~Emily~



I watched as Emily gingerly walked out of the room.

Each step she took seemed to be a different pain for her.

My heart melted at the sight. She really didn't deserve to go through that type of traumatic experience.


But it was a relief for me to know that myself and Steph are on the same page after a while of arguments and geuine disgust between us.



I decided to head out to the kitchen and cook myself a meal.

We maids around here don't get breakfasts served to us.


'Hey Flora!" I was Flora mixing a large bowl of flour.

She was sweating profusely, as he exerted an insane amount of energy.


'Hey Emily!" She took her eyes off the work she was doing as he faced me.

She had a warm smile which always made mornings as she looked at me.

. 'What's the flour for?"I asked almost unconsciously.

'We'll it's too bake a cake. The largest ever known. That's what Rowan instructed me" Flora said.

'Whose birthday is it?" I asked now more curious.

'Oh, you don't know.

It's Zayne's birthday today!" Flora's words left me in awe. I couldn't believe my ears.

It's Zayne's birthday, how comes he didn't tell me?

I would have gotten him something nice. What kind of a friend am I? I couldn't even remember his birthday or get him a present.


I glanced at the clock above the kitchen's walls.

It read 11:05 am.

Oh Gosh!


It's already eleven and I haven't wished him a happy birthday.


'Flora I'll be back!" I stormed out of the kitchen, heading straight to Zayne's room.


But as i hurried to Zayne's room a strange sight caught my attention, causing me to move closer


A girl was down on her knees, her hands warped over head.

Who is she? Is she running mad?


The girl finally raised her head.

'Steph?"

I was left dumbfounded. How did she end up here?

I moved closer to her.

'Steph what's happening?" I asked her, my voice tinged with genuine concern.

I placed my hand on her shoulder, trying to reach to her.


'Emily, stay away from me!!!"

Steph yelled at me at the top of her voice. And walked out on me. Her steps very quick. I had an urge to follow after her, but my body remained frozen to the spot.

I couldn't get my head round what just happened.


What happened to her all of a sudden? All she did was go out to meet Luther?

'Luther!"

A sudden realization dawned on me. Luther, of course it was him.

But what did he tell her that made her react like this?

I could only wonder?

Luther keeps on poisoning Steph's mind, and gradually turning her to his pawn.

I wish Steph could listen to me for once and just stay away from him.


Zayne! Yes.

I continued to Zayne's room, trying to shake off what I experienced just a few minutes ago with Steph.


KNOCK

KNOCK


I reached his room, my knock very hurried. 'Yes who is it?" Zayne's voice reached my ears from inside his room.

'It's Emily!!"

I opened the door, the hinges creaking loudly, not waiting for Zayne's word.


'Happy Birthday Zayne!!" I screamed out a bit loud, yet still very subtle.

A huge broad smile covered my face.


'Wow, thanks"

Zayne's voice very pale and dull.


'What's wrong? Aren't you happy?

It's your birthday Zayne, you should be happy"

I asked in concern.


'Phew!

Come here"

Zayne tapped on the space of the bed next to him, prompting me to sit next to him.

Without hesitation I took a set next to him. The distance between us was close, his strong fragrance went flush in my nostrils.


'There was a time I once loved my birthdays, and each of those birthdays was even more memorable than the other, it was when I was married to Maya.

But, ever since she died, it just hasn't been the same. I don't look forward to my birthdays because she's no longer here"

Zayne said, his tone very remorseful. My heart bled as I listened to Zayne.

I just wished there was something I could do to make him love his birthdays again.

Give him something to look forward to.


Wait! Rowan said Zayne has always been happy ever since I got into his life. Happier than ever since Maya died.

That means I could give him something to look forward to.

'Zayne turn up for your party tonight, I have a surprise for you".

I saw his expression changed. A sudden curiosity covered his face.

'Okay, I will!" Zayne said with a bit more excitement.


The tone of his voice, gave me a slight joy. I was happy to see him happy a bit.

But now I had large burden on my shoulders. I had to get a great surprise for Zayne before tonight.

I won't want to raise his hopes only to see it crumble down.

I had to get him something. But what? I never meet Maya, so I don't know what, she did that made Zayne's birthday always special.

And despite our good relationship, I hardly know Zayne to know what he likes or not.

Rowan!!

His name flashed in my mind.

No one knows Zayne and Maya more than him. He could really help me.


In search for Rowan I headed straight for the training grounds not bothering to check his room.

Rowan takes his training very seriously, one for the many reasons I admire him.

I could only wonder how he would be feeling, especially with what happened earlier this morning between him and my sister.


'Rowan"

I reached the grounds, seeing Rowan he say on a small rock, sipping from a bottle of water.

He looked weary, drenched in his own sweat.


