Caliginous

13: The Grand Celebration

WE ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL IN OUR OWN WAYS, DON'T EVER FORGET THAT.

"Ella, for the last time, Get! Out! Of! Bed!" Maraline yelled.
"Go away!" I growled, somnolent.
"Oh, come on. It's Queen Sarahina's birthday. She's turning thirty six."
"So?" I yawned, placing my head under the pillow next to me.

God, I was so sleepy.

"Get up! Don't make me yank you out of bed, cause you know I will." Maraline said.

Yeah right. Yesterday, she was having inconvenience moving the throne of King Aldrum.

"Fine!" I roared as I dragged myself out of bed.

Today, I wore a long black and red gown, which by the way, Maraline made. It really suited me because the black in it complimented my white skin tone.

I looked into the brimful mirror and, for a second, I felt as if a princess was staring back at me but, it was me, staring at my reflection.

"Wow! You've really outdone yourself. I look just like a real princess." I complimented, twirling my dress in circles.

"Thanks, wanna know a secret?" Maraline gushed.

"Go on honey, I'm all ears."

"A year ago, when I first stitched this dress and tired it on. I felt like a princess too. I remember, I used to wait for everyone in the palace to sleep, so I could sneak out and roam around in the silent palace walls, wearing this dress because it made me feel like... like .. a royal." A slight tear scrolled down her red cheeks.

"Oh, please don't cry. It'll make me cry." I said, cupping her tears into my hand.

"I'm sorry. It's just that, these days I feel so low. When I see other princesses, it just makes me feel so... so .. UGLY." and with that she broke down.

"Girl! Wipe those tears right now, or I'll slap them off. You're beautiful, you should know that. I believe that you have something special in you. You're beautiful inside and out. By the way, have you seen those royals snappy attitudes? They are nothing compared to you. You have more beauty in your most minuscule burp, then they have in their entire body." I said, as a grin instantly appeared on my face.

"Yeah, but I'd be surprised, if you haven't said that. I mean, you're a beautiful girl, that everyone would want to marry. I mean, you've got big blue eyes, pink lips, white skin tone and long heavy hair... you're perfect..and I'm.." She said with a grief-stricken look on her face.
"Girl! I'm not perfect. I've got flaws too and so does those royals. Nobody's perfect, I mean I'm thankful to god for giving me these features, and I think it's time you should too." I said as I held her hand. "You're beautiful, don't ever forget that."

"Thanks.. I guess I needed this." She blushed uncontrollably. "Oh, almost forgot. The Queen is having a huge party downstairs in the main hall. She told me to inform you, Jake and Sebastian, so come on! I've already told the boys." She said as she escorted me downstairs to the party hall.

The hall was absolutely beautiful. It had four gigantic golden chandeliers. At the left, there was a puppet show playing and innumerable kids were seated near the area, enjoying the play. There were at least twenty tables, filled with mouthwatering foods that I wanted to stuff in my mouth so badly.

Queen Sarahina was seated on a huge throne, which was decorated with velvet gems and in front of her, on a yellow table was a giant cake, which would be at least ten pounds. There was a huge table with a large amount of uncountable presents too.

I didn't bring a present since I was informed on such a short notice and because I didn't know where to get the presents from (duh!)

I saw Jake, pushing through the crowd, coming to my direction.

"Wow! You look absolutely stunning." He said smiling and held my hand.
"Would you like to dance?" He asked blushing a little.
"YES!" I replied blushing A LOT

Then he took my hand and we started to dance. I could feel the music taking over my feet.

We danced and danced, then suddenly, he got his hand around my waist and got closer and closer, until our nose touched and then he kissed me.

When I pulled my lips away, I realized that almost everyone was staring at us.

My face got so red. I could have guessed my face looked, as red as, a tomato.

"I'll get some refreshments. Do you drink?" He asked.
"No." I replied
"It's alright. I'll bring you lemon juice." He said and I nodded.

I looked at the Queen, she seemed down. I saw that a few tears rolled down from her eyes.

Even though, the Queen and I had no special connection, I decided to go and talk to her.

When she saw me coming over, she quickly wiped her tears.

"Are you enjoying the party?" The Queen asked with a weak smile.
"I should be asking you the same question your majesty. Why are you sad, I mean this party is for you, and I don't think you're enjoying it." I said, glumly.
"I don't think you'll understand." She replied.
"Go on.."

She thought for a moment and then begun "How can I enjoy the party when I lost my best friend today. We were like sisters, she was always so loving and kind. I never imagined losing her."

Ok, that was something.. I would be the same if I had lost my best friend on the day of my birthday.

"If it'll make you feel any better, I think you've just made one friend." A warm comforting smile automatically came when I told her that.

"Thanks, I really appreciate it, but I think someone's waiting for you." I turned to see, Jake, with refreshments.

"Go on, I won't mind." The Queen said.
"Thanks." I said and then went with Jake.

When I was drinking the lemon juice Jake had brought, I noticed that all the chandeliers candles were being lighted up and then blown out and then again lighted up and then blown out again and then all of the sudden all that was lightly was gone. Everyone began to panic. Jake and I both held hands, so we would know that we're safe.

After ten minutes of complete darkness and panicking, someone re-lit the candles and when my eyes finally adjusted to the light, I saw the Queen on her knees, screaming in terror "where's Fredrick?"

Next chapter: Where's Fredrick