Chapter 2: The Gossip Centre

Every queen needed a lady-in-waiting like Emily Harper. A pleasant countenance, a bright smile that flashed white pearly teeth proudly, a chirpy laughter and incessant chatter. Emily Harper had everything at her fingertips, even the number of moles on the Queen's face.

She was a decade older than Queen Mia and was like a big sister to the Queen. Emily Harper commanded the servants of the Queen. She was also one of the court ladies. She was also the Queen's confidante. Her presence was ubiquitous.

"So I have heard," she whispered to the Queen. "Of the ten men that have arrived to vie for your love, two are royalty. There is Darren, the Prince of Azur. Then there is Russell, Prince of Ivory, though I must say he is a tad too young for you."

"Royalty or not, it is not important." Mia waved her hand in the air. "What is important is his character."

"Aye aye. But I reckon that looks are important too. I have ranked them in terms of their handsomeness." Emily Harper took out a scroll and presented to the Queen.

"Interesting. Is this your newfound hobby? Ranking men by their looks!"

"My Queen, I have a a few ranking systems, from looks to abilities." Emily winked.

"Let me take a look at your findings."

Mia unrolled the scroll and began reading out the names.

"I see you have your favourites." Mia smiled.

"Of course I do. My top three for best looking will be Peter Black, the tall dark and handsome, followed by Prince Darren, the eternal sunshine, and lastly Robert Brown, the enigmatic poet."

Mia burst out laughing. "Surely that is highly exaggerated!"

"I would recommend my overall top three contenders for your affection, taking into account their abilities, looks and purported character." Emily Harper unrolled another scroll.

"Looks like Prince Darren has again made it into the list." Mia pointed out.

"He's a hard one to miss. Someone I would highly recommend."

"Ah I see there is a new addition to your favourites. Someone by the name of Clement."

"Famous physician from our neighbouring land. Gentle, compassionate and incredibly useful."

"I wouldn't classify people based on usefulness," Mia gave a disapproving look.

"That's why you need me around," Emily laughed.

Queen Mia went through the names Emily had scribbled on different scrolls: Darren the Great, Peter Black, Robert Brown, Russell White, Clement Flynn.

There were five others that she had not mentioned.

The name "Gale Forrest" stood up from the rest. "I remember a Gale Forrest from my childhood days. I think he was living in the palace as a child. I am glad he survived the pandemic."