"Stay—still!" Peri was pushing me down as she tried putting the cloak on my back. I was squirming, trying to resist.

"It's too heavy! No way!"

"It wasn't a question! Stay still or I will be more forceful!" I stopped squirming and she restrained me. I felt the weight of the royal cloak, weighing me down even more. I was wearing a lot more than usual because it was the day of my debut. And with this cloak that was adorned in gold, it'd be impossible to walk or even dance without looking like a fool.

"Can I at least take it off when I'm dancing?" The stern look she gave me was enough of an answer. She carefully checked to make sure there weren't any wrinkles, adjusted the sash, and tilted my crown to the side. She took a step back and nodded. "I'm too good at my job." It was my turn to give her a look. I walked up to the mirror at the corner of the room, walked past several stressed attendants, and looked at myself.

My brilliant red hair had been combed carefully so that my crown sat snuggly on top of my head. My cloak, a royal blue, matched the red and white of my vest and shirt. The trousers were belted and I wore high boots that matched the cloak. I felt uncomfortable but I looked good. 

I sighed as Peri grinned at me. She knew I liked this look. I reluctantly turned around and waited for her to bring perfumes and jewelry. This would take a while.

I put something in my pocket, for later. The guests should be here by now.

——

The ballroom was grand, big enough for a dance floor and several tables for the arriving guests to sit, stand, and mingle around. There was food set up and a few were already eyeing the dishes, looking hungry. I tried peeking longer from behind the curtains, but I felt a hand gently grab me and pull me away. I looked up and saw Peri smiling at me. And I knew that if it wasn't because we were in public, she'd be scolding me right now. I give her a shameless smile back before retreating to my spot. I walked past my family members who were preparing to step out as soon as the announcer began talking. 

They were all dressed in royal blue, jewelry, and heavy makeup. Well, the last one was mostly Queen Clara as the men and boys had little to no makeup. They didn't even glance at me, nor congratulate me as I stood last in line. This was a fantastic birthday. Getting ignored is always better than receiving spite. 

I looked around, already growing bored of standing in place, and noticed something peculiar sticking out. On one of the walls, a branch poked out. It was a dull brown, nearly melting in with the dark walls, had it not been for a blue leaf that was blowing gently. I felt the air. There was no wind?

I walked up to the branch, making sure Peri was out of sight and studied it. I poked at it and jumped when the branch grew longer. I watched in horror as more leaves appeared, and another branch emerged. It was growing! I was too fascinated to walk away.

"Don't tease the elder tree." I looked back. I saw Wei, who'd also seemingly grown bored of waiting, approach me. He saw the branch and as if acknowledging his presence, the branch stopped growing. Wei shook his head. "It's always in the mood to play." I looked up excitedly.

"Play? I want to play!"

"Are you sure? I don't think you understand what the elder trees count as playing." I poked the tree again as I shrugged.

"Maybe run around as it chases me with its branches? I don't know, it's not really like a pet."

"Right. It's far more intelligent, surpassing your puny brain and my massive one." I rolled my eyes as he tried belittling me. Wei slapped my hand away. 

"Don't tease it."

"But it's so... cute?" I strangely found the demeanor of a branch adorable. It was strange... and felt out of place. Wei sighed. 

"You don't actually think that. It's using scent to lure you into thinking that. I'm sure you want to find out where the tree is located? Perhaps lay next to it and rest there?"

"Yes! How did you know?"

"That's what it wants you to think. Except, it'll suck all the life in you as you're resting, so you'll never wake up again. The trees are strong and even gentle, but they're not our friends." I dropped the hand that was rising to poke the branch. I took a step back and looked at the now terrifying (sorta cute) branch. 

"Even to me?!"

"Especially to you. I heard naive fools were its favorite meal back in the day."

"I thought they were supposed to help with peace!"

"Peace comes with a price, with that something being snacking on any fools who got too close." I was thoroughly creeped out by the trees, throwing a dirty look. The branch reacted by letting a few leaves fall as if saddened by Wei's remark. I almost felt guilty, but the tree's effect on me was wearing off. Wei shooed the branch with his hand. 

