Azareth and Jurah stood in the throne room. Everyone was gathered, waiting for the announcement. Azareth dressed in her the only dress she would wear. The long white fabric trailed behind her, the sleeves covered her arms and flared at the ends. Her crown placed gently on her head, glittery in the sun as it shun through the windows. Jurah was dressed in his best, dark brown pants and white shirt. He wore a bright red jacket with gold embroidering along the edges.

When Azareth looked up at him, he glanced down at her. She giggled as his crown nearly slipped off his head. He still hadn’t gotten used to wearing it, even after the last twelve years. Midrina came rushing into the room, she stopped next to Azareth and Jurah.

“We’re ready,” Midrina said. Azareth nodded and then watched as Midrina ran back off to the back of the room. As they followed her with their eyes, they saw Artibian and Sana standing in front of the large crowd. Sana grinned brightly and waved wildly as she locked eyes with Azareth. Artibain took her hand and brought it back down to her side, warning her strictly not to embarrass him.

The two of them were the best of friends, it a sight to see. Artibain had aged in the last years and it broke their hearts to know his life was so much shorter than theirs. But seeing him live peacefully and happily among them was more than they could ask for.

“Shall we begin?” Jurah whispered to her. Azareth turned to him and nodded.

“Thank you all for coming,” Azareth called over the room. Everyone fell silent and focused on her. “It has been a long anticipated time, but we are pleased to celebrate this special time with you.”

“Please join us in wishing a wonderful tenth birthday to our beautiful daughter, princess Elyana.”

The doors to the throne open and everyone turned to watch Elyana walk in. She was the sweetest little girl, with her round heart shaped face, perfectly framed in her long black hair. As she slowly walked down towards her parents, Azareth could see her golden eyes darting around the room nervously.

Elyana’s peach coloured dress brushed along the floor, hiding her feet. The skirt of the dress puffed out in a wide circle. With the body of the dress tight around her and the thick straps draping over her shoulders. Azareth felt happy tears burn her eyes as her young daughter finally reached the front of the room.

“Mom, I don’t want to do this,” Elyana whispered, as she turned to face the crowded room.

“I know sweetie,” Azareth whispered. She leaned down and kissed Elyana’s cheek. “I also hate being the center of attention.” Jurah placed his left hand on Azareth’s back as she stood up, then rested his right on Elyana’s shoulder.

“Three cheers for princess Elyana,” Artibain cheered. The small family turned and smiled at the overly excited uncle. The whole room erupted in cheers and Azareth couldn’t help the huge smile that spread across her face. She looked down at Elyana and saw her pulling on her fingers nervously.

“Just like her mom,” Jurah whispered in Azareth’s ear. Azareth blushed as Jurah pressed a kiss to her temple, letting the cheers continue far too long.