Chapter 34 : I'll call you Cookie.

Nectar and Liam got to the courtyard the same time Reli and 058 did. Reli was all smiles while 058 panted slightly behind her.

Nectar smiled brightly at the pair " Its good to see you Reli. You look a lot better ". Reli smiled, holding out her arm " Of course, I thought about what you said and after giving myself a good scolding, here I am "? Liam seemed a bit confused as to what the two women we're talking about but stayed quiet [ Women are very complicated. Best not to speak ]

Nectar tilted her head trying to look at the blonde behind her " And who is this "? Reli beamed again, pushing 058 forward " This is 058, my sister, best friend and loyal maid all the way from the Southern camps ". Nectar looked at her then Liam, speaking sweetly " Awwn, like a little female Liam ".

Liam scrunched his nose slightly as he glared at Nectar. Nectar avoided his gaze and giggled as she saw the girl behind Reli withdraw " Oh, don't mind him 058. He's just grumpy ".

058 bowed low " This servant is unworthy of an apology my empress ". Reli however pushed 058 forward, walking the remaining few steps herself " Can you do me a favor sister? Pretty pretty please ".

Nectar laughed again [ She really is a ray of sunshine ] and nodded " Alright, if its something I can do, I'll do it ". Reli squealed with excitement as she held unto one of Nectar's hands.

058 turned pale and was about to reprimand her miss but Nectar didn't seem irritated with the sudden contact and even smiled [ Oddly reminds me of Lady Maria ] shaking the thought away, she couldn't believe what her Miss's request was.

" I was hoping my Sister, my lovely one of a kind empress would grace this servant of mine with a name ". 058 blinked several times [ Reli really is daring. What if she wants my head instead? ]

But Nectar had a warm smile on her face as she patted her cheek " You say such sweet things, how am I supposed to refuse you "? Reli smile became broader as she suddenly hugged Nectar " Your amazing, thank you very much Sister ".

058 lost her color completely and nearly fainted. She felt just like the moment she found out Reli was the commander's daughter but only now, she wasn't sure whether she'd still be able to keep her head [ This girl is gonna be the death of me ]

But again Nectar didn't show any sign of discomfort as she hugged her back, " Its nice to see you happy Reli, but I think we should get 058 a chair. She seems very pail ". 058 quickly got herself and bowed low " This servant is unworthy of such a grace, I'm fine your majesty ".

Nectar nodded " If you say so. Come closer, let me get a good look at you ". 058 was suddenly stiff and rooted in place [ Is this how my life ends? ]

Reli however pushed her over, supporting her back " I'm sorry about her. She gets shy around new people ". Nectar nodded and started to feel 058's face with her slightly cold hands.

058 nearly collapsed if Reli wasn't supporting her. Nectar knew this girl from her past life. Just like Reli's family, she was grieved about her death and felt something was wrong.

She was actually among a few called Tune strainers who had the ability to control people and make illusions with the power of music. She'd actually tried to kill Eros a few times and was almost successful.

Though she dealt some damage, she suddenly disappeared after two years and was never heard or seen in Lishflour again. Though Nectar knew who she was, she didn't tell anyone.

Mostly because they wouldn't listen and she found it endearing, how incessant she was, even at the cost of her life. But now, Reli was going to live and she was going to make sure nothing went wrong since she needed them and the powers they represented and because Reli was now officially her friend.

058 could barely breath as Nectar moved her fingers all over her face. They were surprisingly soft, though a little rough and a bit cold [ To be touched by the empress herself, I must be dreaming ]

Then Nectar's hands suddenly stopped moving over her cheeks and she smiled " Let's call you Cookie. 058 do you like that name "? 058 was slightly dazed by her smile and stammered " O....of course. I I'm honored my empress ".

Reli clapped excitedly " A wise choice, Only sister empress can come up with it ". Nectar laughed to herself [ Her hair just reminds me of cookie dough ] Then August suddenly appeared next to her " What's a cookie Sister Qidu "?

Nathaniel nodded in agreement, patting his tummy " It sounds delicious ". Nectar laughed " You're right Nate and we'll make it another day but this is Reli's best friend and her name's Cookie as well ".

They all greeted Reli's sister respectfully, leaving her shocked and red from embarrassment [ I'm not dreaming? ] Then they had lunch together a little while later.

Newly named Cookie was surprised at the setting. It wasn't one of those stuffy royal meals she'd become accustomed to but had life as the kids talked excitedly at the table about random things.

Though adamant, she was made to sit as well as two other servants who seemed familiar to her. It again reminded her of meals in the military camp, when Reli's brother would act like savages making their mother yell at them.

Cookie prayed a silent prayer as she looked over at Reli who had a carefree sincere smile on her face as she spoke with Nectar [ May Reli's smile never leave her again. May her new friend be blessed and help her rediscover herself once more ]