Chapter 17 - Another Day, New Whispers

My birthday managed to end without another incident. I ended up eating so much cake I was bedridden the next day with a stomachache. Maybe I really should start pacing myself. But then again, I also want to take advantage of this body's high metabolism while I can.

The only thing I wish I could avoid was Lona's constant nagging. Apparently when she said I could eat as much cake as I wanted, she hadn't actually meant that I could do that. Seems a bit unfair to me.

I was surprised to see my father leave the day after my party. He claimed that he needed to go back to work, but we all know his real intentions.

It's not like I was upset about it. I was actually quite excited to see him leave. I'd prefer being grounded to having to deal with his overbearing personality. It's quite tiring to pretend you are cute all day.

Lona had dragged me out of bed in order to see him off. I expected it to be a quick goodbye, but he proceeded to hug me and cry.

I looked to Lona for help, but she just smiled at me. I don't know why I even try anymore.

I tugged at his arms, "Daddy. You need to go now. It's rude to keep someone waiting."

"I just need another hug from my baby girl before I leave."

Another hug? All you've done is hug me. You haven't even let go.

Finally, I managed to shake him off. He looked at Lona, "Take good care of her."

My mother had also been standing there in order to see him off. She scowled at this, "Husband. Shouldn't you be saying that to me?"

He glared at her, "Well maybe if you were actually a mother to her, I would."

Ah. I'm going to miss his snotty remarks towards her.

My mother huffed. He looked at her seriously, "If I hear that you are bullying your own daughter again, I will be back. And you won't like it."

My mother looked frightened at this and quickly looked down. I also felt a shiver at his serious tone. I wonder why his character was barely mentioned in the book. He seems to have a unique personality that doesn't suit a side character.

He looked back at Lona, "I expect you to keep me updated on what's going on while I'm gone."

"Yes, my lord."

"You better be honest."

"Of course, my lord."

He looked back at me and smiled brightly, "Well then I should be going. Kisses for Daddy?"

Oh hell no.

I took a step back, but Lona pushed me forward. Traitor!

After I suffered an onslaught of cheek kisses from my father, he finally left.

I think I feel even sicker now. I quickly made my way back to my bed and got comfortable. I can't believe today is my last day off before I have to return to that wicked school.

Sometimes it's nice to be lazy.

On my way to school, I was surprised that I felt so happy. Perhaps it was because I wasn't having to be escorted there by my father.

I yawned and walked into the building expecting to see William waiting like he usually did. However, he wasn't there.

Hmmm. That's odd. I wonder where he is. I looked around and didn't see him. Oh well. Guess I got lucky today. Perhaps I will skip class today.

"Where do you think you're going?"

I jumped at the sound of Williams voice behind me, "Sh*t! When did you get there?!"

"Don't curse."

I looked around and then back at him with an eyebrow raised. He was peeking out from behind a door.

"Were you hiding just now?"

He frowned, "No." He looked around, "Where's your father?"

"Heh heh. Why do you ask? Are you hiding from him?"

"No."

"Really? Because it looks like you are."

"I'm not."

I looked past him and smiled, "Hi Daddy!"

He jumped and twirled around to see what I was looking at. I burst into laughter and held my sides.

"You idiot! He's not really here."

"You! How dare you!"

"Ahhh. I can't believe you fell for that. You are too gullible."

He growled at me, "Shut up."

"You can relax. He left yesterday."

"He left? Where to?"

"He said work but he probably went to see his mistress."

William looked away clearly uncomfortable, "H-his mistress?"

"Yup. Never met her but I bet she's something if he wants to be with her all the time."

"Oh... I'm sorry."

"I don't really care."

After all he's not really my father.

William looked at me carefully, "Alright... Then I guess it's time to go to class."

He grabbed me by the collar and started to drag me off. I tried to escape, "Hey! Wait! Didn't you feel bad about me a second ago?! Why are you dragging me to class?!"

