Julia

Julia watched bored as guests chatted and ate cake. She herself had been served a piece of cheesecake with hot cherries, which she had eaten just as bored. Her family talked animatedly. Peter hadn't come back yet. But someone else was missing too. Her father would not be present at her celebration. He was on his way to the capital of the Elven Territory, as the local military had reported minor uprisings. Friedrich was on his way to look at the situation on the ground and possibly provide funds. Therefore, he was accompanied by the Minister of Finance. Cleo would also leave after the gift was handed over to personally take care of the situation if necessary and to meet and support her stepfather there. Cleo had made a point of presenting her gift during the celebration. Therefore, she had not left directly for the capital.

What does she give me? Jewellery? No. Cleo doesn't like jewelry... Maybe books?

"Peter!" hissed Agathe, pulling Julia out of her thoughts. Peter was back, this time not in pajamas, no, he had good, festive clothes on... However, so motley jumbled that the colors and patterns did not match... And obviously he had looted Julia's jewelry box.

I would like to be as rebellious as he is. Instead, I don't even say that I don't want to go to the academy... Am I a coward? ... Not that I would have a choice. The academy is mandatory, even for a princess. I wish I was a normal, mortal and not immortal... We are not 'immortal' at all. We can die. Through accidents, murder and very rarely through illness... To call ourself immortal... Isn't that arrogance?

Ignoring his mother's indignant looks, Peter sat down next to Julia.

"And? Did I miss the gift delivery?" he asked with a broad grin.

"No. It should start at any time," she replied with an equally grin. "My jewelry looks good on you!" she joked. I would like to be like him.

"Isn't it? I'm thinking about not giving it back to you at all..."

"This is a scandal! What's that supposed to be, Peter? What's the point of this silly appearance?" reprimanded the queen. "And this on your little sister's birthday! I expected better from you. Did you have to choose this day for a silly rebellion?"

Peter smiled mildly. While the queen rose to announce the beginning of the gift delivery, Julia nudged her brother. When Julia had his attention, she pulled up the hem of her wide dress. Peter laughed softly. She was not wearing shoes.

"I see I'm not the only rebel. My little sister is looking for danger!" he whispered to her, and Julia dropped her dress before her mother noticed her rebellion. Am I a coward?  "And what else have you planned, little sister? Skipping school every day?"

"If only I could," she murmured, and Peter hugged her. "I'd swap places with you if I could," he said, kissing Julia on the temple.

The music fell silent and the queen hit her drinking glass with a fine spoon. The conversations in the room died out and all eyes were on the royal family. Especially to the queen and herself. "I would now like to move on to the next point of this celebration," the Queen announced with pride in her voice. "Let's get to the presents, because what would a birthday be without presents?" With an almost casual and at the same time elegant hand gesture, she instructed Julia to stand next to her, as protocol demanded. "Thank you very much for the abundant gifts you have all brought," the Queen continued. Julia was silent, smiling. "My daughter," the Queen put her hand on Juliet's shoulder, "I thought long and hard about what I could give you on this special day. Since you are about to leave for the academy, I would like to give you something for the start of your new way of life." Servants brought an expensive-looking school bag, pens, new good and functional clothes and books, presented this Julia and then brought her to the room where the guests' gifts were located. "I hope you are happy to go into another year of life," the Queen concluded her speech. Julia had tried all the time not to grimace. She didn't want to go to the academy and she didn't want any of the things she was supposed to use there. Nevertheless, she smiled her friendliest smile and thanked her mother with a nod.

Always protocol this, protocol that... I would have liked gifts at the breakfast table better! But at least I don't have to say thank you every time, just nod. Why are there so many rules? My feet are getting cold... Never mind... I treat myself to this little rebellion!

While the queen sat down, Fritz stood up to present his gift, which was also presented by servants: books, jewelry and a large stuffed bear against loneliness in the academy. Fritz said this with a twinkle in his eye, whereupon a soft laugh could be heard from the guests. Since Peter had already given her his gift, Lea and Cleo stood up together last. Julia looked at her sisters a little surprised. Did they have a gift together? What might that be? At the same time, two werewolves and an elf were led into the hall. Julia became skeptical. What are you up to?

"We thought long and hard about what we could give you," Cleo began her small, long-prepared speech. "And after much consideration, we decided to put servants at your side. The Academy allows you to bring your own servants, so these three will accompany you and be at your service from now on."

Julia could hardly believe it. It was hard for her not to look at her sisters as shocked as she felt. She watched with horror as her sisters pulled up their right sleeves. On her wrists were the flourishes of a temporary binding spell.

Oh no! No! No! No!

At the same time, the servants pulled up the sleeves of their 'new servants'. Especially the elf seemed to want to defend himself, but he didn't do it.

"We are happy to hand over these servants to you," Lea announced, and she and Cleo reached for her sister's right hand.

No! No! No! This must not be true... Can I say no? No... That would mean the death of the three... I have to accept it...

Fine, bright lines moved from Cleo and Lea's wrists to Julia, while her two older sisters closed their eyes in concentration. Julia looked at the three newcomers. The lines on their wrists also lit up and changed shape to a fixed binding spell to Julia. The three new, personal servants were pale. The horror was written on their faces. One of the wolves, a rather small, very thin boy about Julia's age, looked as if he wanted to run away. He had white wolf ears. The other wolf was also about Julia's age and had black wolf ears, while the elf looked a bit older. Julia couldn't see his wings. Were they blue-green? She felt the new lines on her wrist burn slightly, then it was over.

She now had three servants whom she did not want.