Partial Royalty

CHAPTER 9

After three years...

I am turning 18 today; my parents arranged a grand ball for this occasion. Mother had a long list of guests she invited, particularly those of royalty, and nothing out of the ordinary. Ever since Amelia left, I wasn't the same Jasper they knew. Her absence broke me apart, and this was the outcome. When they thought I could just brush this off that easily, what delusion it turned out to be. They thought replacing her was the best option and they haven't stopped trying since then. No one could possibly replace her, I wasn't that type of man who could just move on after several years without closure—she did say she was coming back so I had a little hope in me, but at the same time, I thought maybe she only said it so I wouldn't worry too much. The palace halls, the library, the garden, the kitchen. The theaters, the grand hall, my room—everything made me think about her and that ribbon she left was a grim reminder that she was gone. This alone shoved me spiraling right into despair.

Three years, I counted. On the day of my 15th birthday. What is she like now? Is she a proper lady? Will she wear her shoes right this time? will she wear a crown now instead of ribbons to her hair? I sighed. But she was perfect the way she was, a little clumsy yes but nothing like a little practice wouldn't do the trick. This place had tons of tutors, so why send her faraway? The thoughts immediately stopped when people began coming from all corners of the grand hall. Of course as the crowned prince and celebrant, I had to pay my respects to the guests. I was about to go when someone grabbed my arm.

"Happy Birthday, Jasper!" I love the fact that my sister reminds me of Amelia the most. They never really got the chance to bond with each other the way I did wih Amelia but it was apparent that Kiara was fond of her and Amelia felt no different. Well, including mother and Father, I presume.

"Thank you, Kiara." I replied softly.

"Do you think Amelia will be here?" the name that left her lips alone made my knees buckle and my eyes heating with tears.

"What?"

"Mother did say she's only gone for three years, she might be here you know?"

That's right, the letter said so as well. There could be a possibility that Amelia would come, I would be brimming with excitement right now if I hadn't been feeling so doubtful. I didn't want to get my hopes too high; if it fails me, I might only disappoint myself, and there would be no one to blame but myself. It's a tough burden, I couldn't risk it.

"I hope so." I sighed.

"It's never really a party if she isn't around." Said Kiara.

"Oh jeez, why are we still talking about her?"

"Sheesh, brother. Don't get so cranky, I miss her that's all." I do too, but talking about her at a time like this, I'm miserable as it is.

"You keep telling everyone about what she did five years ago; do you really think it's pleasant to hear people talk about it?"

"Well I suppose it's something to talk about really especially when it had something to do about the future king. She threw her shoes to the buffet table, made you wear her crown for the entire night, and invited you to dance on top of the table. I didn't even think you had that in you!"

"Those were years ago, Kiara. How do you even remember those?"

~Flashback~

It was my 13th birthday party, the days where I didn't worry about anything but myself. Amelia wore the most stunning green dress. She knew it was a favorite color of mine so she decided she wore something of my liking.

"You're paying for this, Jasper." Amelia wasn't quite snug in the dress she had worn, and I never chose for her anyway.

"It's my birthday, if you don't like it then why wear it?"