The Book Of Flowers

Chapter 1

Today is my 16th birthday. I awake quite early from the sun shining right through my window. I forgot to close my drapes again. I turn over and push my face farther into my pillow. After a few minutes I get up and put on proper morning attire just to look presentable enough. Once I finished getting dressed I walk over to my window and look around. The sun has risen and the sky is clear as far as I can see. I open my door and get met with a bouquet of lilies in a vase on the ground. I quickly pick them up and look around for a note. There isn't one.

All of a sudden Jane walks past, "Jane, do you know where these flowers came from?"

"No, I'm sorry dear. They were already here when I arrived this morning."

"Oh okay! Thank you, have a good day!"

"You as well! Also happy birthday dear!"

I quickly smile at her and then head back into my room just to set the flowers on my nightstand and then I head downstairs for breakfast. When I arrive I see my mother and father are already there.

"Good morning Estella, Happy Birthday."

"Good morning Mother, thank you!" I sit down and look at my father.

"Happy Birthday Estella." He doesn't look up at me.

"Thank you."

A few minutes later the food starts to get brought out and we start eating. When we are almost done father starts talking about my ceremony later.

"Estella, have you given any thought to who you want to be your personal guard?" Father asks while looking up at me.

"Sorta? I really don't know and don't really care..." I decide not to look at him and lower my gaze to my hands.

"Well you must decide by noon, or me and your mother will choose for you."

I nod quickly and head back up to my room to get my birthday dress on for my ceremony. When I arrive I see a small box laying on my bed. I walk over to it and open it. The box holds the most beautiful necklace I have ever seen. I put it on quickly and walk over to the mirror. I wonder if Jane got this for me... Not many people have access to my room though. I walk over to my closet and put on one of my forest green dresses, as well as the rest of my jewelry. I peek my head out of my room and see Mary there.

"Mary, can you help me with my hair?"

She turns and looks at me, "Well of course!" She walks into my room and I sit down at my vanity. "The usual Miss Estella?"

"Yes please."

After Mary finishes my hair I look in the mirror and see my famous dutch braids. I get my shoes on to make sure I look presentable and head out of my room. I make my way to the main hall. It's about noon when I arrive, and I haven't given a single thought on who I want to choose. It's just some stupid guard to look after me. When I enter the hall there are about 2 dozen guards waiting in there, accompanied by my parents.

"Hello, Father, Mother." I say quietly and walk over to them.

"Hello, Darling." Mother says while smiling.

"Estella have you decided on who you want to be your personal guard?" Father asks sternly.

"Um, not exactly. I think you should choose for me." I say while looking down at my feet.

Mother whispers something to father with a huge grin on her face. "That's an absolutely wonderful idea dear!" Father shouts.

He walks over to the guards and picks a young boy who blends in quite well. He walks him over to me and I look up at him to see him already looking at me.