The Rise and Fall of Insomnia

Chapter 3: Our Birthdays Are Feathers In The Broad Wing Of Time

Months had passed since the day her and her brother attended the meeting involving the Ghaladian refugees. And it was already a brand new year. Being the first of those around her to have her birthday. And for her, she didn't bother with her birthdays. But it seemed that for her thirtieth birthday, her loved ones had other plans. 

Scrunching her eyes out of confusion and dismay at the loud knock on her door, she could only muster a groan before pulling the sheets over her head. 

"Go away Cor." 

"Try again. Do you really intend on sleeping in on your birthday?" 

The King's voice boomed through the door as he opened the door to see his daughter's figure buried underneath the blankets. The smile at such a sight had made him release an explicit amused chuckle. Approaching her bed, Clarus in tow behind him respectfully closing the door behind him to still keep the Princess' privacy while the two older men were in the room. One was her father and the second was her second father. Something that Regis had become grateful for from his Shield. 

Sitting on the edge of her bed beside her, Regis gently tugged the covers away from his daughter's face as she whined in protest. Chuckling once more, he brushed the strands of her hair out of her face despite the fact that it was up in a bun once again. 

"I know that you would prefer to stay in bed all day if you could. But I would like it if you would show up to the ball I announced for your birthday." 

"Dad-"

"Before you protest; it was actually the boys' idea. I merely just made the announcement." 

"...You're joking right?" 

Estella asked as she finally open her eyes to look up at her father's face. The shake of his head only confirmed that it was a real proposition made by the boys. 

"Even Noct?" 

"Even Noctis. If anything he insisted." 

"What have you bribed him with?" 

She said blandly but knew that it was meant as a joke. As did the King and his Shield as Clarus chuckled. 

"It seems that the Prince has something special planned for you today. I can't give you any more details than that but I suggest you get yourself ready. The ball will be hosted later in the evening." 

Clarus' voice came out rather gentle despite his normal tone as he handed her a little envelope. 

"Iris will be there later on but asked me to give this to you in advance this morning. Talcott also has something in here for you too." 

Taking the envelope with her well manicured hand, Estella mustered the strength to sit up in her bed against her headboard before she easily opened the little white envelope. Inside, a card was revealed to be inside along with two small packages. Taking the card, she easily opened it and a ghost of a smile appeared on her naturally light pink lips. 

Inside the card was written from Iris' signature hand-writing;

'You've already left your mark on this world; each year from here on is just a bonus to all of us. As you continue to grow, I know that we all will too. Your soul is ancient and wise. Stubborn but forgiving. Firm yet kind. Those who have wronged you in the past have no idea what they are missing out on now. You are the true star in the night sky that the Insomnia, even the Ghaladian people, look to when they need guidance. May you continue to be the force we need to move us and the smile that we see on the darkest parts of our days. Thank you Estella; for being the inspiration that I need in my life to achieve the things in life I want or want to be. One day, it will all be thanks to you. Happy birthday Ella. May you have a wonderful day.