New Heir

Daphne whirled around to spot her mother watching her, a look of abject disapproval on her face. Daphne then realized that she was still kneeling on the ground after her near-drowning experience, and hurriedly got up with mild embarrassment. 

It was too late for her to escape from what was sure to be an uncomfortable encounter with her own mother. 

Queen Anette pursed her lips at the inelegance displayed by her oldest daughter as she stumbled to her feet, brushing grass stains off the silk of her dress. Beside her, her bird-like companion hovered over her protectively, as though he expected her to fall back to the ground. 

Anette couldn't help but judge her daughter's taste in companions and her lack of ambition.