5

My Birthday

You know, I recall promising myself that I’d do better at presenting myself as a proper royal. And by the looks of my clothing, it was clear I failed at even that. There was always tomorrow, I suppose. However, that very same day, my failure was on display as my proud royal family stood in the entry hall. The entry hall being the other side of the entrance to the palace for those of you wondering. Anyway, that’s when it all clicked. Those white horses must belong to someone important. Important enough for both my sisters and mother to be here. My youngest sister, Mary, stared at me with a smirk. No doubt judging me while keeping her… lady-like composure. Mary was fifteen, practically still a kid, yet she never missed an opportunity to show off her… maturity. Though, if I’m honest, she was no more so than my ungrateful best friend at the moment. As for my oldest sister, Violet was seventeen and always had a loving smile on her face. Unlike Mother, she wanted the world to see her as someone compassionate yet unwavering in her decisions. She always seemed to pay extra attention to me. Well, at least more so than Mary. While comforting, it was a tad annoying how she treated those who served the family. Like right now, as her gaze fell on me, she whispered orders to the help. All the help were elven folk, by the way, and while there were rules on their treatment, it said nowhere that a royal had to be nice to them, or anyone for that matter. If I had to guess what she was whispering, I’d say my filthy clothing was the topic.

“My my, look at you. It seems to me you’ve had quite an adventure outside.”

An older woman in a dress that easily rivaled all others approached me and, without warning, leaned over to dust off my clothing. She went on to say;

“You should be careful, love; there’s a monster who eats children living out there.”

Without warning, my hand leaped out from my side and struck her cheek. Mother and my sisters gasped in shock as they approached from the side. Before any of them could speak, however, the older woman raised her hand. Our eyes met, mine staring harshly burning an old fuel of anger that I had for Alais today, but now I had someone to direct it towards, not that it was my intuition. And on her face, a look of sadness seemed to baffle me. More so when she leaned in closer and embraced me.

“I’m sorry, Adam.”

At the time, I couldn’t understand the feeling. I was so angry one moment, and the next, it all drained from me, replaced with guilt so much that I wanted to cry. Ah, I mean… I could understand anger and guilt, but I’m talking about the glares I was getting from my mother and my sisters. I couldn’t see it, but… somehow, I could feel their eyes trying to dig a hole through me and into the floor so that they could stick me in it.

Hearing the familiar soft tapping of shoes getting closer, I quickly realized Elyon was standing right behind me. The older woman finally released me as she took notice of Elyon as well.

“Here I am, trying to have a moment with my only grandson, only to be interrupted.”

“Grandson?” I spoke, earning the woman’s attention once again. “You’re my grandmother?!”

“Adam, yelling is unbecoming of a royal,” my older sister Violet reminded me.

“But… if… Mother is the Queen,” I glanced over to see my mother was no longer there. “That would… make you… Empress?”

“That’s right, dear. Violet, did you teach him that?”

“Not at all, your Imperial Majesty. Elyon has been my brother’s teacher since birth.”

“Violet fibs, grandmother,” I said, Causing my sister’s eyebrows to rise ever so slightly. “Violet has taught me many things. Though I’m sure… she would teach me more if she weren’t so busy.” I added, motioning to the tall, dark-skinned elf with an open palm. “This is Elyon, Grandmother.”

“Good afternoon, your Imperial Majesty.”

Elyon gave a curtsy. Something I’ve never seen her do before, at least not in front of me.

“I’ve been requested by Princess Violet to re-bath Prince Adam, given his… adventure outside.”

Being far too embarrassed, I pretended not to hear the conversation, my eyes focusing on my sister’s.

“Perhaps that’s for the best,”

My grandmother ran her fingers through my hair, giving me her full attention.

“I must speak with your mother, but when your bath is done, we can go for a walk; how’s that, Adam?”

“Okay! I mean…” I glanced at Violet for a small second before correcting myself. “Yes, your Imperial Majesty.”

“If I recall, you’re nine. So how about you call me Grandmother for now.”

“I umm…”

“Yes, what troubles you?”

“Using proper titles is key for a stable kingdom.”

“I second that,” Mother’s voice could be heard, making it clear that she was back and standing behind me. “Not showing proper respect to your better’s can bring about severe punishment, even those of royalty to a lesser extent. That being said, for striking the Empress, you’ll receive a lashing.”

When I spun to face her, it was as if my heart melted and my belly was trying to consume itself. Still, I kept a straight face; after all, Elyon was watching.

“Your mother is right sadly,” Grandmother began, “However, because today is your birthday, you’ll be forgiven.”

“Your Imperial Majesty,” Mother began. “One’s birth should not be an invitation for such disrespectful behavior.”

“Perhaps, but it’s not anybody’s birthday, it’s my grandson’s birthday. In fact, I’m interested in knowing what present you decided to get him.”

“I’ve not… been given such a request,” My mother struggled to say.

“Well, that will not do. Adam, tell your mother your birthday wish.”

While I could hear them, their words came off as nothing more than a whisper to me. I’ve got a pretty good memory for things; at least, that’s what my older sister tells me. And I feel Elyon would agree, by the fact that my lessons have become less about remembering answers and more about finding them with what little information I have. But no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to remember my own birthday. I mean, thanks to grandmother, I know it’s today, but I don’t remember ever being told before.

“His Royal Highness, Prince Adam, does seem to have an affinity for horses.”

Elyon’s words pulled me from my reverie, and her bringing up the horses quickly made me go over the conversation. I also took note of the glare Mother was giving Elyon.

“A horse? Oh, I would love a horse of my own, Mother.”

I pressed the tips of my fingers together, doing my best not to explode with excitement.

“You’re too young for such a responsibility, but I’ll agree to something a bit younger instead of fully grown,” Mother said.

“Oh, that would be a dream come true! I shall name it, Apple.”