Harleen walked up to her mother who was standing at attention before the royals. Hadrian was dressed to impress today too. Her blood-red dramatic gown with gold detailing perfectly complemented her cream skin and hair. Beneath the red fabric were several shimmery white layers of fabric. These dresses are otherworldly.
Harley tugged on her mother's dress and whisper-yelled."Mother! I brought the baby."
Hadrian looked behind her and did a double take. "Harley? Nia!" Once she realized I was here she kicked my mother subtly.
Niathe looked down and smiled gently. At me. Intentionally. I scrunch my face up in horror. Ew. What's wrong with her?
She picked me up and regarded me with love in her eyes. A ruse. What is she plotting now?
"Mother. I present to you Miseria."
This cunning asshole turned me around and held me out for her mother to take. Cold long fingers grasped my torso and raised me into the air.
She is so tall.
The Queen is even more intimidating in person. Her face is adorned with white tattoos that cover her forehead and cheeks. Each tattoo features a small gem at its center. Her eyes are unusual as well; instead of typical black pupils, they glow a striking amber. She's so cool.
A tiny whisper escapes my lips without a second thought: "Beautiful."
She smirks."Thank you."
She holds me in her arms and touches my face. Her fingertips linger on my eyelids and lips. She studied me and I did the same.
"Grandma?"
"…"
Crown Princess Azrian made a small noise in her chest. Is she ok?
"Yes, child."
"You don't look very old."
"…"
I remarked thoughtlessly."Can't judge a book by its cover I guess."
She is not what I expected a centuries-old elf to look like. She looks like she's in her early twenties at best. Not a wrinkle or fine line to be seen. What a fountain of youth.
Queen Illyra made a strangled sound."She has your mouth, Nia."
"I assure you it's only reserved for those she deems worthy."
How do I impress her again?
[The Fae often find cruelty respectable and amusing. Do something cruel. But be creative.]
Like what? I already insulted her.
[That's up to you. I don't make the rules.]
I could just picture it raising its fins in a shrug. Yes, you fucking do!
"What are you thinking about?"
"Throttling flightless birds."
"…"
The Queen blinked and patted me on the back. Little heavy handed but she's got the spirit.
"That's an interesting train of thought. Your mother mentioned you had something to share with me. Now is as good a time as any."
"…"
I raised my head and turned to look at her. What did she just say? Niathe smiled sweetly, making my eye twitch.
Just for that.
"She's lying—"
Before I could finish, Niathe hurried to rescue herself. "Ria! Ha ha. You're so funny. Why don't you tell Mother about your interest in a nanny?"
I scoffed at her. "It doesn't exist."
"Miseria."
"Mother."
"…"
I could see vengeance lingering in her eyes, and I raised an eyebrow. So what?
Niathe glanced down and I narrowed my eyes at her. What's wrong with you? She glanced down harder and I paid attention to what she was looking at.
Is that a pouch? A money pouch?! I can see the strings in her hand. She's trying to bribe me!
Her other hand curls and then makes four fingers.
Four. That could mean four hundred.
Fine. I need to do this anyway.
"Grandmother, I would like to choose an Imperial Nanny to supervise me. Would you be open to that? Of course, their salary will be paid in full by my parents."
"Naturally. Do you have anyone in mind, or would you like me to recommend someone?"
Here's my chance.
"I have a novel idea."
"Please, go on."
"What if we hold a contest right now? Whoever wins would have a great chance of becoming my Nanny. We could also allow people to place bets on the candidates to make the contest even more exciting."
[One requirement completed. Congratulations.]
The Queen muses to herself."Don't you have to pick a guardian as well? Can we apply those same principles to that particular ceremony as well?"
The Crown Princess tried to intervene."Mother that might not be—"
"I have to be baptized as well. Might as well apply those rules to Acolyte's choosing as well."
Both of our eyes glowed with excitement. I'm the only deciding factor anyway. What I say goes. So that means…
"Anyone can cast a bet, yes? You wouldn't leave your elder in the dark. No?"
"Of course not. I'd feel more secure if you were right there helping me choose."
Azrian tries to interject."How—"
"For a price. How about ten percent?"
The Queen seals it with a handshake of my tiny hand."Deal. Everyone!"
The music in the room stops and the attendees halt their movements.
"My granddaughter has a suggestion…"