A True Masterpiece!!

Aquaris Naiadae Empire

"Hiss!!"

"Tsk," Empress Marisandra clicked her tongue, her frustration palpable as she reached out towards Snowflake, the small snake cradled carefully in the arms of her maid... Celestia, "Why won't this thing come to me?" Her tone was sharp.

Celestia let out an awkward chuckle.

She glanced down at the creature in her arms, its beady eyes watching the Empress with what could only be described as an amused gleam. "Perhaps," she began carefully, choosing her words, "she doesn't appreciate being called a 'thing'… Your Majesty."

The Empress's frown deepened.

Leaning back against the plush cushions of her bed, she sighed, shifting her gaze to the stack of reports waiting for her attention.

'A lot going on… ah,' she mused as her eyes scanned the reports.

But her eyes kept straying to Snowflake, who was now happily entwining itself around Celestia's fingers, completely ignoring the Empress.