While I was being held by my mother, the others had a different story. They refused to leave Father King. Given their past lives, it was understandable, but to the consorts, it was merely six-month-old babies clinging to their father.
The other consorts hovered near the king, exchanging lighthearted jests at his expense.
"Your Majesty, it seems my little princess prefers her father over anyone else," Consort Valeria teased, raising an eyebrow as she watched Elanor wrap her tiny arms around the king's neck. Her elegant brows arched higher with amusement, clearly pleased to see Elanor clinging to him.
The king chuckled helplessly. "She's only interested in the shiny jewels on my crown, Valeria. It's not a matter of preference," he insisted, adjusting the crown on his head as if doing so would somehow lend weight to his argument.
"Oh, my king, please don't tell me those drab decorations on your shoulders have suddenly become fascinating to our little princesses," Consort Heather added, her lips curling into a playful smirk, drawing attention to Alice and Dorothy who were tugging on the golden epaulettes on the king's robe.
The king let out a low chuckle as Alice gurgled in delight. "It seems that even my daughters have taken an interest in military attire."
Consort Camellia joined in with a twinkle of mischief in her eyes. "Or perhaps they see those decorations as toys they might pull off, Your Majesty. You'd better be cautious before your royal regalia gets dismantled."
A chorus of soft laughter rippled through the consorts, though Iris remained quietly in his lap with a deadpan expression. Her tiny mouth set in a firm line as if nothing in the room could pique her interest. She had just refused her mother's calling, as had the others. They had chosen to stay with Father King, unbothered by the amused chiding from the consorts.
Consort Lavender stood slightly apart, her eyes flicking between the king and my sisters. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and a knowing twinkle sparkled in her gaze—so similar to Iris's that I could hardly tell them apart.
So alike. They really were mother and daughter. There was no mistaking it.
"There they go again," my mother murmured, shaking her head with mock exasperation.
Consort Lavender's tone was smooth and indulgent as she replied, "They certainly make this mundane life more entertaining. Who would have thought we'd ever witness such a scene just four years ago?" She glanced at me, her gaze softening with a touch of affection. "So many changes in such a short time."
"My little one seems to adore her father, but now it's my turn. I simply must hold this little star," she declared, reaching over to gently lift me from my mother's arms.
"Come here, my little Nia," she cooed, cradling me close as if I were the most precious of treasures. Her fingers danced playfully over my cheeks and belly, making me squirm in her grasp.
I huffed in protest, earning a delighted laugh from her.
"Oh dear, oh stars! This little doll is simply delightful," she exclaimed, nuzzling her forehead against mine, a broad smile spreading across her face.
As she fussed over me, the other consorts began to gravitate toward us. Consort Camellia swayed gracefully in our direction.
"What's happening over here?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity—the same curious sparkle I often saw in Dorothy's gaze.
"Our youngest star is absolutely precious," Consort Lavender announced proudly, looking down at me with unrestrained delight. "She's just like her mother—huffing and puffing at the slightest tease."
The words took me by surprise. I was like my mother? The thought filled me with a small but undeniable swell of pride.
"That's only because you keep pestering her," my mother interjected, her voice carrying a playful tone. "She'll start pouting at you soon if you're not careful."
The consorts shared knowing smiles as I was passed around like a beloved doll, each taking a turn to hold and fuss over me. Their hands were gentle, their faces brimming with warmth and affection. I did my best to reciprocate—smiling, gurgling, or reaching out with my tiny hands. After all, it was the least I could do to show them my love, even if I didn't fully grasp the concept of family just yet.
Amid the constant passing and playful banter, I caught sight of my sisters. They stood by Father King, watching with wide eyes and slightly furrowed brows, appearing just as bewildered as I felt. We'd need to discuss this peculiar moment later. It seemed we were all equally overwhelmed by the sudden outpouring of affection.
Just as Consort Valeria was about to fuss over me again, the Cardinal's voice sliced through the warm atmosphere.
"It is time for the second choice," he announced ever so smiling, his tone formal and unwavering. "Your Highnesses, please follow me."
I groaned inwardly. Why did he always have to show up just when things were getting cozy? Even the consorts exchanged annoyed glances at the abrupt interruption.
"Must it always be now, Cardinal?" Consort Heather sighed, her voice tinged with annoyance. "Couldn't you give us a moment longer with our little stars?"
The Cardinal's smile remained fixed, though his eyes seemed to flicker with a hint of amusement. "Duty waits for no one, not even the littlest princesses."
Despite their frustration, we all began to move. Consort Lavender carried me as we followed the Cardinal down a long corridor lined with elaborate tapestries depicting stories of battles and legends. I tried to make sense of what was happening, but the constant talk of choices and duties was far beyond my understanding.
Apparently, it was time for me to choose my entourage. An entourage? Followers of some sort? I wasn't even certain of my own responsibilities, let alone what an entourage would be expected to do. Feed me? Dress me? The thought seemed absurd. Surely, I didn't need to make choices about that already.
Sensing my anxiety, Consort Lavender leaned down, her hands resting gently on my tiny shoulders. "Don't worry, my little Nia," she whispered. "Just follow your heart."
The problem was, I wasn't entirely sure what my heart was supposed to tell me. I glanced up at the tapestries, then over at my sisters who were trailing behind, still clinging to Father King.
"Must these choices be made so soon?" I heard Alice whisper to Dorothy. "We're literally only babies."
Dorothy's response was a solemn nod. "But we're royal babies, Alice. That makes a difference."