A series of cheers and clapping ensues as Naithe carries me into a wider brighter ballroom. Without a ceiling at first glance. Stars and three moons are the only source of light here. Not even candles are lit. What kind of medieval fantasy world have I been born into? They twinkle intermittently and shine down on the sparking floor beneath us. We stop at the balcony for no more than a minute and then Naithe gracefully descends the staircase with me in her arms.
I'm breaking out in a cold sweat just looking at these stairs. Why are there so many?
We safely arrive at the ground floor and I loosen my death grip on her hair once I've discerned we're safe enough.
"Hmm. Intuitive or instinctual."
I tilt my head and peruse her words. A little bit of both I'd assume. Also really? That's what you have to say to me birthgiver? Wonderful. At least you're rich and royalty.
She sways and stalks forward like a gazelle. Gliding over the marble floor without any sound. Not even the clicking of heels.
Towards them. In the center of the room is a large round table with a huge silver bowl sitting on it. I think there's water inside too.
Ah. Is this my 'family'? Formerly seated and now standing at attention were five adults and seven children of varying ages. I openly observed them all. There was only one man out of the adults and five boys out of the seven children at this table. There were about ten other tables around us shrouded in moonlight and darkness.
Definitely feels culty now.
However, this table is the only one with a bowl sitting on it. Why? What's it for?
"My Lord." Niathe greeted the man and he gave her a light nod before stretching a hand out. Oh. Niathe complied and gave me to him without hesitation. With just a hand he plucked me out of midair. Woah!
His red eyes scrutinize me openly. I frowned and rolled my eyes at him. Most people would be happy to have another bundle of joy in their life. What a Debby downer.
My brief once-over of him did not go unnoticed. His piercing red eyes locked onto mine and picked apart at me. Rude.
I engaged in his staring contest and raised an eyebrow at him in challenge. What punk?
He smirked and gave a light chuckle in response before losing the staring contest. His slicked-back black hair, pale skin, and bloody eyes gave him serious vampire vibes.
"You've done well Nia. Rejoice."
The entire venue cheered again and I winced at the noise. The man brought me closer to the water bowl and I caught my reflection for the first time. That's me?! My eyes widened as I took in my new body.
Curly silver hair rested on my crown and highlighted my freakishly large head. My eyes were a strange thing. Heterochromia. My left one was completely lavender with a black pupil and my right eye was crimson with a black pupil. My skin however was another matter. Instead of a rosy blush, my cheeks had a lilac hue. Does that mean my blood is purple?
Wait, isn't all blood purple? Whatever. Nothing makes sense here.
My eyes inspected myself carefully. Every inch of me is different. This world. The people. Everything and every one was different but the same in many ways.
"Are you ready?"
His face appeared in the water bowl and I nodded. Wait. Ready for what? He looked taken aback but I had no time to think of that because he dunked me in the water. Literally. I drowned for two seconds before he pulled my shivering wet body out of the dunk tank.
You motherfucker! I screamed and sputtered obscenities at him.
"What healthy lungs!"
Another woman plucked me from the Duke's hands and relieved me from my soaked garments. She toweled me off and then dressed me in new warm clothes. I glared at the laughing duke, my negligent mother, and the raucous crowd.
Assholes!
"Husband, I think she's holding a grudge."
The woman holding me was soft and warm. Everything I needed after that humiliation. I studied her from my place on her chest. A brunette with caramel-colored eyes and a kind smile. At least at first glance, she seemed kind. The Lord knows how evil people are deep down.
People applauded and someone ordered for refreshments to be brought out. The party roared to life and the bowl was taken away. In its place was now food and drinks.
That night I was placed in a bassinet and presented to my entire family. My father's wives first. Dorothea the brunette from earlier smiled and cooed at me. Hadrian, a redhead, glanced at me and looked away immediately. Druvis, a blond young woman, held me and gave me a small wooden toy.
Then Meng Jialin. A dark-haired beauty with a nice smell. She smells like the rain and grass. She gave me a rattle. That I shook immediately. Yay, toys. Can you believe I haven't been given one before today? Stingy rich people.
A knife popped out of it and I stared at it in shock. Then out of curiosity, I stabbed myself. The knife retracted and I did it again. No dice. Rats.
"She's a feisty one."
I looked up at Meng Jialin from underneath my lashes and gave her a tiny smile. You're cool.
"Look at that smile!"
The wives cooed at me except Niathe and Hadrian. I restrained my smile and went back to playing with my toys. Sadly, my mother seemed more concerned with her husband rather than their shared child whom they had not seen before tonight. They engaged in PDA right in front of everyone. Bleh. But who cares? I don't expect anything from them anyway.
Next, the children came to greet me. Long story short. It was a shitshow.
Erichean. The firstborn child of the duke and my eldest brother. A boy who looked like he was on the verge of becoming a teenager. Now he was very nice to me. He even gave me a silver necklace that he told me was a protective charm. From his hair and overall soothing aura, I could tell that he was Dorothea's child. His red eyes though. He's his daddy's son I guess.
The next to greet me was a girl who seemed to be at most ten years old and had flaming red hair like her mother. Her eyes though were the same as Erichean's and mine. Well, one of my eyes.
