Chapter 24 : Ask Away.

Everyone was caught off guard, even Fauna and Tera were surprised. Nectar scooped up more jam to her mouth while Liam spoke through clenched teeth " We didn't talk about this ".

Nectar smiled smugly, like she'd just outsmarted an enemy " I know, I just thought I'd do it anyway ". Jewlica was however silently studying the two servants.

August seemed excited " Really, they're ours "? Nectar frowned slightly wagging her finger " That's not a very nice thing to say Auggie and they're not property ".

August nodded, like he'd remembered something important but Mario squinted at Nectar " Why would you do that? Are you sending us away "? Nectar laughed softly " You're too paranoid for a 10 year old Rio. Do you really think I'd go through so much work if I wanted to "?

Mario seemed to understand her logic and nodded, backing down. June was holding back tears as she scrunched her black skirt " You're not really sending us away Sister Qidu, Are you ?Don't be mad at us, we'll behave ".

Nectar was dumbfounded but gave June a side hug since they sat next to each other " Of course not JJ. Whose gonna sing with the birds every morning to wake me up if you go "? June shook her head, calming down " I dunno ".

Nectar smiled " Its always gonna be you JJ. Don't let Mario get to you ". Then she whispered in her ear " You know how he can be sometimes ". That made June giggle as she whispered back to Nectar " He can be a wet blanket sometimes ".

Nectar nodded, like she was surprised by the news and put a finger to her mouth " It'll be our little secret, no need to tell anyone else ". June covered her mouth playfully and nodded, back to her joyful mood.

Reli was impressed by how quickly she did damage control. She wasn't entirely sure how Nectar had being taking care of these kids when Liam was taking care of her but she seemed to know what she was doing.

Nectar turned to the two servants " Do you wish to serve and accompany these children of mine "? The two nodded and bowed. Then they bit their thumbs until it bled and put a cross on their right wrist and a circle on their foreheads and spoke at once " We solemnly swear to take care of whatever our empress's children need, to make them happy even at the cost of our lives ".

The kids didn't necessarily understand what was going on but the adults knew. Nectar felt a lot more at ease now as well, they'd made one of the most sacred oaths in the entire Crepart Continent where their empire was located.

To break such an oath was uncommon but from what she'd heard, defaulters usually lived worse than death. Sickness, nightmares, demons. The effect usually varied according to the oath broken so it was nicknamed CHAINS OATH.

Fauna and Tera turned serious as the blood glowed a slight orange and disappeared into their skin. Jewlica suddenly started clapping as if she understood the importance of the oath.

Nectar suddenly got up after she licked her fingers and the jar clean " Let me show you two to your new room ". They seemed adamant - they couldn't let the empress serve them - but Nectar was more stubborn.

So she led them upstairs all the way to the last floor. Nectar had large wooden doors made at certain places to divide it so after they passed two they were at the private quarters.

Reli was impressed by the design and attention to detail when Nectar happily pointed towards the end of the hall and where the kids were staying " I thought you two would prefer to be together but I could get another one if you like ".

Fauna and Tera shook their heads grateful " This is already more than enough. Thank you your highness ". Nectar then turned to the kids " Play nice and try to get along ".

They nodded reluctantly so Nectar left them together to get to know each other while they went downstairs. Liam had already gone to do the proper paperwork and get their contracts in case of any complications later on.

Nectar sat cross legged on a large red cushion as she looked up at Reli " Is there something you wanted to talk to me about "? Reli nodded and unconsciously sat on the floor.

Her dress wasn't as puffy as the usual dress so she could move easier. She was in a pale pink and brown dress with pink hand gloves. She only realized what she'd done when she met the ground.

The grass beneath her was soft and well maintained, it still had a lush green look despite it still being autumn. Reli looked up and saw Nectar's smiling face " So what were you gonna tell me "?

Reli blushed slightly and turned her face " I never really got the chance to thank you for helping me get my hairpin back and I just wanted to ask a few questions ". Nectar raised her brows, trying to hide her amusement.

Nectar felt she looked adorable with her constant curiosity with her. Reli had long slim red lips that matched her inquisitive pale red eyes. She'd been shooting arrows at Nectar's weak heart with the cute expression she always made.

[ I really wish I could rub those cheeks ] It wasn't like she was going to eat her up or anything but she didn't want to scare the little rabbit. Then Reli waved her hands seeing Nectar's expression " Don't take it the wrong way Sister, I just really want to ask a few questions.

Nectar smiled leisurely, which put Reli at ease some. Then with her elbows on her knees, she held out her ears " I'm listening, ask away ".