The Last Rule

Chapter 41 - Wow

"Today it is your birthday, and we sing to let you know."

I groaned softly and turned to my other side, half-buried under my blanket, thinking it was just another dream. Birthdays had always been special, yes but this early? My brain wasn't ready yet.

"That you will be queen for the day, whatever you say goes."

My eyes fluttered open when the voice didn't fade. It was real. And when I finally focused, there they were, my family, standing in front of my bed, smiling like they had been waiting for this exact moment.

(Birthday Song from The 12 Dancing Princesses)

"Happy birthday, sweetie!" Mommy greeted first.

I blinked several times, rubbing my eyes just to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. I wasn't. Astro stood there holding a pink cake, grinning like it was his birthday.

"Ahh! Thanks, guys!" I stood up and hugged them one by one, my chest filling with warmth. I felt so special, especially because bihira na kaming kumpleto ngayon. Seeing my siblings home made everything feel... complete.

"I prepared a special breakfast for everyone!" Mama announced, and just like that, all of us rushed out of my room. I didn't even get the chance to check my phone because Kuya Calli dragged me along.

"Let me at least wash my face!" I protested, but instead, he just messed up my hair even more.

"Pshh!" Astro laughed, enjoying my misery.

I ran into the bathroom, quickly washing my face and brushing my teeth before heading to the kitchen. I couldn't believe I was already twenty. Somehow, birthdays still made me feel like a kid, excited, giddy, and a little emotional.

Waffles, pancakes, and hot chocolate greeted me on the table. Perfect. Especially with the gloomy weather outside. This breakfast was a tradition that is served only on my birthdays since I was little. No one ever complained, not even Papa or my brothers who preferred rice every morning.

It was also the only day of the year when no one could say no to me. Even Astro wasn't allowed to annoy me. That alone made my heart dance.

I had plans. So many plans. Places to go, things to buy, people to drag along.

"I want to go shopping first!" I announced while munching on my pancake.

"Of course," Astro muttered, earning a sharp glare from me.

"What? That's not teasing," he defended himself quickly.

"You'll stop by your grandparents' first," Papa said, and that just made me even more excited.

Oh my gosh. Lolo and Lola's gifts were always the best, and the most expensive.

After breakfast, I rushed back to my room to get ready. The moment I stepped inside, my phone started buzzing like crazy. Messages, calls, notifications everywhere. I smiled until I saw who was calling.

"Happy birthday, our dearest Reina Solana!" Tita Dennisse greeted through video call.

"Happy birthday, Sola," Tito Allen chimed in. From the background, I could tell they were outside based on the European lights and buildings behind them.

"Thank you, Tita! Tito!"

"My gift is already at the mansion," Tita said with a wink. "Limited edition Hermès bag. Perfect for your party tonight."

I nearly squealed. Expensive talaga.

Next, I opened Tito Dex's message that I just received the moment my call with Tita Den ended. I opened immediately because this is a rare occurrence.