Chapter Fifty Nine

                                    

                                          
Photo: Illustration taken from the article "The Outlook on foreign affairs". In spite of the illustration and the caption, neither Elisabeth nor her parents are mentioned in the article.
bonus 1.
pov caoimhe 
February 1917
I was walking around the palace, my boots made the floor clink as I did so. I felt sweat drip down my body as my breaths came out as puffs. I felt like I had an asthma attack. Which, is not very good. My hands shook as I kept my head up and walked around. I finally stopped outside of my room and opened the door, then fell to bed.
I needed a break, after a little prank from Astrid saying someone had something for me, I'd lost hope. My birthday was today, even though I was not aging it's still important to me. Ci-i was still out, somewhere. Buying us the soldier outfits, i laid in my bed, sighing.
I rolled out of bed and walked out to the palace halls. I ended up seeing Anastasia. "Hey Anastasie." I greeted her, Nastya smiled at me. "Hey-o Caoi." She extended her arms out and pulled me into a hug. I was expecting a happy birthday but soon Maria walked past us. "Thanks Cao, I'm playing hide and seek. Thank goodness she didn't see me!" Anastasia shot down the hallway.
I deflated down. Everyone forgot my birthday, didn't they! I dawdled off, and it was the same for the rest of the day. I ended up playing with the little pair in the end, just because I was sad. And that I didn't have a happy birthday. But they kept leaving in turns. When they both left briefly I took the game and walked away.
I was now sitting down listening to Tatiana and Olga converse happily with soldiers. I heard Maria's obnoxious giggles at Anastasia's jokes. And I had the worst birthday.
Finally Cian came home. He instantly hugged me and said happy birthday, and gave me presents. I had so much gifts and I hugged him. "Thanks Ci. You were the only one that remembered!" I exclaimed.
We were in our room and I thought Cian was going to destroy the house with the look on his face. He began speed walking down the palace corridors as I quickly ran after him, he got angry half way and began running, meaning I had to sprint as fast as I could. It was hard as my brother is so very fast!
I finally caught up, wheezing. He stood there next to me, holding my hand until I felt my asthma calm down slightly. "Sorry Cao." He apologised sadly.
"It's okay, Ci." I said as my hand wiped sweat off my forehead. I began breathing using the pursed lips technique and finally felt better. 
Cian instantly slammed open the door, the room was dark and nobody seemed to be in there. Suddenly the light flicked on and everyone stood around a table, smiling.
"Happy birthday Caoimhe!" Everyone exclaimed. Cian smiled at me.
"You guys.. didn't forget?" I asked.
"Nope! It was all a surprise!" Valentina chirped happily.
"Thank you all, I thought you forgot." I felt my eyes get watery. Cian hugged me.
"I would never forget about the birthday of the best sister ever." He said.
"Let's eat cake shall we?" Anastasia asked.
I smiled as I walked to a chair and sat down next to Cian. "We shall!" I happily exclaimed.
Everyone cheered.

















this is not Caoimhes actual birthday it's just a special for a friend. I made this because Australia is already at the next day. I don't live there but just in case! Thanks for reading this bonus lovelies <3