CHAPTER 6 MY BIRTHDAY

Today is my birthday, and the palace is bustling with excitement! Lavish decorations filled every corner, with flowers and ribbons creating a vibrant atmosphere. Mom and Dad woke up early, showering me with kisses and warmth, their joy apparent as they prepared for the grand celebration.

Anna helped me get dressed, meticulously styling my hair and fixing my crown so it sat just right atop my little head. My family would already be in the hall, so Sir Tristan was here to escort me.

"May I come in, Princess?" he asked, knocking lightly before entering my room.

"You look beautiful, Princess Elysia," he said, kneeling to kiss the back of my hand. I couldn't help but smile back at him; he always knew how to make me feel special.

"Thank you for giving me this opportunity to escort you, my lady," he added, leading me toward the grand hall.

As we approached the grand entrance of the hall, one of the guards stepped forward and called out my name.

"PRINCESS ELYSIA SELENE VALMONT is entering!"

Author's Note: Elysia means blissful, Selene means goddess of the moon, and Valmont means strong mountain. I aimed to match her name with her appearance. As there hadn't been any female born before her, they chose Her Majesty, the Queen's name, as Elysia's middle name

As we walked, I could feel the warmth of everyone's smiles and hear whispers of "cute" directed toward me. But among those familiar faces, I also sensed a few who looked at me as if I were a bad omen, sending a chill down my spine. Yet, the sight of my family waiting for me offered a comforting relief.

Dad rose from his throne as I approached, scooping me up in his strong arms. I giggled as he kissed my cheeks, surprising everyone with the gentleness of his affection. Could this ruthless man shows such an expression? He settled me into my rightful chair next to my brothers, who grinned with boundless enthusiasm.

"Today is the princess's birthday," Dad declared, his voice booming yet warm. "I don't want any noise that could turn this good day into something else. Let's begin!"

The hall erupted into a swirl of energy. Each guest came forward to introduce themselves and present their gifts—wonderful toys, beautiful jewels, and lavish clothes. It was a cacophony, and I wondered how long it would last before my small head would become too overwhelmed.

Suddenly, a group of men in white robes entered the hall. They looked familiar, but unease crept over me at their appearance.

"Greetings to the sun of the empire and the moon of the empire" they bowed their heads in unison, their voices echoing across the hall.

I glanced at my parents. They didn't look pleased at all. After the incident with the masked men, Dad sensed a connection to the church. Although he lacked the evidence to take action, his anger hung in the air like a storm about to break.

"Rise," Dad said firmly. "Why are you visiting without invitation or permission? If you come under the last request, you won't be able to return to the Holy Land."

"We come to give a blessing to the princess and the princes. We do not wish to cause a scene. Please allow us this," the high priest replied, his voice steady but laced with an undertone of desperation.

Author's Note: This is the new high priest.

Dad exchanged a glance with Mom, who finally nodded in agreement—a rare gesture in such tense circumstances.

"Alright," Dad said reluctantly, allowing them to approach. Liam helped me to my feet, and I took a few tentative steps toward the priest. He held my shoulders firmly, almost protectively, as I felt his hand on my head. A chill ran down my spine as I caught a glimpse of his hawkish expression.

"There is nothing special about this child," he thought to himself, though the words were unspoken.

"Thank you, Princess Elysia," he said, "We will return to the Holy Land now. Thank you for allowing us to give our blessing." The priest made his quick exit, retreating alongside his companions.

Back in my seat, gift presentations resumed, and it felt as if the air had shifted back to its celebratory tone. I watched as my father rose from the throne once again.

"We have decided to gift the eastern palace and midnight garden as a birthday gift to Princess Elysia," he announced, his voice carrying throughout the hall.

Gasps followed his announcement. "Isn't the eastern palace the most luxurious palace?" someone murmured. "And the midnight garden too? Even the princes do not receive such extravagant gifts!" More whispers fluttered around the room, leaving me overwhelmed. What was I supposed to do with all this?

"Dada, nooooo!" Unexpectedly, those words spilled from my lips, filling the hall with a startled hush. Dad's eyes lit up with excitement, and he rushed to me, pulling me into another embrace. I didn't have the strength to look at Mom, but I peeked while Dad showered me with kisses. Surprisingly, enthusiasm radiated from her as well.

"Are you telling Dad that it's not enough?" Noyal asked, wide-eyed.

"Uh-uh, dada—{not that dada!}" The urgency in my voice was sincere; I didn't think they would understand.

"I will give permission for Princess Elysia to control the Order of White Knights, as she has made me the happiest father in the world today!" Dad proclaimed, and the hall erupted with cheers. I looked at Tristan and thought maybe he can help. I give hand signals to Tristan and he just smiling at me. I gave up. it's not use.

Queen gives her last speech. She picks me up from dads and said, "finally I won" and she kissed on my cheeks making me tickle. I have no clue what that is meant.

The end of chapter 6. comment what is it mean by"Finally, I Won" from the Queen's Perspective. Happy reading