The first group of guests had arrived. The valets serving the guests were all handsome and tall and talkative, serving the lords and ladies flawlessly. The maids were carefully-picked as well, each one of them were beauties in one way or another.
The side consort was relieved seeing everything running smoothly.
As soon as she sat down to rest, a valet from the font hall reported the arrival of Prince Sebastian.
The current Queen has nine sons, and the most outstanding among them was the Crown Prince Henry and the fourth son Prince Sebastian. The other princes were all prominent figures except for the ninth Prince.
The ninth Prince was raised in the summer palaces because of his weak health and not many people knew about him. He held no important positions in court, and was just a common aristocrat.
Prince Sebastian was the exact opposite as the ninth prince; he held a vital position in court and was familiar with almost every official. He was attending the feast formally as well.
Although the Lord Regent’s position was prominent and his relation with the queen was close and trusting, Prince Sebastian was still a member of royalty, therefore it was vital for Lord Regent to greet the prince himself. The side consort who was acting as the hostess of the Manor was naturally at his side.
“Uncle Ralph, happy birthday. I wish you health and happiness! Here is a small gift, hope you don’t mind its humbleness.” Prince Sebastian who was dressed in all black looked at the advancing Lord Debeur, stepped forward and voiced his congratulations immediately, his almond eyes twinkling merrily as he gestured his steward to bring his gift forward.
Ralph didn’t show much emotion and nodded as he accepted the gift. The side consort smiled beside him, “It’s so thoughtful of you, your highness. It is already our greatest honor since you attend our small gathering today.”
Sebastian was familiar with Lord Debeur’s distant character and didn’t mind his manner. He smiled at the speaking woman beside Ralph and replied politely, “This must be Lady Debeur.”
The side consort was flattered by his recognition of her status as the lady of the house, and also by Ralph’s praise on her job. She was preening and couldn’t help giggling out with a hand covering her mouth.
It was not until she met Ralph Debeur’s expressionless eyes did she realize she had crossed a line.
She closed her mouth and didn’t dare to speak another word. They returned to the front hall, and many guests who had arrived started to chat with Lord Debeur and Prince Sebastian.
Sebastian finally managed to get away from the crowd and went out to a balcony to get some fresh air. He looked crudely at a small maid serving tea some distance away.
The maid was peeking at him since a few moments ago, obviously taking a fancy to him. She was a petite thing, not exactly his type, but it was nice to have some changes once in a while. He thought as he looked suggestively at the maid, strolling elegantly forward.
The girl looked over at him and blushed furiously as she handed him a cup of tea, quivering. She lowered her head, unable to meet his gorgeous almond eyes.
Sebastian was rather confident about his own charm. He lowered his head and whispered lowly beside the girl’s ear, “What are you doing, staring at me like that, little minx?” He blew lightly at the mid, who had been lowering her head, his voice lewd.
The maid flinched and ducked instinctively as she said, “My… my mistress want to meet your highness privately in the garden.”
Sebastian lifted his brows, “Which miss?”
“Lady Luna.”
Luna Debeur? Sebastian’s brow lifted even higher. He never crossed path with this Lady Luna. But he was in a good mood today. He smirked and said, “Lead the way.”
The maid curtsied, “Please follow me your highness.”
He walked down a secret passage with the maid, put paid no mind.
After all, what is a rendezvous with some sort of discretion? He didn’t know what Luna Debeur looked like. But nonetheless, the daughters of Debeurs were all not bad looking save for the fool Mary Debeur. It was fun to keep a mysterious pretense, looks this Miss Debeur knows her tricks.
After walking for a little while, they were behind a hedge, beside them was a pond filled with lotuses. Sebastian was pleased with this choice of location. It was relatively remote but was also romantic and quiet, perfect for some pleasure.
He saw a girl in pink standing next to the hedge, with only half of her face visible. He couldn’t get a closer look before his throat immediately grew dry. What is wrong with him? He was puzzled.
He didn’t have time to think before the girl turned around and smiled at him.
She glided over and spoke in a soft voice. It was better than the voice any other ladies he ever heard.
“My name is Luna Debeur, pleasure to meet you, your highness.”
Interesting, Sebastian licked his lips. He was smiling as he did this, making his devilishly handsome features more prominent. The pink girl’s face immediately blushed shyly.