The following day was sooner than I wished.
The door opened as I was strapping the last strap on my jacket.
"Happy birthday, my love!"
I turned and just in time I saw my mother enter with the broadest smile I had ever witnessed. She had a little cake in her hand, no fancy one, but white frosting and a single bright candle on it.
"Mother?" I blinked, confused. "What's this?"
She smiled proudly. It is your birthday cake, she said. Yes, I am singing to you, I am singing to you, not my son, but my daughter.
I hesitated a moment, unable to know what to say. My heart throbbed and I felt warmth. She started humming, a birthday song, which she would sing to me when I was a little girl. I could not even recall when she last addressed me as her daughter.
As she closed her eyes I was unable to resist the little smile which pulled my lips.
Go on, she said, taking out the cake. "Make a wish, Riven."
I gazed upon the wavering candle, the small fire in the air. I didn't know what to wish for. Peace? Freedom? To be myself? Those felt too far away. So I simply shut my eyes and hoped that whatever came next I would be strong enough to cope with it.
I extinguished the candle, and she applauded slightly, with a gleaming eye.
Thanks, Mother, I said to myself.
You deserve it, she said, putting the cake down on the table. You have been bearing so much so long. Give me at least one feast, in honour of you.
Her voice was soft and there was a moment that it seemed like everything was all right again--like we were a mother and a daughter having a morning of birthdays.
However, then the reality struck her back as she began speaking again.
Now then, said she, as she sat up, we will speak about to-night. It is going to be a big night--the biggest one ever.
"Big?" I frowned. "It's just a birthday party."
Not any party, she said sternly. "You're eighteen now. An adult. All the Alphas, all the Lunas, all the high ranking leaders in the territories will be on lookout. They must be made to believe that the future Alpha of Silver Crest is tough, self-assured and worthy.
She was tightening the collar of my jacket and giving me that appraising glance of hers. King Alaric Vale himself will be present, and his son, Lucian Vale. They are the head of the Crescent Moon Pack-- our nearest friends, and the most powerful in the whole kingdom.
I blinked, surprised. "The Lycan King? Here? Why should they be there on my birthday?
It is not a birthday, it is more than a birthday, she said. It is your meeting the future rulers of this world. You will have to make contacts, form alliances, demonstrate your ability to manage yourself.
I said to myself, I thought this was to be a celebration.
Yes, it is, said she, though she was smiling that grave Luna smile. "A celebration with purpose. You are eighteen now, Riven. That is, you will soon have to support yourself - as Alpha.
I nodded, and I felt the burden of those words. Alpha. It was a strong sound, yet a weighty one.
She gave me a satisfied nod. "Good."
We had hardly time to say anything more when we heard some music in the distance floating through the palace halls. Laughter, soft strings, and drums came next.
"They're here," she said.
I took a slow breath. "Already?"
Yes, yes, yes, said she, adjusting the last strand of my collar. "Come. Let's welcome our guests."
We all walked out of the room and along the long marble corridor.
As we came to the great hall I stood still a moment. It was a glowing place, with banners of silver and white hung about the tall ceilings, candles glimmering everywhere, and guests in their best clothes, laughing and chatting.
Mother took my arm. "You'll do fine," she whispered.
Then she rose straight and walked forward, receiving guests as they prostrated themselves before her. I went along with her, trying as best I could to be calm.
I bowed, shook hands and smiled throughout the evening. Thousands of faces were mingled in a blur-- Alphas, Lunas, lords of neighbouring lands. They all appeared glad to see me, the young prince of Silver Crest.
As the music stopped, Mother put her hand on my arm and shook her head at the podium. "Your speech," she whispered.
Right. The speech.
I went to the stage, with a fast beating heart, and looked out at the sea of faces. Good evening, everybody, I started, and attempted to maintain my voice even. I would like to thank you all to be here today. It is a privilege to see so many great leaders all together in the same roof.
I stood still a moment, and my eyes scanning all over the room. "Today, I become eighteen, and the age, when I start my path to become the future Alpha of Silver Crest. I vow to be a good alpha to the pack, and a good ally to all alliances, existing and potential."
I saw my proud smile on the front row when my mother smiled.
There was clapping, loud and sincere. I tried to smile, and bowed a bit.
The remainder of the evening was spent in a fog of music, laughter and official conversation. The guests one by one started to go away and the sun set down the horizon. My mother was busy bidding adieu to a party of visiting Lunas, when one of the elders, Elder Magnus, came up to me and spoke in a low voice.
"Prince Riven," he said with a bow. "The council calls you to the council room. There are some critical issues to be discussed."
I gave a small smile, looking at my mother. She was still busy talking.
"I'll be there," I said finally.