Partners In Crime

Chapter 83: The Servant of Evil Part 4

"Happy Birthday!"

"Happy Birthday princess!"

"Happy Birthday your highness!"

"Thank you!" Aria called behind her before continuing to run through the halls.

Lloyd stood with Hanabusa and Kaname in the great hall, watching the servants beginning preparation for the ball that night. Mistake was going over the list as Svern and Layla stood in their corners, refusing to look at each other. The door opened and in ran Aria, catching her parent's attention who both put on a smile.

"Happy birthday my little star!" Layla hugs her tightly.

"Thanks mom," Aria smiles.

Svern picks her up and held her "What do you think of the party decorations?"

"They're really pretty," Aria replies as she wraps her arms around his neck "thanks daddy!"

"Your thirteenth birthday is a special occasion," Layla says "Our princess is on her way to adulthood."

"Yes, but not quite there yet, you're still my little girl." Svern adds as he put Aria back on her feet.

On the other side of the room, Lloyd was staring at the family with a peculiar smile. Mistake leaned down and pulled on his ear.

"Focus!" Mistake shouts.

"Ow," Lloyd pulls away and rubbed his ear "come on mom, It's my birthday too."

"I'm well aware Lloyd, but that does not excuse you from work." Mistake lectures. 

"You're being unfair," Lloyd grumbles "it's like you care more about your job then your son."

Mistake sighs "You're still too young to understand my actions, Lloyd."

Lloyd looks confused as Mistake walked away to direct the other servants again. Lloyd turned to see Aria staring at him, when she noticed she smiled and waved to him. Lloyd returned the smile before following after Kaname to the other knights.

"Come dear," Layla took Aria's hand "Let's get your dress fitted."

"Okay mama," Aria replies as she follows her mother.

Svern waves to his daughter as she left with her mother.

"Alright everyone," Svern turns to his staff "let's get moving!"

Lloyd sighs as he followed the knights in training to the captain of the royal guard.

"Father," Kaname calls out.

"Ah there you are," the captain turns to him with a smile, he hands him a paper "This is where the royal guards will be stationed during the party. All you kiddos have to do is keep your eyes on the princess, simple as that."

"Do we have specific areas we need to stand?" Hanabusa asks.

"No, but as the princess's future protectors you need to do your utmost best to make a name for yourselves." the captain replies "If they see weakness in her forces, they see a weakness in the crown."

"Understood," Kaname nods.

"I know I can count on you," the captain places a hand on Kaname's shoulder "make me proud my son."

Kaname nods before gesturing for the young knights to follow him out. They all sat on the fences of the training ground as the servants continued rushing to prepare the party.

"I never understood the celebration of one's birth," Rima sighs as she kicked her legs.

"It's more or less to show the people that their princess is growing up," Hanabusa tells her "Seeing as she's the next leader and all."