After the pair dance, the guests were free to mingle. As the sun and moon of the empire, most guests flocked to the King and Queen but a few stopped by to wish Princess Marina a happy birthday, and as the parents carried on after wishing Princess Marina a happy birthday their children took their place.
The minute the adults were out of sight, three girls stepped forward in perfect sync.
"Greetings to the third star of the empire." echoed the three girls as they bowed and curtsied.
"Blessed by the spirit of water, I am Rassera Dawnspire." said a girl who looked startlingly like Princess Marina did in her past life.
From her stunning blonde hair to her bright blue eyes, to her innocent expression, Princess Marina was faced with an identical reflection of who she was.
Trying her best not to be stunned, Princess Marina schooled her features and said "Greetings to the daughter of the Marchioness."
Pleased that the princess recognized who she was, Rassera nodded to her friends to introduce themselves.
"Blessed by the spirit of the earth, I am Maria Price." said a girl with auburn hair and teal eyes.
"Greetings to Maria Price."Princess Marina said with a nod to the descendant of one of the prominent Nouveau rich families.
"Blessed by the spirit of the wind." the third girl with dark blue hair and light blue coloured eyes said hurriedly.
"I am Esmira Montain." the third girl said and Princess Marina looked at her in wonder.
The surname "Montain" is one that is seen in the oldest of history books. Their family has held the Duke position longer than the Marchioness and nearly as long as the Chase family.
Seeing Princess Marina's clear interest in Esmira, Rassera Dawnspire's chest puffed in pride. Putting on a bright smile, Rassera took the lead in making conversation.
As the four children got to know each other, they took turns telling funny stories of mistakes they had made and things they had seen or done. Seeing the amiable conversation, children of the same age flocked towards them to partake in the conversation.
Feeling claustrophobic from having too many people around her, Princess Marina looked for a way to excuse herself but when he had no such luck, the topic of attunement was brought up.
"I can't wait till I am 10 and I am officially allowed to enroll in the academy." said a boy that Marina forgot the name of.
"Me too." a girl said excitedly.
"I wonder what my level of attunement would be." the same girl said in a dreamy tone.
"I hope I become a Makarios." another girl said dreamily and a little boy laughed at her.
"Fat chance." The little boy said, mocking the little girl.
"Its been years since someone with the blessing of fire has been chosen as a Makarios." the little boy said, forgetting that Princess Marina was blessed by the spirit of fire as well.
"Everyone knows that you have a better chance of being a Makarios if you are blessed by the spirits of water, wind and earth." The little boy said towering over the little girl now.
"The only thing you are good for is making my weapons and armour." the boy said with a hiss and Rassera Dawnspire shouted "Hey!"
Turning around with a glare to shout at whoever interrupted him, the boy took one look at Rassera Dawnspire and shut his mouth with immediate effect, but what made him fall to his knees and apologize vehemently was the deadly look upon Princess Marina's face.
Not wanting to cause a scene on her own coming of age ceremony, Princess Marina didn't bother speaking and left the crowd to the buffet table. Taking a glass of non alcoholic wine from a male servant, Princess Marina sipped her drink to calm herself.
"He is not wrong though." Princess Zarya said as she came to stand beside Princess Marina.
"There hasn't been a makarios from those blessed by the spirit of fire in ages. You made a bold display today but I fear," Princess Zarya said bending her head to whisper in Princess Marina's ear.
"It would take more than that to change people's prejudice." Princess Zarya said before straightening up and giving Princess Marina a dazzling smile.
"Happy birthday little sister." Princess Zarya said before walking away.