~Aurora~

　　[THREE DAYS LATER: CELEBRATION DAY]

　　Three days was enough time for me spring back to my normal world. A world where it suddenly changed for me, a world where I was regarded as a hero. Celebrations were a part and parcel of these trials. A victor is honored every year on this occasion of winning. And this year, it was me.

　　Countless gifts have been placed at my doorstep this morning. I couldn't even walk past them without clearing them out, which took several minutes together. With everyone gone, the corridor was void of any other contenders. It was just me, in silence as I walked to the common dinner hall.

　　Again...it was engulfed with silence.

　　"Congratulations, Lady Aurora Fangborn.

　　Prince Emeric had told us to treat you exceptionally well today. Hence, expect—"

　　"I'm really sorry to kill your enthusiasm. I love it, I appreciate your efforts, but I don't really feel special today. I hope you understand." The tall, dark lady smiled at me. She tied her apron back, and I could tell she wore a nice outfit for serving me today. She is an omega, for sure. A strict one, however.

　　"It happens often than not. We understand where you're coming from. Being so young, it must be overwhelming, right? Everything. The journey, the winning." I gave her a tight lipped smile. Looking away from her was my only option before I completely lost my appetite.

　　I decided to walk out of the room after three whole days, actually. Otherwise, I have been surviving on stolen snacks from the snack counter for these three days. I wasn't prepared to face anyone. Not even Prince Emeric.

　　However, the notice of the celebration, a party held in my honor was mailed to me by Beta Roman. I'm pretty sure Prince Emeric insisted on sending that special invite for me last evening. Otherwise, I would have considered that room as my home until further notice and have rotten myself in there.

　　"Soup and noodles with all your favorites, I suppose?" After the short break in our conversation, my personal chef spoke again. This time, I couldn't hold myself back from smiling as I nodded softly.

　　Serving me my platter, the chef gracefully stepped back. I dug in, missing the feeling of warm food which was replaced by packed food for the last few days. "This is as delicious as ever, madam. Thank you."

　　"Any day, Lady Aurora. You can come by any time, even after you head back to your pack. The darkforest pack." I pondered over the way she said it. It was almost as if she was wanting to see my pack, the aesthetics of my glorious pack.

　　"I'll take you there one day, madam. You deserve a little break as well, I hope."

　　"Oh. Now I do, since you've planted the idea in my head!"

　　We laughed, we rejoiced.

　　I felt much energetic and optimistic after mingling with the few people who were around me. Most of them were workers of the palace.

　　Until after lunch, I couldn't dare to meet any higher authorities for the day. Until...

　　"Ahem," the sound of clearing throat was almost too familiar. As expected, a smile lit my face up as I saw Beta Roman. He had a great wide smile on his face!

　　"Now come here and let me pass on the hug from Prince Emeric!" I widened my eyes. What a way to say that! Or...does he know that Prince Emeric and I have feelings for each other!?

　　No way!!

　　"Where is the hug from your side then, if I may ask?" He chuckled into my shoulder, and hugged me even tighter than before!

　　"I hope that'll do it. And don't worry at all, Aurora Fangborn. You don't have to be so formal with me anymore. After all, you'll be crowned an alpha of a pack! And it's not just any pack, it's the Darkforest pack! You're an alliance, an informal friend hereafter."

　　"Oh my Goddess...

　　I feel incredibly honored, Beta Roman. Well..."

　　"Aha...! Look at that. Someone noticed I passed his congratulatory hug to you." My eyes widened again. There are possibilities of Beta Roman knowing soothing about us now! The way he's teasing me and Prince Emeric - from a distance - I can't help but notice that he must know!

　　I turned my head to see Prince Emeric talking with important members and officials with guards all around him. His words might be addressed to the people immediately around him, but his entire focus and eyes were only on us. Or specifically, on me.

　　Sneakily, I gave Prince Emeric a teasing smile.

　　The memory of our first kiss together suddenly triggered a kind of happiness in me. But this wasn't the right time to express myself. Not in front of Beta Roman at least!

　　"Ahem! Well, you've got a surprise, amongst other surprises this morning. I hope you like it. It has a name tag." Saying, Beta Roman turned and left me confused in the middle of the corridor. Curiosity got the best of me, and I started wandering back towards my room.

　　There was a huge pile alright, but I had to dig through! I needed to find the name tag with a specific name. It must be either Prince Emeric or Beta Roman. One of them, for sure.

　　"Aha!" I gleamed a little in excitement when I found a big gift! It had Prince Emeric's initials on it. I was familiar with his unofficial signature. Opening the gift wrapper, and the packaging, my eyes widened.

　　Within the packaging, there was a sweet note written by Prince Emeric. I could recognize his handwriting as well!

　　<To the most beautiful and strong woman I've ever seen,

　　This present is a heartfelt congratulations to you, Aurora. Your wit and strength never failed to amaze me. At such a young age, you've taken over so many things. And one of them is my heart.

　　Tonight, I want you to look the most stunning of all. It's your special day, isn't it? Accept my gift to you, my love. I don't believe in coincidences, hence I'll try to match the color themes with you.

　　Love,

　　Emeric>

　　Upon reading the letter, my cheeks turned exceptionally red. Excitedly, I dig into the packaging and pulled out, what I could say so myself...The most beautiful dress I've ever seen in my life!

　　A beautiful teal colored A-line gown. It's material was so smooth and flowy, I'd rather melt into this when I wear it. Running towards the vanity, I glanced and fantasized about wearing this beautiful gown tonight!

　　Ah! Everyone had lifted my spirits today, yet Prince Emeric took it to a whole new level!

　　I'm sure...even he was concerned about my upset mood for the past few days. Hence why, he waited until today. Hence why...he didn't try to approach me directly, nor...sneakily.

　　Oh Goddess...what am I even thinking!?

　　There's no way he would do that in his own kingdom, in his own palace! Sneaking into my room in the middle of the night might sound romantic...but he's been very, very busy with work and concluding the Trial of Heirs as well.

　　Ah...

　　I can't wait to see the expression on his face when I put effort into looking good tonight.

　　It is my special day.