She gave off spoiled brat vibes off the bat but overall she seemed pretty enamored with me. She even gave me a real golden coin to gnaw on. So I rewarded her with a smile in return.
She beamed at me and announced I had smiled at her to the entire room. Even her mom puffed out her chest with pride. Cute.
Harleen was ecstatic and kissed me on the cheek leaving a wet sensation that I immediately grimaced at. Forgive and forget it. She gave you money. She gave you money.
After her lovely introduction, I was surrounded by three small identical boys who kept talking over each other. They introduced themselves as Meng Yuchen, Meng Yucheng, and Meng Yu Sheng. They all sported black hair but only one of them had red eyes. The rest had black eyes.
Much like their mother they also gave me toys that most would consider to be weapons and inappropriate for infants. A throwing star with blunted edges, a retractable knife, and a tiny hammer. I gave them a small smirk too. After I took my presents. Payment upon delivery.
The second-to-last child to see me was Druvis's child. His black hair and red eyes were completely in favor of the duke, but his ears were pointed just like his mother's. He was not a gentle, kind boy. He wasn't even a spoiled brat with a heart of gold.
He was an asshole much like his father.
"Fugly if you ask me."
"..."
A pin could've dropped and it would have echoed throughout that room. I blinked once. Then twice. Then I did what any sane level headed person would do. I bonked him on the head with the hammer I was just gifted. It even made a cute squeak sound when it met his forehead.
Squeak!
"..."
The room stayed silent for a millisecond before erupting into hysterical laughter. Even my asshole parents and their harem of wives jeered at the boy.
Who was progressively growing redder by the second?
Tomato alert.
"Oh, it's ok."
His mother tried to coax him but he pushed her away and kicked over my bassinet.
It was too quick.
Hell proceeded to break loose. I headed towards the floor and held onto the bassinet for dear life. Then I was caught or rather the bassinet was caught. A small girl held the bassinet with all her strength and kept it raised over her head. Pointed ears and blonde hair. I bet that bastard is her brother.
Whatever she's helping me. Did I hear a crack?
Erichean helped her raise me out of the cradle and out of danger. Naithe snatched me from the bassinet and held me close to her heart, which had left behind its steady pace in favor of a frantic one. She hugged me close to her and, for once, tried to give me some semblance of affection in my three months of life.
A harsh smack sounded and I looked over through Naithe's hair to see it. Tough love.
Probably child abuse but I'm not sure It'd be wise to say that right now.
"Despicable and unrepentant! Absurd. An absolute disgrace. I order you to your room. You shall be confined for the rest of this year and your allowance halved."
"Father!"
Druvis cried out."Husband! Derrick was—"
"You may address me as your grace. Guards! Escort him."
The Duke had him sent to his room and Druvis followed after her son. Completely abandoning her daughter who had saved my life. The tiny girl seemed resigned to watching her mother leave.
She's just a toddler. Wait. She's—I think she's bleeding. I pointed towards her, snapped furiously, and got Erichean's attention. He caught on to what I was looking at and called for medical attention.
Men and women in long mint green gowns burst through the doors. They checked on me first to my chagrin and confusion. She's injured. Help her!
They deemed me healthy and lively before finally moving on to her. Poor thing. Her hands seemed to be seriously injured after the fall and a doctor took her away.
The celebration ended shortly after that. It was late anyway but Niathe was incensed.
"A completely fine celebration ruined by that boy! What a punk. How is Druvis disciplining him?"
Naithe refused to put me down after that and personally carried me to my new room. That's right. An official member of the family gets their very own room in this mansion after they turn three months old. Which is also when they're given the family name.
I am officially a Duccanes. The name is nice but the room…This room is amazing.
It was like an observatory. A glass circular ceiling showcased the stars and moons in the night sky. A golden bassinet was set against one of the walls, and a white fur rug decorated the floor. Golden accents and depictions of rabbits were everywhere. It was heaven and leagues ahead of my old room.
All of my presents had been carried in by Helen and placed in a little treasure chest on the desk by the bassinet. All except my rattle. That remained glued to my hand.
The ones given to me by my extended family were stored in a different room.
Back to the present. Heh. Get the pun. Whatever. Funny to me.
Currently, Naithe was fuming with me in her arms. Her dress swished across the rug and her arms were full of me. Despite the riveting show she was putting on I still had my reservations against her. I mean…you just met me. You can't be that angry about a childish squabble between your stepson and unfamiliar daughter.
My nanny, Helen, and Lillie listened to her rant in silence. Until a knock sounded at the door.
A young woman softly but firmly spoke. "Mistress Heart, Solomon, Widbey, and Meng are requesting an audience. Madam, how would you like to proceed?"
Niathe bounced me on her hip as she pondered. Finally, she concluded.
"Have them sit in the waiting room for half of an incense stick. I will be waiting in the receiving room. That's where you will send the ones who remain after that period."
"Understood Madam."
Niathe gave the others a look and they headed to this receiving room. It was grand and had soft blue couches. Ooh, throw pillows. The artsmanship on the upholstery and furniture is exquisite.
