Chapter 10

"Hello Florentia" the crown Prince walked proudly towards grandfather and Tia.

"To congratulate you on your birthday" the first Prince bent down kissing Tias hand like any gentleman would do "I came personally"

Tia looked shocked at the first Prince grandfather simply said "Oh it's surprising that the Prince is here"

Tia edged closer to grandfather seeming nervous I didn't blame her I would be to! I could feel father glaring at me as he watched the interaction between Tia and the first Prince.

"I got scolded a lot by my mother when I went back to the palace the other day" the first Prince said humbly 'liar' I thought 'you were at the garden with your mother and father keeping your reputation up!'

Tia looked thoughtful as a servant came up from behind the first Prince "your highness the present" the servant muttered holding a silver like tray with a purple gift box it was well decorated with gems and anyone could tell that the gift must be expensive.

"Oh yes that's right!" The first Prince exclaimed with a smiled 'what the hell was he planning?'

"Happy birthday Florentia" the Prince smiled opening the purple and black box. A shining pink gem necklace sat there it was clearly very expensive.

I with held a scoff I didn't want father to hit me again and embarrass the family name as I stood next to mother and my older brothers as Tia politely thanked the first Prince who kept on going "I'm glad you like the present my mother chose may I put it on for you?"

"Ha ha... yes" Tia laughed I felt a hand touch my shoulder suddenly looking up to see my fathers angry gaze he was angry again...

He soon walked off to stand beside mother as I listened to people rumours about how great the empress was for giving Tia such a gift.

Poor Tia she looked upset but grandfather quickly stopped the gossip with a small speech "the banquet has been delayed for a while by a sudden visitor. But we can't keep the precious Guests waiting any longer let's begin the Banquet everyone raise your glass". I watched mother and father raise there glasses with smiles on both there faces "Congratulations to my granddaughter Florentia for her eighth birthday."

"Congratulations" everyone chorused I watched as mother and father clicked there wine glasses together drinking. Does mum know dad hit me? What about Gilliu and Mayron does anyone or everyone know yet they don't care they probably don't even if the knew they probably wouldn't I deserve it for being rude to the first Prince but.

I watched Tia argue with the first Prince and Belsach.

Gilliu and Mayron rushed over Dragging Tia away to open more gifts. Mother came. To my side "why don't you join them?" She asked I shook my head and smiled to her  "I'm going to go eat some cake" she nodded slightly looking at me concerned maybe she doesn't know.

Not wanting to be a bother to anyone I sat down in the corner eating strawberry cake watching people chatter and laugh the soft music playing in the background as Uncle Galahan came late but Tia was really happy Grandfather smiled a little watching them interact just last minute the first Prince came out with a purple invitation to the royal palace from the empress personally.

I could see uncle Viese's furious face and Father... Father I couldn't tell.

As the banquet went on.

I just sat there watching everyone have fun "don't feel like playing?" A voice beside me asked making me jump in surprise

.

I turned shocked.

Black hair deep blue eyes it was the kid from before! The one that had handed me the sandwich! "W-What are you doing here!?" I stuttered with wide eyes

"huh well my dad was invited and he brought me along" Arthur shrugged "but aren't you a commoner!?" I whispered exclaimed at the same time

"huh what no!" Arthur looked at me like I was crazy "I was wearing that so I could blend in my brothers said I had to!"

"Oh so that why!" I said as it dawned me on what had really happened "so did you see the spring festival in the end?" Arthur asked I nodded and smiled "yes! It was so fun Gilliu and Mayron snuck me out" "Gilliu and Mayron?" Arthur muttered "oh my older brothers there over there" i pointed to where they were playing with Tia wide grins on there face.

"Who's that girl your sister?" Arthur asked I shook my head "no she's my cousin this banquet is for her" I explained "why don't you play with them?" Arthur asked I shrugged "I guess I don't know Sister Tia to well so I can't really play with them."

"Hmm then why don't you play with me?" Arthur asked "huh?" I looked at him he was the same height as me probably the same age "what would we play?" I asked Arthur smiled "I dunno how about you show me around it's my first time in the Lombardy mansion" he said I smiled "great wait Arthur how old are you?" I asked "Hm? Um if I remember my birthday is in winter seven turning eight on a few months" he concluded

"wow I'm older" I grinned he grumbled "no fair your shorter" "no where the same height!" I pointed out "no look your shorter!" He stood beside me it was true but I was only a little shorter "only a little!" I pointed out "still shorter" he argued i huffed "so what!?"

We bickered for a few more seconds as Grandfather chuckled "having fun I see" I turned and smiled "grandpa!"

He smiled and nodded "who's this?" He asked nodding to Arthur "ah this is Arthur I met him..." I paused nearly saying at the spring festival and at the gate but then paused "just now" I concluded Arthur who was probably laughing silently got himself together.

"nice to meet you sir Lombardy" he bowed I looked at him shocked he hadn't seem to know etiquette much back then but now I could see he was totally a noble! Grandfather nodded in acknowledgment "I was just talking to your father he seems to be very proud of your recent accomplishments" Arthur grinned at that "I'm excited to continue as well"

I looked at them both with a raised brow but didn't question it as grandfather moved on to greet a few guests.

"What accomplishments?" I asked Arthur "Hm? Oh swordsmanship training I defeated one of the younger guards who were well known and strong"

"Wow really?" I asked he nodded "yup my brothers trained me personally!" He exclaimed proudly "I can't do swordsmanship dad says a fragile girl like me shouldn't be doing it or something my brothers do though there really good" I told him he nodded "I heard is it true that Lombardy children don't leave the house till there eleven?" He asked I nodded "well on our own yes not till we're eleven so the spring festival has to stay a secret"

He nodded as well we talked the night away Arthur was fun to be around. I found myself being normal we ended up not using honorific's and just talking casually and so I made a new friend.

(A/n: I couldn't wait I've finished school and plan to post much more chapters Untold secrets Perez's little brother's story has been published and the first few chapters as well! So be sure to check it out and thanks for reading!♪(๑ᴖ◡ᴖ๑)♪