Once Upon His December

Chapter 13 - Surprise

Kira

After my venture riding with Theodore, my headache bound me to bed for several days.  My stomach rolled every time I recalled that vision.   So vivid and familiar almost like a memory.  Not having anyone who could clarify if it was a dream or memory, was torturous.

Theodore left on another mission the next day.  Once again, I felt alone.  Except Vlad came to visit me, which was a comfort.  I told him about the vision but he couldn't explain anything.  He believed what he and everyone else in the household had been told:  I was rescued in Slovya and would be living at the palace, working as a maid.

It took a few days but the headaches soon faded and took the nausea along with it.  Now I was back to my regular routine of chores and voice lessons.  With Vlad's birthday ball not far off, extra rehearsals were added to my days.

My own birthday was here but no one, except Nikolai, knew when it was.  That still made me wonder how he knew.  With a skip in my step, I entered the music room for my rehearsal with Vlad.  We were only a couple of days away from our performance for his birthday.  It would be my largest, most formal audience yet.

"Well, hello!" Vlad called, his charismatic smile spread across his friendly face.  He sat poised waiting for me.  "You look very happy today!  I'm glad you are feeling better."

"I am," Kira chimed in response. I took my beloved seat next to Vlad on the bench.  I giggled then leaned into his ear and whispered, "It's my birthday."

"What?" he leaned back and practically shouted.  "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

I shrugged.  "I've kept it a secret for the last four years, why share now?"

Vlad gave me a pointed look and scolded, "I understand not sharing with everyone in the palace but you should've at least told me.  I would have gotten you something."

"It's fine," I waved dismissively.  "Your friendship is all I need, Vlad."

Vlad lifted my hand to his lips and kissed the back.  "You honor me with your friendship, Kira."

My eyes shimmered with moisture and a warm smile brightened up my face.  Leaning in, I placed a feathery kiss on his cheek.

"Now, let's practice!"

Our song went splendidly and would be a wonderful performance.  Vlad mastered the difficult section of the piece.  I practically skipped back to my room to put my hair up before going to the kitchen. I stopped when barely through my door at the sight sitting on my nightstand.

A beautiful, colossal bouquet of roses sat in a green vase.  I lifted a hand to my mouth in surprise and inched across the room closer to the bouquet.  A small card was inserted between blooms.  I grabbed it excitedly and read the note inside.  My heart filled with butterflies.

Happy birthday, Princess

I was deeply perplexed.  Who could these gifts be from?  The only person who had ever called me "princess" as an endearment was...No.  It wasn't possible.  I shook that thought away immediately. I let out a heavy sigh and laid the card down.  That's when my eyes fell on the box sitting on my bed.

Cautiously, I opened it and gasped in surprise.  It was an exquisite formal green gown.  I lifted it out of the box and ran my hands over the silky fabric.  The gold embroidery was exquisite.  Could Vlad have done this?  This thoughtful act warmed my heart.  I decided to wear it for his birthday.

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The days before Vlad's birthday ball were chaotic at its best.  Not as busy as for Nikolai's but still many preparations were frantically underway.  I was either in the kitchen or practicing for my performance.