Aurora's Birthday Surprise
That morning, Aurora opened the window to her chamber, letting the cool morning breeze fill the room. The bright sunlight shone through the trees, and before long, her two bird friends, Robin and Bella, landed gently on her outstretched arm.
"Hello, my friends! You're just in time! Today is a very big day!"
Indeed, it was. That day was her husband Phillip's birthday. He had left the day before to attend a conference in a neighboring kingdom, but he would return in the afternoon. This was the perfect opportunity for Aurora to throw him a surprise party and, more importantly, to tell him something she had been keeping secret.
She looked around her room, where preparations were already underway. The servants had been cleaning the great hall, just as she'd asked, and everything was nearly ready. The only thing missing were the decorations.
"I thought I could ask my aunts to decorate the hall while I go to the market to buy his present and pick some berries for the cake!" she said to Robin and Bella, her eyes lighting up at the thought of the forest. It had been a while since she had ventured out there—she missed the carefree days when she used to live among the trees. Sometimes she still felt like she didn't quite belong in the palace, with its heavy responsibilities and endless formalities.
But she had Phillip by her side, and her aunts had always been like family, helping her adjust to this new life. So, she was happy... most of the time.
Later, in the Great Hall, the servants were busy setting up tables and arranging chairs, but the real fun was just about to begin. Aurora's aunts—Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather—had arrived to help with the decorations.
"Why, Rose!" Flora exclaimed as she entered, a look of delight on her face. "We've heard of your plans for Phillip's party! What a marvellous idea!"
Aurora smiled. "Yes, I wanted to show Phillip just how much he means to me. And what better way than with a surprise party?"
Fauna, ever the gentle one, placed a hand on Aurora's shoulder. "We'll help you with everything, dear."
"But of course!" Merryweather chimed in, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "We'll make this the grandest birthday celebration ever!"
Aurora clasped her hands together in glee. "Thank you, my dears! I was thinking I would go to the market to buy his gift, and I'll also visit the forest to pick some berries for the cake. Would you mind decorating in the meantime?"
"Not at all!" Flora declared, waving her wand and already conjuring a pink ribbon to hang on the walls.
Aurora beamed. "Wonderful! I'll return by three, just before Phillip arrives. See you soon!" She hurried out of the hall, feeling a burst of energy and excitement.
At the market, Aurora strolled through the crowded streets, surrounded by vendors selling all kinds of items. She stopped at a stall, looking over different gifts. A new book? Or perhaps a lovely new cape? No, she thought, he already had plenty of those.
Her gaze landed on a gleaming sword—a beautiful, finely crafted blade that seemed to call out to her. Phillip had always been fond of swordsmanship, and she knew he would appreciate it. Without hesitation, she picked it up and placed it in her basket.
Afterward, she headed toward the forest, her heart fluttering at the thought of being surrounded by the trees again. Robin and Bella fluttered behind her, chirping happily.
"Hello, my friends!" she greeted the animals that greeted her in return, and soon, a chorus of birds and forest creatures surrounded her. She hadn't realized how much she missed them.
Aurora began to sing the song she used to sing as a child, and all the forest animals joined in. It was the same melody she had sung when she lived here as Briar Rose, and the joyful sound filled the air as she picked berries for the cake. The berries were rich and sweet, and she couldn't wait to see how the cook would use them.
Back at the palace, the great hall was in complete disarray. The fairies, in their magical enthusiasm, had clearly been at odds over the decorations.
Flora waved her wand and conjured pink streamers, while Merryweather countered with blue flowers. The two were in the middle of a heated debate, and the result was chaos—pink and blue had merged into an overwhelming mishmash of color everywhere.
"What's happening here?" Aurora gasped as she entered the room, her eyes widening at the sight of the madness.
"Make it pink!" Flora shouted, brandishing her wand.
"No, make it blue!" Merryweather insisted, her own wand sparkling.
Aurora was stunned. "Please! Stop—this was supposed to be a surprise party, but now it's... it's a disaster!"
"Make it pink!" Flora insisted, her voice rising.
"No! Blue!" Merryweather fired back, flicking her wand too fast.
Aurora stood between them, trying to stop the magic from getting out of hand, but the spell backfired, and before she knew it, her dress turned a garish mix of pink and blue.
"Oh no!" Aurora gasped, looking down at her colorful gown. "This is not what I had in mind!"
The fairies froze, horrified. "Oh dear, we didn't mean to!" Merryweather cried.
"We'll fix it, we'll fix it," Flora assured, her wand trembling.
Before Aurora could respond, the great hall doors swung open, and Phillip stepped inside.
"What's going on here?" he asked, a confused smile on his face.
Aurora blinked. "Phillip! You're back already?"
"The conference ended early," he said with a shrug. "What's all this mess?"
Aurora stepped forward, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "I'm so sorry, Phillip. I wanted to surprise you with a party, but… well, as you can see, the fairies can't agree on anything!"
Phillip laughed softly and walked over to her. He gently took her hands in his. "Rose, nothing is ruined. This—this is wonderful. You went through all this trouble for me? I'm touched."
Aurora blinked, surprised at his calmness. "But—Phillip—look at the decorations—"
He shook his head, smiling. "I think they look lovely. The fairies did their best, and I'm grateful for it. This is perfect."
Aurora smiled, feeling tears well in her eyes. "Happy birthday, my love."
Phillip's smile widened. "Thank you, darling." He leaned down and kissed her softly.
Later, as they gathered around the table for cake, the servants brought out a beautifully decorated birthday cake, covered in the berries Aurora had picked. Phillip was given his gifts—a new cloak, a fine book, and the sword from Aurora. He especially loved the sword, telling her that it was the best gift he could have asked for.
As everyone settled down, Phillip leaned over to Aurora with a playful smile. "Did you make a wish?" she asked as he blew out the candles.
"What else could I wish for?" he replied, squeezing her hand. "I already have everything I could ever want."
Aurora's heart swelled, but she had one more surprise to share. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she leaned in closer.
"Well, I might have one more surprise for you."
Phillip raised an eyebrow. "And what's that?"
Aurora took a deep breath, her smile softening. "I'm pregnant."
Phillip's eyes went wide, and then his face broke into the widest smile. He swept her up into his arms, laughing joyfully. "That's the best news I've ever heard! I think your dress is perfect—pink and blue! We don't know if it's a girl or boy yet."
Everyone cheered, and soon, the whole room was filled with laughter and congratulatory hugs.
As the party continued, Aurora and Phillip shared a quiet dance, their bodies swaying under the stars. Aurora smiled up at Phillip, her heart fuller than ever before.
"Do you think we'll be good parents?" she asked softly.
Phillip kissed her forehead. "I know we will be. We have each other."
And as they danced, with the soft glow of the candles around them, Aurora knew this was the happiest day of her life. The best birthday ever, and the beginning of a new adventure together.