Alcingeria

Chapter Thirty Five: Preparations

Chapter Thirty Five Preparations:

Tuesday June 29th 1690

I woke up to the sound of clinking metal. I looked to where the sound was coming from and saw Lawrence standing behind a little trolley loaded with tea and biscuits. He had a cup of tea in his hand and was stirring it with a little metal spoon.

"Would you like some tea, sir?" He asked.

I grinned. Lawrence was the greatest.

"That'd be great, thanks Lawrence."

He handed me the tea, it was still warm. I raised the cup to my lips and sipped the warm herbal tea. I took a few more sips.

"You must have been comfortable," he remarked, looking to the bed. "You slept on top of the blankets."

I nodded.

"Yes, the bed here's very comfortable."

"Do you like your tea?"

I nodded, taking another sip of the tea.

"Yes, it's great." I said. "What kind is it?"

"It is green tea made from fresh herbs," He answered. "Coincidentally, it is Princess Estaire's favorite."

I nodded. I liked the same tea as the princess. Cool.

"That reminds me," he said. "She has informed me that preparations for her fifteenth birthday have begun. There will be a ball in two days and she has personally invited you. She also mentioned that you were allowed to bring your friends. Would you like to attend, sir?"

I grinned even wider. I was invited to Princess Estaire's birthday ball. I was even allowed to bring the others, this was so cool!

"You bet," I grinned.

Lawrence bowed.

"Very well sir. I shall inform the servants that are assigned to your friends that they are permitted to go to the ball." He nodded. "They will get your friends proper attire, not to worry. I shall do the same for you, sir."

"Thank you so much, Lawrence." I said sincerely.

"It is my job to serve you as best I can." He replied humbly.

Lawrence left the room and I decided to go to the dining hall and get something to eat. I went downstairs, passing through the main entryway. I reached the area between the two sets of stairs and looked down to the ballroom. I saw various people standing outside, decorating the entrance with roses and red streamers. They were no doubt getting ready for Estaire's birthday ball. I turned around and went left, into the dining hall. I walked through the door to see that Lawrence was already talking to the other servants. Man, this guy was good.

As I sat down, I also noticed that Tabatha was back in her witch clothes. Her hat, tunic and skirt were black with green trim, same as always. The other servants walked away from Lawrence and whispered into their assignments' ears. Stella clapped her hand over her mouth, her eyes lit up with joy. I sat down at the table.

"Redmond! You got us invited to a ball!" She squealed. "Thank you so much!"

"It wasn't me," I chuckled, "it was Princess Estaire, I ran into her yesterday."

"You managed to charm the Princess," Ceberus said jokingly. "Nicely done."

"Please," I scoffed. "I bumped into her and knocked her down. Plus she's a little young for me."