13

It’s finally the day. Brylle's 20th birthday. My maids put me on a beige long gown with long sleeves and I'm telling you, it is the most uncomfortable dress I have yet I have to wear it since Queen Josephine likes the color beige.

"I don't know why I'm nervous. I don't know," Althea said as she keep on pacing. She got ready earlier than me and now she's ranting here in my room while I get ready.

"Why are you nervous? There's nothing to be worried about," I assured her as my maids busy themselves.

She continued pacing. "I don't know. I just feel like something is going to happen."

I sighed then peeked at her at my mirror. "Relax, Althea. Nothing is going to happen. Unless Brylle suddenly shows up and thanks us for the feast," I joked.

She inhaled sharply. "Oh my gosh, what if he does?"

I giggled. Althea sometimes gets paranoid from stuff like this, like occasions. She's a very bright and energetic woman but she still has a soft spot for things. That's why we kinda get along. I'm a little happy-go-lucky kind of person and she's here to always keep me on track. We rely on each other very much.

"Girls, are you ready?" Mom asked from behind. I turned and saw her by the door. She was wearing the gown Queen Josephine designed. It was gift from Mom's birthday last year.

"Yes."

"Thank you so much everyone for making this happen. I'm glad that we get to celebrate Brylle's birthday together," Queen Josephine said as we all gather in the Dining Hall.

"Now, let's eat!" King Ricardo exclaimed.

It was like a fun party. The chattering was not annoying, it was rather relaxing. I felt like everybody was having a break from the stressful world and just wanted to treasure this little moment together. We had crab soup and turkey with corn and carrots for the menu tonight and dessert was cake of course.

I kinda feel nervous because I requested this cake from Noah. I want this day to be special for the Wilhems because it’s the first time they'll be celebrating Brylle's birthday here in our palace. I want them to feel that we're here for them as a second family.

"And now, Your Highness' and Your Majesties, it’s time for the cake."

We all stood as the kitchen doors opened. The cake was in two layers, it was a warm beige color. It had blueberry fondant and blueberries on top with white daisies. I was in awe. Noah exceeded my expectations. It was even better than I imagined it would be.

"Blueberry cheesecake as requested from the Princess," Noah said then looked at me.

I turned to see Queen Josephine and King Ricardo's reactions and they were embracing each other. I had my hands cover my mouth from shock. Queen Josephine was in tears.

"Thank you so much, Ruthy. This was our favorite, the whole family," Queen Josephine said then went to give me a hug.

I hugged her back. "You're welcome, Your Majesty. I just wanted to make this day really special for you."

Before she left, she gave me a quick kiss on the cheeks. Althea went to my side then hugged me too. Thomas, who was actually behind me, patted my head.

"Thank you for this, Ruthy," I heard him say. I realized that I’m making a huge decision now, from the moment I asked Noah for a favor. I feel like an adult where I’m responsible for things and now I’m feeling the pressure. I clasped my hands and breathed. This pressure is not purely negative, but I sense that it’s a pressure that will push me to grow. I have to feel motivated and anxious to be able to bring the best out of me. Queen Josephine then went to the cake.

"Would you do the honors, Your Majesty?" Noah handed her the cake slicer and she received it with a genuine smile. When she sliced the cake, cream cheese filling poured from the inside. It was magical.

"You outdid yourself, boy. Thank you so much," King Ricardo told Noah and he bowed.

We all started to take a slice from the cake. I was one of the last persons to get a slice so when I got closer and had a good look at the cake, it even looked more beautiful. The fondant was sparkling!

"I can't thank you enough, Noah. You did amazing," I whispered to him who was behind the cart of the cake.

"No worries, Princess."

Then we were all baffled by the sound of a glass shattering. When I turned, it wasn't a glass at all. It was Queen Josephine's plate. I placed my hand on my chest to contain my heart, it was beating so fast I think I'm going to pass out. I suddenly felt nervous.

"Mom?" Althea called. King Ricardo looked uneasy by her side.

He held her arms. "Are you alright, dear?" He asked.

Queen Josephine looked shocked at herself and was also stunned at what happened.

"Is it- is it bad?" Noah stuttered with his hands behind him. I noticed that he suddenly became so uneasy.

Queen Josephine looked at us. "No! It- it tastes absolutely perfect."

I walked behind Noah and touched his back, hoping he'd relax.

"I'm sorry everyone. Please continue,” Queen Josephine said then left the room. King Ricardo immediately followed her.

The room was silent for a minute before my Dad started conversations and thank heavens, it continued. Noah ran to the kitchen and I followed him.

"Noah!" I called. He turned and I just saw the pure terror on his face.

"Hey! Hey, calm down," I said then held his face. He brushed his hair then started to breathe frantically.

"They liked it. It was wonderful," I told him. I placed my hands on his chest and his heart was beating like crazy.

"I thought I was going to pass out a while ago," He whispered. 

I giggled. "Don't worry. Maybe the Queen was just super surprised at how good you were." 

He then finally calmed down and sat at one of the chairs. I gave him a glass of water then sat beside him.

"Do you really think I'm good enough? You think they really enjoyed it?" He silently asked.

"Of course! You're an amazing baker! Mom wouldn't hire you for the party if it weren't for your cheesecake."

I recalled our incident back then where I embarrassed him in front of so many people. I can't believe I actually did that. Maybe I am kinda childish despite my age.

He chuckled. "Yeah, that was a memory."

Suddenly, Althea came through the door. She didn’t even hesitating struting through the kitchen and started clapping.

"Noah! Sir Noah, the cake was amazing!" She said then shook Noah's hands. I face-palmed myself. 

"Y-your Highness! I- uh- thank you!" Noah suddenly stood. I giggled as I stood as well.

"Oh drop the formality. I'm Althea, Ruthy's best friend," Althea said with a curtsy.

"Pleasure to meet you, Princess Althea," Noah said with a bow.

"Let’s go back to the Dining Hall. I'm sure they all have something to say about your cake," I said then pulled them both out of the kitchen.