chapter 5 (Eighteen)

Days ran into weeks,weeks into months and months into years. The sun shone brightly and it's rays were visible through the windows.

Ellie, dressed in a pink flowing gown adorned with a gold belt by the waist and a gold linen at the wrist walked down the stairs into the hall where everyone was waiting for her.

It was her 18th birthday and a few friends were invited as she didn't want it too flamboyant.

Her father, king Valerius stood at the end of the staircase admiring his daughter as she walked down the stairs. He held out his hand for her to take which she did and then ushered her towards the others.

"You look stunning princess." He complimented

"Thank you father. You look dashing as well." She replied with a grin on her face.

"My lovely daughter. 18 surely looks good on you I must say." Greta complimented as she embraced her daughter.

"Thank you mother." She greeted.

"Come with me, queen Zelda awaits you. She has been looking forward to seeing you. And guess what? Prince Ramiel came too." Greta said, tugging her daughter by the side.

"And why should I be excited about the presence of the prince?" Ellie asked while following her mother by the side.

"Because he is your betrothed Ellie. An Alpha." Greta replied.

"Worry about those things, mother. Let's go and meet the queen." She concluded.

They got to meet Queen Zelda who was already socializing with other guests.

"Zelda!" Greta called out.

She turned towards the direction of the call and was delighted to see Greta and Ellie. She separated herself from the guests and walked towards them. She hugged them both and that was when she got to take a close look at Ellie.

"I can't believe this! You are so grown my dear. Come here." Zelda said as she pulled Ellie to her embrace.

"I have been longing to see you. I never knew you've grown to be such a beautiful lady.'' She complimented.

"Thank you my queen." Ellie curtsied before her.

"And she has manners too." Zelda said as she gently rubbed Ellie's hair.

"Zelda, you praise her too much. I don't want these praises to get to her head." Greta said jokingly.

"You know I am not like that, mother. You are just jealous." Ellie replied, pouting her lips which made them laugh.

"Anyways, Greta, have you told her what I told you earlier?" Zelda asked.

"Oh! Do you know that I have forgotten about it? Pardon my manners." She apologized to Zelda and then turned to meet the face of Ellie.

"Ellie, the queen would like for you to come spend some time with her in the palace."

"Really? But what about father? I am sure he won't consent to it." Ellie said as she knew her father was very fond of her and liked to keep her around him.

"I already told him. He said he had no problems with as long as you are okay with it."

In that case, why not? I haven't really been on a vacation and now would be the perfect time for one." She responded.

"With pleasure, my queen. I will surely be at the palace." She told Zelda.

Zelda was happy on hearing that she had accepted to come be with her and she promised to make her feel comfortable.

"Thank you my dear. And I promise you that you will enjoy every bit of it." Zelda promised.

"I heard the Prince is here." She asked, not wanting to throw the question directly.

"Oh...he just left. He had to attend to urgent matters." Zelda replied.

"I see. Very well then. I will leave you two to catch up while I go greet your husband, the king."She curtsied again and left.

"I must commend you for the type of upbringing you are giving her." Zelda complimented.

"She just naturally has a good character. I didn't really do much. I am just lucky to have her." Greta replied.

"Without a doubt." Zelda concluded.

Darkness slowly crept in, engulfing the overwhelming light of the sun, the birds sang, the wind blew and the trees danced to its rhythm.

The birthday celebration was over and everyone that was present had already retired to their various homes and kingdoms.

Ellie lay on her bed with hands and legs spread on it, still putting on her birthday outfit. She stared at her ceiling muttering some words to herself. She was praying to fall asleep but sleep wasn't anywhere close to her.

She got startled as a knock came on her door.

"Who's there?" She asked as she sat up from her bed, her elbows resting on it.

"It is I, my princess. Can I come in?" Alma replied from outside the door.

On hearing that it was Alma, Ellie relaxed back on the bed. "YesAlma, you may come in." She replied.

Alma walked in holding Ellie's night wear in her hands. She curtsied before her and told her that she came to help her change.

"I am here to help you change my princess." Alma said.

"I know. And I have told you severally that it isn't necessary to help me do these things. I am not a child anymore and I can take care of myself." She answered her gently in a low tone.

"The king wouldn't accept it that way, my princess. Would you like a hot bath?" Alma asked.

"What's with the seriousness? I have told you that when you are alone with me,you are free to call me Ellie. I already know I am a princess and I don't like it when I hear it too much. It sounds too official." She said as she got out of the bed and turned around for Alma to help unzip her.

"I'm sorry my princess...sorry Ellie" Alma corrected herself. 

She undressed and got into the bathroom which Alma had decorated prior to her birthday. Alma stood behind as Ellie put her feet into the bathtub to test the warmth of the water. She was satisfied with it then she dipped the second foot in and sat inside. 

She felt comfortable sitting inside the water as the water was soothing to her skin. She threw her head backwards to relax comfortably at the edge of the tub and closed her eyes and remained that way until she decided to ask Alma a question.

"What kind of queen would I be?" Ellie asked.

"Pardon?" Alma asked, not quite sure if the question was for her.

"What kind of queen do you think I will be?" She asked again.

"A powerful queen that would do anything to protect her clan." Alma replied.

"Any queen would do that. I don't think you understand my question."

Alma went silent, not sure if it was a question or a statement.

"Have you ever been in love?" Ellie asked again, her eyes still closed and her head still relaxing at the edge of the tub.

Alma was surprised at her question, but she dared not be silent this time so she replied frantically.

"Yes my princess. Sorry Ellie..." She corrected again, this time almost cursing herself.

"Then are you still in love?" Ellie asked again.