Diamond's POV
I'm watching the sky, where a multitude of stars gleam with brilliance. The radiant moonlight adds to the enchantment, creating a mesmerizing scene. It's perfect, but the news my mother told me is stirring up mixed emotions. I yearned for it, yet I also knew that leaving the castle would make my mother anxious about me.
"Aren't you happy?" I smiled at my mother and embraced her. Whenever fear overcame me, I sought her warmth to remind myself that I was not alone.
"I-I'm scared, Mom," I confessed. "I'm afraid that if I leave you and explore the outside world, I won't be able to find my way back."
She caressed my hair, offering the comfort I needed. To the realm of fairyland, she is their queen, but to me, she is my mother and my best friend.
"I'm afraid too, that once you leave fairyland, I'll never see you again. Listen, Diamond, you have to blend in with the crowd. Don't stand out, don't look for trouble. Can you do that for me?"
I nodded.
"I promise."
She smiled and kissed my forehead. "That's good, thank you, darling. Are you ready for your birthday tomorrow?"
"Yes, I'm excited to see the color of my wings!"
My mother is enchanting. In her ethereal fairy form, she possesses magnificent, snow-white wings that stretch out gracefully, reminiscent of the celestial beauty of angels. Radiant and bathed in a luminous glow, she exudes an enchanting aura that speaks of otherworldly magic and wonder.
"You'll be amazing, darling. Now, get a good night's sleep because we need you to be beautiful tomorrow. It's your special day."
We both giggled. "But I thought I was beautiful even with eye bags," I teased.
"I'm sure your father will be so proud of you, Diamond. His little princess has grown into an amazing lady. Have a good night," she said.
My smile faded as I watched her leave my room. I can see that I remind her of my father; her pain is so evident every time she talks about him. I want to feel the same, but I don't have any memory of my father.
"Goodnight, Mom."
—
"Happy birthday, Princess Diamond. You look stunning in that dress, and wow, it's as if it was tailor-made exclusively for you."
My smile widened. Dusk was right; the dress showcased a mesmerizing shade of glittering pink. Crafted with intricate details, it's undeniably designed specifically for me. The form-fitting silhouette elegantly highlights my alluring figure, while the delicate fabric enhances the ethereal charm of my white hair, resulting in an enchanting appearance. Paired with white gloves, the ensemble is a perfect match.
"Thank you, Dusk. Have you noticed the gathering of fairies outside? They've assembled here for me. I can hardly wait to blow out my birthday cake!"
Birthdays are something I always eagerly anticipate. The fairies sing me a joyous birthday tune, bestowing gifts and fulfilling my wishes. But now, I've gained the ability to grant wishes as well—I've truly become a fairy myself.
"You seem elated. Is it because you're headed to Vampyr University tomorrow?" she inquired, prompting a frown from me.
"Is that a bad thing? My mother appears melancholic, yet I can't help but feel happiness, Dusk. Finally, I can discover what lies beyond this castle."
"No, it's perfectly natural to feel joy after being confined within these walls. Pursue whatever is necessary to craft a splendid life, Princess. We're here to back you up," she reassured.
I was about to respond when a knock sounded at the door.
"Princess, it's time."
I glanced at the clock; at midnight, I would transform into my fairy form for the first time.
"I'm coming!" I replied enthusiastically. "Let's go, Dusk."
"Happy birthday, Princess! Happy birthday, happy birthday! Happy birthday to you, our dear Princess Diamond!"
I smiled sincerely as I gazed at all the fairies who were wishing me a happy birthday. I'll truly miss this kind of warmth; change is undeniably daunting, but I'm confident that I'll adapt to it. I'm committed to making this transition for them as well—I aspire to become the best princess for all of them.
"Thank you, dear fairies! I have immense affection for each one of you."
"Blow out your candles, Your Majesty!"
I closed my eyes and made a wish.
"I wish for everlasting happiness and love in our enchanted fairyland."
When I opened my eyes, my smile faltered as I saw the fear in my mother's eyes.
"M-mom–"
"I'm wounded, Leticia. You didn't even invite us to Princess Diamond's birthday party."
"You know the fairies; they wanted it to be private and special. Tsk, with their pixie dust and all."
My mother held my hand; she looked calm, yet emitted a dangerous aura.
"What are you doing here, Cassius, Ivana?" She asked.
"Who are they, Mom?" I whispered.
"The poor princess doesn't even know us," the man named Cassius said. "Forgive us for visiting without informing you, Princess Diamond. My name is Cassius, and I'm the head of the council."
The head of the council?
My mother cleared her throat and shot a death glare at Cassius and the woman named Ivana.
"I want to throw a private birthday party for my daughter before she leaves tomorrow. I didn't expect that you both would disregard that, Cassius, Ivana," she said.
I stared at the two intimidating intruders before me. I recognized the man as the Vampire King. His malevolent aura immediately bestowed upon him the title of a formidable villain. His piercing red eyes and pallid skin sent a chill down my spine. His commanding presence was further accentuated by his muscular physique. Despite his youthful appearance, there was an undeniable air of power surrounding him, making it clear that he was not to be taken lightly.
I welcomed them with a smile, saying, "Hi, I'm Diamond. Nice to meet you."
I wonder why they're here. If I'm not mistaken, the woman named Ivana is also a member of the council.
Don't tell me they have already discovered my secrets?