Beautiful Ocean Moon

Seven Years Later

“Mira, we should be heading back otherwise we will be late.” I turned to see Kehlani, Lilly, Rayna and Cora standing behind me on the cliff edge over looking the ocean. “Right can’t be late for Rowan’s birthday celebration.” I said as I began walking back down the cliff-side to them. Once I was beside the we all looked at each other and then other than Lilly who took the sky the rest of us took off running back for the palace. Racing across the ground I couldn’t help but feel anxious for some reason almost like I could feel a brewing storm was coming. Reaching the palace entrance we slid to a stop as Lilly landed beside me closing her wings away and stepping out of the way just in time for me to catch a medium sized ball of fur. “Rowan, what are you doing out here and in demon form no less.” I asked laughing as I held him close to me as he nuzzle under my chin. Rowan hoped out of my arms before taking his human form before hugging me. “You made it you made it.” Rowan started saying as he hugged me while also jumping up and down. “Well of course she made it Rowan, you act like you sister wouldn’t be here for her dear baby brothers birthday.” Rowan had stopped jumping but hadn’t let go of me as we both turned to see Cassandra walking forth.

“Rowan go finish getting ready and we will see you in the garden.” Cassandra told Rowan who was about to pout but I stopped him first. “Rowan, do as Mother says I promise I will see you as soon as I have finished getting ready also but I need to talk to Mother first okay.” Rowan nodded as Kehlani and the others took him back inside. “Welcome home my dear.” Cassandra said as she wrapped me in a warm hug. Cassandra and I had developed a love for each over time and father had taken her as his official mate as well. It had turned out that Cassandra had allowed her insecurities of my mother, who was my fathers first love to affect her along with the thought that if father had ever found me her son would be tossed aside. Not to mention that many had supported Kai being fathers heir. Once all that came out and Rowan started spending time with me and Kai Cassandra started coming around more to the point she openly called me her daughter when defending me from rude comments. From that moment on we embrace each other as mother and daughter and eventually Kai came around as well. Two years after that father and her became official mates and Cassandra made a point to help keep my mother's memory alive as a way to honor her but I made sure Cassandra knew how much I truly loved her and was happy to have her as my mother. “So it’s true she doesn’t call you stepmother or even by your name?” As mother let go of me I turned to see a woman I had never seen before watching us.

“Yes, is as I told you she is mine regardless of blood.” Cassandra said as she smiled at me. “Mira this is Duchess Sienna Steel, of the Steel Duchy. She and her family are here for the celebration and to speak with your father on behalf of the royal family.” I nodded as I looked at the beautiful woman in front of me. I could tell by her scent that she was a wolf demon though she was short for one but she still held an air of power and respect around her as she stood tall. She had black-blue hair that was divided into multiple braids, her Violet eyes stood out against her ebony skin tone. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Duchess Sienna, thank you for attending my brother's birthday celebration with us. I do hope you enjoy yourself but I must apologize for my rudeness as I must excuse myself to begin getting ready.” I said giving a small bow of my head in acknowledgement of her rank. “No need to apologize at all go get ready and we shall converse more at the party.” She responded. I nodded and gave my mother another quick hug before turning and heading inside. ‘I’m not sure why but seeing the Duchess has me feeling even more anxious. It’s like whatever is about to happen she is the one bringing the news of it. Though I do hope I am wrong.’ I thought to myself as I made my way to my room.

Entering I found Minako waiting for me. “Welcome home Mira.” “Hello Minako.” We greeted each other before Minako took my hand and pulled me to the bath to start getting me ready for the party. I hated dressing up and always preferred pants and shorts to dresses but I had promised that I would wear one for Rowan’s twelfth birthday celebration as it also fell on this year’s spring equinox so this would be a big celebration. As I finished washing the sweat and dirt from my skin and hair, Minako was arranging the make up that she was going to put on my face. Sitting down in front on the mirror Minako took parts of my hair on either side of my head and braided them to the back of my head to combine into a single braid with the rest of my hair flowing in red waves down my back. Then she took a loop of hair and framed my face with little ringlets. “I know you don’t like makeup so I promise I’m going to keep it light and simple for you just eye shadow and lip stain nothing more.” Minako said as she took out makeup brushes. I smiled in appreciation and then closed my eyes as she began to apply the makeup. “Alright now to just put on your dress.” Minako said as I opened my eyes back up and I nodded standing up to follow her back into to bedroom stepping behind the screen I removed the silk robe tossing over the top of the screen and then taking the dress that Minako held out from the other side. I stepped into the dress and pulled the zipper up as far as I could before stepping back out. Minako came forward and zipped me up the rest of the way before lacing the ties on the back of the dress. Once done I turned to the full length mirror. The dress was bodice ball gown with a single shoulder strap on the left side the color was a cobalt blue and that was ankle length. I then grabbed the jewelry set that Cassandra had made for me. It was a necklace that had the Polaris star and in the middle of the star was the crescent moon. The same with the earrings and one of the bracelets, the other was a braided bracelet of Silver, and Obsidian with a Sapphire stone at the top. Thankfully because the party was also meant as a celebration for the equinox it meant I didn’t have to wear heels so that we could feel like one with the earth as it awakens anew.

There was a knock at my door just as I had finish getting ready. Minako opened the door to reveal Kai, and Kehlani who where both dressed beautifully. Kai was dressed in black slacks and a gray long sleeve button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled to just before his elbows. Kehlani was dressed in a lilac colored halter dress that went to her ankles with a low back and split that went up to her thigh. Like me they were both barefooted. “I came to escort my beautiful little sister.” Kai said and then he bent down and kissed my head. “Don’t you mean you and your date my dear big brother.” I said and then watched Kehlani blush and my brother grins ear to ear. “Of course, I get to have my two favorite girls on my arms. My precious sister and my warrior woman.” Kai responded pulling Kehlani to him and kissing her neck. “Hey now I’m still here.” I said laughing at them as Kehlani pushed at Kai a little. “Minako we will see you at the party and thank you again for your help.” I said as she walked out of my room with us. “But of course my dear and I was happy to help.” She said as she walked off in a different direction. “Come.” Kai said as Kehlani took his arm on one side and he offered me the other.