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Dear Amelia,

You’re a mother yourself, so I’m sure your reaction was the same as mine when I heard that. There was no way I was bringing a six year old into this. I refused. I don’t care how much she learned about magic, it was too dangerous. And I knew Tristan wouldn’t let her help if he wasn’t there to protect her himself.

Gaia and Hecate left without saying anything more. But Hecate left her notebook. I figured I could get more information from it, or maybe fill in some of the blanks from Gaia’s book. I read it, then reread it. And I wasn’t able to get much from it.

I was so buried in the books, that Devyn calling was a welcomed distraction. He updated me on Sadie’s progress, his meeting, and that he’d be by in the morning. I filled him in on what I learned from Hecate and Gaia, and then went back to studying. Except the moment I started, I got a notification that Colton made the final payment. Which meant we had to meet him.

Colton knew I wasn’t immortal. In a way I am, but as Gaia reminded me, I was not. At least not when it came to anything outside this realm. If I ended up in the fae realm, I could die. If fae used their weapons, from their realm, I could die.

Amelia, no one else should know this. That’s why I want you to burn all of these letters. No one can find out. Ever. Do you know the chaos that would cause? If people knew how to kill me, do you think they wouldn’t try? Colton knowing was far too many people knowing. I’m sure, as the Princess, you understand. So please, burn this as soon as you finish reading it.

After meeting with Colton, who was still pretending to be Xander, I filled Jordan in. We no longer had a need for Katrina. But, Sadie still practiced her illusions. We knew Colton would eventually find out that Katrina was dead, but he wouldn’t be suspicious of us. And I was able to explain away a ton of questions he had.

At this time, I also had my birthday party to plan. Well, Farrah planned it. I just had to prepare for it. So, I took a break from the books and Colton, and took the girls shopping with me instead.

Remember how you asked me about all the good shops, and how I knew about them? Well, it was because I needed something to wear to the party. We went to Paris, Milan, London, New York and LA before I found the perfect dress. Though getting it was annoyingly hard because the sales clerk pissed me off and I refused to buy it. And she was human, so I couldn’t do anything to her. Still, I ended up with it, thanks to your dad.

When my birthday finally came around, Tristan surprised me with a cake he made. According to Devyn, Mama Rosa helped him with the recipe. Now to think of it, I’m not sure if you remember Mama Rosa. You were really little when she passed, but she was the head cook at Black Forest. And the best cook ever. She taught mom and Gio. And she left all her recipes to her granddaughter.

Anyway, I was excited and nervous for my party. Growing up, I never had a big celebration. And it wasn’t until I met James and Jordan that I celebrated with more than my parents. And every year after that, it was just my family and closest friends. But that year was different. The whole tribe was invited. And outside friends, including Devyn’s parents, were also invited.

I didn’t tell Devyn that I invited them because I knew he’d be against it. I also knew it was because he was hurt. He grew up really close to them, so when they disappeared, he felt betrayed and abandoned. He had to learn everything on his own. At the time of the party, he was still upset, but I knew he worried about them. When his mom hugged him, he gave in. In the end, he was really happy to see them, though he’d probably tell you otherwise.

After welcoming everyone, I planned to make a grand entrance. I mean, I am the Queen right? And I was the birthday girl. And this was my first ball. So I had to make a grand entrance. But before I could make said entrance, I was knocked over by some kids who were running around with their cake, and my dress was ruined.

I’d like to tell you that I’d handled the situation with grace and poise. I did not. I cried like a baby.

~Mom

MJ. B