CHAPTER 10 - ALERGIC REACTION - SIRI'S POV
1070 Words
Two days before the Goddess festival, I woke up feeling better than I had in days. It was the Queen's birthday today, and I loved spoiling her.
I’d always admired her. She always seemed so composed, so regal around the pack. But I knew she had a playful side, too. Her public image was one thing. What I really wanted to do was make her smile.
This year, for her birthday, I decided to make her something sentimental for her gift, and now that I was leaving forever, I was even more pleased by my choice.
I spent weeks crafting a scene out of clay. A miniature kingdom made of her old home before she married the King, complete with tiny, perfectly formed people. A castle. A vibrant market. Even a little flock of cows grazing. It was intricate, detailed. More than I'd ever attempted.
After dressing. I rushed to the art room where I'd hidden it, and after collecting it, I rushed to the dining room. The Queen and King were already awake and eating.
''HAPPY BIRTHDAY!'' I shouted as I walked in.
''Good morning, what's all this?''
''Your birthday gift.'' I said and presented it to her. The Queen's eyes widened, and she smiled. A genuine, happy smile, as tears filled her eyes. ''I hope I got everything right. I went off your old pictures.''
''It's amazing, thank you.'' She said, as she stood up and hugged me.
''Good morning.'' Zain called out, as he walked in with his brother and Colette. ''Happy birthday mother.''
''Happy birthday,'' Kai said, as he and Zain came over and hugged their mother. I quickly stepped out of their way. I didn't want to be touched by them.
''It's your birthday, your majesty?'' Colette asked, and I rolled my eyes.
''You really should know your Queen's birthday by now.'' I told her as I sat down.
She glared me for a moment, before looking at the Queen, ''Are you going to throw a party?''
''Not this year.'' She answered as she sat down and started looking at her gift, ''I just want a nice quiet dinner at home, after a girls shopping trip.'' She smiled at me. ''So eat quickly, Siri. I have a whole day planned.''
I smiled and nodded, before putting some food on my plate.
''Siri. Did you make this?'' Zain asked as he looked over my gift, ''It's incredible. I didn't know you could model clay.''
''We have a talented mate,'' Kai smiled at me, but I just shot him an angry glare and returned to my food.
I spent the entire day shopping with the Queen. Shopping and eating snacks, it was a perfect day, even with me having to struggle to keep up with her. The woman was a whirlwind, moving from store to store, and I felt a bit like a little puppy frantically trying to catch its tail as I attempted to keep up with her pace.
She bought an entire year's worth of clothing, and even forced me into a few new dresses that I would have to pack and take with me when I left, before we had lunch with some of the other women in the pack, only then go for facials, messages and more. It was later in the evening when we returned home for dinner.
The dinner was amazing, and sported all the Queen's favorite dishes that I ate way too much. Home-style shepherd's pie, roasted vegetables, slow-cooked meats, and creamy potatoes, mini-quinches, fruit, salads, warm rolls and butter that melted in your mouth. It was a feast to remember.
''So what's for desert?'' The King asked, as he patted his stomach.
''Actually!'' Colette jumped up and rushed over to the cart of deserts. ''I've made a special meringue cake with fruit for your birthday, your majesty.'' Colette said as she placed it on the table, ''Its my way of thanking for your kindness since I fell pregnant.''
The Queen pursed her lips, ''I'm kind to all my pack members.'' She responded, ''But thank you.''
I watched with a clenched jaw as Colette cut the cut and placed a piece on everyone's plates. I hesitated, not wanting to eat anything she'd baked. I wouldn't put it past her to poison us all, but for the Queen, I was on my best behavior. Besides, this was the last birthday dinner I'd ever have with her.
I picked up my fork, ''Thank you, Colette.'' I smiled at her. If she could be fake, then so could I. I took some of the cake on my fork and popped it into my mouth, and that's when I realized me mistake. I grabbed the napkin and spat up the mouthful I'd taken.
''Really Siri?'' Kai said angrily, ''You can't even eat her cake?!''
''It's got grapes cut up in it!'' I screamed as my throat started to close over.
''WHAT?!'' Zain jumped up looking frantic.
''I'm sorry.'' Colette started to cry, as I pushed out from the table and fell to my knees gasping for air. ''I forgot. I'm so, so sorry.''
''We have to get her to the hospital.'' The King said quickly as he stood up.
Zain quickly lifted me from the ground, as Kai raced ahead of us.
''I'll get the car!'' He shouted, and then he was gone.
I closed my eyes as Zain carried me to the car, and I didn't remember anything until I woke up later in the evening in one of the hospital beds, with the Queen sitting next to me.
''Welcome back.'' She smiled at me, ''Take it easy, you're still recovering.''
''Where are the twins?'' I asked, as I sat up slowly and looked around. Why now, after they'd already shown me that Colette and her spawn meant more to them, did I still have hope?
The Queen looked a little uncomfortable, ''Colette was stressing so much after her mistake that she started cramping. The twins are with her while the doctor checks on the baby.''
''I see.''
''They're only worried about the child, it's you they love.''
''It's fine, your majesty.'' I told her, ''Thank you for being here with me. You really have been a wonderful mother. Thank you for everything, and I'm sorry I ruined your birthday celebration.''
The Queen touched my cheek and smiled, ''You couldn't ruin anything.'' She assured me, ''Now lay back down and get some rest.''
- Writer
