Chapter 94 - A Gift

"A warrior's weapon?" I said, puzzled. Mother just made a hmm sound, seeming interested.

"Relax, you're not meant to go to war with it, it is an antique," she explained, opening the box revealing a white bow. It was so beautiful and the craftsmanship on it was stunning...well-detailed lines and pattern, and the curves were well shaped, at the edges had white fur on it that called me to run my hand on them just to see how soft it was. A typical warrior's bow, was this really used as an antique? Then I must say their tradition was strange.

"I hope you like it, Lady Sylvia," she said in amusement tilting her head to the side as if waiting for my comment.

"It's very beautiful," I said breathlessly. "Yes, I do like it... Thank you, Princess Alice"

Her grin grows wider. "I'm glad you like it, Lady Sylvia"

☆☆☆

Finally, the gifts stopped coming, out of everyone I expected one in particular but I was yet to see it, maybe it wasn't coming, I was only lying to myself that it was. Mother told me that I shouldn't worry that Cedric must have a gift for me but I knew she was just trying to cheer me up. The day was over already... He didn't even bother to see me at least, even though we weren't on good terms. Today should have been an exception, I huffed... I don't need his gift, I do not want it and I wasn't expecting it because Mother also told me that tomorrow he shall go on a journey to the north with the ambassadors, Mother didn't give me much details but it seemed very important for the peace treaty.

Even though it made my heartache that he was leaving for such a far journey and I wanted so badly to see him but I kept telling myself that wasn't a good idea, he didn't come to me so why should I go him?

The rambling thoughts in my head along with my evening stroll I was already at the garden, I needed some air, I knew it was very late, Olivia left we early today, saying she was going on a small outing with her friends at a lake a little far ahead from the castle, they go there once awhile according to her, not just her and her friends but some servants too and it was permitted by Mother, she promised me she would be back on time tomorrow.

I needed me time after all the day have been quietly filled for me, with all the gifts and love from everyone, this was by far the best birthday that I have ever had not about the gifts or anything but the love showered by everyone, I cherished that more.

Speaking of love. My looks beamed when I stared at the letter I held. A quick reply from my papa. I sat on the platform and opened it eagerly, the night skies were illuminated with stars so I could see quite well. I pulled some strands of my silver hair behind my ear as I read.

☆

My Honey Bun, My sunshine

I cannot express how happy I'm to finally hear from you. I'm glad letters are now allowed between us. I can finally write to you. You should know and be ready for your chambers to be filled with lots of letters from me.

The flowers you sent were very lovely and as requested they are with your mother, I'm sure she will love them and smile down at you with the biggest smile. Happy birthday my Honey Bun, for today marks my sunshine 19th birthday. You're no longer my little girl, now you're a woman of your own and soon you shall raise children just like I have already wanted. I was very glad that in your letter you seem happy and that makes me happy too.

PS: I see your relationship with your mother-in-law is at greater heights, I'm glad you have someone who cherishes you there, but why my sunshine, I do not hear anything about your husband? I want to know about him, does he treat you right? And remember to be good.

Yours Truly

Dad

☆

Seeing the last writing made my eyes sad, he was right I didn't mention anything about Cedric, no wonder he is curious. My papa was as lively as ever, I was glad about that, I was happy he got to write back to me, I couldn't wait for more letters as he promised.

I sighed staring at the skies illuminated by stars, they were the brightest today and most pleasant. I stretched coming down from the platform, it was time to get some sleep, I couldn't wait to feel like a cloud again, I was really looking forward to it. I came to a halt when I saw a green rose petal swirling in front of me. Being the curious being I was, I took it. Green rose petals? The only green rose we had was in my chambers, then where did these come from?

I whirled around and I gasped seeing more floating around. Where was it coming from? The wind wasn't strong enough to carry them this far here, so where? Like the petal fell for me to follow a part I did following it as they spread out in the area, it was beautiful as they swirled around in the area.

More gathered me as I stopped, they fell on me like I was being showered with petals, I giggled loving the feel of them against my skin, they were soft and had a wonderful fragrance to them, I spin clockwise, my head hoists upward as I did.

☆Faint Sparkle☆

At the new sound, I was in more awe when numerous butterflies came around me, all green just like the ones I saw in the Eternal Garden. Their sparkles from their wings fell on me, it was so wondrous, this cannot be real, can it? There was no way something as astounding as this could happen, it was just too magical.

Both the butterflies and the petals swirled around me most fascinatingly, I couldn't wipe the smile off my lips, I felt elated, I felt my heart fill with warmth, and felt at peace. I closed my eyes, the feeling getting deeper, I could still feel the movement of the petals and butterflies around me, I felt... elevated. A faint brush feeling of a warm breath close to my face, a warm impression that subtle me, an elusive tenderness, and a fragrance that calmed my very soul, calling to me like a melody.

I hoist my feet upward to get a better feel of it, why were the butterflies so warm and why did it give off such a powerful presence? A sheltered countenance that warmed my very body and gave it sparks, unlike anything I have ever felt. Was someone standing before me?