"Go make out with your tree partner, or something!" The branch retracted back and the hole that it had created was filled as if it was never there. Wei smugly crossed his arms, not spotting a suspecting small branch that crept up behind him. It poked him on the side, causing him to yelp before returning from whence it came. I giggled as the previously smug Wei was cursing. 

I heard talking from beyond the curtain and knew it was time. I pushed Wei back to his seat as he grumbled about fires and stupid trees. And then the announcer cleared his throat.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome! Today, we're all here to celebrate the 6th prince of Urel! But before that, let's introduce the rest of the royal family. First up, a man whose strength knows no bounds, Per Vandergarden! Accompanying him is his ever so beautiful wife, Clara Bountain!" The couple walked out, smiling and waving as the crowd cheered. They walked to the long table only meant for the hosts, and sat down, eyeing the curtains. 

The announcer kept going as soon as they sat down. "And following those two is the eldest son of the Vandergarden lineage, smarter than a scholar, let's welcome Crille Vandergarden!" A lot of cheering as the boy walked out, giving a small smile before walking to where his parents sat, sitting by his mother.

"He's not as smart but he's proven his worth time and time again! Entering, the next heir to the throne, Heath Vandergarden!" A boy with blonde hair combed to perfection, walked out with a lovely smile. He waved and the girls and women screamed even louder. It nearly made the announcer jump at the fright. Heath soon finished his waving as his hands grew tired and went to sit by his father, who patted his shoulder. 

"He's known as a blessed child of the gods, his good looks charming anyone! Roy Vandergarden!" Roy took his sweet sweet time cat walking out as he flaunted his natural-born looks. Teeth as white as the moon, pink and black hair that wasn't dyed, and captivating eyes. He walked like someone with confidence because he had every right to be confident. This time, the woman and girls screamed so loud that the announcer pleaded with Roy to finish his walk. Roy reluctantly agreed, only after his father shot him a look, and waved which caused another round of screams. 

The announcer had to sigh before he continued. "And the fourth child, precious as he is shy, let's welcome Teop Vander—" A boy rushed out and quickly ran to the table before he could finish. He blinked as he realized that Teop had gotten a head start. He awkwardly cleared his throat. "Um, that's it for Teop, it seems. Nevertheless, there are two left. And who wouldn't want to welcome the lovely, and practically a mascot of this country, Wei Vandergarden!" 

Wei almost bounced out as he raised both hands and wildly waved with a bright smile on his face. The crowd cheered as the adorable boy jumped around in place, hyper as can be. The announcer had also fallen for the Wei effect as he had an infectious smile on his face. Wei reluctantly walked off when the rest of his family members gave him glares. With a diminished look he sat next to Roy.

The announcer seemed almost disappointed to move on. "And last but not least, he isn't well known but this will be his first official appearance as a prince, welcoming the 6th prince of Urel, Rael Vandergarden!"

And now it was my time to shine. I walked out, making sure not to smack into the curtain, and gave a smile to the announcer before waving at the crowd. I felt the silence as I walked out and paused. Had I messed up? Walked out too early? 

Blinking repeatedly, I opened my mouth to speak when the guests erupted in cheers. They welcomed me with smiles. I was stunned but grew happy. Perhaps they were just assessing the situation? Whatever it was, the test was over. I smiled before walking over to the table. I felt the glares of Crille and his spiteful mother, the scrutinizing gazes of my father, and the glances of my other elder brothers. I met eyes with Heath who'd been staring the entire time. And we both looked away at the same time. 

I sat by Teop who squirmed. I ignored him, focusing on the guests. I needed to assess the situation before trying anything. I was trying to look for Ru Hasselt but the crowd was too dense and intertwined for me to see the dark-haired boy from afar. Cursing my luck, I stood up. It was fine, I still had time. This time would mostly be spent mingling and eating, before the dance. Most of my family had already left, either to chat with their friends or to take some food. 

I was growing hungry and eating made me think better. I saw our dining table that was separated from the guests, to avoid the chances of food being poisoned. 

I was headed to the dining table when I spotted Heath. He had his back turned to me and I contemplated just avoiding him. However, the rumbling of my stomach kept me going and I grabbed a plate, ignoring the boy who'd just noticed me. I chose all kinds of food that would mesh well, all in silence.