𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄

𝟎𝟏𝟏

a/n; comments are very much appreciated! i promise things will happen soon... I just really don't want to rush things like i did for a lot of my other works lol. slightly longer chapter today!

—

Your birthday held promising, marvelous weather. You awoke to the sunlight streaming through the windows and the birds chirping — they reminded you of Elias, and your heart soared. Your limbs were strangely light. Your body was floating. Your lips were tugged up into a smile. You were brimming with joy.

You couldn't deny that within you was an odd misery and fear of the unknown. And yet, those emotions were drenched by the exciting prospect of turning officially eight. You bounced to the dining table, plopped on the chair, and in front of you laid pancakes drizzled with berries, honey — the works.

You beamed at your mother who smiled back.

"How's the birthday boy?" Your mother asked you, reaching to you to ruffle your hair. "Turning eight. You're growing old."

"I mean, it feels like I've always been eight," you said honestly. "This just makes it official."

"And soon you'll be nine," your mother said wistfully. "Treasure the year you have."

Nine. You had always loved even numbers, for they just seemed fuller, somehow. Better. Odd numbers seemed strange to you — and though a child might not look specially upon their ninth birthday, you knew what this meant for you. The day you turned nine was the day you would start training. You knew that your mother was subtly telling you to enjoy your life before it worsened, and gods, it only made you even more jittery. Your parents tended to have that effect on you.

You shoveled the pancakes into your mouth, delighting in the soft, warm goodness. Maybe it was the excitement in you, but the breakfast sure tasted extra good. It practically melted in your tongue and tingled your taste buds. Soon, the pancakes were gone, and the only remnants of your breakfast were small blueberries. You popped them into your mouth and the juices hemorrhaged your tongue, staining it a bright blue.

Your mother laughed softly as she caught you stuffing your cheeks, and once you swallowed, she reached over and wiped your mouth with a napkin.

"I made some extra pancakes," she said pleasantly, "for your friend."

"He'll love this!" You said excitedly, "Wait —" you paused. "How did you know I was going to the palace today?"

"It's your birthday. I assumed that you would have wanted to do something that you liked, right? And it's come to my attention that you greatly enjoy your time in the palace." Your mother said gently, slowly brushing your hair. "And besides, your father has business there. He'll take you. By the time you come back, you'll have a hearty meal to eat."