1 The Birthday Promise

It was during those kind of moments I felt helpless. I had always imagined love to be unpredictable and chaotic. But when he smiled and his eyes crinkled up, I felt like being near a hearth on a snowy evening; home and heaven rolled into one.

- Diary Of Ophelia

"No", she screamed out loud. She was panting like she'd been running a marathon and was sweating profusely. She could hear the sound of several footsteps getting closer to the entrance of her chambers. The door was opened cautiously by a pair of females in blues.

"Are you alright, Princess? We heard you screaming."

"Yes, I'm. Please go back to your rooms."

"Okay." They left with concern and reluctance written clearly on their faces.

She sat back on the pillows and took a deep breath.

'That dream. Again. What does it mean? It's been haunting me since I turned 17 and it's been an year since then. Who is that guy? And what does he have to do with me? Grrr!!! I'll go crazy if this continues. Well, I can't let some stupid dream ruin my day."

She got down from the bed and went to the balcony to be greeted by the first rays of the sun.

For someone seeing her now, she resembled a fiery star in her red robe. And she was that alright, fiery! Celosia - The eldest daughter of the ruler of that nation with three brothers and two sisters, she's been trained well in martial arts and possessed a courageous spirit.

"I'll never get bored of this view in my lifetime." She let out a contented sigh, letting her eyes roam the forest opposite to her chambers. True, there's a large patch of land separating it from her. But the long-distance view of those green embers always had the ability to soothe her.

"Sis, are you up?" A bright childish voice could be heard calling out to her. Her lips curled up on their on accord.

"Yes dear, in here."

"Hey..." A small bundle of yellow ran up with a huge smile and Celosia stooped down to receive the hug.

"Good morning, sunshine. Happy Birthday." She kissed the chubby cheeks of the baby girl bundled up in the yellow robe.

She giggled with glee and asked with stars shining in her eyes, "You'll take me to the forest, right?"

"I will keep my promise. No worries, Thea."

"Alas! It seems like I'll have to prepare the picnic basket, again!" A mock melancholic voice called out from the entrance of the chamber.

"Epione! " The two chorused together.

"You are up too early." Celosia could not help teasing her 15-year old sister.

"Ha ha so funny sis", Epione pouted with a playful air about her.

"Well, our little sunshine is turning four. I have to be up early, right? But rest assured, it's only for today." She concluded with a laugh. The other two couldn't help but laugh along with her.

And that's how the day which held numerous surprises in store started - on a happy note.

Which soon plunged them into the whirlwind of mysteries.

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Meanwhile somewhere else in the palace:

"Wake up, sleepy-heads," a male voice could be heard hollering.

"Leo, you'll definitely be heard all across the island. " Another male voice complained while rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

" Yet our youngest brother sleeps like a log. " Leo sighed with an exasperated smile.

" Barak, wake him up and get down to the courtyard. Do hurry up. The girls may set out without us. They are set in their decision. All we can do is go with them."

" It's the forbidden forest for a reason, Leo! Father is going to be furious. " Barak warned his elder brother with a wicked smile.

" As if you are not excited at the prospect of breaking the rules," Leo sounded exasperated. "I'll see you in the courtyard brother."

"Ahh, now I'll have to rouse this hooligan from his beauty sleep. Alec, it's Thea's birthday today. Wake up, will you!?"

"Thea's birthday!" The 13-year old sat up in his bed with a shout.

"We get to explore the mysterious forest! Yes!!" He let out a whoop.

"Yes,yes...now get ready and come to the courtyard. Leo is waiting for us."

"Just a few minutes bro. I'll be there on time." Alec called out while rushing to get everything ready.

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In the courtyard, Leo was immersed in his thoughts:

' I am not sure whether this decision is right or wrong. But little Thea wanted nothing else than a picnic in the forbidden forest. Well, she is not aware of the dangers and rules. That forest had been off-limits for the island folk since two centuries ago. It is said to be the final resting place of a princess of our royal blood. She had died under mysterious circumstances. Even taking her name is a taboo in this kingdom. But all this had been two hundred years ago. Now the forest is a sight to the sore eyes; with a wide variety of blooms dancing in the breeze, standing like the walls to the palace of emerald. No wonder little Thea was attracted to that piece of heaven. She's an ardent lover of flowers. But the surprising factor is Celosia's willingness or rather eagerness to visit that place. Why did my little sister had a look of longing while she gazed at the forest.? It bothers me to no end. Well, it's too late to change the decision now. It's bound to be a safe trip and a joyful one at that.'

Leo could hear the footsteps and laughter-filled words coming towards the courtyard.

" Ah, here comes our love. " Leo picked up Thea and kissed her on her cheek. Thea laughed out loud with joy. The others looked on with a fond smile.

"I hope all of you have taken your weapons and food."

" Yes, your highness. " They chorused with cheeky smiles.

" Yeah, so funny. " Leo rolled his eyes.

"Let's not wait any longer. Come on everyone, let's go. " Celosia urged them.

" The word of my womb-mate is my order. " Barak did a military salute.

" Is that the new term for twin, idiot? "

" Oh yes, sis. Isn't it thought provoking. "

" Well, it sounds a bit strange. " Epione shrugged.

" Oh, well. Whatever. Let's start our journey. "

And thus they set out to the forbidden forest.

A place of mysteries nobody has visited for two hundred long years. A place which held the most tragic love story the island had ever heard of.

Enjoy:)

Lots of ❤️

Mila Alaia

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