AnnouncementMerry Christmas, everyone, and here is a little gift. Note this takes pce way, way way ahead of the current events of the story. As such, to avoid spoilers, details and descriptions of things are kept sparse to avoid giving anything away. so if it feels like a detail is missing somewhere, it is not a mistake. Its intentional. Then again, if you don't want spoilers, feel free to ignore this chapter. Ok now I'm done for the year CYA.

  I looked down to Apollinaris, who was happily wrapped in my arms.

  

  

  

  

  I chuckled.

  

  

  Apollinaris dug closer into my chest as she thought about it.

  

  She pced her lips square onto mine As her hands danced down my body

  I returned the kiss back to her. I sent my hands down her back and towards her plump rear as we settled down to have some “fun” for the night.

  The next morning, the preparations for the festival began. The hive was filled with the buzz of thousands of workers as they strung up loads of decorations across the hive. They even had a massive tree in the centre of the hive covered in loads of sparkly decorations, most of which looked handmade.

  I walked down the long, open-air balcony into Apollinaris's office. As soon as I pushed the door, I was engulfed in the sounds of all of Apollinaris's attendants chatting with each other. There were so many in here that it was impossible to even move.

  I reached outward and gently tapped one of them on the shoulder

  

  In an instant, many of them flocked out of the room, making enough space for me to walk through. How odd. They must be really stressed not even to notice me like that. I walked towards the desk where Apollinaris was busy talking to another one of her attendants.

  

  Apollinaris gred at me before letting out a long sigh.

  She handed me a stone pte. I looked at the pte briefly before shrugging and putting my finger in my mouth. Soon, I felt my pheromones begin to pool at the back of my throat. I brought my finger out, and there it was, soaked in a thick pinkish-purple fluid. I rubbed it across the stone pte and passed it back to Apollinaris.

   She took the pte, pced it in a sealed box, and cast a small spell on it.

  

  

  A wave of sadness washed over me; however, it can't be helped.

  Apollinaris gave a simir sad look as she passed the box to an attendant who carried it away.

   With that, I said my goodbyes to Apollinaris and left the office. I walked back towards my room. Thinking about it, is it a good idea to put my name on for the gift exchange? What the hell is the person who got me gonna get? I started walking. Well, it's too te now.

  ******

  [POV CHANGE: Worker]

  

  I dropped the st batch of supplies for the frontline, turned around, and left. It's been quite busy these past couple of days. With all the decorating and work we've had to do. Big Sis Apollinaris's attendants came and expined what we had to do. It was a lot of fun making the decorations and hanging them.

  I flew up the hive, where I saw many other workers all flying in the same direction.

  

  

  I shook my head.

  

  Before I could ask any questions, he was gone. I quickly followed behind him. Big sis wants to give us something? I wonder why?

  I flew toward the central open area of the hive made for gatherings. It was filled to the maxi with my brothers.

   The attendants yelled.

  I quickly fell into line and waited. The queue moved quickly and efficiently, and I was at the front in no time.

  

  The attendant pced a pin grey box before me, which I eagerly picked up.

  

  I nodded and carried the box away. Gift? What can a worker like me get for anyone? I pondered this as I flew to my room in the hive. As I moved, I noticed the hive was filled with activity. Everyone was excited for this. I heard many of my brothers discuss ideas with each other on what they were gonna get.

  I flew up a little bit more before nding in my room.

  

  I pced the box down, and with my arms, I quickly lifted the lid of the box. Instantly, an explosion of mother pheromones hit me in the face. It felt like she was in the room with me.

  

  I gently put the lid back on the box, and like that, the scents and aromas were gone. I can't believe I got Mother. Me, what should I

  

  I snapped my head around and was met with a wall of beady eyes from my brothers.

  

  

  

  

  

  The entire hive exploded with the voices of my brothers as they all tried to get closer.

   I Cried. < We all won't fit in my room AHHHHH MOTHER HELP!>

  ********

  Some time ter….

  
  I was currently hiding in a remote part of the hive, away from anyone else. It was a small location high above where we slept. I liked it up here because you could see the entire hive from up here.

