The day after the ball dawned bright and sunny, but Zia's head felt heavy from the festivities. She had danced her feet sore, eaten far too many pastries, and spent the entire night laughing until her sides hurt. Lila flitted around the room, pulling out outfits for Zia to try, seemingly undeterred by the queen's state of exhaustion.
"Come on, Zia! You can't sleep all day! The royal advisors are coming over for tea, and I need you to wow them with your charm!" Lila chirped, holding up a gown in a bright cerulean blue.
Zia groaned and buried her face in her pillows. "Do they even know what charm is? I could charm a squirrel, but a room full of nobles? I'd have a better chance of charming a dragon."
Lila laughed, tossing the dress aside and launching herself onto the bed next to Zia. "You'd be a fantastic queen, I swear. Just think of it: you could do magic with your wit! 'Oh, nobleman, you wish to raise taxes? How charming! Let me make that your funeral instead!'"
Zia snorted, picturing the startled faces of the advisors. "Now that would be a spectacle worth attending."
"Exactly!" Lila exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "We could stage it right here in the throne room! We'll put a trapdoor under the dais, and every time someone annoys you, whoosh! Down they go!"
Zia sat up, a grin spreading across her face. "I love this plan. But… I'll need to test it first. Just to be sure it works, of course."
---
Later that day, Zia and Lila made their way to the throne room, where the advisors were already gathered. Zia squared her shoulders, feeling the weight of the crown and the expectations that came with it. She had to show them she was serious, yet still retain that sparkle of her mischievous side.
As the advisors droned on about matters of state, Zia's mind began to wander. She noticed one particularly pompous nobleman, Lord Farnsworth, who was talking loudly about the need for more taxation on the lower classes. The man had a nose that seemed to quiver with every exaggerated statement.
With a sly glance at Lila, Zia leaned forward and interrupted, "You know, Lord Farnsworth, I was just thinking about your suggestion. You're absolutely right about the need for taxes. In fact, I think you should lead the charge—personally."
The room fell silent, all eyes turning to the nobleman, who looked taken aback. "Me? Lead? Surely you jest, Your Grace!"
"Oh no, I'm quite serious," Zia said, leaning back in her chair, suppressing a grin. "I hear the village near the river could use some… enlightening on taxation. Why not start there?"
The advisors began to murmur among themselves, and Zia could see the amusement flickering in their eyes. Lord Farnsworth spluttered, "But—"
"Isn't it charming how dedicated you are to public service?" Zia continued, playing innocent. "I'm sure the villagers would love a visit from their new tax lord."
The tension in the room broke, and laughter erupted. Even Leon, who had been leaning against the wall with a smirk, couldn't hold back his chuckle.
---
After the meeting, Zia felt exhilarated. "See? I can be charming!" she declared as they made their way to the gardens, the sun shining warmly overhead.
"Absolutely! You had them eating out of your hand," Lila grinned, tossing a flower into the air.
"And what did I tell you about the trapdoor?" Zia added, eyes sparkling. "I'll design a royal decree to make it official!"
Before they could continue their plans, they were approached by a familiar face. Alaric Draven, the rival thief, strolled over with his usual charm. "I heard you made quite the impression today, Zia. Do you always take on the council with such… wit?"
Zia raised an eyebrow. "Just trying to keep them on their toes, Alaric. They're far too serious for their own good."
"Ah, but will you always use it to torment Lord Farnsworth?" he asked, feigning concern.
Zia laughed. "Only when he deserves it, which seems to be most days."
Alaric leaned closer, a teasing glint in his eye. "I can see you're fitting in nicely, Zia. The throne suits you."
"Thank you! Just don't expect me to start wearing those ridiculous hats they all seem to favor," Zia shot back, her grin widening.
Just then, Lila piped up, "You should wear a hat with a giant feather! That would definitely get their attention!"
Alaric burst out laughing, shaking his head. "Now that would be a sight to behold."
Zia nodded enthusiastically. "I'll make it a royal decree: All hats must have feathers! Anyone without one must face the wrath of… me!"
---
Later that afternoon, as they strolled through the gardens, Zia found herself reflecting on how much her life had changed. She had gone from a thief darting through the shadows to a woman who could command attention, if only by sheer force of personality.
"What are you thinking about?" Leon asked, sidling up next to her.
"Just how surreal this all is," Zia admitted, glancing over at him. "One minute I was in the Underground Market, planning my next heist, and now I'm here, playing queen."
Leon chuckled, "You're not just 'playing.' You're good at it, Zia. The council needs someone who can challenge them."
"Or someone who can make them laugh," Zia replied with a wink. "But the challenge part is important, too, I suppose."
"You have a way of making people listen," Leon said earnestly. "And a way of finding humor in everything. It's refreshing."
Zia felt warmth bloom in her chest at his words. "Thanks, Leon. You make it easier to be me—whatever that means."
He took her hand, and she felt a surge of warmth at the gesture. "Whatever happens, you'll always be you. That's the most important thing."
Zia smiled back, their hands intertwining as they walked deeper into the garden. "And you'll always be my prince," she replied, squeezing his hand lightly.
---
As they reached a particularly vibrant patch of flowers, Zia stopped to admire them, bending down to smell a daisy. "You know, I think I could get used to this life. It's not so bad with you around."
Leon grinned, and just as she straightened, Lila darted back into the scene with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Quick! I need you both to come with me! I just heard about a dance party in the kitchen!"
"A dance party?" Zia echoed, raising an eyebrow. "In the kitchen?"
"Absolutely! The kitchen staff is throwing a bash to celebrate the leftover pastries from last night," Lila explained, her enthusiasm infectious.
"Count me in!" Zia declared, grabbing Leon's hand and pulling him along. "Let's go crash this kitchen dance party!"
As they made their way through the halls, Zia couldn't help but feel that life in the palace was more than she'd ever expected. With laughter, friendship, and a sense of purpose, she was ready to embrace every moment—trapdoors and all.
And maybe, just maybe, she could charm her way through queenship after all.