'Hey Emily, how can I help you? I thought Zayne told you to take another day off"

Rowan said a bit surprised to see me.


'Yeah, I'm not here to train really. I came to ask you for a favour!".


'Favour for what?" Rowan asked as he finally git up from the rock he was sitting on.


'Can you help me find Zayne a perfect birthday gift.

A gift that would make him excited about his birthday again"


Rowan stood for a moment considering my request.

'OK, I can help you. I myself would also wish the same for Zayne"

'Thank you!!" I leant closer to his body giving him a light hug.


'Cedric!!" Rowan called out another warrior at the grounds with me.

I've seen him with Zayne various times. So I guess he's one of the top warriors for the kingdom.


'Yeah, Rowan?" Cedric left his stay at another of the training grounds and met with us. His breathing was heavy, his body covered in sweat.


'I need you to cover for me, I have to help Emily get Zayne a gift" Rowan said to Cedric. Cedric gave a long look at me, his eyes moving round.

'OK, good luck with that" Cedric turned and returned back to his training.


Myself and Rowan headed back to my room at the maids quarter. We had to brainstorm together what might Zayne like for his birthday?

Rowan stood at the window, the warm breeze blowing at him as he tried to recollect his past memories on Zayne and Maya.


'That's it!!" Rowan screamed out in excitememt.

'Every year Maya after her birthday present would take a dance with Zayne in front of the crowd.

And after it, they would always share a kiss to seal their ever increasing love"


'Rowan that's nice and very important to us but I can't go up on the stage with Zayne and ask for a dance"

I couldn't even imagine he would let me dance with him, more or less kiss him.

'Of course you can. Zayne won't reject your dance. I've seen it several time in his eyes, the love he has for you and the way he cares for you.

In you he sees a reflection of Maya. That's why he worries for you so much. He doesn't want to loose you like he lost Maya"

Rowan's words gave him something to really think about.

I was beyond flattered to know that Zayne loves me and cares for me.

I sat on my bed my head lowered as thoughts circled round in my mind.

I have to take this dance for Zayne and for his happiness. If I don't Zayne's uplifted hopes will be crushed and he might remain miserable his whole life.

NO! I can't bear to see him miserable.


'OK, I'll do it. I'll dance with Zayne" I said. But that was the easy part, the hard part would be taking the brave step to ask for his dance in front of the guests who would be present there.


'OK, that's nice. Now we have to find out the perfect birthday gift you will present to him.

Zayne is a simple guy so he would want something simple"


Simple? Why would a Lycan king want something simple when he can have everything he wants?

'Rowan what do you suggest we get him?" I asked Rowan.

'Emily this is your gift to give him. And your gift has to come from the heart.

If your lost for thought you can check the castles store room, downstairs to the left, it has ally of a valuable items in there"

Rowan was right, this has to be my gift and it has to come from the heart.


'Well I have to check on how the preparations are going, I'll see you later" Rowan left leaving me to my thoughts.


What could Zayne want?

I'll check the store room, maybe I could find something in there.


I followed the instructions Rowan gave me, leading me to a wooden door, cobwebs covered it's knob.

I managed to open the door, the hinges causing a creaking noise.

I enter the room my heart racing, as I worried for the unexpected.

The room was dimly light and there was no source of power whatsoever.

The strong scent of dust reached my nostrils evidence of its lack of maintenance.

I was able to navigate my way through the darkness, brushing aside the cobwebs and carefully avoiding some broken furnitures.

My eyes went searching round the corners of the room. Squinting my eyes tightly trying to see through the dim room.

I was able to see a few valuable jewelries, but none of theses would be to Zayne's liking.

He already has dozens and dozens of even more valuable jewelries in his room.

I needed to get him something special and unique.


COUGH

COUGH


The dust began to reach my throat causing me to let out a dry cough.


I continued to search through the dust covering the full length of the room.


Squinting my eyes tightly I noticed a flashy wooden box.

I reached closer to it. It was a wooden box, with its corners framed with gold.

I blew off the dust that covered round it.

I could only wonder what secrets could be stored in it.

'I have to get out of here" The dust around the room was becoming unbearable, my coughs became more frequent.


I left the dusty store room at once. My heart skipped a beat, as I came out looking around me.

The sun was soon to set, and darkness was gradually approaching.

It was almost time for Zayne's birthday. My only hope was the wooden box I found.


I took it to my room and carefully opened the box.

There was nothing in it but just a picture turned to its back. The result leaving me disheartened.

'What a waste of my time!!!!" in annoyance I slapped the box away causing the picture in it float till gently to the floor.

The picture in it caught my attention. I reached closer for it, carefully picking it up.

My eyes widened, amazed by the figures in the picture.

Zayne and Maya sharing a kiss.