'Sammantha'
Jonathan was nowhere in Sight upon my Arrival to The West Wing. I let out a Sigh of Relief. "This Gives me Time to Enlighten Layra." I Think to my SELF.
Giving The GUARD a brief nod, I Enter. Squeals of Laughter and Delight fill my ears as I Approach The Nursery.
"Oh!! You got me!" I Hear Layra groan as she stumbles dramatically around the room before collapsing finally atop the plush sofa, The Children Giggling endlessly per her Performance. I Smile and Begin to Applaud.
Layra's face goes red, as she immediately picks herself up and smooths out her dress. "Your Majesty!" She Exclaims, curtsying.
"Do not Be embarrassed." I Say. "It is Good to See such Enjoyment. Their Childlike Wonder will only last but for so long."
She nods in Understanding.
"Let us Speak." I Say, ushering her Toward a small table with seating. "Layra." I Begin in a hushed whisper. "Have you Spoken to anyone regarding your Purpose here?"
"No, my QUEEN." She replies.
"GOOD." I take a Deep Breath. "Going Forth, you will Be Known as 'Sammantha'. Your Role is to Serve The QUEEN as Personal Handmaiden. You will Fetch my Meals, Prepare my Wardrobe, and Ensure Security when it Comes to my Room here in The West Wing. This is the Official Story."
"Understood, your Grace." She responds.
"Of course, in between these miniscule tasks, you will Be Responsible for Maintaining The Children when it Comes to Food and Clothing. You will have Freedom within The West Wing. The Courtyard is Accessible to you and The Children only. No one will Be Allowed to Enter outside of my SELF and you. Over Time, I will Provide you with Additional Necessities as these Arise. This includes Education, Wardrobe, and Other miscellaneous items for you and The Children. I will Personally Be Educating The Children every Afternoon Beginning Tomorrow. The remaining six Children will Be Arriving shortly. Do you have any Questions?"
"I Do not, my QUEEN." Layra Confidently responds.
"Good. I must Gather the Others." I Rise and exit The West Wing to await Jonathan.
After several Moments, a horde of unruly Children come bounding into View. Jonathan is desperately Attempting to wrangle the large brood, but to very little avail. A small Infant struggles in his arms. The GUARD's eyes Light up with a glimpse of Slight Humor before steeling himself once again. I Smirk Silently at The Scene Approaching.
"Your Grace." Jonathan heavily Breathes. "Allow me to Introduce YOU."
I nod.
"Line up Children." He Commands. "Eldest to youngest. That's it. Good, Good." The Children stagger into a poor excuse of a line as Jonathan Proceeds, Beginning with the Eldest Child. "Keegan, Age 4. Petyr, Age 3. Twin Brother to Rudd, also Age 3. This is Shae, Age 2. Tully, Age 1. And Reya, our youngest at three quarters of a Year."
He hands me the Infant Child, Bundled loosely. My HEART squeezes.
"And what of their Mothers?" I Ask.
"All Whores." He States bluntly.
"Any troubles?" I respond.
"None." He replies.
"GOOD. I would like to Arrange a Personal Private Visit. Schedule a Day and Time to Discuss further Matters with ALL of them Together. Pay them Handsomely." I Say.
"Yes, my QUEEN." Jonathan bows his head.
"You are dismissed."
Jonathan Gladly turns and leaves the chaotic Situation.
"Come along, Children." I Smile. "Let us ALL Meet your New Caretaker, 'Sammantha'."
The Children Gather round and toddle Forward into The West Wing.
Layra's eyes widen at the overwhelming Sight of the young Children, as we Enter The Nursery.
"Here we are, 'Sammantha'." I Say before Introducing each Child.
"It would Appear that you may Need additional Help. I will Find a Way to Arrange for Live-in Assistance. In the Meantime, you may Call upon Seamus in Times of Need. During this Transition, my Personal Requirements will Be Minimized to Meals only. Simply leave a covered plate on The Buffet for me to Be Received in The Dining Room as I am Able."
"Thank you, my QUEEN." She Gracefully responds.
I nod in Acknowledgement. "I have Other Matters to Attend to Presently." I conclude. "Farewell, Children. Mind 'Sammantha'."