Nectar didn't get any closer to her goal of playing as Reli stopped her as soon as she got out of the pavilion. She gave a respectful curtsey in front of Nectar " I just wanted to thank my empress for helping me get justice and my hairpin. I'm in your debt ".
Nectar smiled, examining the woman and suddenly laced arms with her. Reli was shocked pale but Nectar dragged her with her " Then you can pay me right now, I was just looking for someone to play with. Care to join me "?
Nectar didn't wait for an answer and dragged Reli with her. Nectar kicked open the gate startling the servants " I'm back. Who missed me "? The kids who were climbing Liam like a tree laughed while Liam looked up at her, "You will ruin the poor gate if you keep doing that ".
Nectar rolled her eyes and guided Reli in. [ I've always wondered what her palace looked like. Amazing ] Nectar had a bright smile as she introduced Reli to the bunch, " Guys this is Reli, but you call her Sister or Consort when people are around ".
They all nodded, carefully examining her when Jewlica giggled clapping her hands " Ica like. Nice to meet you Consort Reli ". Reli smiled warmly at the little girl and they all introduced themselves, listening to Jewlica.
Nectar patted Reli's shoulder, guiding her into the palace " Glad we're all getting along. You guys ready yet "? They all nodded in the affirmative and Nectar pushed her inside the palace " We'll be right back. Let's get changed ".
Reli didn't know what to think. She was too scared to refuse the empress but also fearful of what she had planed for her. Reli was put in an extravagant side room with jade vases and the brightest roses she'd ever seen.
She held out the dress in front of her and gasped. It was a short yellow dress with different colored flowers on it, some she'd never even seen before. She quickly wore the dress and the brown boots put out for her [ I've never seen boots so long and comfortable before ].
Reli shook her leg, admiring the knee length boots and put on the matching fur coat and yellow hand gloves . She opened the door and was surprised to see Nectar on the other side.
Nectar still had her hair in curls and looked almost identical with Reli except her dress and gloves were white and her coat was black. Nectar clapped excitedly, holding Reli's hand " You look amazing, Let's get going ".
Reli furrowed her brows, trying to keep up " Where might that be my empress "? Nectar giggled lightly " To play of course ". Reli didn't have time to process it as the kids surrounded them.
Liam was in a black suit with a white waistcoat. Jewlica was tugging at his leg , making her green dress roll around her and her pink hair was in pigtails.
Mario kept tugging at the collar of his purple dress shirt [ Why is it so stiff? This is self punishment ] . Nectar giggled as she undid the top button and adjusted his gloves " All better now ".
Nichole and June were in matching blue dresses and had similar flower patterns on their dresses. They had on mittens and earmuffs and were bombarding Reli with questions.
Nathaniel on the other hand was in a red dress shirt playing with Archie who was in a pale yellow. They had on long black boots and trousers and matching gloves.
Nectar sighed satisfactory as she looked at the bunch. Jewlica ran up to her , holding out her hands " Ica wants a ride Sister Qidu ".
Reli gasped as Nectar carried the child unto her shoulders and she playfully tapped the empress's white curls " You shouldn't do that little one ". Mario who was standing next to her rolled his eyes " She always gets her way, you'd be surprised Consort Reli ".
Reli nodded slowly , trying to understand when Nectar held her hand " I'm so excited , its nice to have someone to play with me. Tell me you'll join me Sister, please ".
Reli had to blink. She felt like she was hallucinating. She came from a military family and wasn't too accustomed to noble life but she knew nobles were proud and irritating [ Did the empress just ask me? ]
She could have commanded or threatened her but she asked. [ What an odd woman she is ] . Reli nodded and Nectar squealed, pulling her forward " Wonderful, I feel we'll get along very well Sister ".
~ ~ ~
Reli was surprised by how much fun she was having. She thought it'd be a stifling trip and she'd have to be humiliated or become a servant but that didn't happen.
August held her hand in his petite one as he pointed at the stuffed animals on her left. June was pointing at a fruit stand on her right.
Nectar was moving from stall to stall following behind Jewlica with the twins laughing behind the pair. Liam and Mario were not to far behind, checking out armour.
June looked up at her, smiling " Consort Reli has a pretty hairpin, I've never seen anything like it before ". Reli giggled " Thank you June, it was a gift from my mother before she passed away ".
August nodded, glaring at June " Don't worry Sister Reli. June didn't mean that ". Reli gently patted his head " Its no problem. My Empress even helped me save it. I dunno what I'd do if I lost it ".
Reli looked at Nectar who had a bit of mud on her face as she scolded Jewlica who was clapping nonchalantly. Reli smiled softly " She's amazing, I dunno what I'd do if I lost my hairpin ". June nodded agreeing with Reli " We dunno where we'd be without her either ".