His Caged Princess

15. A Silent Wish 

It was almost midnight and Layana was sitting on the floor, leaning against the open door of the balcony, her eyes trained on the night sky. The night was humid, and the air felt heavy, after the hot day the sky looked as if it may rain. The palace was almost fully silent, apart from the stray bark or meow of the palace pets. She scanned the starless blanket above her despite the turmoil of emotions going through her. 

She had sent one of her guards, Kilian to ask the general and a few of the captains about training, but apparently, they refused. Wondering why she had then demanded Kilian to train her it was only then he bowed and said the king had commanded no one was allowed to train the princess. Layana was beyond furious. That had been her condition to be allowed to train. When she said this to Kilian, he said she is allowed to, but the king had found a flaw in her request. He mockingly gave his word without keeping it. 

She had almost felt like she had a purpose, an aim, sure female warriors were not common, making up only five percent of the entire army. But they were allowed to train and fight, why was her father being so unfair… 

Like every birthday night, the princesses gathered in the celebrating princess’s room and had cake at midnight. Sure enough, there was a knock on the door before it was opened by a maid, as Terania entered in a silk nightgown that reached the floor. Following her was Aurelia her tumbling curls falling around her shoulders, her sky–blue nightdress with long flowy sleeves making her look like a pixie. She was holding a large box wrapped in red silk and Cordelia was last in a soft green nightgown holding a tray with cake and hot chocolate, with a single candle in it. The maid, who was from the kitchens judging from the colour of her sash, bowed and closed the door behind them 

“Almost time, are you ready to become a woman?” Aurelia asked placing the box. down on the bed, Layana stood up. 

“I don’t think I will feel any different Aurelia,” Layana said as Cordelia placed the tray down. 

“Well, it’s an official age! You will be ready to wed!” Aurelia said, Layana and Cordelia glanced at each other, the latter gave a smile 

“Indeed, we can,” she said smoothing her silky brown locks out of her way, she had told her father her wish, now she simply hoped that Declan would agree, tomorrow was Layana’s birthday celebration, there would be many young nobles from houses in the capital and Cordelia knew Declan would be there, it would be 

the perfect chance to show off her beauty and charm. 

“Ready to make a wish?” Terania asked as Layana nodded and looked at the cake, 

“I think so, let’s take it outside,” she said 

“You should have been born a bird,” Aurelia scoffed as Layana picked up the tray and carried it out to the balcony, a small table stood to the side, and she placed the tray on it. Her sisters gathered around her, each awaiting silently for the chiming of the bell that would announce midnight. 

The bell rang and the three princesses looked at Layana smiling “Happy birthday Layana!” they said in unison, 

Layana smiled as Aurelia began singing happy birthday to her, her voice fading. out as Layana looked up at the stormy skies. 

“Make a wish Layana,” Terania’s voice came. Layana closed her eyes, 

‘I wish that we can overcome this threat without losing precious lives… that the people of our kingdom are kept safe and protected from the darkness 

approaching,‘ she wished from the bottom of her heart, praying that her silent wish was heard by whatever gods lived above. Opening her eyes she blew the candle out as her sisters cheered 

“So, what did you wish for? A prince charming? Or a chance to become a bird?” Aurelia teased, Layana looked at them. 

“Something of the sort,” she replied smiling slightly, praying with all her heart that the threat was handled and that she could do her part to help her father and her people. Her sisters hugged her before Layana picked up the knife to cut the cake… 

It was the following evening and like every year for as far back as she could. remember, she held her birthday party in the palace gardens. Having her birthday in the middle of the summer in Ehlesaar guaranteed perfect weather. 

She now looked at the dress she wore as Rina styled her hair into an elegant updo. It was made of stunning shimmering gold, it was strapless and hugged her body to her thighs before spreading out slightly, the fabric clung to every curve and dip of her body, emphasising her breasts, and showed some cleavage. The top layer was made of a silky sheer shimmering red organza fabric, it was a sleeveless open kimono style, that left the front of the gold dress on display, the red skirt had volume and spread around her and trailed slightly on the floor behind her. It was tied around her waist with a deep red belt that was set with jewels. 

On her left upper arm, she had a gold cuff bangle that was encrusted in the same- coloured jewels as her belt, her wrists were free from jewellery, but she had delicate floral henna patterns adorning her wrists and hands, she wore a few small rings and around her neck she wore a choker necklace and matching red studs 

Her hair was styled into a low bun that was encrusted with gems, tendrils of curls framing her face. Her eyes were a shimmery gold and black, and her lips were painted a deep red to match her outfit. This outfit had been inspired by the colour of her eyes. Eyes that many found strange or curious. Rina applied a spritz of fragrance before picking up Layana’s golden heels. 

“Today is your birthday my lady, allow me,” Rina said as she slipped the shoes. on before Layana could protest, she smiled in defeat. 

