Chapter 12 : Welcome to Morning Court.
Nectar had decided she was not gonna plan the stupid party but let the unsuspecting Concubines [ Free unsuspecting labour here I come ]. She'd left Liam with the kids since she was still a bit jittery from yesterday's surprise visit.
She was in a puffy pink gown with a high collar, she matched it with long black gloves. Her hair was in curls and she had precious jewels and a black crown on. The trumpets sounded as she tried to walk in majestically.
The twenty or so women rose and bowed low holding up their skirts " Greetings to the empress, the sky that protects the dragon's domain ". Nectar smiled, walking towards the large white throne at the end of the room.
She sat looking down at the women still bowing " Rise my sisters ". They took their seats and Nectar beamed at them " I hope you all slept well. If you have any issues or complaints, please speak now ".
A lady in a large puffy cream dress got up. She had orange hair and menacing brown eyes " I hope that my empress can give me justice on an issue ". Nectar nodded, motioning for her to go on and she started crying " Consort Reli has accused me of stealing from her when it's actually the other way around ".
The ladies were quiet and Nectar turned the other way " Does Consort Reli have someone to say "? The woman got up, glaring at the woman . She had brown hair and red eyes ," Consort Lily has taken my mother's hairpin from me. It may not seem as much but its is mine ".
Lily cried harder, nearly collapsing while Reli was unfazed, so everyone sided with Lily. Nectar sighed " Where is the hairpin in question "? Lily removed it from her hair carefully.
It was shaped like a butterfly with crystal like rainbow wings. It also looked very fragile as well. It was beautiful with a gold plated rim and silver eyes and antennae. Lily handed it over to Nectar while Reli clenched her fists.
Nectar examined it, careful not to break it. She turned to Reli " Do you have any particular proof of ownership Sister Reli "? She gritted her teeth, shaking her head and she turned to Lily " And this belongs to Sister Lily "?
She nodded, trying to look pitiable and Nectar smiled lazily " Since we can't prove who owns this. The answer is simple.... Destroy it ". They all gasped but Reli collapsed to the floor.
Lily on the other hand was beaming " Your majesty is right in her judgement ". Reli screamed loud on her knees pleading " My empress please. I was wrong it belongs to Sister. I accept punishment, please be merciful in judgement ".
Lily resisted the urge to roll her eyes while Reli was pleading. Nectar got up the throne playing with the hairpin " Is there a particular reason Sister Reli won't let me destroy it "? Reli shook her head looking down " Its such a pretty thing your majesty, be a shame to break it, don't you think "?
The room was silent and only Nectar's footsteps could be heard as she approached the two in the center of the room. " You are right, so we must give it to the rightful owner ". Nectar placed the hairpin in Reli's hair. The woman looked up, her makeup was ruined and she seemed confused.
Lily's face was distorted and she began yelling " I think you made a mistake. It is mine ". Nectar turned to her playing with the woman's locks " How would you feel if you lost your precious locks sister? Would you not be able to identify them ? Would you allow the thief go free "?
She looked down, avoiding Nectar's gaze " My empress is right, I would be upset and be able to recognize my hair but I could forgive the thief ". Nectar nodded, letting go of the hair " Sister's spirit of forgiveness is virtuous but it is not my virtue ".
No one was able to react in time as Nectar split the woman's hair off. She didn't cut off much but it was obvious it was cut and rather poorly. Lily was dazed but Nectar held her chin making her look at her " I don't take well to people who try and trick me Sister. But since you were unsuccessful, you will simply compensate Consort Reli then you will be on house arrest thinking about what you did and write the Lantern mantras ".
Nectar helped Reli to her feet as Lily looked down at her hair " Sister will not come out until her beautiful locks have grown back. You are allowed to visit and give your best wishes, nothing more. Understood "?
They all bowed low " Understood your majesty. We thank you for your mercy ". Nectar nodded and skipped back to her throne. Lily was about to leave but Nectar spoke coldly " Sit. we have something important to discuss and I won't repeat myself ".
Lily sat rigidly now uncomfortable and Nectar motioned to the seat on her right directly opposite to Athena who had been watching the whole time. Reli sat down fingering her hairpin happily .
Nectar began " His majesty, the emperor has informed me of the necessity of a celebration, a ball of some sort and I would like your help as I'm not familiar with Lishflour customs ".
The ladies murmured excitedly while Athena fisted her hands [ What is this bumpkin up to now ?] She already knew about the party since it was her idea in the first place and Eros had agreed with her.
She knew Nectar would ask for her help and she could thoroughly embarrass her and save the day but she didn't expect this. Nobles never asked for help willingly and this ask for help didn't seem commanding in any way.
Nectar continued " I hope that you all can help me. All ideas will be taking into consideration, credit and rewards will also be given accordingly ".[ Easily tricked Barbie dolls, do my bidding ]
Lily raised her hands sheepishly " Will this consort also be able to contribute "? Nectar nodded " Of course but you'll have to hope for a full head of hair if you wish to attend ". The woman nodded slowly, now also excited to contribute.
Since there was nothing else to say, the ladies were dismissed all excited to help and possibly catch Eros' attention, even Lily who was carrying her cut hair behind her. Nectar walked out happily, stretching out her hands [ I can finally play with my little adorable kids ].