"You are already stupid. If you become any more idiotic, I'm worried your brain will stop working."

This rude brat.

After he threw me into the room I went to my seat and yawned.

Millie smiled at me, "Did your father return to work?"

"Yup."

"I see. Well, cheer up. I'm sure he will be back soon."

I put my head on the desk, "I sure hope not."

Afterwards the day went along normally. Most of the children came up to me on break to tell me how much fun they had at my party. I'm pretty sure I never noticed them at the party.

When lunchtime came I noticed a lot more people staring at me and whispering.

I furrowed my eyebrows and looked at Millie, "Millie. Why are all these people staring at me? William and Dante aren't behind me, right?"

She shook her head, "No. You are the new gossip of the school."

"Why?"

"Because Prince William and Queen Luna attended your party."

"Why is that so interesting?"

She looked surprised, "You don't know?" I shook my head. She sighed, "Why are you so clueless?"

"I'm not clueless. I'm a genius."

Okay, maybe I am a bit clueless. I just don't like paying attention to boring things.

"I know, I know. You are the smartest person here."

"Fufu. I'm glad you know this."

"Anyway, Queen Luna and Prince William are notorious for not attending events of other people. They only attend those they are forced to due to social standing."

I nodded, "Makes perfect sense."

She noticed the sarcasm in my voice and continued, "Well, not only did they attend, but everyone has heard that Queen Luna favors you enough to want you to be Queen."

"Yeah. That's never going to happen."

"I'm a bit surprised myself. Prince William always distances himself from people. How did you manage to get so close to him?"

"Close? I don't think I would say we are close."

"He said you two were friends at the party."

Ack.

"Okay, well I'm sure he has an ulterior motive behind that."

"Are you suspicious of everyone?"

I eyed her carefully, "Shouldn't I be?"

She sighed, "You always surprise me."

I smiled triumphantly, "That's my allure."

"Another rumor has spread as well."

"Another one?!"

Just how much free time does everyone have? Sometimes I hate rich people.

"Yes. It says that you have been trying to steal Prince William from Ilene."

Blech.

"That's disgusting."

"Oh? What is?"

I turned around to see William and Dante behind me. I frowned at him, "You need to wear a bell. You can't keep sneaking up on people like that."

Millie spoke, "I was just telling Seri about the new rumors."

William frowned and ran his hands through his hair, "Why is everyone so obsessed with me?"

I frowned, "You know, narcissist's are really disgusting."

He glared at me, "Like you should talk."

"I'm not a narcissist. I really am amazing."

"That's something a narcissist would say."

Dante stepped in and patted us both in an attempt to calm us down. "Now now. Let's not start fighting. Let's just have a relaxing lunch today."

I nodded, "Sounds good to me."

We grabbed our lunch and sat at our self proclaimed table. I quickly ate my dessert first. I reached for William's but he slapped my hand.

I glared, "What was that for?"

"You don't need any more dessert."

"Excuse me?"

"I watched you eat so much at your party that you vomitted."

"I didn't vomit!"

Did I? I may have.

"Shouldn't you be sick of it?"

I smiled happily, "How can someone be sick of heaven?"

After pestering him some more, he finally let me have his dessert. I happily ate it. It tastes much sweeter after a victory.

The day proceeded as usual. As I spent time in the library I couldn't help but feel like I was being watched. I didn't care enough to investigate so I shook it off.

As the day finished I happily grabbed my bag and proceeded to walk out of the room. I was met with William and Dante.

Dante smiled at me, "Are you ready?"

I blinked in confusion, "For what?"

William sighed, "I told you she would forget."

Well, I do have the tendency to forget things.

Dante spoke to me, "Today is your first day of Knight training."

"Oh. We are starting this soon?"

"Well, You're already far behind everyone else. So, yes."

"Oh. Alright. Where are we practicing at?"

William smiled, "My house."

"Come again?"