The Queen of Elysium

Chapter 74 - A happy birthday

It has been a perfect day, from that first cup of tea which Darish brought Elissa, to the delightful yet intimate picnic lunch with her inner circle, and to the grand evening banquet with local dignitaries, set out on the terrace.

The heavens have reflected her mood, with not a cloud in the sky throughout the longest day. Now that night has fallen, a gleaming full moon and the full majesty of billions of stars shine down upon her.

Elissa sips at a chilled glass of exquisite sparkling wine from Mira's vineyard and allows the gentle strains of the string quartet to waft over her. Without a doubt, this is her best birthday, ever.

Evidently the evening is too refined, because Zane and Dusk decide to liven things up. To the wild beats of drums, they strip off their shirts and prance about bare chested, juggling first fire balls and then flaming swords.

Noticing some gentile young ladies eyeing the pair, Elissa can't help smirking. Sorry, they are both taken.

Taking a deep, satisfied breath, she relishes the scent of jasmine perfuming the air. However, a slight ripple disturbs the still lake of her contentment. She studies Dawn, and while her friend's face is wrinkled with laughter lines, there is a kind of sadness deep inside the Dragonite.

"Dawn, are you alright? Is everything ok with the babies? Are you getting the support you need?"

"I could not be luckier, for my brother and Darish are my angels. In fact, everyone has been so supportive and furthermore there is an army of servants to help out."

"Then what is wrong?"

Dawn purses her lips. "You are like Cavall with a bone. You just will not let go. If you must know, now that I have my freedom again, I am finding it difficult to find a man who can meet my standards."

"What about Cain and Cade? They made you happy."

"I always promised myself I would be strong and independent like my mother. I do not want to be beholden to anyone."

"Dawn, you are one of the strongest women I know. You should grasp what you want. Why don't you get them to meet you in Babylon?"

Dawn's face is drawn, yet there is a yearning her in eyes. "It is not that easy, Elissa. How can I travel with Cyrus and Saira being so young?"

"That is a rubbish excuse. They are the perfect age to travel because you can put them in a sling. Dusk and Darish can accompany you and the baby dragons can stay here with Roth."

Dawn shakes her head. "You are like a force of nature."

"It's in the genes." Elissa winks and calls Dusk over. "How do you fancy accompanying your sister to Babylon? You can show Darish the sights."

"It might be difficult to persuade Darish to leave his desk."

"Oh, I rather thought you like nailing him to that desk," Dawn interjects cheekily

"Behave," Elissa chastises. "I will get the others to pitch in and we will cover Darish's work while you are gone." She kicks off her shoes and grabs Dawn's hand. "Come on, let's dance."

.....

Singing a happy tune, Elissa skips across her reception room, her feet almost leaving the floor from her giddy effervescence. Tabbi walks in carrying a sizeable box, tied with a blue ribbon.

"I almost forgot to give you this." Tabbi bends over to place the package on a table, her arms straining slightly.

Elissa cocks her head. "But you already gave me a gift."