8 years ago
As long as I could remember, my birthday was never just my birthday...
It was a means to an end for my mother and all the noble families in the kingdom.
My 10th birthday was different from the previous 10. It was during my 10th birthday that I was officially announced as the Crown Prince of the Kivoraine kingdom.
It was also during that day that I awakened my 2nd gender profile.
The day started like any other.
Stormy with the sound of thunder roaring throughout the kingdom.
I remember my mother being worried about her guest, who may not have been able to make it through the heavy storm.
I couldn't care less if they did or didn't.
What I really cared about... was my playmates.
I had the incredible insight to invite them the day before and had them stay overnight at the castle.
I made sure that at the very least, I knew that two people in this entire kingdom would be attending my birthday ball without any motives.
It had been two years since I first met them, and in those two years, I realized that I had started to care for my playmates. It happened gradually without my notice. Kitayana's affectionate, bubbly personality was the glue to our little trio, and Aalackai was the shy, reserved kid who always had something to say. They were both the type to never back down from any fight, even when they knew they were going to lose.
The nice thing about having two hot heads for friends is that they were always willing to fight for me, even when I wasn't allowed to fight such battles myself.
As a part of the royal family, I wasn't allowed to tarnish the family's reputation. I had to remain calm and poised under any given circumstance; there is no room for flaws. I must be the perfect version of myself for the sake of the masses.
But in front of them, I didn't have to pretend as I did with others.
It was around noon when the storm started to clear up, and the guests began to arrive. I was wandering around aimlessly in the hallways, hoping I would find a glimpse of my father.
I never saw him that day...
I suddenly hear my name being called out in unison, "Lilas!" When I turned around, I saw both Kitayana and Aalackai smiling at me across the hall.
"You know we've been looking for you for a while now, your highness," Aalackai said teasingly as he gave a mocking courtesy.
"Yeah, your highness," Kitayana said, joining in.
Ignoring their teasing, "Well, you found me."
"That we did," Aalackai said. He grabbed my hand and pulled me along the hallway. Kitayana followed beside Kai, holding her hands behind her back. She held a tiny black velvet box.
"What are you two up to? You know I don't have time today to mess around. I need to start getting ready to greet my guests."
On any other day, I would've played along with their little mischief, but not today.
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Today had to be perfect.
"Lilas, trust us. We aren't doing anything that will ruin your birthday." Kai said as he squeezed my hand gently.
I stayed quiet at that and let them guide me into my sitting room. They sat me on the sofa and sat right beside me on both ends.
"Since this year we are officially allowed to come to the palace to celebrate your 10th birthday, we decided to get you a little gift outside of our family's," Kitayana said as she held the tiny black velvet box I saw earlier.
"Aalackai and I got us matching rings!" She beamed as she opened the box. Inside, there was a golden thin band. Made it to fit the size of a thumb.
Kitayana handed the box to Aalackai, and they both made their way in front of me and kneeled. Kitayana gently held my left hand while Kai slipped the ring onto my thumb.
Almost like they timed it, both spoke at the same time, "Happy Birthday Lilas, we love you."
I felt my face flush red at their words, and I was rendered speechless for a moment before I could find my composure after a few seconds too long.
I didn't know how to respond. Should I say it back?
I wouldn't be lying if I did. Love just... doesn't even come close to it.
"Whoa, he's totally red," Kai whispered, "Kitayana, you won our bet."
"Lady Luck is on my side today!"
There was no point in trying to hide my blushing face, so instead, I kicked them out of my room.
"Get out. I need to get changed." I grabbed my hand out of Kitayana's hold.
"Yeah, right, you've been dressed. The only reason you're kicking us out is because you're embarrassed that we saw you glow bright as a tomato." Kai teases as he pulls himself up along with Kitayana.
"Since you know. Get out."
"Since it's your birthday, I will let that slide. Come on, Kitayana. Let the birthday boy wear his icy mask again."
Without another word, I was left to my own thoughts.
Shortly after they left the room, my body started to feel strange. Not in a bad way. I started to feel how it felt when they said they loved me. It was like a warm rush of wind wrapped around me and held me in its embrace.
It felt like love...
A scorching hot love...
My body felt hot all over, and I started to tear open my clothing. Not giving a damn about the attire that was carefully selected for this day.
I felt a searing hot pain in my lower back. Then suddenly I felt a warm touch there.
"Lilas, you...your mark." I didn't understand what Kitayana was trying to say until she spelled it out for me, "Your... 2nd gender profile...your..."
"What..." I turned to face her.
"You're a ...beta...."
Then suddenly my world came crashing out. All that I ever knew was thrown out the window. My life felt like it was completely over. In a kingdom like this...being a beta meant death to your family rule. It meant destroying my predecessor's work.
Kitayana must've seen my face... what was going on through my head because suddenly she was cupping my face into her small hands.
She started to comfort me, but I couldn't hear a thing. Nothing at all. Not until she said, "I'll help you. We can hide this. We can find a spell to change it or... hide it. You have magic, Lilas. There isn't anything you can't do without it."
That's not how magic worked... but it meant a lot to me that she would be willing to help me.
Years later, I would remember her willingness to help me... to put my needs before the rest of the world. Even right now, she's holding him as she did me all those years ago.
"Hey, are you feeling okay now?" She slowly let go of him and peered up at him with concern.
"I'm okay..." Kai whispered. He still held on to her like she was his only lifeline.
It was then, only for an instant, I felt it.... the burning hot feeling of jealousy and envy. As quickly as it came, it was gone.
"Aalackai, let's get you inside. Your travels must have overwhelmed you." I suggested standing up and making my way to stand by where he sat.
"Yeah, you're right... I'm sorry to leave you two like this. I think... I... just need some rest. I haven't been sleeping well these days. " He said, letting go of Kitayana and standing up.
"Please, don't worry about it, Aalackai. What's important is that you rest up. Don't worry about us. We planned on staying the night. I'll let your parents know you're not feeling well. Lilas, can you make sure he gets to his room?"
"Sure thing."
Aalackai and I left the garden. He followed behind me.
"I'm sure you don't need me to tell you this, and I'm not saying it to be a jerk, but now that you're back, you have to keep your pheromones in check. I don't want people to think that you're undermining them and being rude. You're an alpha; your pheromones affect people." I said, not looking behind me.
When he didn't respond, I glanced back. Only to see him wiping away his tears silently, "Come here," I said, reaching over to him, " Let's get you to bed." I gave him a side hug as we walked further into his home.
The Aalackai I remember wasn't quick to tear up at the latest hint of criticism...he wasn't fragile...or maybe he was, and I never realized.
Then again, no one stays the same.
We all have to change eventually. Even if that change scares us.
