

Sir Irvine smiles pleasantly and hands me a gift. “Happy eighth birthday.”

I receive the box made of coral inlaid with purple gemstones. Staring in awe at the intricate design of it, I remember to reply. “Thank you very much! I know just the flowers to store in it!”

The couple looks at one another, pauses for a second and begins chuckling. “My, how adorable! That is only the box to hold your gift in, Child of Sunira!”

Ohh, I open it up. Inside lay a single mother-of-pearl. Gasping, I take it out and observe it under the chandelier light. “It’s beautiful.”

They look content at my reaction and continue to make pleasantries with my parents.

The Colvaires of the Colt Ranches - Fairfolk with an uncanny ability to tame horses - announce that they would be gifting me a purebred riding horse of the finest caliber.

“I’ve always wanted to learn horse-riding!”

Gunisha of the East - A Sand Fairfolk that lives in the far away lands of the dry Sunria Kingdom, presents me with a collection of delicate fans ranging in vivid colors.

It’s said my kind originated from those lands. No one knows anymore though, since the Sunira are rare and few in heritage. She must have traveled a long, longgg distance to see me. Head to toe, she's covered in a beige-colored cloak, it looks bulky and I can't see even an outline of her face or body.

“My flower princesses will love these.” I tell her seriously. She looks confused, but simply nods and walks away.

Baron Mark von Kerris, the Prime Minister of Finance, who works closely with my daddy, bends down to face me eye-to-eye. Then, he pulls out a red rose from behind my ear.

M-Magick!?

While I’m confused, he pulls out a porcelain doll, its dress in a multitude of luxurious fabric.

“Wow,” My eyes sparkle. “I wanna learn magick too! And thank you so much! I shall name her Florence.”

And on and on...