To Be Loved

It had been a year since my birth in this world, and my mother was holding me in a grand, opulent room. People of varying races surrounded us. There were humans, beastkin, and even elves. My father stood beside my mother and me. The people's curious gaze made me cringe and bury my head in my mother's chest.

Since coming to this world, I learned how to walk, albeit I would stumble over my tiny legs most of the time. I hadn't yet spoken out loud to anyone. I practiced speech quietly when I was sure no one could hear, but speaking to anyone terrified me. My mother and father tried several times to get me to call them mommy or daddy, but the words would never leave my mouth. 

On the day of my first birthday, the hall filled with lords and servants dressed in fancy attire. I recognized some of the servants from when my mother would take me along with her through the castle. Murmurs could be heard throughout the large room, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Suddenly, I heard a clinking sound coming from my right, and I looked over to see my father tapping a spoon against a wine glass. The hushed whispers of hundreds of voices vanished, and all the attention in the room gathered on my father. 

"Welcome, everyone. I know the people in this hall are all eager to get the party underway, but first, I have a short address." The silence remained, and I started to look around at everyone frantically. I had never been good around people in my past life, especially when there were so many. 

My mother could tell I was panicking, so she immediately started stroking my head. When she rubbed her cheeks against mine, the panic from before dwindled. She provided me with a comfort you could only get from the embrace of a loving mother. It didn't take long for my father to continue.

"On behalf of my kingdom, as the king of this nation, I extend a warm welcome to all! To those who are present in this castle, those who couldn't make it, and those who are celebrating in the streets, I express my sincere gratitude to each of you from the bottom of my heart. Today, we celebrate a momentous occasion that is very close to my heart and that of my wife. This past year has been nothing short of a blessing, as My wife and I are with the smile of our daughter, our future heir. I am deeply grateful to the gods and people below for showering their love and blessings on my family. I hope that this love and care will continue to thrive forevermore."

The faces in the hall were filled with nothing but respect and compassion for my father. I couldn't help but burn this scene into my mind. This was what it was like to be truly loved. My parents' endless love for me was shown in the eyes of all who had gathered. My father started to tear up. As he began shaking, my mother touched his shoulder tenderly and urged him to continue.

"Truly, thank you for coming to celebrate the birth of my daughter... 

I have held up enough of your time. It is finally time we let the festivities begin! Please feel free to help yourself with any food in the hall. There is enough to go around." 

Cheers erupted throughout the hall as the people gathered began clapping away. "Long live King Night von Arris!" I heard someone call out. What followed was people shouting similar chants. Many were even directed at me. "Long live the princess!" 

Before long, the chaos of a royal birthday was underway.

People made their way to the long tables that held more food than I had ever seen in both lives. Other people started greeting each other, and a few made their way over to greet the newest addition to the royal family, namely me. I couldn't help but bury my head further into my mother's chest. All the attention was getting to me as I tried to tune out the voices, but they wouldn't relent. 

They showered my mother with questions about me, and she answered all the inquiries as best she could. They wouldn't stop talking about how cute I was, and my mother couldn't help but agree. Before long, I couldn't take the attention anymore and started to cry. My mother tried to soothe me, but the loud cry of a baby wouldn't relent. 

"There, there. It's okay, dear. No one here will bite." No matter how hard she tried, I wouldn't stop crying. The people near us awkwardly left my mother to deal with me. 

Eventually, between sobs, I managed to utter my first word. "M-mommy!" 

I was terrified of all the attention the people had given me, and I sought salvation in the only person I could think of. She gasped after my utterance, but instead of commenting on it, she continued trying to soothe my fragile mind. 

"If you will excuse us…" 

She hastily led our escape from the large room, and we entered the castle halls. We ended our journey back in my familiar, safe space, and I started to calm down. 

She sat me down in my crib and began to rock it back and forth. My mother sang to me in her angelic voice, calming my mind even further. Eventually, the heavenly voice of my mother drowned out all of the noise happening within and outside the castle. The chaos happening in my mind dwindled. Inevitably, between the angelic singing of my mother and the rocking of my crib, sleep found me.

My dreams were filled with visions of my past life. Instances of abuse from my previous parents and the bullying received at school played vividly before me. The events rehashed in my dreams until a bright light filled them. It brought with it a warmth that caressed me. It began washing away all of the bad memories. 

When the light subsided, my eyes opened to be greeted by my mother, who placed her hand on my forehead. She was humming a sweet melody, and I could feel a faint power emanating from her hand. As she noticed my open eyes, she smiled at me. It was a tenderness that washed away all of my fears and doubts.

"I love you, mommy." Before I knew it, the words left my mouth.