Birthday Secret Plan

It's my 18th birthday. My parents are busy planning a grand bash for me. The whole palace is rowdy with guards and maids running helter-skelter, getting things ready. Lina, my personal maid, is styling my hair after adjusting my tight-fitted gown and doing my makeup.

But I’m not thinking about any of that.

I'm busy plotting in my head what I want to do to my elder brother, Gregory, tonight.

I’ve gone through this plan over and over, for so long that I already see it playing out perfectly in my mind.

“Are you still getting dressed, Christie?” I hear my mother’s voice before the door to my chamber swings open. “You’re taking eternity. Come on! The guests are waiting for the birthday girl.”

“I’m almost through, Mom,” I say and roll my eyes.

“You look gorgeous,” she says, stepping closer to examine me. “The makeup is right. The hair is okay. Let it go,” she says to Lina, who adds the last clip to my long hair and steps away quickly. Mother practically pulls me up from the chair and out of the room.

I enter the elaborately decorated Grand Hall of the palace, following right behind her. The moment the master of ceremony spots me, he signals the performer on stage who starts playing a Happy Birthday song for me. Everyone stands.

The king, my father, sits on his throne. And by his left, sitting on a slightly smaller one, is the crown prince... my brother, Gregory. My mother goes to take her seat at the right side of the king’s throne.

Gregory smiles when he sees me. And I smile right back. He’s looking effortlessly handsome. And I’m breathless.

As I walk to my special seat, I don’t see anyone else in the room, not the king’s council, not the noblemen or other princes and princesses invited from far and near.

All I see is Gregory.

I don’t take my eyes off him. And he doesn’t stop looking at me either; watching, admiring the woman I’ve become at 18.

The exotic and alluring mixed scents of food, perfumes and traditional wines dulls my nerves. Everything happening at my own party is a blur to me; the gourmet dishes spread out on the long tables, and the toast the king makes for me, the admiration and compliments from cute young princes and noblemen, the dance I’m forced to have with Ron, an arrogant prince who doesn’t understand what no means.

But the world tilts when Gregory stands, walks toward us, and takes my hand from Ron without asking.

“May I?” he says, eyes on me.

Ron steps aside like he’s been dismissed by a god.

Gregory draws me close as the music changes to a soft one.

“My little sister is all grown up now,” he whispers into my ear.

I blush. I can’t help it. “And you’re looking so radiant tonight,” he adds in a mesmerising voice.”

“Thank you, Greg.”

“I won’t let any boy mess with you. No one is allowed to take advantage of your innocence,” he says again, his voice protective.

“I’m not that innocent anymore, Greg,” I smirk, tilting my head.

“And you don’t need to chase anyone off. I know who my eyes are on.”

“Oh yeah?” He chuckles softly. “Who could that be?”

Before I can respond, I feel the weight of the king’s stare on us.

Gregory follows my gaze and sees him too, watching us with his usual crooked frown.

“Happy birthday, Christie,” Gregory says quickly, releasing me and guiding me back to my seat.

The hall feels more relaxed now. Guests are chatting, wine glasses clink, and more music flows. I see Lina standing quietly by the side, waiting for my cue. I give her a slight nod, and she nods back.

Then I see a waiter heading toward Gregory with a special drink. He pauses, and asks the waiter something.

I already know what it is: “I hope there’s no alcohol?”

The waiter shakes his head.

Gregory takes a sip. Then his eyes find mine across the room, again. He raises his glass toward me with a boyish grin.

“Cheers,” his lips form.

I mouth the words back. Cheers.

Minutes later, I see Gregory laughing more than usual. The wine is working. The king is now caught up in a chat with a noble prince from a far kingdom. That’s my cue.

I walk straight up to Gregory and give him a hug.

“Thank you, brother, for making my birthday special,” I say sweetly. “I shall retire now.”

He bows slightly with a smirk. My heart flutters.

I bow before the king and queen and leave the hall, Lina following behind.

Once we reach my chamber and the door shuts behind us, Lina whispers, “Did you get it?”

I nod and open my palm.

There, curled between my fingers, are a few strands of Gregory’s hair.

Lina brings a tiny pouch. I slip the hair inside and zip it shut.

I hold the pouch up to the light and smile.

“In just 72 hours,” I whisper, “I’ll find out exactly what’s between you and me, sweet brother.”

***

Lina keeps an eye on movements around the palace. Once the guests are gone, and the king and queen retire to their chambers, she gives me the sign.

I change into dark pants and a hoodie. No jewelry. No perfume. I don’t want to draw any attention tonight.

With Lina right behind me, I sneak out of my chamber and head towards the eastern quarter of the palace. It’s quiet, dark and I can only hear the soft sound of the night wind outside the tall glass windows. The faint smell of roasted meat hangs in the air.

I clutch the small pouch nervously and tightly in my hand. I’m taking it to Dr. Arun. The second palace doctor. He’s treated me a few times. He’s soft-spoken and kind. I know I can confide in him.

We approach the final corridor that leads to his wing. I see the thick brown doors ahead and I take a deep breath. I’m almost there.

Then I hear it.

“Christie, where are you going?”

Lina and I freeze.

It’s the king.