The Binding Fates SEASON 2: The Present

Chapter 8: The 10th Birthday part 2

"Thank you all for joining us to celebrate my youngest daughter's birthday. I would like to congratulate my son, Jason, and Henry to receive another reward for their academic excellence..." Duchess Vierra continues to praise her sons meanwhile, she never praises her daughter. Well, she was a bastard and everyone looks at her the way her mother does.

"I also want to congratulate my son, Edward to receive another medal for academic excellence. And to his swordsmanship, he defeated the son of Reiki." Because of her statement, everyone laughed at Chad who was inside the banquet hall. Thaddeus sigh while Thaddeus's father was frustrated by the embarrassment she gave to him — to his family. Chad doesn't care about it at all and shrugged it off.

While Duchess Vierra is having her speech, behind these huge doors were the young and pretty Elyse and her escort, Edward.

Elyse didn't seem to mind her speech, but in Edward's eyes, she seems worried and frustrated that her mother didn't include her in her speech.

"It's okay, Aniya," Edward spoke out of the blue which made Elyse look at him. "I am here." This is what Edward wanted to say to his little sister but he didn't say a word after telling Elyse that it is okay which makes Elyse left in confusion. What does he mean by it's okay? It's okay that Duchess Vierra didn't include me to her speech? Ha- I've been hearing her speeches forever and now hearing it again is irritating my ears.

Said Elyse to herself. But unto inspection, it seems that he is worried about me. But how can that be? He doesn't care about me at all. Elyse continues her train of thought. Edward didn't speak a word, yet he suddenly held her hand tightly as if it were a sign of reassuring her.

"What —" Elyse was about to speak when the head butler of their mansion called their names and the doors slowly open, as Elyse also hears the crowd clapping towards Edward. Of course, it isn't for Elyse — but for Edward. When she entered the room, she quickly felt the intense glare they give her. She flinched, scared of all the eyes glaring at her. Amidst the crowds, her fear of their glares calmed her down when she saw Chad smiling at her. She smiled back and he went down to the stairs as Elyse let go of her hand from Edward's grip.

Edward watched the young Aniya going down the stairs gracefully as she locked eyes with young Chad. When she accepted his hand, they both greeted each other. And that's the end of his observation as the young guests quickly crowd him with all the young ladies piling at him and young men asking for his wisdom.

"Greetings, Young Master Edward." A familiar figure approaches the young Edward with high and might. Black raven hair and purple eyes staring deeply into your soul — it's Duke Zues.

The Young Edward quickly then bowed how his head yet Duke Zues stopped him. "I think your mother won't like it if you do that," he spoke and Edward only give him a small smile. "My mother cannot control me, Duke." He answered and Duke Zues proudly nodded his head.

"How is your younger sister doing?" He spoke out of blue about her which made Edward feel awkward. He cannot answer his question because of how he treats her.

"She's... fine." Edward lied and Duke Zues sensed that. He sighs and patted his left shoulder. "I know how your mother treats your younger sister. But I guess all of these people here are manipulated by her — even the emperor himself." Edward looked horrified when he said those words.

"Your Grace! —"

Duke Zues only chuckled. "Don't worry. Your mother can neither manipulate me, or kill me. Either way, she couldn't do anything to me."

"But Duke, my mother can still attack your surroundings and slowly attack you face to face. I still believe that my mother is behind the kidnapping accident of your daughter and not the emperor nor the Empress of this Empire." Edward spoke with such strong words.