We went into the pages' dining hall and I ran smack into the Court bully—Ralon of Malven. When he yelled at me, I muttered sarcastically, "Gee, thanks for the nice birthday present, Ralon." He glared at me and muttered, "Shut up, cabbage head." I slapped him across the face. Alan started snickering. I grinned at him. Then Ralon yelled at Alan and Alan snapped, "I'd sooner kiss a pig. Is that what you've been doing? 'Cuz it looks like you've been kissing or being kissed." He threw Alan against the far wall, and after Alan tackled Ralon, I grabbed Alan, and blasted Ralon against the other wall, walked over to Ralon, leaned over him and snapped, "I was kind of hoping I could have a nice birthday for once, but I guess I was wrong, Ralon!" I started shaking with anger.
Then the prince and his group of friends arrived and yelled at Ralon and then the prince said that Ralon was to talk to him that night. Alan grabbed my arm and dragged me away from the prince and snapped, "Calm down, Fabie." I glared at him. Then I realized that I had little control, and I had to calm down before someone got hurt.
Then one of the prince's friends said, "This is Prince Jonathon, lads." We bowed and apologized, but the prince reassured that we had not misunderstood the situation. Then he asked, "Have you met the others?" Then we were introduced to his friends—Francis of Nond, Alexander—Alex—of Tirragen, Raoul of Goldenlake, and Gareth—Gary—the younger of Naxen, the Duke's son.
Then the prince asked, "So where's the birthday boy?" I tried to hide behind Alan, who shoved me forward, and then I squeaked, "It's me. I'm Fabiethe, by the way. Alan calls me Fabie to annoy me." The prince grinned and said, "Well, then, happy birthday." Then the others all said, "Happy birthday." I shyly mumbled, "Thank you." Prince Jonathon said, "If we had known sooner, we could have made a cake." I shrugged and said, "I've never had a cake in years, not since my mother's death—my first mother's death—when Nessarose—Father's pride and joy—was born, I mean." The others all nodded and Gary whispered, "I'm sorry." I nodded and mumbled, "Can we change the subject to something a little happier?" The others nodded in agreement and then Prince Jonathon said, "Alan, Gary will be your sponsor, and I think for your brother, Alex better keep him out of trouble."
I smiled shyly at Alex, and then he led me over to a niche and said, "Stay here. As I go by, I'll explain my duties to you." I nodded silently and then after Alex took me back to the room I'd share with Alan, I grinned impishly at my older sister, right now, brother.