Aunt Diana and my brother Darius were sitting in the lounge area. The maids have brought them refreshments while waiting for me. Before entering, I took a deep breath and walked inside. "I hope I did not make you wait." I said while entering the lounge area. "Not at all." Aunt Diana turned around and gave me a warm smile. She looked exactly like my mother that it made me pause for a moment. "I am happy to see you again, Aunt Diana." I walked towards her. She gave me a big hug when I approached. "Oh my. You have grown into a fine young woman." Aunt Diana complimented. "I hope you are doing well." "Yes, I am doing fine." I replied fighting the tears that were trying to come out of my eyes. "Why are you crying my dear?" Aunt Diana saw my mask and that had broken any defenses I made to fight the tears. "A-Aunt…" I bawled while hugging her. "I-I just can't believe you are here right now. I-It has been so long since I have seen any of my family." I cried in her arms. "Oh dear." Aunt
[Bob’s POV]Elsa’s birthday and coming of age ceremony is tomorrow. All the preparations are in full swing now and Elsa herself is quite busy moving around in the palace. As her personal knight, I was always behind her every step of the way. "Have the tables and chairs arrived? How about the linen and curtains?" Elsa was talking to the head maid and butler. "Yes, your grace." The butler replied. "The tables and chairs have just arrived and are now being stored at the west wing." "The curtains and linens are all ready as well." The head maid replied. "I have instructed the maids to change everything before the day ends." "That is good." Elsa said in relief. "I think I need to double check with the caterer for the food and the band that will play at the ceremony. Oh, and the flowers. Have you checked with the florist on what time they will deliver the fresh flowers tomorrow?" I cannot help but smile seeing how busy Elsa is right now. I have been by her side for so many years now. W
[Bob’s POV] The day of Elsa’s birthday finally arrived. It was a very busy day not only for Elsa but to all of the employees working in the palace. Elsa was cooped up in her room since early in the morning getting ready for the day ahead. As Elsa’s personal knight, I should be close by watching her, but the maids were adamant not to let me in and even see her. Diana came out and gave me the task of receiving important guests this morning, the emperor and empress of the united empire. "Hah…" I sighed sadly. "And I was planning on giving my gift to her first thing in the morning while greeting her a happy birthday." I took out a small box from my pocket and opened it. The box contains a gold necklace with a heart pendant, with green leaves circling around it. The leaves consist of emeralds like Elsa’s eyes, and flower was made of crimson rubies. "I hope she likes the gift." I smiled closing the box once again and putting it back inside my pocket. I walked towards the entrance o
[Elsa’s POV]It was already nighttime, and the hall is now open for my birthday. Guests are now starting to arrive as I have heard from one of my maids. While the party is about to start, I am still here getting ready to wear my gown. I looked in front of a full-sized body mirror and saw myself dolled up beautifully. I was wearing the right amount of make-up on my face. My hair was beautifully decorated with butterfly and flower ornaments. My lips were tinted with the same red as Bob’s crimson hair. "I have not seen Bob the whole day today." I asked the maids helping me prepare. "I have already asked the knight standing guard outside your grace." One maid replied. "Sir Bob had left a word that he will be away for a while because of an emergency." "An emergency?" I asked. "I hope nothing bad happened." I felt worried in an instant. "Do not worry your grace, I am sure the marquis will be fine." The maid replied. "He is such a strong and capable man, that is why he is very popu
The ball was in full swing, and many has given their birthday greetings to me. One by one, the nobles that were invited came to me and wished me a happy coming of age bearing their gifts. I on the other hand made causal talk with them, especially my vasal that came to greet me.I had my first dance with Darius and so far, I have not danced much because of the flood of people wanting to wish me a happy birthday and presenting their gifts. I on the other hand have my eyes wandering around the ball room, hoping to see a glimpse of Bob anywhere. But unfortunately, I cannot find him anywhere. "Happy coming of age grand duchess." Ragnar said. He greeted me with Isabella and their twins. "Happy birthday Elsa." Isabella replied. "These two here are Karl and Amanda. Greet your Aunt Sasa, it is her birthday today." The twins are standing hand in hand in between Ragnar and Isabella. "Happy birthday Aunt Sasa." The twins spoke on unison. "Thank you so much for the greetings." I replied
When the five countries were united and the empire was established, Darius was given the north to govern making him a grand duke. He was pardoned by the imperial couple over the crimes he had committed, but many Spartans had lost trust in him after what happened with his mother Fiona.The first few years he had worked hard with Kyler to cultivate the lands of Sparta. With the help of Killian the black turtle and Merlin the dragon, they were able to bring back the once fertile land of Sparta.Within those years, Darius was busy working to gain back the trust that he once lost. And because of guilt, he was not able to show himself to his family members especially Elsa his sister and Isabella his cousin.When it was time the Spartans can come back to their home land bit by bit, some were reluctant to live at the north part where Darius is governing because of the distrust that was built because of his mother's treachery.At one of the caravans that was heading out to Sparta, the group wa
The time of the first caravan's arrival had come. Darius was just done wearing his clothes and looking at himself in front of a full body sized mirror. "How do I look Lucas?" Darius asked. "Do I look okay? I do not look intimidating or anything? Do I give off a domineering aura?"Darius was wearing a slick gray suit that is not too flashy. It is in the borderline of being sophisticated and elegant at the same time. "You look find my lord." Lucas sighed. "Do not worry too much. I am sure everything will work out well." "You think so?" Darius looked a little nervous. "What time will I be meeting them?" "Actually the caravan had just arrived." Lucas opened up a document he was holding. "You will meet them an hour from now and you will give them the speech you have made."Days prior to the caravan's arrival, Darius has been busy constructing the speech he will give after meeting the first Spartans caravan that will be arriving in the north. Lucas had seen him work so hard, crumpling p
Darius was momentarily dazed after Ivy’s greeting that he was not able to greet back. "Grand duke?" Ivy looked at him with confusion. "Oh... I am sorry for the discourtesy." Darius replied with an embarrassed expression. "I was expecting to see a girl in her teens, but I see a fully grown beautiful woman in front of me that I became speechless." "I never thought that the grand duke is flowery with his word." Ivy giggled. "But thank you for the compliment." Darius’ heart felt like it was hit by an arrow when he heard the melodious giggle of Ivy. "I-I am just stating a fact my lady." Darius replied at once. "I am sorry if my words hit you in an unpleasant way." "Oh, no need to apologize grand duke. I am happy to be told I am beautiful, even though many have already told me such words. Coming from the mouth of the grand duke makes it more credible." Ivy smiled softly. "And I cannot blame you for being surprised. The last time you saw me, I was in my teens. I am more older than what