Chapter 3

The weeks flew by in the blink of an eye. The preparations for Kyra's birthday kept everyone busy. There were dresses to be fitted for, etiquette classes to be attended and invitations to be sent. The Duchess really outdid herself in organising everything perfectly for that day. Everyone was looking forward to the little misses 10th birthday party. Nobles from all over the capital were invited. Even the royal family received an invitation so a lot of people would come even if it would be to catch a glimpse of the Prince's and Princess of the kingdom.

She got ready and in no time guests started to arrive at the manor. There was live music and the hall was decorated to perfection. Immediately she stepped out of her room, she could see Kion a ways off, down the hall waiting for her. She stopped dead in her tracks as she got closer to him, as she couldn't help but stare at that handsome face. He really was handsome. No wonder she fell for him in her last life.

"Is the outfit not to your liking Lady Kyra?" he asked with a raised brow as he fiddled his fingers. She simply smiled and said that he looked so dashing that she couldn't help but stare at him, causing him to blush and turn away. He offered her his hand, as she took it and walked her to the ballroom.

All eyes were on them, as their arrival was announced and the doors were opened. She could feel their piercing gazes trying to size her up and figure out who the little boy beside her was. He may have looked like a noble in his fancy clothes but since all nobles knew one another, everyone knew that he was not of noble blood.

Words started to fly as people murmured amongst themselves and gossiped about who he could be. A country side noble perhaps? or the son of a fallen noble family? or worst yet a commoner? It was no surprise as whoever it was that escorted the young lady of the De Leta household would definitely be the center of attention as well, as nothing was more important at such a gathering than political standing and one's background.

They danced and ate and mingled. She introduced Kion to anyone who cared to listen, making no exceptions for the noble children in attendance. She went to great lengths to ensure that Kion had met all of them. As the party was drawing closer to its end, there was an up roar as the arrival of the royal family was announced.

Everyone fixed their gaze towards the entrance as the King and the 1st and 2nd prince's walked in. The first and second Prince, Carcel and Theodore Vontigo. The Princess seemed to not be in attendance, same as the Queen. It was to be expected since she was just about 8 years old at the time.

His majesty was welcomed by the Duke as the 2nd Prince made his way in a straight bee line towards Kyra. His eyes never wavering from the boy who stood next to her, with her hand in his. His face looking very much annoyed by the sight. They greeted eachother and she could see the disdain and curiosity written all over the 2nd prince's face.

"Your highness, Prince Theo , this is Kion, my escort for tonight." she said.

"Well, I can clearly see that Lady Kyra. I couldn't help but notice that you didn't mention his family name. I would like to know which family's son has been able to tame the heart of the Tyrant Princess of the De Leta Duchy," he said smugly.

The 2nd Prince always knew how to talk in a round about way and poke at people. But Kyra was used to it after all those years of being played by him and Kion. She coolly said " He is but a commoner your highness, so he doesn't have a family name worth mentioning".

Prince Theo laughed and eyed Kion coldly as he mixed insults into his greeting. But Kion didn't react and simply treated him with respect and answered only when spoken to. Seeing as how he couldn't get a rise out of Kion, he simply clicked his tongue and excused himself in displeasure.

From the corner of her eye, Kyra spotted the 1st Prince surrounded by a lot of nobles. Everyone wanted to talk to him since he seemed the most likely to become the crowned Prince. If only they knew that in just 10 years, the 1st Prince would be assassinated and the 2nd Prince would try to take the throne for himself.

On that note, for the sake of her revenge. Kyra had to become close with the 1st Prince. Not much was said about him except that he was a kind and intelligent person. He barely spoke and would hardly smile or interact with other people.

Kyra followed the 1st Prince as she saw him excuse himself towards one of the gardens. It was time to put her plan into motion.

She stood behind some rose bushes as she watched him. He was clearly thinking about something deeply as he stared into the fountain water. The gears in her head were spinning. She didn't know much about him, so she was practically clueless on how to approach him and gain his favour. She decided to go with the most cliché encounter she could think of. Brimming with tears, a hand covering her face to shield her, she ran full speed towards where he stood. She bumped into him on purpose, knocking him back to his senses. With just enough acting, she swayed backwards as though to fall, just to be caught in his arms.

'That was perfect,' she thought to herself. With a shaky voice, she lowered her trembling hand and gasped in fake shock upon seeing the Prince holding her. His face obviously depicting worry. She quickly stood upright and spoke.

"I greet the second Sun of the Balverich Enpire, the 1st Prince Carcel Vantigo," she bowed.

"It's aright Lady Kyra, let's forget the formalities. You seem to be crying, what is wrong?" he asked.

With more tears flowing down her cheeks, she looked him dead in the eyes and said with a wry smile, "It's nothing your highness, my shoes must be too tight, causing me a lot of discomfort and pain. Nothing your highness needs to worry about," she said as she sniffled, trying to steady her voice.

He really was a sucker for people in pain or in need of comforting. He gently ushered her to sit at the edge of the fountain. And to her surprise, he got down on bent knee and began to unfasten her shoes. She tried to stop him, feigning that it was improper and he was of too high a status to be doing such, but he shrugged her off and continued. With her shoes off and him sitting beside her, she couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. That was a perfect chance encounter, if she could say so herself.

"Sorry if this may be coming late," he said, breaking her train of thought "but happy birthday Lady Kyra". He smiled at her gently and turned to get something out of his pocket. He took out a nicely wrapped jewelry box and handed it to her, and bid her a goodnight and for her feet to stop hurting.

As he walked away she shouted out him to him. "Thank you so much for the present. I know this may be shameless of me as a noble lady but would your highness like to become friends?"

He looked taken aback but quickly recovered and simply smiled. "Of course Lady Kyra, although I've never had a friend before. I hope to be in your care, and you may drop the formalities as well."

Grinning from ear to ear she nodded in consent as she finally watched him disappear. Mission successful. Truly, the best way to become friends with such a nice person is to simply give them a reason to take care of you or want to help you. She put her shoes back on and retired for the night. There was much she had to plan and put in order. And who knows, maybe she could even be engaged to the 1st Prince in this life just to spite Kion and the 2nd Prince.