The Queen explains the contest to the public and the crowd is stimulated. A young vampire from the far side boldly asks.
"Does that mean anyone who wins can become the princess's guardian, baptist Acolyte, or nanny?"
The Queen peers down at me and I whisper in her ear. She nods and proclaims to the crowd.
"Yes. The Princess will decide but she's more likely to be partial to the winner of the contest."
"When does the contest start and what are you testing?"
The Queen looks at me. I repeat the process of whispering in her ears and tell her my thoughts.
"Talent. If she takes an interest in your talent then you'll win. Even if you're not the strongest, smartest, or fastest."
"Can there be only one winner?"
"Yes."
I tug at her hair. She raises an eyebrow and leans down again.
"There can be only one winner. However, the princess is generous enough to consider hiring a tutor or two from the contestants. A lifelong position."
The crowd erupted again and hushed whispers started.
The Duke quietly tried to calm our momentum. "Your majesty. If it pleases you I have already arranged for a tutor for my daughter."
"Are they among the crowd?"
"Well yes."
"Then they can also participate and earn their position. Wonderful. We shall hold the contest immediately!"
The Queen sent word to the palace for nannies and guards from the Crimson Army to participate. Crown Princess Azrian gawked as the Queen completely pushed over the Duke and turned my birthday into a bloodbath.
Everyone and their mother wanted to participate in the contests.
I wasn't quite sure why until the Penguin explained it to me.
[Being a hand to Fae royalty is regarded as a significant honor within the social structure. Nannies often have the authority to recommend lower servants from their households to the royal family, creating a valuable connection between the two parties.]
[These nannies typically maintain a close relationship with their charges, leading to generous rewards for their dedicated services.]
[In addition, Guardians possess similar recommending abilities, with the added advantage of being considered for Knighthood. Only Fae royalty holds the power to knight an individual, granting both physical and social privileges to those honored in this way.]
[Acolytes play a crucial role in noble society as well; those capable of baptizing royalty can attract substantial donations and enhance the popularity of their temple. The baptism of a royal child is often a politically motivated decision, with the parents making long-term commitments of support to the temple that performed the ceremony.]
[Lastly, tutors are similarly positioned as some of the closest individuals to the royal family, alongside nannies and acolytes. The decision to hire a tutor is frequently influenced by political considerations, making it not only a lucrative choice but also a source of considerable pride for those involved.]
Did I do something wrong?
[You did something rash. Your rules apply to anyone. So now anyone can fill one of the roles above.]
Which is a…?
[Bad thing. If they're incompetent or have bad intentions towards you.]
Oh.
"What a bright child Niathe. To come up with all of that in her little head."
Niathe replies in a dangerously low tone."I know. I might have to crack her open and take a peek inside after this."
"…"
My eyes bulge and I bury myself in the Queen's hair. Holy shit she's going to kill me.
I whisper in her long pointed ear."Don't let her do that."
She played along and whispered back."I'm not in control after I leave."
"Don't leave."
"I'm sure you'll be fine."
"I'm positive that she's not joking. Don't leave me alone with her."
Her majesty's shoulders shake and she pats my head reassuringly. It's rough and makes me dizzy but I can tell she's trying to be nice. It's not helping.
The people from the palace arrived sometime later that evening. The party was in full swing and getting somewhat out of control.
But on the upside. I got to choose the winners of the Gift Giving ceremony.
In first place was Harleen. She made a killing in smaller bets that she had made with other noble children and with some adults.
Surprisingly in second place was Dorothea. Yeah, I know. She got me a large book on the gods and goddesses of this world. I suspect that Erichean helped her cheat.
In third place was Meng Jialin. She got me a large enchanted saber from the Sand Kingdom. She toasted me from across the room and I waved at her.
I wonder what Niathe got me?
The Queen eventually got bored of holding me and passed me to Azrian. Who used me like a stress ball while her mother stirred up some more trouble.
"You're definitely one of us alright. Do you know how much of a commotion this is going to kick up? How much…"
She ranted in my ear and I tuned her out.
Illyria had stepped up onto a table to address the crowd and explain the rules. Below her, my mother was sitting down next to Druvis and writing down a signup sheet furiously. Every few seconds I could feel her heated gaze on my back and my entire body would shudder.
Oh yeah. I'm dead. At least the Queen is impressed with me.
At a different table Hadrian, Harley, and Meng Jialin are writing down more bets on large pieces of paper. Some of the other kids joined in to help them too.
Dorothea, the Duke, Derrick, and His parents sat together at a different table away from the ruckus. They're the wet blankets of tonight.
That's right. His parents had shown up. Right around the time, the people from the palace had. They were informed of the contest on the spot and they almost fainted from the shock.
Oops.
They greeted me briefly, gave me a present, and then charged towards their son. He's still getting reamed right now.
I think I may have made a mistake.
[You think?]
"Daughter!"
Azrian's head whipped up and she moaned mournfully. I could hear her stomach churn anxiously. I angled myself away from her in disgust. Sorry dude. Didn't know you had anxious bowel movements. Azrian stalked towards her mother who snatched me out of her grip as soon as she was able to.
"The Competition for the Princess's Nanny shall commence. One at a time. All shall present a talent before Her Highness. You have twenty minutes at most. Begin."
The Queen held me in her arms and I patted her arm. "Can I be put down for now? I can stand perfectly well."
"Of course."
The Queen hopped off the table and it creaked. She then set me down where she had been standing. I stood up on my own two feet and stared up at the contestants.
One by one men and women of all ages showed off a special skill to me. The first was a young fairy woman. Her light pink hair was thrown up in a cute updo and her wings twitched every few seconds.
She stuttered and switched feet nervously. "My name is Julia. My skill is healing. Please observe your highness."
She took a small live rabbit from a cage and without further ado slit its throat. My eyes bulged and I watched in horror as she healed it with her glowing hand.
Jesus. That was…
The Queen clapped and complimented her."Marvelous skill! Great contender! You should be very proud of yourself Julia."
Julia bowed nervously with a small smile and left with a traumatized rabbit in her hand.
Nope. Not it. That was so far left. What the fuck?
"Next!"
The next few contenders were much like Julia. They assumed cruelty was the way to my heart. And let me tell you. It. Is. Not.
I mean sure it was cool in a gory way that she could heal so well. But wow. Just wow!
"You look amazed."
"I am."