  I looked down towards my box. I can't believe I got Mother! Why me? I don’t.... I don’t even know what I could even get her. Mother has anything and everything she wants, and if what she wants isn't there, she could just ask for it to be made.

  I let out a loud sigh.

  

  I turned around and was greeted by a tall, red-headed woman. Wait, this is.

  

  She chuckled. she said as She moved and sat beside me.

  I barely eeked out a nod. First, I got my mother, and now I meet her personal maid. Why me? What should I-

   I felt a hand rest on my back. she said with a chuckle.

   I managed to spit out.

  

  I looked away from her and towards the grey box. How could such a small thing cause me such grief?

  

  

  

  I shook my head.

  

  She walked over and opened the box. Suddenly, like before, the entire area was soaked in Mother's smell and aura. It was so warm I could sleep in it right here.

  

  The lid closed, and she sat back down.

  

  I nodded.

  

  

  

   That’s right, Mother being sad is the st thing I want. She does so much, and I can't possibly do that.

  She patted my back once< you’re a good child. I’ll tell you something. Do you want to know what Mother loves the most in this entire world?>

  I nodded eagerly. I have to know to at least think about getting a gift.

  

   Like a bolt of lightning, I had the perfect idea for a gift for a mother that would make her and everyone happy.

  

  I nodded.

  Sally smiled

  

  *******

  A few days ter…..

  [Diva pov:]

  

  I happily skipped along the walkway. I can't remember the st time I've skipped like this

  < It's so weird seeing you so happy.> Apollinaris said, following me from behind.

  

  Apollinaris shook her head.

  

  We walked down the walkway and into the bedroom where my gift was waiting. On my bed.

  

  I don’t know what's inside, but it must be nice because that wrapping is amazing. A lovely mix of bck gold, and white with red and green accents.

  

   Apollinaris snapped.

  
  I swiped the nicely wrapped gift up, and we started descending towards the main centre tree, where my entire family was waiting. My children cheered as we made our way down and onto the special ptform made for us. The ptform had a rge table filled with food surrounded by chairs. 2 of the chairs were bigger and more ornate than the others.

  

  Apollinaris and I made our way towards the seats and sat down, where we could see all of my children. The entire main area had been converted into a makeshift canteen filled with tables and rows of food simir to ours.

   I asked Apollinaris, who was eating a small snack.

   I nodded as I stole some food from her side. I looked back towards my family and just how many there were. I can't believe I made all of them… its.. it's crazy.

  

  

   I said, rubbing her huge tummy. Her cheeks went bright red as she brushed my hand away.

  
  She stood up and called for silence amongst the many, many children that were here.

  

  There was a loud cheer from the entire hive.

  

   the entire hive said in unison.

  I let out a small ugh as Apollinaris sat back down.

   I said, raising the gift for everyone to see. Now, let's see what we've got here.>

  I tore open the wrapping eagerly.

  

  I tore off the st bit of wrapping to reveal a huge white book with a completely pin cover.

  

  I opened the book to the first page, where a message was left for me.

  ‘To a fantastic mother, I hope you enjoy this gift; love you always.’ Right next to it, sort of like a signature, was a tiny amount of pheromones left from the worker.

  I turned over the page, and what I saw made me freeze

  ‘Thank you for giving birth to me, mother.’

  ‘when I was born as one of your guards, I swore to protect you with my life. That has not changed and never will. Love you, Mom.’

  ‘You are and always have been a fantastic mother. Love you lots.’

  And like before, each message was attached with a small amount of pheromones. I turned over the pages again, again and again, each page filled with hundreds of messages from my children.

  I gently closed the book.

   Apollinaris chimed

  I ignored her and sniffed amongst the children.

  

  I jumped down from the stage and ran towards him, who was sitting right at the far back. A normal lone, singur, unsuspecting worker.

  I skidded to a stop in front of him. The awes of the rest of my children filled my ears as I looked down at him.

  <…mother. Are you mad? Did you hate the gif->

  
  

  Before he could finish, I pulled him into a deep, loving hug.

  

  

  

  I held him in a tight hug and carried him back up to the stage with me, where we enjoyed the festival like one big happy family.

  The End.