Bow was standing in front of the enormous mirror in the master bedroom of the Bright Moon royal palace, putting the final touches on his look for the day. He had to look his best since he'd be spending the entire day surrounded by the royalty & noblity of Etheria.

Of course that he already knew many of them & called them his close friends made the thought easier to bare but he had to admit he was still feeling more than a bit nervous. Of the coming aristocrats, he only knew most of them sparingly & some not at all. And as for the royalty, well he had known them for years but things were different now. When he'd meet Perfuma, Mermista, Entrapta, Netossa, Spinnerella, Frosta & Scorpia he'd been just a commoner (and a enemy the the latter as well) & while none of them had ever treated him as being beneath them the idea of standing before them as an equal still struck him as odd.

A part of him yearned for the simple celebrations of his youth. As the youngest of thirteen children his past birthdays were filled with hand-me-downs & often reused decorations. George & Lance always did what they could to make each party feel unique but between the expenses of raising so many children, the limits of a historians salary & the restrictions of wartime there was only so much they could do. Still every year they made him feel loved & like the most important boy in the world which is why even after he became soldier for the Rebellion he still made sure to go home at least for a quick visit on his birthday.

He had just finished putting on his half of Angella's earrings when his reminiscing was interrupted by a flash of bright pink sparkles. His attempt at a greeting was cut off by a set of lips crashing into him with enough force he had to steady himself on the vanity. Just when he was about to run out of air, his wife pulled back letting him see the massive grin she was sporting.

"There's the most beautiful birthday boy on Etheria!" Glimmer said sounding like she was on the verge of bursting from the excitement coursing through her. "You look amazing babe, nobody in that room is going to be able to take their eyes off you."

He knew she meant well but the reminder that he was going to be the focus of attention from so many powerful people allowed his earlier unease to make a comeback. It must have shown on his face because Glimmer grabbed his hands & began speaking in her reassuring voice.

"Hey it's not to late to decide you're not up for this. I know you're still getting used to this whole "being royalty" thing so if you don't feel like you can handle it just say the word & I'll call everything off." She pulled him in close & added in a sultry voice. "And we can always find another way to celebrate your special day."

He was proud for only slightly blushing at his wife's offer. "As tempting as that is...& it is, seems rude to make everyone come all this way just to cancel last minute."

"Hey, everyone who matters will understand. The rest can shove it."

He let out a laugh that he didn't know he needed. Wiping his eyes he replied. "That's really sweet hon & I appreciate what you're doing but if I'm going to be King in addition to your husband I have to get used to this kinds of things eventually. And besides..." He leant down & returned her kiss from earlier. "...we can always have our private celebrations after everyone's gone home."

"Well when you put it that way... let's get this over with already!" Glimmer exclaimed before teleporting them outside the door to the main hall where all the guests were waiting.

"Are your majesties ready?" The royal harold asked. Glimmer gave him a look letting him know the decision was his. With a quick calming breath he answered.

"We are"

The horn blow, the announcement was made & with his wife on his arm Bow stepped into his first birthday party as King of Bright Moon.