serpentsamp

"Probably with Gabriel, causing mischief," Charlotte said.
"Let us hope it is nothing like last time," I said. "The guests were not
amused when a squealing pig ran through the Great Hall."
Davorin and Thomas laughed.
"Yes, let us hope," my mother said, giving them a disapproving look.
My father just shook his head.
"Anyway," Charlotte said as Davorin began to speak with my father,
"Congratulations, Lord Thomas. It seems you have been able to steal the
princess’s heart."
Thomas laughed. "Thank you, Lady Bateson."
Charlotte smiled; her hazel eyes a stark contrast to her black hair that was
currently up in a beautiful and intricate bun. "I am very happy for you both."
"Thank you," I said.
Charlotte turned away. "Davorin, can we sit and eat now?"
Davorin glanced over at her. "Yes, of course." Charlotte took his arm,
casting another smile in my direction, and the two strolled away to their seats.
The night continued with food and congratulations. When we began on
dessert, the doors opened, and Gabriel and Mitchell strode in.
"Any food left?" Gabriel asked when he reached our table.
My father glanced up at him. "What are you doing in here?"
"I was just hungry. Sorry, Father," Gabriel said. However, the sly smile on
his face indicated he didn’t mean it. At fifteen, Gabriel was the spitting image
of our father—same build, blue eyes and brown hair.
It was an Asterian tradition that both boys and girls were not to attend
balls or feasts until they were sixteen—it was the reason Gabriel and Juliette
had not been present. In my opinion, it was a silly tradition, but my parents
were adamant we abide by it.
"Where were you, Mitchell?" I asked. He was seventeen now but somehow
managed not to show up to many of the royal occasions he could attend.
Mitchell’s brown eyes met mine, and he smiled. "The food is better in the
children’s room."
Gabriel laughed.
"I would assume that means Gabriel ate then," my father said, no
amusement in his tone.
Mitchell shrugged. "I wasn’t watching him."
I rolled my eyes.
9