The Dragon Princess

Birthday Party

Konan slams the door on his way out and I jump with a fright. I always knew he hated me, but why does he hate me that much? I have never done anything to him, or anyone. Just another reminder that this will never be my real family, a thought that always makes me sad. Tears brim in my eyes, and no matter how much I try to fight them, I can’t stop them from spilling over. I sit on my chair, letting my head fall into my hands.

How can I possibly show my face at the party now? But then, how can I not? Cecilia was kind enough to go through all this trouble. Damned if I do and damned if I don’t. I dab my face dry, hoping to save at least some of Cara’s hard work.

“Ella, what’s wrong?”

“Remus? I didn’t see you there. Nothing’s wrong, sweetheart, I’m just a little nervous about this party, you know.”

I smile at the youngest Jermaine, my sweet little boy. Only 12 years old, he has yet to be swept up by all of the politics and schemes of Graka. He is innocent and pure, and the nicest person in this family.

“Don’t be nervous, you’re going to have a great time. You look like a Princess! Mother says I’m not allowed to come, that I’m too young. It’s not fair!”

“Come here.” I pull him into a hug. “Maybe next year, you’ll be 13 by then, officially a teenager. You can have your own big party!”

“Yes! And you’ll be the first person I invite.”

“I’ll hold you to that.” I smile, knowing that it may never happen.

He might grow up and learn to hate me like Konan, and pretty much everyone else. Cecilia arrives, floating into my room with her usual grace. She looks more like a Queen than a Duchess.

“Remus, time for you to retire. I’ll be accompanying Ella down to her party.”

“Okay, Mother.” He dashes from the room. “Oh, and Happy Birthday, Ella.”

I smile my thanks and take one deep breath. I pray that Cecilia can’t tell that I have been crying.

“You look better than I imagined you would in that dress. It was mine, you know, from when I was younger. It’s special to me, so I hope you appreciate it.”

“Oh, I do, of course I do. It’s the most beautiful dress I have ever seen.”

“Good. Well then, shall we? Everyone is here, waiting to see the birthday girl.”

Oh God, how many people is ‘everyone’? I feel nauseous, but I follow Cecilia anyway. I’m careful walking down the stairs, focusing on not tripping and ruining this dress. Two knights guard the doors to the grand hall. I can already hear the voices of everyone inside, and it sounds like a lot of people. The knights bow to the Duchess before opening the double doors.

The head servant, Kristof, announces our arrival and silence immediately befalls the entire hall. All eyes are on me. I can feel it, as intense as the sun that burns my pale skin. Am I supposed to say something? I have never been to a party like this, I have no idea what to do.

“Good evening, everyone. Thank you all for joining us here tonight. Ella came into our lives as an infant, and though we didn’t have to, we were kind enough to take her in, welcome her into our home. She’s turns 18 today, a special milestone in any young woman’s life. So, let us celebrate. It’s going to be a special evening indeed!”

A round of cheers erupts, then everyone gets back to what they were doing previously. I release the breath I was holding, overwhelmed with relief that I didn’t have to make a speech of my own. But now what? Cecilia has already disappeared from my side, now talking with Atticus and their noble peers.

I notice a table with some food and drinks on it, so I make my way over there, hoping to blend. A waiter stationed at the table offers me a wine. I shake my head, but then realise that I am now 18, and even though nobles start drinking wine at an earlier age, I never have. I take the chalice from him and nod my thanks. The flavour is strong but fruity, I like it.

I take this moment to look around the large room. I recognise most people here, but only because they are nobles, not because we are friendly. Kaira is in a corner gossiping with her friends, as expected. Dressed in a bright red gown, Kaira is easy to spot. I laugh ironically to myself. Even if she had worn blue, we both know that there’s no way anyone would be looking at me.

I notice Konan sitting in the opposite corner, watching me closely with an angry expression. I gulp down some more wine and decide to ignore him. If I forget that he is here, maybe he will leave me alone. The room is full of Dukes, Marquesses, and Barons...then me. I have nothing in common with anyone here. I can’t help but feel like it’s going to be a long night. Then I see Caspian. Standing with his family, his eyes are on me. He smiles at me knowingly, and I blush. I send him a quick smile before looking elsewhere.

My eyes fall onto Kaira and Aurelia who are walking towards me. My heart skips a beat. Aurelia is Caspian’s younger sister, a duchess. She has always disliked me and never tried to hide that fact either. Sometimes, I’ve wondered whether she knows about Caspian and I, but most nobles don’t need a reason to dislike someone like me. And to make things worse, Kaira is always meaner when Aurelia is around, laughing at her snide remarks and mimicking her superior attitude.

“Happy Birthday.” Says Aurelia, dryly.

“Thank you, Aurelia.”

“Doesn’t she look beautiful in that dress!” Exclaims Kaira, and I smile. “I mean, it is second-hand, it was my mother’s, but even still. It’s the best dress Ella has ever worn.”

My smile drops.

“Indeed, and probably the best she will ever look.”

I hang my head low as the two girls giggle. I will not cry in front of them. Aurelia pushes past me to get two more wines.

“I didn’t get you a present. I honestly didn’t know what a maid would need or want.”

“That’s okay, Aurelia. I don’t need anything at all, especially not from you.” I retort, determined not to let her ruin an already terrible party.

Aurelia’s expression immediately drops, her eyes scouring my body like I am a piece of dirt that just fell before her. Without waiting for another sly remark, I get myself another wine and walk away. I can feel my heart beating rapidly against my chest. What have I done? I can’t afford to talk to a Duchess like that. There is bound to be consequences for that. Was Konan watching?

I glance in his direction to see that his eyes are still fixated on me, his brows knitted closely together. Oh no. I turn away from him, bumping into someone as I do so. Alexander. Konan’s closest friend, a Marquess and a ladies’ man, not in a good sense. I’ve only heard bad things about him, probably not the best person to bump into.

“S...Sorry.” I stutter. “I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

“No need for apologies, Ella.” He smirks. “How about a dance to make it up to me?”