Niathe sat down and we waited there. For what seemed like an hour.
Then someone outside knocked on the doors of the room and announced the entrance of all of the previous mistresses. Guess they're really serious about this if they waited an hour. I'm bored out of my mind.
"Come in."
All four gorgeous women filtered into the room and sat down on the couch adjacent to us. Varying expressions rested on their faces. Whether they were true or not. That was up to them.
Druvis looked distraught and remorseful.
Dorothea had red anxious eyes that suggested she had been crying.
Meng Jialin looked a little concerned until she saw me happily playing with the rattle she gave me. Yup. No one could pry it from my hand.
Now Hadrian just looked like she was having a stroll in the park. She is completely unbothered from her seat on the settee she's occupying and only interested in watching a show.
A fencesitter or an instigator?
Druvis spoke first. "You have my deepest apologies and I take full responsibility for this incident. I have never felt such shame before and I humbly ask that you exact a punishment on me."
She fell to her knees in front of Niathe and me. That's not a request, is it? That's moral kidnapping.
Niathe silently stroked my head and bounced me on her lap.
No one spoke for a hot minute until Dorothea offered her two sense. "Niathe. Please take mercy on Druvis. Allow her some leniency on account of our sisterhood." Mediator.
"..."
Meng Jialin spoke on Niathe's behalf. "That's easy for you to say. Had it been your child, could you have been so lenient, Dory?" Instigator.
"I was just saying…"
Hadrian giggled. "Then say less sister. Say nothing at all. We know you possess the ability. Practice some more propriety in the future." Fencesitter and shit-stirrer.
Dorothea looked ashamed and embarrassed at being read to filth by the ladies. Niathe allowed everyone to have their piece and they did. Back and forth they argued over how they should deal with the incident.
Dorothea thought that Derrick had been punished enough and anything further would disrupt the family harmony. Although it is disappointing seeing her be so indifferent. If that's the word for it. I don't think I want any other form of justice mettled out on my behalf. I just want to be left alone.
Also, what are you waiting for Niathe? It's become obvious from my position on her lap that she's gauging their reactions. Waiting for something to pop out.
Meng Jialin supported Niathe on the surface and insisted that the boy receive harsh guidance. In other words. Corporal punishment. Which I'm not a fan of having been disciplined that way too.
Hadrian's watching too. Hmm. Strange. She's trying not to be obvious about it but I can see her eyes lingering on them.
Druvis kneeled silently throughout the entire ordeal with her head bowed in shame.
"Enough."Niathe stopped the argument and regained control of the room.
"On account of your daughter…I will reluctantly reduce the degree of the punishment. There will be no second chances and no rebuttals. I will punish you with ceding prized possessions to me. Your harp, the unknown egg, and ten thousand gold paid in full to me by the end of the year. Get up and leave us."
Druvis's breath caught in her throat but eventually, she nodded and got off her knees. I can't believe she's just been sitting there that entire time. Wearing a ball gown no less.
"Understood. Thank you for your forgiveness."
"Thank Eris and leave." Eris? That must be her daughter.
"..."
Druvis bowed and left after that. The other women stayed to chat with Niathe and I was slowly lulled to sleep by their hushed conversations.
"Merchants from Rand came today to engage in trade. They seem to be in dire need of over two million liters of water."
"How long will they be staying and what are they offering?"
"The usual. Monster hides, crystals, etc. Special drops from the dungeons in Roynar. I can sense their need is urgent and that their patience is running thin. How should we respond?"
"Offer them a bargain for a unique item or better yet a rare hatchling. Price hatchlings at one thousand liters. Special drops and unique items are acceptable. I trust you can judge for yourself."
"The cut…"
This is a strange world I live in. Hatchlings, dungeons, and monsters?
When I woke up again I was safe and sound in my cradle. That now had ornaments hanging from it including a throwing star. I smiled and tried to sit up. It was hard work but with plenty of practice, I eventually lifted my big head and upper body so I could play with the dangerous baby mobile.
Maybe it'll fall one day and—
A gasp startled me and I looked around to see who it belonged to.
Niathe and Sarabse were standing to my right watching everything that had just happened.
"My lady!"
"That's my daughter."
I was given much praise and accolades for sitting up on my own. My first reward for such progress was my very own milk bottle. Thank god.
My first bit of independence.
It was real milk too. That was probably from some cow or goat. I did not care. No more booby milk. Life continued with occasional visits from my bastard father and my stepmoms. Druvis and her children never visited me though. Not even to apologize. For good reason.
Safe to say all of my caretakers were less than pleased with them. Her Royal Highness even less so.
But I did see my half-siblings visit from time to time. They played with me and brought me exciting glimpses of the outside world. Erichean however taught me a valuable skill. How to read.
He didn't mean to. He had been reading me storybooks before bed every other night for about a month. Bunny jumping over the moon. The four kingdoms. The Adventures of the Purple Witch.
Slowly I started to connect the words with what he said. Eventually, I could read the books by myself. Which impressed that bastard father of mine. He even tried to take credit for himself by saying that it was due to his innate astuteness that I inherited that allowed me to read so early. I turned around and ignored his mad ravings.