It Was All Arranged [R. Sakamaki]

Birthday

The Queen grumbled as she stirred in her disturbed slumber, rolling onto her back with an unladylike yawn. Her spine cracked once, causing her to grunt as she stretched her limbs out, hitting something in the face.

"Good Morning to you too, Dear." Reiji's morning voice sounded, causing her to lift her head slightly and open her sleepy eyes.

"Morning," she sat herself up, scratching her head as she rubbed her eyes with the back of her hands, "what time is it?"

"It's 4pm," Reiji replied, "I've only just woken up myself."

"Too early," she muttered, dragging her hands down her face as she leaned back against the headboard, "how do you get up this early?"

"I have royal duties to perform," he said, "besides, I've never been one to sleep much."

"Why do I sleep more than you when I'm supposedly a more powerful species?"

"My theory is because your powers were dormant for so long, your body is still getting used to them. But that is just a hypothesis."

Athena shifted, leaning her head on his shoulder as she took a long, deep breath.

"What are we doing today?" She asked, closing her eyes.

"Celebrating."

"Celebrating what?"

"Today is your birthday, afterall."

She sat up straight in the bed, her blue eyes wide as a grin spread across her lips. All sleepiness vanished from her face as she clambered out of the bed, skipping around the room. "How could I forget?" She asked herself, causing Reiji to chuckle as he also climbed out of the large bed. He looked strange in his sleepwear, not that she minded, it made him appear more… human.

"Relax Dear," he said, "I'll prepare your bath."

"Oh don't be silly," she shook her head, "I'm capable."

"I insist."

"You aren't going to poison the bath, are you?"

"I would have two years ago."

"But now?"

"I wouldn't dream of it."

Her bath was warm and cosy, the bubbles massaged her soaked skin as she lounged in the golden tub. Her long hair had been pinned to the top of her head, few long strands fell into the rose-scented water, soaking in the warmth as the Queen's sharp eyes slowly scanned the pages of the thick novel in her hands.

Reiji had lit candles, scattering them throughout the room and he'd placed her book upon the wooden bath table before leaving his Queen in her own little world.

Roughly an hour passed when he'd knocked politely on the door. "Come in!" She'd called, tearing her eyes from the pages and looking up at her husband as he strolled in. "What's that?" He smiled gently as he placed the ceramic tray before her, followed by a steaming cup of honey tea.

"Happy Birthday," he said, brushing a strand of hair from her face and tucking it behind her ear.

"Thank you," she beamed as she stared at the pile of letters sitting before her, "there's so many."

"Would you like me to leave you in peace?" He asked, eyebrow raised but she shook her head, gesturing to the stool beside the bath.

"Have a seat," she replied, placing her book to the side and lifting the first envelope. "For My… Daughter?"

"I believe your brother sent it." Reiji informed as he seated himself upon the cushioned stool.

With shaking hands, she slowly opened the pink paper.