Daliah

"An Arrangement." An auburn-haired Beauty scoffs. "We have already Given you our Children. What more could you possibly want?" She glares.

"I Do not Know what has Been Discussed Privately between you and the two Gentlemen, but I can Assure your Children are Safe and Well-Cared for." I firmly respond.

"Well-Cared for?" A Woman with golden blonde hair Challenges. "As opposed to us?"

"Would you rather See them dead?" I cooly reply.

I am met with Silence.

"GOOD." I continue. "They are Being kept Safely tucked away in their own Private Quarters. They will Be Receiving a minimum of three warm Meals per Day, a Proper Education. I will Raise them as I would my own."

Hushed murmurs travel across the room.

"But what about us? Their TRUE Mothers?" Shae's Mother chimes in.

"I am Prepared to Offer you a Deal." I Bargain.

"What Deal? I have no Interest in your Way of Life." The Gorgeous Woman who previously escorted me to Medonia and Setine steps Forward.

"No. I would not Assume so." I calmly reply. "However, your Talents are of much use to me. If you Choose to Be my eyes and ears amongst The Village, I will Allow you Visits. Children Need their Mothers."

A wave of Excitement Gathers.

"And Should we Refuse?" She Questions, raising a brow.

"Then I will Protect them nonetheless."

"I Accept." She Answers.

"As for the rest of you?" I Ask the remaining Women. "Do you Accept?"

Quiet nods and a chorus of "Yes" and "I Accept" fills the room.

"GOOD." I State. "I Look Forward to Expanding The QUEENDOM Together. Without you, our Village will burn."

Eyes go wide with the Admission of my last Statement. Realization blankets the TRUTH of the Situation. Shae's Mother hesitates before breaking the Silence.

"My QUEEN." She chews her bottom lip. "Are our Children TRULY in danger?" She casts her eyes to the floor.

"More than either of us Know." I reply. "The Northern Kingdom wants The Eldest Daughters for his own. Your Children would play their part as collateral damage should His initial plan fall through."

"Could you Explain exactly what you are Saying. We are not as Well-Educated." The Raven-haired Woman Speaks. "Clearly.." She Breathes.

"Simply put?" I Begin. "The Northern King Desires to forcefully Wed the Eldest Daughters to His Sons. This will Ensure His full Control over our QUEENDOM. He Does not care for consequences or loose ends. Should He Succeed, your Children will Be captured.. and murdered.." I shiver and Breathe. "He is.. ruthless." I Finish.

One Woman lets out a short sob. I clear my throat.

"I am Truly Sorry.. I Know the king Did not Consider the consequences to his Actions. However, I Will Place My Self in the Role of Responsibility to Ensure the Safety of your Children. And, I Will Do My Best to Incorporate you into their Lives." I swallow. "It was never My Intention to take away your Children, but I must Do what is Best for our QUEENDOM. And when The Northern King has Been Defeated, you will Be Offered a Position to Remain at The Estate with your Children."

"But what about the Gentlemen who Spoke with us prior?" The Auburn-haired Beauty Asked.

"They are not to Be Trusted." I replied bluntly.

The Women nodded.

"I must Be getting back." I Say. "Are there any additional concerns?"

"No, your Majesty. We Understand and Will Provide whatever you Need to Protect our Children." Shae's Mother States.

"GOOD. Thank you for your Time. Await my Letter."

The Women curtsy, as I move to Gather my cloak about my Self. I turn to the Chestnut Beauty.

"Will you Escort me out?"

She nods, moving toward the hallway. I Follow and exit behind her.

In the Reception area, she Speaks. "Will you Send for us Soon, my QUEEN?"

"Yes." I reply. "Thank you for your Hospitality."

She nods. "Have a lovely Evening, your Majesty."

"And you as well."

Upon exiting The Red Flower, I make my Way to Layra's Home. I knock and Daliah Answers the door.

"Your Grace!" She steps aside, gesturing me Forward. "Is all Well with Layra and my Dear Grandchild?"

"Yes, yes, of course, Daliah." I hurriedly respond. "There is no Cause for Concern."

She Breathes a Sigh of Relief before shutting the door. She gestures Toward the Dining Area. "Tea?" Daliah Asks.

"Please." I reply, taking a seat at the small table.

"Good, good." She walks over to the fireplace, removing the hot iron kettle from its hook above the flames, and brings it to the Kitchen.

"And how is Jeremiah?" She Questions, moving busily about the Kitchen. She pours the hot water into a fresh tea pot filled with Jasmine leaves - the aroma Exquisite.

"Very Well, Daliah." I Say. "He is adjusting quite nicely and will Begin his Education Tomorrow."

"Lovely." She Smiles from across the room. Dishes clatter as she lays out the wooden tray. Daliah lifts and carries the tray swiftly to the table. She pours two cups and places one before me along with a small plate of thin crisps. "Cheese crisps." She winks. "These are my favorite nibble." She Laughs in Delight before sitting directly across from me.

"Now." She States. "What is the Purpose of your Visit, your Grace?"

I take a small bite out of the crisp. The flavor Divinely Delicious. "You and Layra have a Gift." I Say.

Her eyes crinkle with her Smile. "Yes. I was Professionally-Trained, but Life had Other Plans for me and my Daughter."

I nod quietly, taking a sip of the tea. "Layra has acquired more Children than I Believe she is capable of Managing all on her Own. She Needs Help with Meals and Schedules."

Daliah chews her crisp Thoughtfully and swallows. "How many?"

"Nine in Total. All five years of age and younger." I Say.

"Good Heavens!" She Exclaims.

"Indeed. It would Be cruel to leave her Be. Which is why I am Here." I Continue. "She Needs you. And I Trust that you will Keep The Children Safe and Alleviate the load for the Time Being."

"I See.." She ponders for a Moment. "And will there be a Proper Stipend? There are debts still to Be Paid."

"It Will Be Arranged." I Commit.

"Very Well, then. I Accept your Offer." She Agrees, taking another bite of her crisp. "Let us Enjoy our tea, and I will shut up the Home to Leave."

I Smile. "GOOD. I Look Forward to Having you There."

We Finish our Tea Time in the Enjoyment of the Other's Company. Once the dishes are cleared and washed, Daliah makes quick work of shuttering the windows and extinguishing the fire. She Gathers a small bag and Fills it with basic Necessities to Carry her Through.

"Appropriations will Be Provided." I Assure her.

"Good." She States. "I am Ready, your Majesty."