Nectar knew she couldn't keep up with these kids and she hadn't observed them long enough to know what would keep them busy and happy.
So she held on tightly to Jewelica who was already trying to run around. The kids were all leaning on her [ I must look like a cold teddy bear on a hot day to these kids ]. " Do you guys wanna play a game "?
They all nodded, now looking up at Nectar with excitement. " So the rules are simple , someone counts while the others hide. Last person to be found wins and then we start again ".
They nodded, taking it in slowly and soon got up and ran in different directions. Nectar blinked [ I guess we're starting right now ]. She opened her arms and Jewelica also ran.
Liam chuckled lightly, helping Nectar up " I guess they got a headstart ". Nectar smiled, smoothing out her dress " We'll find them....in like five minutes ". So they started looking when they couldn't hear anymore giggling.
Liam only played along since he had to follow Nectar but Nectar already knew where they were by simply scanning the area for large masses of water.
Nectar was about to find August behind a large pink shrub when she heard a trumpet. She furrowed her brows as she turned. Eros and Dodwen had come in and they'd announced his presence.
Nectar let her face relax and resumed her poker face. She walked slowly towards the pair, smoothing out her hair with Liam following two steps behind her. [ This devil just won't leave me alone ].
They met in the middle of the courtyard and Nectar bowed low, lifting the corner of her dress " Morning to my emperor, first star in the dragon's domain ". Eros nodded " Rise empress ", he looked around the courtyard which seemed a lot more beautiful than before.
There were wooden furniture scattered around the trees. There were different bolts of fabric hanging from the tress as well and flowers in full bloom [ Quite impressive ].
Nectar stood still with a million thoughts running through her mind [ Did I do something wrong ? Does he know about the kids ? Why is he even here ? I hope the kids are okay ? I hope they aren't too scared of him? Should I explain myself to him ? Do I even have to ? ]
These were the thoughts that ran through Nectar's mind till Dodwen cleared his thought loudly. Nectar smiled politely, leading them under the tree they sat under last time [ Don't need you polluting my sanctuary ].
They each took a seat and Eros examined Nectar " What are you wearing "? Nectar looked down at her dress, trying not to sound too sarcastic " I believe it's a dress your majesty ". Dodwen squinted " That is not what a noble woman should wear ".
Nectar resisted the urge to roll her eyes " Is there something you needed my emperor "? Eros shook his head, scanning the area. He could feel shadows moving about but he couldn't see anything " Athena seemed worried about you so I thought I'd check on you ".
Nectar nodded happily [ Hypocritical couple, Just leave me alone ]. Dodwen spoke, scanning Nectar for any sort of reaction " The ministers have decided and think it would be best if you held a party for all the noble women. It should be formal since its your first one ".
Nectar nodded [ Trying to say I'm a bumpkin that can't even plan parties ?] Eros kept looking around since he was now certain people were here but he couldn't locate them.
" Thank you for taking me into consideration and I'll do my best ". Nectar had no intention of planning any thing. If it was like anything from her first life then she'd become the embarrassment of the whole kingdom while Athena would be more popular [ Why put in all that work? I'd rather be the villain than the clown ].
Eros looked back at Nectar, curious " Is there anyone else in here empress "? Nectar was about to refute when a sneeze was heard from one of the branches over their heads.
[ Good timing, Ica ], Nectar and the others looked up and Jewlica lost her grip and fell out of the tree. Without thinking, Nectar jumped unto the table and jumped, catching her. She couldn't use her magic since she didn't want them knowing how strong she was.
On reflex, Liam caught her princess style as soon as she came back down. Jewlica looked sheepishly , as if knowing she was in trouble and Liam placed Nectar back on the ground " This is why you can't climb trees Ica. You could have been seriously hurt, How did you even get up there "?
Nectar scolded the girl who nodded her head " I'm sorry Sister Qidu, it won't happen again ". Nectar nodded satisfied with her reply. Nectar blinked, realizing what she'd just done but Eros and Dodwen were speechless.
Dodwen kept looking back at the tree while Eros sighed " Is there anyone else here empress "? Nectar opened her mouth to speak when the five kids ran out of their hiding spot [ Just awesome guys, way to make me look good ].
They didn't seem to notice Eros but crowded around Nectar, checking if Jewlica was hurt in anyway. Nectar laughed nervously [ How do I explain this ?], handing her to Nichole.
" I was gonna tell you. Honest ". Eros couldn't help but smile at her answer but Dodwen had a big frown on his face " And when was that supposed to be "? Nectar frowned as well, hands on hips " Its none of your business and I already booked an appointment ".
Dodwen was becoming redder but Eros spoke up, before they could start arguing " When was that "? Nectar smiled politely " I booked an appointment two weeks ago and they said I couldn't see you till three weeks after ". Eros furrowed his brows " Why didn't you just come over ".
Nectar swallowed back her words [ Does he think before he speaks ?] " I didn't think I would be allowed in and I assumed you were busy ". Dodwen nodded, satisfied " One of few proper decisions you've made since you got here ".
Nectar smiled, clenching her fists" Thank you for the compliment Lord Holmes ". Eros and Liam looked at each other then the two who were silently facing off. Even the kids knew something was wrong and huddled behind Liam shaking their heads [ This won't end well ].