09: Birthday

'Happy Birthday, Zairo' I greeted him the next day

"Thanks, Patrice." he replied

'Don't forget our agreement. I'll wait for you later.' I reminded him

"Of course, Pam. Oh I have to go." He said

'See you.' I said

"See you." He said and the connection disappeared

After our conversation, I prepared my bag and brought my gift for Zairo.

"Where are you going, your highness?" Knight Maia asked

"You scared me, Knight Maia." I exclaimed

"Where are you going, your highness?" She asked again

"Nothing." I said and hid my bag but due to rushing, the box fell and slid to Knight Maia's feet.

"For Zairo." She read aloud

"Knight Maia," I said and took it away and hid it inside the bag

"Is it for Knight Zairo, Princess?" she asked

"Yes, but no one else should know." I told her

"Where are you going, your highness?" she asked

"I am not leaving. I just prepared the things I will give him." I said and she exited my room, when I was sure that Knight Maia isn't outside anymore. I looked at the time it is already 2 pm. I snuck out of my tower, dashed into the forest, and went to our home.

When I arrived, I prepared everything. The food and such.

When Zairo entered, I turned off the lights in the kitchen.

I hugged Zairo from behind and whispered "Happy birthday, Zairo." I said

He turned on the lights while I was back hugging him. He was surprised to see all the preparations I made for him.

"Thank you, Pam." He said then faced and hugged me.

"You're welcome." I said and we sat on the chair on opposite sides. He started eating the dishes I prepared.

"These taste good, you're a fast learner." He commented

"Thanks." I answered.

After eating, I gave him my gift.

"Happy Birthday, Zairo." I greeted him

"Thanks. Why are you doing all of this?" He said

"Because you are like an older brother to me, and I think this is the least I could do after all the things you've done for me." I said

"I'd tell the same to you. You are also a little sister to me." he said and ruffled my Hair.

We played chess, darts and archery that he taught me when we were 11.

"You've improved." He commented and placed his arms on my shoulders

"I had the best teacher." I said and kissed him on his cheeks

"Why is my little sis so sweet? It don't fit your personality." he teased

"Enjoy it while it lasts. It's your birthday." I said

"Shall I have this dance?" He asked me and offered his hand

I placed down the bow and removed the quiver then I held his hand. We went to the living room.

He played the disc player and played waltz music. We danced and later on, we both laid down laughing at the sofa bed

"I'd miss this." I commented

"Why?" he asked and looked at me. I hugged my knees and looked at him.

"My mother and the whole kingdom have their eyes at me. It's risky for me to sneak in and out." I said and placed my chin on my knees.

"I thought you aren't afraid to take the risk?" he asked making me stare at his greyish white eyes.

"I wasn't but now. I don't know." I said and averted my gaze from his electrifying eyes

"Why not?" He asked and hugged me from behind and I leaned to him

"I'm confused, pressured, and I doubt myself when I'm in the palace." I said

If there is one person whom I tell everything to, it's Zairo.

"Don't doubt yourself. Don't be confused and don't pressure yourself, Pam." He said and placed his head on my shoulder

"I wish we could stay like this forever." I said

"You can always go here and call me. I'll be here no matter what I am doing." He said

"You're a king now, Zai. I can't take you away from your duty." I said and he kissed my cheeks, which surprised me

"Exactly, I am a king. I can decide for myself and no one can question me. Don't worry, Pam. I'm here for you." he said

"Okay." I said

My gaze went to the clock here in our living room. It's nine in the evening.

"Pam." Zairo called

"Hmm?" I answered

"Are you sleepy?" he asked

"Not yet. Are you?" I said

"Neither. Tomorrow we have to head back to your kingdom." He said which made me look at him.

"I signed a month contract as a knight, your near guard." He reminded

"Only 2 days left." I said and he held my hand, which made me wrapped in his arms.

"Let's enjoy those 2 days." he said and hugged me tighter.

He stood up and he offered his hand to help me stand up.

"Okay, Zai. I'd miss you." I said accepting his hand and suddenly my eyes heated up

I hugged him and buried my head in his chest.

"Patrice Avery Mae, don't cry." he said and wipes the tears that fell from my eyes

"We can still see each other. Don't worry." He assured and hugged me while caressing my hair

"Just never turn off your bracelet so we can keep in touch." He said and I nodded

"Let's sleep." he said and we went to our room.

We share one room but two beds; it has no issue for us since we are more of siblings.

The next day Zairo woke me up at 4 am. He will escort me back to the palace.

We went through the villages inside our kingdom to pretend that we stayed inside.

He escorted me while we were walking and acted like just a mere guard.

When we were in front of the Palace gates, the guards recognized me and opened the gates for me.

When we entered the palace, it was already 5 am and the servants are awake.

"I shall take my leave, your highness." He said and bowed then winks at me

"Thank you for escorting me Knight Zairo." I said

"It's my duty." he said and left

I went to my room to change since I am wearing a dress he gave to me. No one suspected us, even neither Ezra nor Knight Maia.

"Princess Avery," Mother said when I came in to the throne room.

"Mother," I said and bowed

"Where have you wandered off this time?" she asked

"I was in the kingdom, Mother. The village people need our help in repairing their shelters and some of them need jobs to feed their family." I said

"I see. What else?" she said

"I've seen the street children and commoners. They need to have a right for proper education. We can build a school for the public, for those who cannot afford to study in prestigious schools and academy." I said

"I'll see about it. You should bring that issue and suggestion to the court." she said so I nodded and bowed then left

"Are you alright?" Zairo asked when I bumped into him in the palace hall.

"Yeah, Zairo, invite the other guards, I want to have a picnic." I said and he bowed then left I went to the garden.

I can't talk to Ezra because she returned home. She lives in the prestigious Village of the Kingdom since she is Duchess Elizabeth's daughter. My guards came and Zai was holding a picnic blanket.

When he placed it on the grass, I helped arrange the foods.

"Belated happy birthday, Knight Zairo," Knight Maia and Knight Therese said while we were eating

"You told them, your majesty?" Zai asked me and I nodded

"Thank you." He said

"You've been missing in action for a week, Zairo." Knight Stephen said

"I spent time with the most important people in my life." He said and glanced at me

"Have you received your gift?" Knight Maia asked

"Gift? From who?" He asked and looked at me, I nodded and he looked at his comrades

"Ah, I did." He said and scratched the back of his neck

"You've been glancing at her royal Highness several times already." Sir Charles commented

"I'm just making sure that the princess is still here. I heard she disappeared several times this week." He commented

'Heard? Really, Zai?' I asked

"Nope, I just know." He answered

"Her royal highness can disappear all of sudden at times." Knight Therese said

"Zairo, Princess Trinity told us you're close with Princess Avery." Knight Maia said

"She did?" He said and acted surprised

"Well, I am. Am I not, Princess?" he answered and looked at me

"Probably," I answered

Suddenly, the rain poured and they escorted me back in but I already got wet by the rain.

Zairo, Knight Stephen and Sir Charles fixed the things we left and brought it to the kitchen

I went back to my room after I dismissed my guards. I stared at the rain outside my window.

"You should take a bath and change." Zairo said when he entered my room.

"I will. Later." I said and sat on my bed he left and closed the doors.