A Prince's Love

Chapter 10.

Danny's POV

Knock! Knock!

I groan and turn in my bed, thinking I'm just dreaming.

Knock! Knock!

I groan again and my eyes flutter open slowly. I glance at my alarm clock to see that it is 10:45 a.m. Yes, it is a bit late but everyone knows I do not wake up earlier than 10 a.m. on a regular basis unless I really have to. I slowly sit up in my bed, groggily rubbing my eyes. When I realize that someone is knocking on my door, I let out an exhausted breath before speaking.

"Come in." I tiredly say, still rubbing my eyes.

The door opens and all the maids file in one after the other, some holding flower petals and some holding balloons. Their gaze stays locked on the floor. I scrunch my face in annoyance when I realize why they are doing this. Of course, it's my birthday.

"Good morning, my prince. Happy birthday. God bless you and give you long life full of success and prosperity." Esther greets, with her head down while her fellow maids tie the balloons around my room.

"Thank you all. Now, can I please--" I start but Esther interrupts me.

"Your Highness, please allow us to sing for you." she tells me and I groan.

They do this every year, regardless of how many times I tell them it is not necessary. At this point, I have given up on trying to dissuade them.

Esther leads them in singing an extended version of 'Happy Birthday' while the maids holding flower petals lightly scatter the petals around my bed and around me. I smile at their gesture, even though I would rather not have them do this.

When they finish singing and showering me with petals, I smile.

"Thank you for that. That was very nice." I compliment, hoping they would leave me now.

"You are very welcome, Your Highness. We will now beg of our leave." Esther says with a smile on her face.

I nod at them and let out a sigh. When the rest of the maids file out, Esther turns back around to me. I raise my eyebrow at her.

"Your Highness, I forgot to mention. Afia Nelson and her family will be here soon to celebrate your birthday with you." she informs me, making me groan.

"Why?" I ask, extremely perturbed.

"My prince, your future wife and future in-laws have to join in this joyous day with you. In fact, Afia Nelson will be preparing a meal for you, so Your Majesty has asked me not to make breakfast for you." Esther tells me.

I fall back in my bed in annoyance. Why do they have to come over? I just wanted to be alone all day until 6 p.m, when I get to meet Maadwoa again. That was what I planned and looked forward to. Now, I have to add Afia to my plans. On top of that, I have to eat something from her. No offense, but how are they even sure she can cook? She's been pampered since she was a child and her parents did not allow her to cook or clean because they thought she was too precious for that.

"But, I like your cooking, Esther." I whine.

She lets out a breath and smiles.

"Thank you, my Prince. But you will have to get used to Afia's cooking sooner or later." she says.

"Well I choose later." I reply, making her giggle at my behavior.

"Do not worry, Your Highness. Please get yourself ready."

I glare at her.

"Esther, please stop calling me 'Your Highness'. You're older than me, I should be even bowing down to you." I inform her.