Part 79: Week 18
You wander downstairs to visit your father and talk about the latest events in the domain. You're moving with such enthusiasm that you don't realise your father isn't alone until it's too late to avoid him and his... companion.
You are too kind, Joslyn.Countess Sirin. Not a member of your circles - she's a bit more than a decade your senior, far too old to have ever been your friend. And yet, not at all old, as noblewomen go. She has two minor titles, no husband, and your father's arm in her grasp.
How dare she make a move on your father?
You meet her eyes and imagine your mother's disapproving presence behind you.
She notices your stare, but only smiles at you ever-so-sweetly.
Darling Elodie. I hope you have been well.
... Fine. Perhaps we'll be seeing more of each other in the future.She gives a little wave and exits. Once she's gone, you raise an eyebrow at your father.
This is the path that you have set us on.
What do you mean? Your acts have made everyone think about preparations for the future. Caloris needs an heir. My brother, your uncle Armand, is looking for a wife as well. One of us, at least, must produce more children.
But... Mama... Nothing can ever replace your mother. But we all have to do things that we don't want to do. ...
You should be careful how you deal with people like Sirin. You need the goodwill of your nobles as well as your commoners.
There haven't been any problems so far. As Queen, you must be aware of everything around you.
(I am paying attention to what's around me!)
Pssst! I need to talk to you!
What is it? That priestess, Selene... She's a Lumen! I can sense it! I know. What do you mean, you know? If you knew that, why didn't you tell me? You didn't need to know. Your job is managing the domain. Some of us have other duties. Our missions have been passed down for centuries, little princess.
We are here to train you. You don't need to know any more than that.
Besides this choice, what should we do about taxes next week (we have over 9100 gold tilasse)?