“Thank you, Rina,” she said standing up, ready to head down to her party… 

Declan looked around the gardens of the palace, if they were beautiful before they were magical now, and he knew magic played a hand, glittering gems of lights danced in the sky like fireflies. The trees held glowing lights in red, green, and warm yellow. Ropes of red roses twisted with green vines and yellow lights strung between trees like a partial roof. They wrapped around pillars and dangled down like streamers, the water in the fountains and pond were glowing red and gold, glittering with magical lights placed under the water. Lanterns made of stained glass of greens and reds stood along the pathways, illuminating the gardens. breathtakingly. 

Small round tables covered in shimmering red table cloths were scattered in the grass, a larger lantern of red and green mosaic–stained glass stood in the centre of the tables. A sprinkle of gold confetti in the shapes of stars and moons covered the tables. At each table, there were four gold chairs with red velvet seats. To the left were two long tables covered in red cloth that held the dishes that would be served open buffet style once the princess arrived, palace staff dressed in white stood behind these counters. To the right was a long table that held many different wines. Waiters held trays of drinks already making their way through the guests offering them drinks, Guests were all dressed in pretty dresses and fine tunics. 

On the far side, an area squared off with a border of lanterns and fairy lights surrounding it was the dance floor, a group of four musicians sat playing music that filled the garden nicely. And up ahead was the naked cream cake that stood on a table alone decorated with fresh red roses and a few green leaves, a sprinkle of gold glitter covering the two–tier cake, ready to be cut at the end of the party. 

+15 BONUS 

Aren whistled as he looked around, 

“Damn…. Now this is what you call a party,” he said. Dressed in a deep navy tunic… that was embroidered in white and silver he looked handsome and both men were catching the attention of many of the young women in attendance. 

Declan did not reply, Aren had forced him to come, although deep inside he wanted to see her again, he knew it was a bad idea, she was a distraction, one he did not need… 

Wishing he had not worn the stupid tunic that Aren had given him when he had said he had nothing to wear. It was a deep maroon and had a black Aztec border along the hem, paired with black pants and boots, a black matt belt hung around his waist. Only a silver necklace hung around his neck peeping out from the slit in his tunic. Despite being the only man who wore no jewelled rings or extravagant tunics he exuded power and status without even trying, receiving curious or lust- filled looks from others around. But word spread past of his identity and the curious looks from other males were now filled with caution or resentment. 

“My lords,” A voice that oozed sweetness said from behind them, Aren turned as Declan didn’t even bother turning, recognising who it belonged to 

“Your highness,” Aren said looking at the beauty before him, she looked. stunning in a strapless fitted shimmering red dress, the low cut off the dress showing off her breasts to the best of their limits, a slit went down from just above her knee to the floor, the bodice was covering in tiny golden jewels. And her arms were covered in bangles, her hands held several rings. A necklace that fell to the valley of her breasts drawing attention there glittered brightly, with matching earrings. Her hair was in a very extravagant updo on top of her head holding a large gold and red tiara. Her make up was dark and sultry, red lips. standing out. 

“You look breathtaking,” Aren said bowing. 

“Thank you, you look handsome too my lord,” Cordelia said looking at Declan’s back before she walked around blushing lightly as she curtsied to him, he was not even looking at her. “My lord…” 

Declan looked at her coldly, she was too much, from her extravagant jewels, her heavy makeup and the obvious display of her breasts. He glanced away not wanting to waste time on her. From the pathetic blush on her cheeks, it was clear she had not received his answer from her father. Or she was simply too stupid to accept the answer. He took a glass from a passing waiter sipping it as he looked anywhere but at the irritating woman before him. 

“When is the birthday girl arriving?” Aren asked realising that princess Cordelia 

+15 BONUS 

Was 

interested in his friend, he felt a pang of disappointment, but she was just one girl in a sea he thought smiling once again, glad he had realised before he had attempted to woo her. 

“Soon I’m sure,” Cordelia said, usually the sisters arrived together, she had told Aurelia she would be heading ahead. They had argued over Cordelia’s last- minute change of dress. Aurelia accusing her of trying to upstage Layana on her special day. 

“Sir Declan, you look rather handsome tonight,” 

“Don’t waste your time princess,” he said coldly not sparing her another look, Has your father not spoken to you?” 

“What do you mean…” Cordelia asked confused, her father was a busy man after all. 

“I said no,” his cold reply came, making Cordelia’s eyes widen in shock, a pang of hurt filled her chest. She placed a hand on his arm 

“G–give me a chance my lord I promise 1-” she began but Declan pulled away, glaring coldly at her making her heart hammer. 

Aren realised he was missing something here. Silently stepping away to give the two some privacy. 

“Don’t. Do not push me. I am not interested, I never will be, especially in a woman like you,” he said icily before looking away once again, about to say more. But the words died on his lips when his eyes fell on the woman who had just stepped into view, flanked by her eldest and youngest sister. A soft smile on her lips, as she lowered her head gracefully to the guests who bowed to her. His breath caught in his throat as his eyes fell on Layana…. 

R Moonlight Muse Author 

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